Writing to Inform, Explain and Advise Flashcards

All 12 cards in this deck

What is the difference between writing to inform, to explain and to advise?

Inform: give the reader facts and information. Explain: help them understand how or why something happens. Advise: help them decide what to do, with practical suggestions.

What does writing to inform need?

Clear, accurate, well-organised information: a logical order, topic sentences, concrete examples and a confident, knowledgeable tone. Avoid invented statistics.

Which connectives help you explain?

Cause and effect: because, so, as a result, this means that, therefore. They show how one idea leads to the next.

What language suits writing to advise?

Second person (you), imperatives (Start by…, Try…), modal verbs for options (you could, you might, it's worth), and reassurance (don't worry if…).

How do you stop advice sounding bossy?

Mix gentle modal verbs with imperatives, explain why each piece of advice helps, and acknowledge the reader's situation: 'If you've never done this before, it can feel daunting, so…'

How should you organise an informative or advice text?

An introduction that sets out the topic and why it matters to the reader; sections that each cover one aspect, perhaps with subheadings; and a conclusion with a final tip or encouragement.

Can you include your own experience in an advice text?

Yes, briefly: a short anecdote makes advice feel tested and friendly. Keep the focus on the reader's needs, not your story.

How can you show you know your audience when advising?

Choose advice that suits them (students on a budget, parents of young children), use examples from their world, and match the register: lively for peers, more formal for adults.

Rewrite as advice for teenagers: 'Students must make a revision timetable.'

For example: 'Try mapping out your week before you start: even a rough timetable means you're not deciding what to revise every evening, which saves more time than you'd think.'

Which sentence explains rather than informs? (a) 'The café opens at eight.' (b) 'The café opens at eight so that people on early shifts can get breakfast on the way to work.'

(b). It gives a reason (so that…), explaining why. (a) simply informs.

Should an information or advice text still have a voice?

Yes. A confident, engaging voice keeps the reader reading. Humour, direct address and well-chosen examples make even practical writing lively.

How can you make advice memorable?

Give each tip a reason and a concrete example, use a pattern such as a list of three, and end with a short line the reader will remember.