Basic Informational Writing
Compose informative or explanatory texts that introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section
Suggested ages 6–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning to write for different purposes beyond stories — including opinions, explanations, and poetry — while developing planning skills, building writing stamina, and learning to revise and proofread their work.
Evidence of understanding
- Write an informative text that introduces a topic clearly and groups related information together
- Use facts, definitions, and concrete details to develop and explain points about the topic
- Provide a concluding statement or section that wraps up the information presented
Assessment prompt
Can Basic Informational Writing write an explanatory or informative piece — like "How Volcanoes Work" — that introduces the topic clearly, develops it with facts and definitions, and ends with a conclusion?
Standards alignment
W.3.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 3
W.3.2a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 3
W.3.2b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 3
W.3.2c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 3
W.3.2d
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 3
W.4.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 4
W.4.2a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 4
W.4.2b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 4
W.4.2c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 4
W.4.2d
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 4
W.4.2e
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 4
W.5.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 5
W.5.2a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 5
W.5.2b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 5
W.5.2c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 5
W.5.2d
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 5
W.5.2e
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 5