Inform & Explain

To Inform

•To present new information to your audience

To Explain

•To reveal ‘how’ or ‘why’ processes or events occur

Information texts

•Timetables•Menus•Factsheets•Newspapers•Magazines•Public announcements•Websites

Explanation texts

•Guidebooks•Textbooks•Documentaries•Magazines•Newspapers•Websites

2 in 1

In practical terms, most exam texts and writing tasks will require you to inform and explain at the same time – the two purposes are compatible and often inseparable

Structure

•Logical order (sequenced by time or causally)•Brief focused paragraphs•Topic sentences•Movement from general to specific content•Clear links between paragraphs•Headings & subheadings•Imagery and graphics

Writing features

•Present tense•Emphasis on connectives (time, causality)•Formal impersonal or informal personal•3rd person•Facts dominate over opinion•Clear, concise expression•Any new terms are explained or defined

Example Question

•Write an information booklet on an area you know well. You could include information on places to visit and things to do there.

Example Question

•Write a letter applying for a part-time job that you would like. Explain why you would like the job and why you think you are the right candidate to fulfil the post.

Example Question

•Write a letter to the governors of your school, informing them of the changes you would like made to your school and explaining your reasons for wanting those changes to take place.

Example Question

•Explain your dreams and ambitions for the future and consider how you might go about achieving them.

Example Question

•Many young people have concerns about the world they live in. Write informatively about one or more of your concerns and explain the reasons for them.

Example Question

•Write a letter to a friend who moved away from your area three months ago. Inform him or her about the things that have been happening to you in the three months since they moved away.

Example Question

•Explain what you think is needed to build a good relationship between parents and their teenage children and explain why you think this.

Example Question

•Students often say that they get bored during the long summer holiday. Write an article informing students of some of the things they could do in order to prevent boredom

Example Question

•Explain what qualities a best friend should have and explain, giving examples, why you think this.