Writing Application
Learn
This lesson focuses on writing about informational texts. You will learn how to compose analytical responses, summaries, and synthesis essays based on nonfiction sources.
Key Concepts
- Writing effective summaries of informational texts
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources
- Responding analytically to nonfiction
- Using evidence from informational texts
Examples
Study these examples of effective writing about informational texts.
Example 1: Writing an Analytical Summary
See how to summarize while also analyzing the author's approach...
Example 2: Synthesizing Multiple Sources
Learn to combine information from different texts cohesively...
✏️ Practice
Test your understanding with these practice questions.
Practice Questions
0/2 correctA thesis statement should:
Which is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about recycling benefits?
Check Your Understanding
Test yourself with these 10 questions.
1. What is the difference between a summary and an analysis?
Show Answer
A summary restates the text's main ideas objectively, while an analysis examines how the text works, evaluates its effectiveness, and interprets its significance.
2. How do you maintain objectivity when summarizing an informational text?
Show Answer
Use neutral language, avoid adding your own opinions, accurately represent the author's ideas, and attribute claims to the original source rather than presenting them as facts.
3. What is synthesis in academic writing?
Show Answer
Synthesis combines information from multiple sources to create a new understanding or argument. It involves finding connections, identifying patterns, and integrating ideas rather than just listing sources.
4. How do you introduce evidence from an informational text in your writing?
Show Answer
Provide context about the source, use signal phrases that indicate the author or publication, integrate quotes grammatically into your sentences, and follow with explanation of the evidence's relevance.
5. What makes a thesis statement effective for an informational text analysis?
Show Answer
An effective thesis makes a specific, arguable claim about the text's approach, effectiveness, or significance. It goes beyond summary to offer interpretation that requires evidence to support.
6. How should you organize a synthesis essay?
Show Answer
Organize by themes or points, not by source. Each paragraph should integrate multiple sources around a specific aspect of your argument, showing how sources relate to each other.
7. What is the purpose of using transitions in analytical writing?
Show Answer
Transitions show relationships between ideas, guide readers through your argument, signal shifts in focus, and create coherence by connecting evidence to claims and paragraphs to each other.
8. How do you avoid plagiarism when writing about informational texts?
Show Answer
Quote directly with quotation marks, paraphrase in your own words with citation, cite all sources, and distinguish clearly between your ideas and those from sources.
9. What should the conclusion of an analytical essay accomplish?
Show Answer
The conclusion should synthesize (not just summarize) your analysis, reinforce your thesis with the insight gained, and may address broader implications or applications of your findings.
10. How do you balance summary and analysis in a response to an informational text?
Show Answer
Provide only enough summary to orient readers and support your analysis. Analysis should dominate; use summary strategically to introduce evidence or provide necessary context.
Next Steps
- Practice writing summaries of articles you read
- Try synthesizing two articles on the same topic
- Move on to Lesson 6: Unit Checkpoint