Writing to inform

When you write to tell someone about something, pick a topic you know well. Maybe you know a lot about dogs, or trucks, or your garden. It is easier to share facts when you really know your topic.

Next, decide what facts to include. Ask yourself: what would my friend want to know? If you write about dogs, you could tell what they eat, how they play, and why they wag their tails.

Use clear, exact words. Instead of saying the dog is big, you could say the dog is bigger than you. Instead of saying the flower is pretty, you could say the flower is red and smells sweet.

Little details help your reader see what you see. Try it: pick one thing you love, then write two or three facts about it.

A brochure is a small paper that tells people facts about something. It can teach people about a zoo, a library, or a class pet.

First, pick your topic. Then get specific. Small and clear is better than big and fuzzy. Instead of writing about all animals, write about one animal, like a turtle.

Now think of facts that teach the reader. Where does the turtle live? What does it eat? How does it move? Write two or three facts like these.

You can also draw a picture and label it. Write words on the picture that tell more, like shell, feet, and tail. Labels help your reader learn even more.

Sometimes it is hard to pick a topic to write about.

First, think about things you know and love. Do you know a lot about dinosaurs? About your dog? About making sandwiches? A good topic is often something you can already talk about.

Next, talk about your idea with a friend, a grown-up, or your class. Saying your ideas out loud helps new ideas pop up.

You can also draw a picture map. Write your topic in the middle of the paper. Then draw lines out to little facts you know. Each line can become a sentence in your writing.

When you have your topic and two or three facts, you are ready to write and teach your reader something.