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Introduction (Claim)The introduction should include a sentence or paragraph that clearly states the claim.
Example:
Desalination is the process of removing the salt from ocean water. Although you make fresh water using this process, it also causes major environmental concerns, such as what to do with the discharge water.
A claim should be supported with evidence and reasoning. The evidence and reasoning will make up the body of your explanation and should be organized logically.
Example:
Desalination is the process of removing the salt from ocean water. Although you make fresh water using this process, it also causes major environmental concerns, such as what to do with the discharge water.
When a desalination plant removes the salt from the ocean water, the discharge, the part that is not fresh water, is very salty. This discharge will not dissolve in the ocean water. Because the water and discharge do not blend, it is creating dead zones in the ocean. Plants and animals cannot live in dead zones! Also, the Carlsbad plant in California will use twice as much salt water as the fresh water it will make. There are microscopic animals that live in that salt water. They are being killed because of the desalination process. Therefore, California needs to think of a new way to get their fresh water!
Use transition words to connect ideas in your explanation. The bolded words are examples of transition words.
Example:
When a desalination plant removes the salt from the ocean water, the discharge, the part that is not fresh water, is very salty. This discharge will not dissolve in the ocean water. Because the water and discharge do not blend, it is creating dead zones in the ocean. Plants and animals cannot live in dead zones! Also, the Carlsbad plant in California will use twice as much salt water as the fresh water it will make. There are microscopic animals that live in that salt water. They are being killed because of the desalination process. Therefore, Californians needs to think of a new way to get their fresh water.
Include domain-specific vocabulary to make your explanation is clear and precise.
The bolded terms are examples of domain-specific vocabulary.
Example:
When a desalination plant removes the salt from the ocean water, the discharge, the part that is not fresh water, is very salty. This discharge will not dissolve in the ocean water. Because the water and discharge do not blend, it is creating dead zones in the ocean.
Using a formal writing style will help to ensure that your explanation is clear and accurate. Formal writing is often objective and unbiased.
Notice how the style of writing in the sample explanation uses facts and examples, as opposed to opinions, to support the claim. Using an objective tone helps to validate the claim, allowing the reader to focus on understanding the topic.
Write a conclusion that restates or reinforces the importance of your claim.
Example:
In conclusion, it is time to stop using desalination plants and for engineers to invent a new way to get California fresh water.