20855_Editing_descriptions_Years_4_and_5

Teacher information
Writing format information
Exposition
– is a framework which argues for
a particular position and attempts
to persuade the audience to share
this view.
– includes:
• Introduction:
statement of the problem and
the writer’s position
• Arguments:
presented in a logical manner
with supporting detail, usually
from the strongest to the
weakest
• Conclusion:
– uses:
an evaluation restating the
writer’s position.
• persuasive language
• paragraphs to state and
elaborate on each point.
An exposition may be written in
the form of an essay, a letter, a
policy statement, a critical review,
an advertisement, an editorial or a
speech.
Explanation
– is a framework which outlines how or why something
occurs, works or is made.
– includes:
• Statement:
precisely what is to be explained
• Explanation:
a clear account in logical sequence of how and
why the phenomenon occurs
• Conclusion:
OR
an evaluation and comment about what has been
explained.
• a definition
• a description of the components or parts
• the operation—how it works or is made
• the application—where and when it works or is
applied
• special features—interesting comments
• evaluation or comment
– uses:
• subject–specific terms and technical vocabulary
where appropriate
• simple present tense
• linking words to show cause and effect.
An explanation may be written in the form of an essay, or
a handbook—for example, how a kite works—a science
text, a health text or a social studies text.
Description
– is a framework which describes the characteristics, components or function of specific living
or non-living things.
Physical characteristics of living things are described or the components of non-living things
and their functions. Special features are also discussed. This type of writing can be used to
describe, for example, a specific breed of animal, object or picture.
– includes:
• Introduction: what it is
• Description: its appearance: colour, shape, size etc.
• Interesting details/special features
• Concluding statement.
– uses:
• adjectives extensively
• conjunctions.
A description may be written in poetic form and may describe a person, place, animal, thing
or emotion.
R.I.C. Publications ® www.ricgroup.com.au Editing skills xiii