In this unit, you focused on the process of writing explanatory text. You learned the techniques you can use to develop an informative and engaging piece of writing by implementing these learning goals:

Question

Compare the introductory sections of two explanatory texts and explain the thesis statements and how they are used.
Describe organizational structures for explanatory texts, and note how the author develops the topic appropriate to the audience by organizing an introductory paragraph and well-chosen, relevant and sufficient facts, details, examples, quotations and other information, presenting complex ideas as a unified whole and citing all sources.
Explain dependent and independent clauses and their grammatical role in sentences, and explain when and how punctuation should be used with clauses.
Rewrite sentences and paragraphs by inserting or rearranging phrases and clauses.
Identify examples of usage conventions, apply the understanding that usage can change over time, and resolve issues of complex and contested usage, consulting references as needed.
Describe methods for varying syntax for effect, and apply those methods in writing, consulting references as needed.
Use appropriate and varied transitions to link ideas and create cohesion, and explain the use of formatting and graphics to aid comprehension.
Maintain a formal style and objective tone, and use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary, and literary techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to convey ideas.
Write a concluding section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented (e.g. articulating implications or the significance of the topic).
Now, you will have an opportunity to show what you have accomplished and apply what you have learned about explanatory writing to the text you selected at the beginning of the unit. If you haven’t already done so, take time now to finish reading the text. Then, spend a few minutes discussing the text and the author’s approach with your Learning Coach, using the suggested talking points below as a guide. Notice that the activities are open-ended—there are no “correct” answers—but they will help you to focus on the text as you get ready to apply the learning goals you have mastered in this unit:

Tell your Learning Coach what you enjoyed and did not enjoy about the text. Would you recommend it to a friend? Explain using details from the text.
Comment specifically on the language. How did the author vary the language and sentence structure to make the text more interesting to read?
Comment on the relevance of the content. When you chose the text, what did you hope to gain from the reading experience? Did the text fulfill your expectations? How did the author make the reading experience both informative and enjoyable? What techniques did they use that worked particularly well to clarify ideas and add interest (e.g. graphics, headings, quotations to break up text, etc.)?
Finally, access the text you have read, review your notes, and get ready to answer the questions that follow.

Answer 1

To help you prepare for your discussion with your Learning Coach and to reflect on the text you selected, here’s a structured approach to guide your thoughts:

1. Personal Enjoyment of the Text:

   • What You Enjoyed: Reflect on aspects like the writing style, clarity of explanations, or interesting facts. For example, "I appreciated how the author integrated personal anecdotes that connected with the main topic, making it relatable."
   • What You Did Not Enjoy: Note any elements that detracted from your experience, like overly complex language or a lack of engaging content. For instance, "At times, the text felt dense and could have used more engaging examples to break up the complexity."
   • Recommendation: Consider whether you would share this text with a friend. "I would recommend it to a friend who is interested in [topic], as it provided valuable insights and well-researched information."

2. Language and Sentence Structure:

   • Analyze how the author varied sentence length and structure. For example, "The author employed a mix of short, impactful sentences and longer, more descriptive ones to maintain reader interest. Additionally, the use of rhetorical questions encouraged the reader to think critically about the content."
   • Reflect on any literary techniques employed, like metaphors or similes that enhanced the text's engagement. "The author used metaphors that made complex ideas more relatable, like comparing [concept] to [metaphor]."

3. Relevance of Content:

   • Discuss your expectations going into the text and whether they were met. "I hoped to gain a deeper understanding of [specific topic], and the text fulfilled my expectations by explaining [specific points]."
   • Evaluate how the author made the reading experience informative and enjoyable. Mention specific techniques, such as graphics or structured headings. "The inclusion of headings efficiently guided me through different sections, and charts helped visualize critical data, enhancing comprehension."

4. Techniques for Clarity and Interest:

   • Identify effective strategies the author used. "The use of quotations from experts added credibility, while bullet points summarized key information and made it easier to digest."
   • Consider how formatting and layout might have aided your reading experience. "Well-placed graphics broke up large blocks of text, visually engaging the reader and emphasizing key points."

After reviewing these prompts and reflecting on your experiences with the text, you'll be well-prepared for your discussion with your Learning Coach. Be ready to provide specific examples from the text to support your insights. Good luck!