C Curriculum Explorer
English·Writing Composition·procedural

Developed Informational and Explanatory Writing

Write informative and explanatory texts that examine a topic and convey ideas clearly — organising information logically with headings and formatting, developing the topic with relevant facts, definitions, details, and quotations, and using precise vocabulary

Suggested ages 11–14

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Evidence of understanding

  • Organise an explanatory essay with a clear introduction, logical body paragraphs, and a conclusion
  • Develop a topic using well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, and quotations from sources
  • Use domain-specific vocabulary and formatting (headings, graphics) to aid the reader's comprehension

Assessment prompt

Can Developed Informational and Explanatory Writing write a clear explanation of how something works — like how a volcano erupts or how bread is made — so that someone who's never learned about it would understand?

Standards alignment

W.6.2US · ccss-ela

W.6.2

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6

W.7.2US · ccss-ela

W.7.2

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7

W.8.2US · ccss-ela

W.8.2

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8

W.8.2.aUS · ccss-ela

W.8.2.a

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8

W.8.2.bUS · ccss-ela

W.8.2.b

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8

W.8.2.dUS · ccss-ela

W.8.2.d

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8

W.8.2.fUS · ccss-ela

W.8.2.f

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8

KS3-ENG-W-1aGB · uk-nc-2013

Write for a wide range of purposes and audiences

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3

KS3-ENG-W-1bGB · uk-nc-2013

Summarise and organise material

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3