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CC.1 Identify on-topic and off-topic sentences in writing

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What Is Informative and Explanatory Writing?

Informative and explanatory writing means teaching your reader about a topic. Writers give facts, definitions, and clear ideas so the reader learns something new or understands better.

Examples:
  • “Spiders have eight legs. They spin webs to catch insects.”
  • “The sun gives us light and warmth. It is the center of our solar system.”
Helpful Hint

Ask yourself: “Am I teaching my reader about a topic, or just telling a story?”

How Do We Stay on Topic?

Staying on topic means every sentence should match the main idea. If a sentence does not fit, the writing becomes confusing for the reader.

Examples:
  • Main idea: “My favorite insect is the butterfly.”
    On-topic: “Butterflies drink nectar from flowers.”
    Off-topic: “My favorite pizza has pepperoni.”
  • Main idea: “Recycling is important.”
    On-topic: “Recycling helps keep trash out of landfills.”
    Off-topic: “I want to go swimming this weekend.”
Helpful Hint

After writing, reread your sentences. Ask, “Does this sentence match my topic?”

How Do We Organize Our Writing?

Organized writing has a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning introduces the topic, the middle gives facts or details, and the end wraps it up with a conclusion.

Examples:
  • Beginning: “Penguins are amazing birds.”
    Middle: “They cannot fly, but they swim fast in the ocean. Penguins live in cold places and eat fish.”
    End: “That is why penguins are special animals.”
  • Beginning: “We need to brush our teeth every day.”
    Middle: “Brushing keeps teeth clean, stops cavities, and makes our smiles healthy.”
    End: “Brushing is an easy way to stay healthy.”
Helpful Hint

Check if your writing has all three parts: a beginning, middle, and end.

How Do We Use Facts and Definitions?

Facts and definitions give your reader real information. They explain your topic and make your writing stronger.

Examples:
  • “Whales are mammals. That means they breathe air, not water.”
  • “Plants need sunlight, water, and soil to grow.”
Helpful Hint

Ask yourself: “Did I include at least one fact or definition to explain my topic?”

How Do We Use Linking and Transition Words?

Linking and transition words connect ideas so writing flows. They show order and relationships between ideas. Common transitions include first, next, then, last, also, because, for example.

Examples of Transition Words in Sentences:
  • “First we collected rocks. Next we sorted them by size.”
  • “I like soccer because it is fun and helps me stay active.”
Helpful Hint

Use at least one transition word to guide your reader from one idea to the next.

Putting It All Together

Good informative writing introduces the topic, uses facts and definitions, stays on topic, includes transitions, and ends with a closing thought. This makes your writing clear, strong, and easy to understand.

Examples:
  • “My favorite planet is Earth. Earth has land, water, and air that help living things survive. It is the only planet we know with life. That is why Earth is special.”
  • “Recycling is important. It saves energy and helps protect the Earth. For example, recycling paper means cutting down fewer trees. Recycling is one way to care for our planet.”
Helpful Hint

Remember: A strong informative text teaches the reader, stays on topic, and ends with a clear conclusion.

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