Informative Essay Writing Guide for Third Grade

STEPS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Figure out what you need to write about and use these 4 T’s to
1. Analyze the make sure you understand the prompt.
prompt ● Type
● Task
● Topic
● Texts

PLAN 2. Write a Write a sentence that clearly states the focus of your writing; it
FOCUS should tell the reader exactly what you want to teach or explain to
AND STATEMENT them.
ORGANIZE (also known as ❏ Write 2 or 3 statements.
a thesis ❏ Pick the one you like best (save the other statements for
statement) your conclusion)

Find your main points-- research and brainstorm!

3. Identify main ❏ Make a list of everything that comes to mind or record on
ideas that sticky notes
support your ❏ Choose 2 or 3 main ideas that explain your topic
topic ❏ Record in a graphic organizer (T-Chart)
statement

Include details such as evidence, examples, and explanations.

4. Support main ❏ Research your topic!
ideas with key ❏ Record details in the graphic organizer (next to the
details corresponding reasons)

Write the first paragraph introducing your topic

5. Write the ❏ Start with a hook
introduction ❏ Provide background information
❏ End with an opinion statement
WRITE
Write a paragraph for each reason and include supporting details
6. Write the body ❏ Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence
paragraphs ❏ Use linking words to connect each main idea to your focus
statement
Write the last paragraph summarizing your opinion and reasons
7. Write the ❏ Restate your focus statement.
conclusion ❏ Summarize your reasons

FINISH Make needed changes to rough draft and write final draft. Use a
8. Revise, edit, checklist to check for:
proofread,
❏ Content (opinion, reasons, and details)
and publish
❏ Organization (introduction, body, and conclusion)
❏ CUPS (capitalization, grammar, punctuation and spelling)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2 TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
 Plan and Organize
STEP 1: ANALYZE THE PROMPT
An informative writing prompt is a question, or instructions that let
you know exactly what you are supposed to write. It will also tell you
the type of writing you need to create and who will read it.

Ask An Informative Writing Prompt...

T’s yourself...

Use the 4 Type What type of writing does Tells you to write an informative
T’s to make ❏ Informative the prompt tell me to do? text such as an informational
sure you ❏ Opinion
❏ Narrative article or explanatory text.
fully
understand Task What is the prompt telling Uses action words like: explain
what you me to do? prove inform describe examine
need to compare contrast tell how to…
write about
BEFORE Topic What is the prompt telling Provides background information
you start me to write about? and a focus for your writing
planning
and writing. Texts What sources does the Tells you where to get the
prompt tell me to use? information you need to explain
or support your topic

Informative Writing Task Sample Prompts

Recipes Rules What are the steps in __________?
To Instruct Directions Games How do you __________?
Experiments Tell how to __________.

How is __________ different from __________?

how something happens How is __________ like __________?
why something happens How are _____and _____ alike and different?
To Explain how a phenomenon occurs Explain how/why _________________________.
a cause and effect
What are the causes and effects of _______?
by comparing and contrasting
Explain why ________ choses to _________.
What lesson does ______teach ______?

the characteristics of something What adaptations help the owl survive?

the features of something What can you tell about ______ in the story?
To Describe places, people, or things What kind of person is _______________?
what something is Describe ________________.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.4 PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

With guidance and support, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose.
 Plan and Organize
STEP 2: WRITE A FOCUS STATEMENT

What is Informative Start by writing a FOCUS STATEMENT that

Writing? follows the guidelines of the prompt. The
focus statement will tell the reader exactly
INFORMATIVE WRITING IS
what you are explaining, describing, or
WRITING THAT CONVEYS informing them about.
INFORMATION ON A TOPIC BY
PROVIDING FACTS AND If the prompt asks a question, try rewording
DETAILS it into a statement. Brainstorm and make a
list of different ways to word your focus
statement.
The purpose of informative
writing is to... The Focus Statement
● Increase a reader’s
knowledge of a subject Tell what you explaining. You may want to add
● Help a reader better why it’s important to do this project,
understand a procedure, or activity.
procedure or process
● Provide a reader with 1. Read the prompt carefully. Make sure
a better your topic statement answers the
prompt’s question.
understanding of a
2. Brainstorm and make a list of different
concept ways to word your focus statement:

Sample Focus Statements:

● I will tell you about __________.

● ______ have several characteristics
that _____.
Save your list of ● There are three ways that ________.
focus statements! ● While ____ and _____ are alike, they
You may be able to are also different in a few ways.
use one of them in ● Learning about ________ can be a
your concluding _________ experience.
● Discovering _______ might surprise you.
paragraph when you
● You can identify ______ by ____.
need to restate your ● ____ improved _____ by ____.
topic statement. ● ____ is about ____ amd _____.
● It’s easy to _______.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.A TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
 Plan and Organize
STEP 3:
IDENTIFY MAIN IDEAS THAT SUPPORT YOUR TOPIC
STATEMENTS
Planner 4: SUPPORT THOSE REASONS WITH KEY
Make a T-ChartSTEP
EAS on the left
to record MAI ID
N
and KEY DETAIL S on the right.
DETAILS My writing is going to tell the reader…

MAIN IDEAS KEY DETAILS

What facts support What evidence, examples, and
your topic statement? explanations can you include
to support your main ideas?

Key Details to Support Main Idea #1

Main Idea #1 Evidence: In source 2 it says _________.

Main ideas are the To start, ___________
Examples: For example, _________.
facts or big points you _________________.
make to support your Explanations: This is important because __.
focus statement.

Key details provide

evidence, examples,
and explanations of Main Idea #2 Key Details to Support Main Idea #2
the main ideas.
In addition, ______
Evidence: According to source 3, _________.
Use your text sources _________________.
Examples: One example of this is _________.
to find solid
categories of Explanations: This means _________.
informations that
support your focus
statement.

To help you think of

Main Idea #3 Key Details to Support Main Idea #3
main ideas, look at
your focus statement Finally, ___________
Evidence: The author says _________.
and ask yourself _________________.
“How am I going to Examples: This can be seen when ________.
prove it?”
Explanations: The point is _________.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.B TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
 Write an opening paragraph
Write that captures your reader’s
STEP 5: Write the Introduction attention and introduces your
topic or issue.

Sentence #1 Sentence #2
Open with a “HOOK.” Add your TOPIC STATEMENT.

Use one of your topic statements from Step 2.

Examples
There are several steps in __________?
Ask a Question (or two)
It’s easy to __________?
● Did you know that __________? This is how you __________.
● I hope you ______________ _______ is different from __________ in several ways.
● Have you ever wondered ____? __________is like __________ in a couple of ways.
● Would you believe ___? Although _____ and ______ are alike, they are different in
● What’s so great about ______? a few ways.
● Are you aware _____? __________ because __________
● Why do _______________?
__________ so __________
● Have you ever thought about _________?
________ chose to _________ because __________.
Or make a bold statement: _____________ learned that _______________.
● _________ is/are ___________. There are three reasons that ____________________.
● You might be surprised to learn _________. Read on to find out more about ______________.
● You better believe that _______. The main qualities of ________ are _____ and _____.
● Imagine ________________. The _______ has several ___________ that _________.
● Most people agree that ___________.
● No one will argue that ___________.
● It is amazing to think about _______. Your introductory
paragraph may also need
● It is fascinating to learn about ____.
to include background
● Of course, most people agree that ___. information for your reader
● Suppose that you _____________. to better understand the
● Typically, ______________. topic you are writing about.
● There are many ways in which _________. Sometimes this information
can be found in a writing
● There are many reasons why ___________. prompt as a statement or
● Take a good look at _____________. question.
● Most people are unfamiliar with ________.

Sample Introduction Background

Hook information
(bold statement)
The owl is a magnificent bird of prey. It lives in many different kinds of
habitats like the desert, forest, prairies, and Arctic tundra. This mysterious
creature has several adaptations that help it survive in these environments.

Focus
statement

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.A TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
 Write
STEP 6: Write the Body Paragraphs

Use your
My main point Supporting facts notes from
(focus statement) (main ideas) the T-Chart
Planner
(Steps 3 &
Linking words are like a bridge between 4) to write
your ideas; they help your reader move the body
from one idea to the next. paragraphs

Focus Statement: What your essay is explaining or teaching

MAIN IDEAS KEY DETAILS

The 2-3 big points Information that supports
of the focus statement each main idea

Evidence
MAIN IDEA #1 ● In source #___, it says ________________.
First, ____________. ● The author points out __________________.
First of all, _____________. ● In the article, “___,” the author says _______.
To start, ________________. ● “________,” according to ______________.
One way that _____________. ● _______ (author) writes, “__________________.”
To begin, ______________.
In the beginning, ___________.
Examples
● For example, ______________.
MAIN IDEA #2 ● One way __________.
Second, ________. ● This is seen when _____________________.
Secondly, ________________ ● ________________.
Another way that _________. ● The best way to do this is ___________________.
In addition, ________. ● ___________ should ______________________.
While _____________.
Another _________________.
Although _______________. Explanations
Furthermore, ● This means that __________.
__________________. ● This is important because ___________.
● ___________________.
MAIN IDEA #3 ● _________________.
Last, _____________. ● Keep in mind _______________________.
Finally, ______________. ● This is because _________.
The last way _________. ● Don’t forget the importance of _______
Most importantly, __________. ● You might want to ______________.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.B TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
 Write
STEP 7: Write the Conclusion
The conclusion wraps everything up and brings
your essay to an end. End your essay in a way
that leaves your reader thinking.
① ② ③
RESTATE THE FOCUS OF REVIEW YOUR MAKE A FINAL
YOUR ESSAY IMPORTANT POINTS STATEMENT (Optional)
Have the final word.
Reword the focus Summarize the main
Tell the reader what you
statement in a new way. ideas that support your
want them to do after
focus statement.
they read your essay.
Remind the reader of ● As mentioned, ____, Use only if it is
your topic. Look back at ____, and _____. appropriate to use with
● This is important
your list of focus because ____, ____, your focus statement.
statements you wrote and _____.
when you began the ● These characteristics Challenge the reader to
planning process. (or features) include think about the issue
____, ____, and _____.
Helpful words and ● This means that ____, Encourage action.
____, and _____.
phrases to start your ● In fact, ____, ____, ● Talk to _____ about.
conclusion: and _____. ● Give ________ a try.
● In conclusion ● As explained earlier, ● Think how _________.
● Obviously ____, ____, and _____. ● It is easy/fun to
● Certainly ● Again, ____, ____, and ______ if you _______.
_____.
● Truly ● ____, ____, and _____ ● Why not ___________?
● Clearly are crucial to _____. ● It is time to _____.
● All in all ● It is essential that
● To sum up ____, ____, and _____.

Clearly, owls are able to As mentioned, they have These adaptations are all
survive in many different strong talons to grip prey, important to the owl’s
environments because of feathers that allow silent survival where ever it may
several adaptations that flight, and the ability to live.
make them amazing rotate its head so it can
hunters. spot prey

Example conclusion Review

main id
Reword eas
Owl’s are able to survive in many different environments because of
focus
statement several adaptations that make them amazing hunters. They have strong
talons to grip prey, feathers that allow silent flight, and the ability to spot
prey behind them by turning their head all the way around. These
adaptations are all important to the owl’s survival where ever it may live.

Have the
final word
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.D
Provide a concluding statement or section.
 Finish
STEP 8: Revise, Edit, Proofread & Publish
Use the success criteria checklist to check your own
REVISE essay or exchange papers with a classmate and use to
Something could be check each other’s essays.
made better by...
● Rewording Opinion Essay Success Criteria
● Explaining further
❏ I used a hook
● Rearranging
paragraphs Introduction ❏ I have a clear focus statement
● Regrouping ideas that tells the reader the point of
● Adding linking my writing
words or phrases
● Adding, deleting, ❏ I have 2-3 main ideas to support
combining or Body my focus statement.
shortening Paragraphs ❏ I included key details like
sentences evidence, examples, and
explanations to support each main
idea.
EDIT
Something is wrong and ❏ I used linking words and phrases
needs fixing like.. to introduce the main ideas and
● Missing parts connect them to the focus
● Mistakes in CUPS statement.
● Paragraphing
❏ I used linking words and phrases
to add key details that support
PROOFREAD the main ideas.
I checked to make sure
there are no mistakes ❏ My ending restates the focus
in... Conclusion statement using different words.
● Capitalization ❏ I summarized or reviewed the
● Grammar main ideas that support the focus
● Punctuation statement.
● Spelling
❏ I grouped ideas or sections of
Organization information together using
PUBLISH paragraphs.
My final project is a…
● Document I checked for mistakes in:
● Letter CUPS
❏ Capitalization
● Slideshow
● Video ❏ Usage (grammar)
● Poster ❏ Punctuation
● Other ❏ Spelling

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.5 PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.6 PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF WRITING

Use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
 Finish TEXT FEATURES
Print Features Graphic Features Organizational Features
Add Non-fiction ❏ Headings ❏ Photographs Front of Book
❏ Sub headings ❏ Illustrations ❏ Title Page
Text Features ❏ Italics ❏ Timeline ❏ Table of Contents
❏ Bold words ❏ Chart
Back of Book
❏ Highlighting ❏ Graph
❏ Glossary
❏ Colored text ❏ Map
❏ Index
❏ Captions ❏ Diagram
❏ Bulleted list ❏ Other:
What are text features? ❏ Side bar _____________

Text features are extra visuals and print that authors include in books
and other texts to help the reader understand the information better.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2.A TEXT TYPES AND PURPOSES

Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
 COLOR CODED PARTS OF AN ESSAY

The owl is a magnificent bird of prey. It lives in

many different kinds of habitats like the desert, forest,
Introduction prairies, and Arctic tundra. This mysterious creature
has several adaptations that help it survive in these
environments.

One of the owl’s adaptations that helps it survive is its

Main Idea #1 strong, sharp talons. These hooked claws, on the ends
of each of its four toes, face both forward and
Key Details backward. The owl uses its talons to swoop down and
get a tight grip on prey to carry it off.

In addition, the owl is able to survive because it has

Main Idea #2 unique feathers. The owl’s feathers have special edges
and a soft covering that absorbs sound. This allows
Key Details the owl to quietly fly and sneak up on his prey.

Finally, the owl also has a very unusual feature that

Main Idea #3 helps it survive. It is able to turn its head almost all the
way around. The owl is actually able to look behind
Key Details itself and this makes it easier for the owl to see its
prey and hunt for food.

Owl’s are able to survive in many different

environments because of several adaptations that
make them amazing hunters. They have strong talons
Conclusion
to grip prey, feathers that allow silent flight, and the
ability to spot prey behind them by turning their head
all the way around. These adaptations are all
important to the owl’s survival where ever it may live.