How do you choose a writing topic for an informational

text?

In this lesson you will learn how to choose a writing topic for an informational text by asking questions about your

interests.

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

An informational text gives facts about a non-fiction topic.

Non-Fiction Topics

• Fish

• Cars

• People

• Insects

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

Writing Process

Write Drafts

Revise and Edit

Generate Ideas

2 1 3

Let’s ReviewA Common Mistake

Choosing an informational text topic that is too broad or too narrow.

Narrow

Golden retrievers with wounded legs

from dog shelters in the city of Boston

Broad

Dogs

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Make a list of topics that you would like writing about.

2 Ask, “Which topics are really interesting?” or “What do I want to know more about?”

3 Pick the choice you are most excited about.

1

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

Topics I like:

• Native Americans

• Planets

• Famous Authors

Make a list of topics that you would like writing about.1

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

• How did Pocahontas feel about Jamestown?

• What kinds of material make up the planets?

• When did Dr. Seuss start publishing his writing?

2 Ask, “What do I want to know more about?”

Topics I like:

• Native Americans

• Planets

• Famous authors

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

3 Pick the choice you are most excited about.

Topics I like:

• Native Americans

• Planets

• Famous authors

Let’s ReviewCore Lesson

1

2

3 Pick the choice you are most excited about.

Make a list of topics that you would like writing about.

Ask, “Which topics are really interesting?” or “What do I want to know more about?”

In this lesson you have learned how to choose a writing topic for an informational text by asking questions about your

interests.

Let’s ReviewGuided Practice

Practice listing non-fiction topics on your own and go through the steps to decide which one would be the best for an informational text.

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

Look over the topics below and decide if they are broad, narrow, or just right.

•Mammals that live in water• The favorite fruit and vegetable of the Powhatan tribe in Virginia• Cats• North America• Jackie Robinson’s baseball career• How many baby turtles hatched in Hawaii last week

Let’s ReviewExtension Activities

1. Partner up with one person as the teacher and one as the student. Take turns re-teaching the steps and choosing a topic.

2. Then, compare your choices and see if you were both successful teachers.

Let’s ReviewQuick Quiz

Choose three non-fiction topics on your own and go through the steps to decide which one would be the best for an informational text.