Unit 3

What Does It Mean to Explore?

Lesson 6

Reader's Notebook

Read Like a Writer

When you were reading Space Junk? in the previous lesson, you were reading an explanation.


An explanation is a form of writing that answers questions such as how and why, and often focuses on general processes.

  1. Think about the explanations you have read so far in this unit and other explanations you have read, viewed, or heard.
  2. After looking at "Space Junk" write a description and example of how explanations are organized.





Document: Reader's Notebook: Read Like a Writer
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  1. Download the document Reader's Notebook: Read Like a Writer.
  2. IMPORTANT NOTE: When the download screen opens:
      • Click the "Open with" button.
      • Select "Adobe Reader".
      • Click "OK".
      • You will then be able to view the document Reader's Notebook: Read Like a Writer.
      • Can't view the file? View Skill Builder: Saving Dynamic PDFs.

Now, let's look at how to write and present an effective explanation.


  1. To begin, read the Hint! box on page 135 of Literacy in Action.
  2. Think about how the writer organizes the information to help the reader understand.
  3. Complete Part 2 of the Reader's Notebook: Read Like a Writer.

Save

How to save a file:

  1. Have the file open and select Save As from the File menu.
  2. Name your Reader's Notebook: Read Like a Writer file in this format: jsmith_readlikeawriter and save the file to your Documents folder.

Formative Assessment

  1. This worksheet is similar to homework, which is an opportunity to practise important concepts in the lesson. The worksheet is NOT for marks.
  2. However, your teacher may ask you to submit this worksheet to check on your progress so be sure to save it in your Documents folder.

Click here to compare your responses with those in the key.