Writing · Both
Writing to Inform & Explain
Informative writing prioritises clarity. Your job is to help the reader understand a process, issue or set of facts – not to win an argument at all costs.
Features of effective information writing
• Clear opening that states what the text will cover
• Logical order (steps, chronology, or most important first)
• Subheadings or paragraphs for each idea
• Precise vocabulary; define specialist terms if needed
• Mostly neutral tone (unless the task asks for advice)
Explain vs persuade
**Explain** – how or why something works or happens
**Persuade** – change the reader’s mind or behaviour
Keep explanations focused: cause → effect, or step 1 → step 2. Avoid stacking emotive claims unless the form needs them.
Practice questions
1. Name two features of informative writing.
2. How does explain differ from persuade?