Informational Writing. EOC Extended Response Preparation

Transcription

1 Informational Writing EOC Extended Response Preparation

2 What is informational writing? Informational writing: writing that relies on facts to inform or explain. In order for informational writing to be effective, it should have well-thought-out organization that includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

3 What makes good informational writing? The student s response is a well-developed informative/explanatory text that examines a topic in depth and presents related information based on text as a stimulus. Effectively introduces the topic and main idea(s) to be examined Uses an organizational strategy to present information effectively and maintain focus and to make important connections and distinctions Thoroughly develops the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and enough facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples that are appropriate for the audience

4 What makes good informational writing? cont. The student s response is a well-developed informative/explanatory text that examines a topic in depth and presents related information based on text as a stimulus. Uses appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion, to link major sections of the text, and to clarify the relationship among ideas Effectively uses precise language and domainspecific vocabulary appropriate to the audience and complexity of the topic Establishes and maintains a formal style and objective tone Provides a strong concluding statement or section that logically follows from the ideas presented

5 Informational Writing on the EOC On the EOC, there will be at least one extended response (essay) prompt. It will ask you to either write an informational essay or an argumentative essay. Most informational prompts will ask you to read two passages before writing your essay. The passages will provide you with facts, definitions, etc., that will help you respond to the prompt. You MUST use information from BOTH passages in your informational essay.

6 How do you structure an informational essay? Like any essay, an informational or explanatory piece of writing should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Introduction Paragraph: Hook: Grab your reader s attention with a general statement about your topic. This can be in the form of a thought-provoking question, an interesting fact, a significant quote, a vivid description, etc. Explain: Briefly explain in 2 to 5 sentences what the essay will be about by introducing your topic and providing basic information about it. Thesis: State the main idea of the essay, along with at least three subtopics that are presented in the order that they will be discussed. In other words, a road map telling the reader where the essay will go.

7 How do you structure an informational essay? cont. Body Paragraphs: P: Point-Start with a transitional word or phrase, and then provide a clear and specific statement about what the point of the paragraph will be. E: Evidence-Provide at least 1 properly cited direct quote from one of the passages, along with additional specific examples and details from the passages. The evidence that you include should develop your paragraph s point. E: Explain-Explain and discuss how the evidence that you provided develops your point. L: Link-Provide a summary of this paragraph s point, therefore providing a sense of closure. This sentence should clearly indicate that you are moving onto your next point and smoothly transition to the next paragraph.

8 How do you structure an informational essay? cont. Conclusion Paragraph: Restate your thesis in a new way: Do not simply rewrite it; come up with a fresh way to remind your reader about your essay s objective. Summarize: Summarize the essay s main ideas by revisiting some of the evidence you provided and the points you made in your body paragraphs. So what? : Address the greater significance of your topic. You need to make sure your reader knows why your thesis is important and isn t left asking so what? about your point. Closure: Overall, your conclusion should provide a sense of completeness.

9 Things to Avoid Use third person point of view only: NO I, me, my, myself, you, yourself, us, we Identify the author(s) properly: Introduce the author by his or her first and last name, and then use only the last name for the remainder of the essay. Avoid obvious statements: Don t use phrases like, This essay will be about... or I read two passages about... Avoid repetitiveness: Don t use the same terms repeatedly. Also, show a variety of sentence structures. Avoid opinionated comments: Don t use statements like, I don t like to read. Try, Many teenagers dislike reading. Avoids contractions: Instead of saying don t, say do not. Not can t, but cannot.