Beyond the Big Three: Explain, Describe, Instruct

Informative writing can have more specific purposes, like explaining, describing, or giving instructions.

As texts get more complex, it helps to name purposes more precisely. Informing can break into smaller jobs. To explain means telling how or why something happens: 'Leaves change color in fall because trees stop making green chlorophyll. ' To describe means painting a detailed picture of what something is like: 'The cave walls glittered with crystals as long as a person's arm.

' To instruct means giving steps to follow: 'First, fold the paper in half. Then crease it firmly. ' Other specific purposes include to compare, to reflect on an experience, and to express feelings, as many poems do. Choosing the precise purpose shows deeper understanding.

Instead of saying 'The purpose of a recipe is to inform', you can say 'The purpose is to instruct readers how to make bread', which is more accurate.

• 1Explain = tell how or why.
• 2Describe = paint a detailed picture.
• 3Instruct = give steps to follow.