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Informative Writing Basics

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Informative Writing Basics

Informative writing helps readers learn how something works or understand a topic. Read the mini-text, then solve the editor’s challenges. Choose more than one answer when asked to select all that apply.

Read the mini-text

How to Make a Paper Helicopter You will need one strip of paper, scissors and a paper clip. First, cut two short slits down the middle from the top of the strip. Fold one top flap forwards and the other backwards. Fold the bottom of the strip up twice, then fasten it with the paper clip. Hold the helicopter high and let go. It spins as it falls. For a fair test, make two helicopters the same size and drop them from the same height. Informative writing is most helpful when its ideas are clear and arranged in a logical order.

Editor’s challenges

Use evidence from the mini-text where you can. Write clearly and check that each answer helps a reader understand.

1.What is the main purpose of the paper helicopter text?

To entertain readers with an imaginary adventure
To teach readers how to make and test a paper helicopter
To persuade readers to buy a toy helicopter
To describe the writer’s favourite game

2.Select all the items the reader needs to make the helicopter.

A strip of paper
Scissors
A paper clip
Glue
A ruler

3.Put these actions in the order they happen, numbering them 1–4: fold the bottom up twice; cut two slits; hold it high and let go; fold the flaps in opposite directions.

4.True or false? The text says to fold both top flaps forwards.

TrueFalse

5.Complete the sentence: Informative writing is most helpful when its ideas are clear and .

6.Why does the text suggest dropping two helicopters of the same size from the same height?

7.Which feature helps a reader follow the instructions?

The steps use time-order words such as “First”
The text includes a character with a funny name
The writer gives a personal opinion about paper
The instructions hide the materials until the end

8.A reader says, “I don’t know what ‘fasten’ means.” Rewrite “fasten it with the paper clip” using simpler words.

9.Select all the changes that would make these instructions less useful.

Leave out the materials list
Put the steps in a sensible order
Use confusing words without explaining them
Add a clear written description of the folds
Mix opinions into the steps so the directions are hard to find

10.Write two or three informative sentences explaining how to do a simple activity you know, such as tying a shoelace or planting a seed. Include at least one useful detail and put the actions in order.