Text Version for Components of a Well-Written Explanation

Text version for Accordion Drop Down on Review It page

Topic 1: Introduction (Claim)

The introduction should include a sentence or paragraph that clearly states the claim.

In the following example, the part of the sentence that begins with, “temperatures in 2014 were higher..” illustrates a claim or introduction.

Example: Climate scientists are troubled by the trend in rising temperatures on the Earth’s surface. NOAA and NASA found that temperatures in 2014 were higher than average temperatures in the 1900s.

Topic 2: Evidence

A claim should be supported with evidence. The evidence should be included in the body of your explanation and should be organized logically.

In the following example, the sentence beginning, “NOAA reported that December 2014 was the warmest month on record…”” illustrates evidence

Example:

Climate scientists are troubled by the trend in rising temperatures on the Earth’s surface. NOAA and NASA found that temperatures in 2014 were higher than average temperatures in the 1900s.

NOAA reported that December 2014 was the warmest month on record. In addition, May, June, August and September saw record monthly highs. Sometimes, El Nino, a change in ocean temperatures, can warm the Earth. However, El Nino was not the cause of record highs in 2014. Furthermore, record temperatures in 2014 continued a trend where 9 out of the 10 hottest years on record were between 2002 and 2014.

Topic 3: Reasoning

A claim should also be supported with reasoning. Reasoning connects the claim with the supporting evidence.

In the example below, the last paragraph that begins with, “Climate scientists blame human activity for these record highs, particularly our burning…” illustrates an example of reasoning.

Example:

Climate scientists are troubled by the trend in rising temperatures on the Earth’s surface. NOAA and NASA found that temperatures in 2014 were higher than average temperatures in the 1900s.

Climate scientists blame human activity for these record highs, particularly our burning of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Because we continue to release greenhouse gases, experts predict even more record highs in the future.

Topic 4: Transitions

Use transition words to connect ideas in your explanation.

In the example below, the following words are transition words that connect ideas: In addition, However, Furthermore, particularly, Because, Based on.

Example:

Based on these trends, it is not surprising that 2014 was the warmest year ever measured.

Topic 5: Vocabulary

Include domain-specific vocabulary to make your explanation clearer and more precise.

In the example below, the following words are domain-specific vocabulary words that make the explanation more clear and precise: Climate, fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, atmosphere.

Example:

Topic 6: Formal Style

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.

Topic 7: Conclusion (Restated Claim)

Write a conclusion that restates or reinforces the importance of your claim.

The example below illustrates the conclusion that restates or reinforces the importance of the claim.

Example:

Based on these trends, it is not surprising that 2014 was the warmest year ever measured.