Why is Learning Informative (Explanatory) Writing so Important?

Writing… This can be the most daunting and stressful skill for the ELL student to master. After all, during the challenging process of English language acquisition, it is the final step– the effective application of  the learning process. It is the evidence of true learning.

Students know these things, and as a result, can feel great pressure when they are assigned a writing task, particularly an informative (explanatory) writing task. This is because the task not only requires excellent writing, but excellent research, as well.

It would seem that this type of paper should be saved for “older” students who have had plenty of other writing experiences over the years that have prepared them for this especially challenging one. So why do teachers make such a big fuss over informative (explanatory) writing, even in grades 2-8?

• The writing process for this type of paper requires your child to suspend creative thought and engage logical thought, effectively switching from “right brain” activity to “left brain” activity. Children are expert at living in the world of creativity! But they need to develop and practice logical and mathematical thought, as well. The ability to switch concentration between the left and right hemispheres of the brain while using language is a necessary skill for their continued intellectual and educational development.
• Since writing is the building upon other language skills, like spelling, vocabulary, and grammar, your child will appreciate the value of learning those foundational skills. Essays and narratives are where “the rubber meets the road” in language arts because writing is the culminating activity for other language-related knowledge.  
• Your child develops confidence and pride in his or her ability to communicate with this challenging type of assignment. This is especially true when students present their papers in front of small or large groups of people.
• Research-based writing continuously develops and refines your child’s organization and communication skills. During the process of brainstorming topics, organizing outlines, incorporating (good) references, and typing drafts, your child must practice and improve his logical flow of ideas in order for the paper to make sense to others.
• Having to research outside information created by other writers provides your child with opportunities to practice discernment. In today’s world of rampant web and print dishonesty, it is critical that your child learn how to sift through information and be able to distinguish between true and false sources for the paper.
• Researching also teaches your child to avoid plagiarism. “Give credit where credit is due” is an old adage in the writing world. Students who routinely practice properly crediting outside sources in their papers are learning to write ethically and responsibly.
• Excellent writing skills developed in this challenging genre provides communication skills for many careers. While it may seem that your child’s career is lightyears away, his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities developed in school from writing informative (explanatory) papers will form a literacy foundation for careers in the medical, technical, and scientific fields.

As a parent, you are well aware of the critical importance of a quality English Language Arts education for your child. 98thPercentile is here to help your child succeed! We deliver quality instruction for all six facets of English Language Arts education, including writing, through our accelerated learning content-mastery program. If you are interested in partnering with us for your child’s English Language Arts educational needs, Try us for one week for FREE with no strings attached.