How to write an explanation
What is an explanation?
The purpose of an explanation is to explain how and why something happens.
How is it set out?
-
The first paragraph contains a definition or a statement.
"Australia is an island continent." - The paragraphs that follow explain the parts in order, and how the parts operate to make something occur.
- The last paragraph concludes the explanation.
What kinds of words are used?
- factual writing style
- cause and effect words
- technical words
- linking verbs
- action verbs
- time words
- timeless present tense
An example of a task that would require you to write an explanation:
You are to write a children's book which explains the scientific theory of the formation of the Earth.
How to write an exposition
What is an exposition?
The purpose of an exposition is to persuade. It puts forward arguments to persuade the reader to a point of view.
How is it set out?
- It begins with an opening paragraph that states the subject and the writer's point of view.
- The following paragraphs expand upon the writer's viewpoint.
- The last paragraph sums up the arguments and restates the writer's point of view.
What kinds of words are used?
-
third person point of view:
eg. “For these reasons it is impossible for extreme sports to included in school sports.”
rather than:
eg. “I think that it is obvious that extreme sports cannot be included in school sports.” - words that add on information
- cause and effect words
- words that show the author's point of view
- time words
- nominalisation
- comparing and constrasting words
- timeless present tense
- persuasive devices
An example of a writing task that would require you to write an exposition:
Extreme sports should be included in the school curriculum.
Do you agree or disagree?
How to write a narrative
What is a narrative?
The purpose of a narrative is to entertain by telling a story.
How is it set out?
- The first paragraph is the orientation paragraph. It tells the reader who is involved, where the action takes place and when the story is set.
- The next paragraph is called the complication paragraph. This paragraph tells about a problem that the characters have to solve.
- This is followed by paragraphs that tell what happens to the characters.
- Then there is the resolution paragraph which tells how the characters solve the problem.
- Sometimes there is a final paragraph which contains a message.
What kinds of words are used?
- characters are usually people or animals with human names, for example, David, Cinderella
- adjectives
- usually past tense verbs
- mainly action verbs
- speaking verbs
- time words
-
language devices:
"The wind swept its arms around her."
An example of a writing task that would require you to write a narrative:
Write the story of, The Three Little Pigs from the wolf’s viewpoint.
How to write an procedure text
What is a procedure text?
The purpose of a procedure text is to explain in sequenced steps how to do something.
How is it set out?
- There is a title.
- Numbers or dot points can be used to list the materials in the order that they are used.
- There is a list of sequential steps.
What kinds of words are used?
- adverbs
- statements beginning with action verbs/imperatives
- time words
- verbs in the timeless tense
- action verbs
An example of a task that would require you to write a procedure:
Write a recipe for a traditional dish from Germany, France, Indonesia or Japan.
How to write a recount
What is a recount?
The purpose of a recount is to recollect past events usually in the order that they occurred.
How is it set out?
- The orientation paragraph tells who, why, where, when and what.
- The paragraphs that follow tell about the events that happened in the order that they occurred.
- The final paragraph may contain a comment.
What kinds of words are used?
- proper nouns
- time words
- action verbs
- usually written in the past tense
- usually written in the first or third person
- adjectives
An example of a task that would require you to write a recount:
Write a recount set in Shakespearian England about a visit to the Globe Theatre to watch a production of Romeo and Juliet.
How to write a report
What is a report?
The purpose of a report is to provide factual descriptive information about a particular subject.
It may include headings, graphs, diagrams and tables.
How is it set out?
- The first paragraph contains a definition or a general statement about the subject or aim of the report.
- This is followed by paragraphs about the topic.
- The last paragraph may contain a conclusion or a summary of a point of view.
What kinds of words are used?
-
factual words
"Kangaroos are marsupials." rather than, "I think that kangaroos are cute." - third person pronouns
- either timeless present tense or past tense
- technical or scientific words
- linking verbs
- defining and classifying words
- comparing and contrasting words
- action verbs
An example of a task that would require you to write a report:
Write a report about five occupations that existed in the time of Jesus.
How to write a discussion
What is a discussion?
The purpose of a discussion is to explore arguments for and against an issue and to conclude with a recommendation for one of the points of view.
How is it set out?
- The first paragraph includes an account of the issue and provides some background information. It introduces the viewpoints, for and against the topic, which will be further elaborated upon.
- This is followed by paragraphs which present arguments for and arguments against the issue.
- The last paragraph summarises the arguments and states a recommendation for one of the points of view.
What kinds of words are used?
- first and second person to address and include the reader
- words that add on information
- comparing and contrasting words
- verbs that have been nominalised
- thinking verbs
- persuasive devices
- cause and effect words
- repetition
- rhetorical questions
- adjectives
An example of a task that would require you to write a discussion:
Should the legal age for the consumption of alcohol in Australia be raised to twenty one?