Then, choose three of the questions below and use them to reflect on the experience of writing an explanatory text. Write your answers in your notebook. How did using a concept map or outline help you organize your explanatory text and facilitate the writing process? How did identifying the task, purpose, and audience help you develop clear and coherent writing in your explanatory text? How did these factors impact the style and tone of your writing? What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome as you wrote your explanatory text? What did you do to get past this challenge? What did the experience of crafting an explanatory text teach you about yourself as a writer? What are your strengths? What do you still need to work on? Think back to an explanatory text you have written previously. Compare that piece of writing to the explanatory text you just wrote. What does the comparison show about how you’ve grown as a writer? Now, consider Santiago’s explanatory text, “Getting into the Outdoors,” which you have been reading over the course of this unit. Suppose you had the opportunity to have a discussion with Santiago—writer to writer. List three questions you would ask the author about their process. How might their observations strengthen your own writing abilities?

Answer 1

Reflecting on the experience of writing an explanatory text can provide valuable insights into the writing process. Here are my thoughts based on the selected questions:

1. How did using a concept map or outline help you organize your explanatory text and facilitate the writing process?

Creating a concept map or outline was instrumental in organizing my thoughts and structuring my explanatory text. It allowed me to visually break down the main ideas and supporting details, making it easier to see the connections between different points. With the outline as a roadmap, I could focus on one section at a time, which made the writing process less daunting. By having a clear structure in place, I was able to streamline my writing and enhance the coherence of my text, ensuring that each paragraph flowed logically to the next.

2. What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome as you wrote your explanatory text? What did you do to get past this challenge?

The biggest hurdle I faced was finding the right balance between providing enough detail to clarify concepts without overwhelming the reader with information. Initially, I tended to include too much background information, which made certain sections convoluted. To overcome this, I revisited my outline and identified key points that directly supported my main argument. I also sought feedback from peers, which helped me see where I could simplify my language and provide clearer explanations. This iterative process of drafting and revising was crucial in refining my text.

3. What did the experience of crafting an explanatory text teach you about yourself as a writer? What are your strengths? What do you still need to work on?

The process of writing an explanatory text taught me that I thrive when I have a structured plan in place. I realized that my strengths lie in my ability to outline ideas clearly and make logical connections. However, I also recognized that I need to work on my ability to condense information and prioritize what’s essential for the reader’s understanding. Moving forward, I aim to practice writing with a more concise and targeted approach, focusing on clarity and accessibility.

These reflections illustrate how my writing skills have evolved through practice and feedback, enhancing my ability to communicate ideas effectively.