--- title: "Developed Informational and Explanatory Writing" description: "Write informative and explanatory texts that examine a topic and convey ideas clearly: organising information logically with headings and formatting, developing the topic with relevant facts, definiti" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/developed-informational-and-explanatory-writing-mt_zCUIJLdK_s source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/developed-informational-and-explanatory-writing-mt_zCUIJLdK_s.md retrieved: 2026-11-12 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Developed Informational and Explanatory Writing Write informative and explanatory texts that examine a topic and convey ideas clearly: organising information logically with headings and formatting, developing the topic with relevant facts, definitions, details, and quotations, and using precise vocabulary Subject: English · Area: Writing Composition · Ages 11 to 14 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/developed-informational-and-explanatory-writing-mt_zCUIJLdK_s ## Ready when they can - Organise an explanatory essay with a clear introduction, logical body paragraphs, and a conclusion - Develop a topic using well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, and quotations from sources - Use domain-specific vocabulary and formatting (headings, graphics) to aid the reader's comprehension ## Lesson: Building an explanation essay Use your audience and planning skills to build an explanatory essay. A usual plan introduces the topic, develops related points in body paragraphs, and ends with a conclusion that brings the explanation together. Give each body paragraph one main focus. Use as many as the topic needs. Explain process stages in a useful order. You may draft the parts in any order; check their order in the finished essay. *(drawing: This library explanation develops two related points between its introduction and conclusion.)* Develop a paragraph's main point with relevant facts, definitions and concrete details. A fact can be checked; a definition explains a term. A quotation gives a source's exact words and can also contain a fact or definition. Credit borrowed information, including paraphrases. A citation lets readers trace a claim but does not prove it true. Check the source and explain how the information supports your point. **Example.** In this invented example, a school repair note reads, 'The gate opens inward.' You can quote those exact words and identify the repair note. Quotation marks show which words you borrowed. Writing 'The note reports that the gate opens to the inside' is a paraphrase, not a direct quotation. For a real explanation, use a real source and check its wording. Headings name sections so readers can find information. Use them when they help the format; a short essay may not need them. Choose words that name the intended action or idea, and explain unfamiliar subject terms. A diagram should show a relation the text explains, such as the order of stages. Add a caption explaining what it shows. Check revisions against your notes. A definition explains what a term means; a concrete detail can add a time, place or action. Combine them only when both are supported. If practice notes define a waiting list and say its order follows sign-up time, keep both ideas. Do not change the rule or invent a number. In a real explanation, credit the source of the information. **Recap.** Plan a clear order, develop points with relevant evidence, credit sources, and use precise words and helpful headings or diagrams. *Original lesson, practice questions and flashcards about explanatory writing, written for this dataset.* ## Practice 8 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Layout and Formatting in Informational Writing](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/layout-and-formatting-in-informational-writing-mt_AHAFw-atka) - [Writing for an audience](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/writing-for-an-audience-mt_cB7hV8sw7X) - [Research & Source Evaluation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/research-and-source-evaluation-mt_Qcsl1Z1x0l) - [Cohesion and Transitions Across Writing](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/cohesion-and-transitions-across-writing-mt_tn1rY9GbEZ) - [Choosing Form and Tone for Your Audience](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/choosing-form-and-tone-for-your-audience-mt_v5DyOEpbbr) ## Optional connections - [Bullet Point Punctuation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/bullet-point-punctuation-mt_wUyAZJikAA) ## Opens up - [Building an Analytical Paragraph](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/building-an-analytical-paragraph-mt_g6V2qZrdWR) - [Writing Science Reports](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/writing-science-reports-mt_ThTbUuNb3p)