Key Words
Concise -
Precise -
Draft -
Edit -
Revise -
Prefix -
Suffix-
Concise - using few words to convey information effectively or succinctly
Precise - exact, accurate, and specific in details or measurements
Draft - a preliminary version or rough sketch of a document or piece of writing
Edit - to make changes or corrections to a document or piece of writing for improvement or to correct errors
Revise - to review, modify, or make changes to a piece of writing to improve clarity, organization, or content
Prefix - a word part added to the beginning of a base word to create a new word with a different meaning
Suffix - a word part added to the end of a base word to create a new word with a different meaning or to change its grammatical function
Define redundancy -
Define wordiness -
Redundancy - the unnecessary repetition of words, phrases, or ideas that results in unnecessary or excessive information
Wordiness - the excessive use of words or lengthy, convoluted sentences that makes writing unclear, verbose, or unnecessarily long
summarize please
NARRATOR: Hi, this is Gabby, and you are listening to my podcast What’s Up with Waldo?
Waldo is my pet rat. He is incredibly smart and—thanks to me—well trained. I’m working on writing an explanatory essay about how to train a pet rat. An explanatory essay is a type of informative text. Like training a pet, writing an explanatory essay requires some planning.
An explanatory text is exactly what it sounds like: it’s an essay that explains how to do something. Usually, an explanatory essay focuses on the steps in a process. I want to write about how I train Waldo. For example,
Waldo will come when I call his name. I plan to start my essay by introducing myself—and Waldo—and my purpose for writing.
Next, I think about how to present the information in a logical way. I’m writing about a process, so the most logical way is to discuss the steps in the order that I do them. For example, in training a pet rat, the first step is to get your pet’s attention, which I do with treats and positive feedback. Yes!
Another way to help readers is to use formatting, such as headings, graphics, and multimedia. I think it makes sense to number my steps. I’ll also include photos that show what I do at each step in the training process with Waldo.
I want to end with a strong conclusion. In a conclusion, you sum up all the ideas you presented in your essay. You also can use your conclusion to make a final connection with your readers. In my case, I might encourage my audience members to consider adopting and training a pet rat of their own.
I reread my draft and make revisions. I make sure that I haven’t overlooked any steps in the process and that the steps are in a logical order. I also make sure that I use transitions to show connections between the steps, and I use language that is precise and accurate. Now I am ready to publish my essay!
Writing an explanatory essay takes some planning and some thought—but, like training the world’s smartest rat, it’s totally worth it! Thanks for listening, everybody!
The narrator, Gabby, is working on writing an explanatory essay about how to train her pet rat, Waldo. She explains that an explanatory essay is a type of informative text that focuses on explaining a process, usually through a series of steps. Gabby plans to introduce herself and Waldo in her essay and present the information in a logical order by discussing the steps she takes to train Waldo. She also plans to use formatting, such as headings and graphics, to help readers understand the process better. Gabby mentions that she will end her essay with a strong conclusion, which will summarize the ideas presented and make a final connection with the readers. She emphasizes the importance of revising the draft and ensuring that the steps are in a logical order, transitions are used effectively, and precise and accurate language is used. Gabby concludes by mentioning that writing an explanatory essay takes planning and thought, but it is worthwhile.
can you change up the wording a bit?
In this podcast episode, Gabby discusses her ongoing project of writing an explanatory essay on how to train her pet rat, Waldo. She explains that an explanatory essay is a form of informative writing that aims to explain a process, typically by breaking it down into steps. Gabby plans to begin her essay by introducing herself, Waldo, and the purpose behind her writing. Continuously, she considers the most logical way to present the information and opts for a sequential approach, detailing each step she takes to train Waldo. To enhance reader comprehension, Gabby intends to utilize various formatting techniques such as headings, graphics, and multimedia elements. Implementing numbered steps and incorporating visual aids, such as photos, will further assist in conveying the training process effectively. Upon reaching the conclusion, Gabby will summarize the ideas presented in her essay while establishing a final connection with her audience. She may even inspire her readers to contemplate adopting and training a pet rat of their own. Before publishing the essay, Gabby emphasizes the importance of thorough revision, ensuring the logical order of steps, seamless transitions, and the use of precise and accurate language. She concludes by expressing that although writing an explanatory essay and training a highly intelligent rat like Waldo require meticulous planning and consideration, the rewarding results make the efforts worthwhile.
Define the following terms
Informative Text -
Explanatory Text -
Introduction -
Topic Sentence
Informative Text - Text that provides objective information and facts on a particular topic or subject, usually with the goal of educating or informing the reader.
Explanatory Text - Text that aims to explain a process, concept, or idea in a clear and understandable manner. It focuses on providing details, examples, and explanations to help the reader grasp and understand the subject matter better.
Introduction - The opening section of a written work or presentation that serves to introduce the topic or subject to the reader or audience. It often presents the main idea or purpose of the work and provides a preview of what will be discussed or explored in further detail.
Topic Sentence - A sentence that expresses the main idea or central point of a paragraph. It is usually located at the beginning of a paragraph and sets the tone and direction for the rest of the paragraph. The topic sentence helps to guide the reader and maintain focus within the paragraph.
there are two examples of introductions. Read both, then critique both introductions by explaining which you believe is better and why.
Introduction 1: Our school is having a canned goods drive. Together with the local Kiwanis club, our Sustainability Club is organizing the drive. They want to collect 2,000 cans in the next month. There are several ways that students can help.
Introduction 2: Did you know that 250 families in our town rely on the local Food Pantry for at least one meal a day? The Sustainability club wants to help, and you can help, too. The club is holding a canned goods drive with a surprisingly challenging goal.
Both introductions provide an overview of a canned goods drive organized by the Sustainability Club, but they differ in their approaches.
Introduction 1 focuses on the event itself and the goal of collecting 2,000 cans in the next month. It briefly mentions the involvement of the local Kiwanis club and mentions that there are ways for students to help. This introduction is concise and straightforward, providing essential information about the drive.
Introduction 2 begins with a attention-grabbing statement about the number of families relying on the local Food Pantry for meals. It emphasizes that the Sustainability Club wants to help and invites the readers to join in. It describes the drive's goal as "surprisingly challenging," which adds a sense of urgency and intrigue.
In terms of which introduction is better, it ultimately depends on the context and audience.
Introduction 1 is effective in quickly conveying key details about the drive, making it suitable for a brief announcement or informational flyer. It provides clear information on the event and encourages student participation.
Introduction 2, on the other hand, creates a stronger emotional connection with the reader by highlighting the impact on the local community. It appeals to empathy and encourages readers to take action. This introduction may be more suitable for a persuasive letter or a longer piece aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the importance of the drive.
Overall, Introduction 2 is arguably better because it captures readers' attention by highlighting the local community's need and creates a sense of urgency. It establishes an emotional connection, potentially motivating more individuals to participate in the canned goods drive.
Read the following introduction then answer the questions.
Across the nation, volunteer fire companies are finding it hard to stay open. A recent survey found that volunteer firefighter numbers for 2016 and 2017 are the lowest ever recorded. Local companies are closing or merging. The lack of available volunteers puts all of us at risk.
What is the topic of the informational text?
Why is that topic important?
How did the writer try to grab the reader’s attention?
The topic of the informational text is the declining numbers of volunteer firefighters and the challenges faced by volunteer fire companies.
The topic is important because the decline in volunteer firefighter numbers and the closure or merging of local fire companies can have significant implications for public safety. The lack of available volunteers puts the community at risk as it may lead to delayed response times and inadequate fire protection.
The writer tried to grab the reader's attention by highlighting the alarming trend of declining volunteer firefighter numbers and the potential consequences it poses to the safety of all individuals. By emphasizing that local fire companies are closing or merging, the writer creates a sense of urgency and stress the importance of understanding and addressing this issue.
Think of a topic in your community that concerns you. Think about why it matters to you. Then draft an introductory paragraph that follows all three rules of this lesson:
make sure to hook your readers in