NZ L 1637793571 Level 4 Information Writing Powerpoint Ver 2

Before We Start...
Quick-Fire Buddy Discussion:
What do you think information writing is?

Can you think of any examples of information
writing that you might have come across?
What Is Information Writing?
It’s a structured and well-
researched piece of non-fiction
writing which provides factual
information about a specific
topic.
Eating Insects The Life of
It all starts with being curious for Protein
about something… Nelson Mandela
then asking questions…

then finding the facts…
And finally writing it down so
others can access the
information. Cats
Examples of information writing can be found in encyclopedias, reference books,

technical texts, podcasts, magazines and websites.
The purpose of information writing is to inform your audience about a subject or
topic in a clear and interesting way.
Don’t Get Confused!
It’s easy to sometimes get confused about the difference between information
writing and explanation writing. So let’s look at a definition of both.
What’s the same? What’s different?
How could you turn explanation writing into information writing and vice versa?
Information Writing Explanation Writing
It’s a structured and well-researched It’s a structured and well-researched

piece of non-fiction writing which piece of non-fiction writing which
provides factual information about a describes how or why things happen.
specific topic.
Examples:
Examples: How Do Birds Fly?
What Is a Cat? Why Do Some Metals Rust?
All About the Titanic. Explaining the Digestive Process
Chemical Reaction Experiment
Let’s Get Curious!
Albert Einstein, arguably one of the
greatest scientific and mathematical
thinkers of all time, said this:
‘I am neither clever nor especially

gifted. I am only very, very curious.’
So what are you very, very curious about?

What do you want to know about?
What specific topic would you like to know more facts and information about?
Make a list of a minimum of 5 things that you’re curious about.

(These could be great topics for you to write an information report about later.)
Excuse me...I want to know

all about my species!
Let’s Get Curious!
Here are some question frameworks to help get you thinking.
What is ________ ? Who invented the ________ ?
Who is ________ ? I want to know more about ________ ?
What is the history behind ________ ?
Remember, no idea is a silly idea!

Write them all down because you never know where that ‘out-of-the-box’ idea
might lead you. If a topic interests or fascinates you and you want to know more,
then your information writing will be better in the end!
The Framework of Information Writing
Any house that’s being built needs a structural

framework to organise the spaces and give it support
and strength.
It’s exactly the same when you’re writing facts or
information about something. You need a framework to
organise and communicate your information so your
writing makes sense and holds together.
The Four Pieces of Framework

No matter what you’re informing your reader about, make sure these four pieces
of framework are covered.
#1 Do Your #3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &
#2 Be Structured
Research Concise Interesting
Research using a Title Use language that is Get your facts straight
variety of credible Hook your reader in. precise and clear. by checking your
sources. Introduction: No bias or opinions research. What facts
What will the scope What’s your subject or allowed! Just the might amaze and
of your topic be? topic? Give an overview of it facts! astound your reader?
Stay focused on in those first sentences. Don’t waffle or get What statistics might
your topic. Body: off topic. add weight to your
Summarise the Include your important facts and information?
facts in well written Use your structure Use all your writing
information you to keep your
find. Organise your sentences and paragraphs. skills and the right
Use a topic sentence to information tight language features to
notes. Credit your and logical.
sources of begin each paragraph. make your information
information. Conclusion: Make it simple for a riveting read!
Recap your key information your reader to find Use images that
without adding anything key information directly relate to and
new. Point your reader to easily by using enhance your
where they can find out subheadings. information.
more.
Research: Framework Piece #1
#1 Do Your Doing your research is the essential first piece of framework
Research in information writing.
Scope & Questions
• Scope & Questions
• Quick Question:
Summarise
Variety
Organise
Give of Sources
Credit Why do you think it’s important to
Variety of Sources The firstfrom
research thing to get straight
a variety is what the scope of your
of sources?
As you’re
Using
Whether
Credit athe researching,
variety
you useof
sources paper use
sources
where or bullet
means
a
you
topic is going to be. For instance, points
digital
found you
if toinformation.
device,
can
your
you’re record
check
keep facts
writingyour
an andThis
Summarise information
the
notes
reliability
could be rather
organised.
authors, writing
of information.
This
books, outItyou
willvideos,
make full
helpssentences.
itmagazines
easykeep
towrite
find Summarise
a and
balanced
your
websites.
information report about cats could about
the
Yourinformation
point
information
of view
teacher
domestic as
and
will
cats, you
you’re
let
cats find
prevents
you
in the rather
writing.
know
wild orthan
bias.
how the copying
they and
you pasting
wantwithin
variety tothe
Organise
chunks
whole catof text.
acknowledge theseClarifying
species. sources. the scope of your topic really
Give Credit helps you to sort out what’s relevant and what’s not as you
research. Stay focused on your chosen topic.
What questions do you have? What do you know already
and what do you want to know? Think about your
audience. What are they main things they would want to
have information on?
Your Turn!
You are going to do some research and take notes
that would help you if you were writing about the
first people to conquer Mt Everest. You’re not going
to actually write an information report, just do
some research.
As a group or in buddies answer these

questions and fill in your information as
suggested on the next slide.
What do we already know?
What do we want to know more about?
Now do some research and come back with
your information to add to the third column:
What did we learn?
Group Research Graphic Organiser
Use this organiser to record the contributions of the group or put each question on
large pieces of paper and write your answers or use sticky notes. Hold onto this
research, you’ll need it later.
What do we What do we want to

What did we learn?
already know? know more about?
[Type in your [Type in your answers here] [Type in your new

answers here] information here]
Research Graphic Organisers
Check out these two different options for when you’re doing your own research.
One is more linear (working from top to bottom), the other is more spatial
(gathering linked ideas in more of a mind map style). You can collect your
information digitally or on paper. Choose the one that will work best for you.
Look for this resource on the Twinkl Website:
Level 4 Information Writing Research & Planning Templates

Structure: Framework Piece #2
Being structured is all about creating a piece of
#2 Be Structured information that is clear, logical and easy to follow.
Title It’s the framework that all your facts and information
Hook your reader in will hang on.
Introduction
•• Conclusion
Body
Introduction
Topic
Title Sentences
Define topic or subject
Body Organise
Recap
Define
Use
Create your
theyour
a topic
an key
topic information
information
sentence
engaging or subject
(the
title into
without
first
you
that ahook
series
willare adding
sentence inofyour
writingofconcise
any new
about
the in
Facts in concise sentences
sentences
information.
the
reader. fewand
paragraph)
firstWhat toPoint
paragraphs.
sentencesyourand
introduce
will make reader
what
them (This
give to
the anwhere
curiousisoverview
wherethey
paragraph
to know planning
can
of
will
what
be
more
and paragraphs beforehand
find out
you’ll
about. more.
cover.
and keepThe really
rest
reading? helps!)
of the paragraph can include your
Topic sentence to begin supporting
One
Don’tthing tofacts
get too and information.
remember...
specific or detailed, save that for later
each paragraph on
Newin fact
youror
writing.
information = new paragraph
Conclusion
Paragraphs generally need to be a minimum of 3-5
Recap key information
sentences but can be longer if needed.
Nothing new added
There is also no limit to how many paragraphs you
Point to more information
have. Use as many as you need to share all your key
information.
Clear & Concise: Framework Piece #3
#3 Be Clear & Quick-Fire Buddy Discussion:
Concise
Language ‘The most valuable of all talents is
Precise and clear that of never using two words
On topic - just the when one will do.’ (Thomas
facts Jefferson)
Structure What do you think this quote means?
Tight and logical
Subheadings Being clear and concise will keep you focussed on the
information you’re writing about and stop you from writing
about things that aren’t relevant.
• Language
Structure & Subheadings
language
Use your that is
structure toprecise andinformation
keep your clear. Don’ttight
waffle
or get
and off topic. Just the facts!
logical.
No bias
Make or opinions
it simple allowed
for your either!
reader to navigate around
your writing and find information easily by using
subheadings with your paragraphs.
Accurate & Interesting: Framework Piece #4
#4 Be Accurate & Being accurate and interesting will help your reader
Interesting trust your information and keep them reading on.
Facts Boring writing is not an option!
Check accuracy
5-10 strong facts
• Language
Visuals
Facts
Statistics Use all your
images
Get your that
writing
facts directly
skills
straight byrelate
and language
to and
checking enhance
yourfeaturesyour
research.to
Language make
information.
your they’re
Make sure information
No random
up to adate
riveting
images
and that
read!are there just
relevant.
Language Features
because you5-10
Try and find like them!
strong facts.
Visuals Visuals can might
What facts be photos,
amaze illustrations,
and astound diagrams
your or
even links to videos if you’re writing digitally. Place
Relevant reader? Don’t forget you can also usethey
statistics
any visuals near the relevant text so make that
Well-placed add weight to your facts and information.
sense.
Planning Your Information Writing
Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, said this:
‘Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.’
If you take some time to prepare and plan your information writing, you’ll find the
writing itself goes a whole lot smoother.
Planning isn’t about writing complete sentences but about organising your
information using bullet points, keywords and facts or figures to capture the
information you want to include. If you get stuck while you’re writing, go back to
your plan!
Remember, no matter what your information writing is about, make sure the four
pieces of framework are covered.
Planning Practice
Get a copy of this planning sheet either digitally or on paper. Look for this resource
on the Twinkl Website:
Level 4 Information Writing Research &

Planning Templates
Buddy or Small Group Task
Using the information you
gathered when you researched
about the first people to conquer
Mt Everest, create a plan for writing
about this topic.
This is a great opportunity to collaborate, ask questions if you’re stuck and share
ideas or options to create the best plan possible.
The Language Features of Information Writing
Understanding these language features will help make your writing far more
interesting and engaging to write and read.
Present Third Person Technical Subject Descriptive Transitional

Tense Perspective Language Specific Nouns Language Words & Phrases
Choose two of these language

features. Discuss with your buddy
what you think each one is and how it
relates to information writing.
Present The tense in writing is always related to time i.e. past, present and
Tense future.
Present tense uses verbs to describe things that happen repeatedly
in the present or to share factual information.
Here are some examples:
Repetition
From the moment sea turtles are born, they face dangers.
Which word is the verb in this sentence?
From the moment sea turtles are born, they face dangers.
Factual
The Titanic needs to burn 825 tons of coal every day to run
its three large steam engines.
Which word is the verb in this sentence?
The Titanic needs to burn 825 tons on coal every day to
run its three large steam engines.
Third This is all about the perspective you write from.

Person In third person perspective you write as though you’re an outsider
Perspective looking in. You’ll use pronouns like…
he she it they him her
them his her hers it its their
theirs themselves itself
The sentence we just looked at as an example of present tense is also
written in third person perspective. Which word in the sentence tells
you this?
The Titanic needs to burn 825 tons on coal every day to run its
itsthree
three
large steam engines.
Top Tip:
Avoid using the first person perspective pronouns like…
I me my
in your information writing.
It’s a sign you’re writing in the first person and potentially in danger
of showing bias or giving your opinion.
Technical Don’t simplify your language! Use the technical and detailed
Language vocabulary that is part of your facts and information.
For example, check out this short extract from a piece of information
writing about rainforests. Can you identify the technical language?
Most rainforests are structured in four layers:

emergent,
emergent, canopy,
canopy, understory,
understory, andand
forest
forest
floor.
floor.
The
emergent
The emergent
layer is layer
at theisvery
at thetopvery
of the
toprainforest
of the
where
rainforest
the tees
where arethe
astees
tall as
are60asmeters.
tall as 60Themeters.
trunks
The of
trunks
theseoftrees
thesehave
trees
very
have
little
very
foliage
little but
foliage
this but
increases
this increases
as theastrees
the trees
reachreach
the sunny
the sunny
upperupper
layer,
layer,
wherewhere
they photosynthesise
they photosynthesise the sun’s therays.
sun’sSmall,
rays.
Small,
waxy leaves
waxy leaves
help trees
helpintrees
the emergent
in the emergent
layer retain
layer
retain
waterwater
duringduring
longlong
droughts
droughtsor dry
or dry
seasons.
seasons.
Top Tip:
You can use brackets () to drop in a helpful definition or you might
want to include a glossary which explains the meaning of any
technical words in your writing.
Subject A specific noun is a word that names a certain person, place, thing or
Specific idea. Replacing general nouns with specific ones will keep your topic
Nouns clear more precise for your readers.
Here’s some examples:
General Noun More Specific Most Specific
Person man scientist Albert Einstein
Place location planet Mars
Thing plant tree Kauri
Idea fashion clothes tuxedo
Your turn! Think of some more specific and most specific nouns for
these general nouns.
girl dog body of water toy neighbourhood
A thesaurus is your best friend here! If you find yourself repeating one
Descriptive
Language word a lot, find a different word to use. There are so many descriptive
synonyms you can choose from that will make your information writing
more fresh and interesting.
For example:
fly (verb) = float, glide, drift, circle, dart, dash, soar.
For example:
(adjective) = enormous, gigantic, hefty, vast, massive, immense.
Top Tip:
If you’re going to use synonyms, make sure you understand what they
mean and how to use them.
Can you explain what they mean?
Do they fit the context of your sentence?
Your turn! Get a thesaurus (an actual book or online) and find some
more descriptive synonyms for these words. Who can find the best one?
high easy fall sink buried

This list of transitional words and phrases (sometimes called conjunctions) will help
you link information and ideas as you’re crafting your sentences and paragraphs.
Transitional Words & Phrases
To Add Information or Detail To Illustrate To Emphasise To Generalise
additionally or for example above all all in all

in addition second for instance certainly as a rule
also then thus in essence as usual
besides third in other words in fact for the most part
equally important added to this as an illustration in other words generally
furthermore next in particular equally important generally speaking
in addition as well as this at other times in contrast in general
moreover besides this most importantly on the whole
too furthermore now ordinarily
again however specifically typically
first in fact surely usually
nevertheless in spite of this therefore
otherwise similarly whereas
or to explain yet
to illustrate
Quick Recap Quiz
You’ve been through all the essentials of information writing! But how much have
you taken on board?
Take this quick quiz!
What is information writing?
It’s a structured and well-researched piece of non-fiction writing which provides

factual information about a specific topic.
What are the four main pieces of framework that good information
writing needs? (These pictures might help you remember).
#1 Do Your Research #2 Be Structured #3 Be Clear & Concise #4 Be Accurate

& Interesting
Quick Recap Quiz
What is it important to research using a variety of sources?
So you can check facts and the reliability of information. It helps keep a balanced
point of view and prevents bias.
What’s the purpose of subheadings in information writing?
They make it simple for your reader to navigate around your writing and find
information easily.
Describe one language feature of information writing. Why is it important

and how do you use it?
*Refer back to slides 16-22 to check your answer.

Time to Choose a Topic for Your
Information Writing
Now that you know the framework and language features of information writing, it’s
time to choose something to write about.
There is a selection of ideas on the next few slides that you could choose from or go
back to the list of five or more ideas you created earlier and select something from
there.
Remember, choose a topic that really interests you and your writing will be better
in the end!
Cats
#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#1 Do Your Research #2 Be Structured
Concise Interesting
Scope of Topic & Title Precise language Accurate Facts
Questions Introduction Stay on topic Statistics
Variety of Sources
Body (paragraphs) Tight & logical Language Features
Summarise
Conclusion Subheadings Visuals
Organise
Give Credit
The Titanic

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Eating Insects for Protein

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Pompeii

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Pirates

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
The Inuit People

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Aircraft

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Churchill

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Tsunamis

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
The Ice Age

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Nelson Mandela

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
The History of Anzac Day

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Diabetes

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
The 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic
“Spanish flu at Camp Funston” by [courtesy of the National Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C., United States] is licenced under CC BY2.5

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Thoroughbreds

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Geology

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Mobile Phones

Concise Interesting
Variety of Sources
Summarise
Organise
Give Credit
Teacher Resource
The following three slides have all of the ‘Information Writing’ ideas reduced so that
there are four topics per page. This will make it easy to print the pages off and trim
the images, so your students can choose their topic and have it as a reference in
their writing books or docs.
The Titanic Eating Insects for Protein
Pompeii Pirates
The Inuit People Aircraft
Churchill Tsunamis
The Ice Age Nelson Mandela
The History of Anzac Day Diabetes

“Spanish flu at Camp Funston” by [courtesy of the National Museum of Health and Medicine,
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C., United States] is licenced under CC
BY2.5
The 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic Thoroughbreds
Geology Mobile Phones

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Before We Start...

Quick-Fire Buddy Discussion:

What do you think information writing is?

then asking questions…

Examples of information writing can be found in encyclopedias, reference books,

Information Writing Explanation Writing

It’s a structured and well-researched It’s a structured and well-researched

‘I am neither clever nor especially

So what are you very, very curious about?

Make a list of a minimum of 5 things that you’re curious about.

Excuse me...I want to know

What is ________ ? Who invented the ________ ?

Who is ________ ? I want to know more about ________ ?

What is the history behind ________ ?

Remember, no idea is a silly idea!

Any house that’s being built needs a structural

The Four Pieces of Framework

Quick-Fire Buddy Discussion:

As a group or in buddies answer these

What do we What do we want to

[Type in your [Type in your answers here] [Type in your new

Level 4 Information Writing Research & Planning Templates

Level 4 Information Writing Research &

Present Third Person Technical Subject Descriptive Transitional

Quick-Fire Buddy Discussion:

Choose two of these language

Third This is all about the perspective you write from.

Most rainforests are structured in four layers:

General Noun More Specific Most Specific

Person man scientist Albert Einstein

Place location planet Mars

Thing plant tree Kauri

Idea fashion clothes tuxedo

high easy fall sink buried

Transitional Words & Phrases

To Add Information or Detail To Illustrate To Emphasise To Generalise

additionally or for example above all all in all

What is information writing?

It’s a structured and well-researched piece of non-fiction writing which provides

#1 Do Your Research #2 Be Structured #3 Be Clear & Concise #4 Be Accurate

What’s the purpose of subheadings in information writing?

Describe one language feature of information writing. Why is it important

*Refer back to slides 16-22 to check your answer.

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

#3 Be Clear & #4 Be Accurate &

The History of Anzac Day Diabetes

The 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic Thoroughbreds

Geology Mobile Phones

What is ? Who invented the ?

Who is ? I want to know more about ?