Explanatory Writing Organized by Description
and Comparison and Contrast
Explanatory writing answers questions about what and how. The aim of description is to make the reader "see" what the writer is describing.
You have viewed a video of the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and viewed pictures of the Sadako Sasaki Memorial in Peace Park in Japan. You will now describe both memorials so that your readers will be able to "see" what you saw.
Writing Prompt
Describe both the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and the Sadako Sasaki Memorial in Peace Park in Japan
You have viewed a video of the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and viewed pictures of the Sadako Sasaki Memorial in Peace Park in Japan. You will now describe both memorials so that your readers will be able to "see" what you saw.
Writing Prompt
Describe both the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and the Sadako Sasaki Memorial in Peace Park in Japan
Think about the following as you plan, write, and revise:
- Introduce your piece by giving a brief description of each of the memorials-- 9/11 and Sadako
- What details will you give to describe the memorials?
- What details will you give to describe each memorial so your reader will be able to see what you saw?
- How will you end your writing to tie everything together?
Use the checklist that follows to help you in plan, write, and revise your response.
1. Have I clearly introduced my topic?
2. Have I organized my information logically?
3. Have I used facts, details, examples, and experiences to develop my topic
4. Have I used words specific to my topic to help my reader understand courage?
5. Have I written a clear and interesting conclusion?
6. Have I checked my spelling, grammar, and handwriting to make sure my readers will be able to understand my writing?
1. Have I clearly introduced my topic?
2. Have I organized my information logically?
3. Have I used facts, details, examples, and experiences to develop my topic
4. Have I used words specific to my topic to help my reader understand courage?
5. Have I written a clear and interesting conclusion?
6. Have I checked my spelling, grammar, and handwriting to make sure my readers will be able to understand my writing?