All About Clarification Writing

There's no pixie dust required -- clarification writing is easy to master!

What is clarification writing?

The purpose of clarification writing is to explain. The writer informs an audience of a subject and clarifies it.  In the clarification mode, you must write as if your audience knows very little to nothing about your subject. 

What elements do "4" clarification papers possess?

• The author focuses on their topic consistently and does not go off prompt.

• The author gives two to three reasons to support why they chose their topic.

• Each reason has quality and plentiful elaboration (elaborating details can be experiences, emotions, events).

• The essay has a "flow" to it -- it has a strategy that moves the paper toward the conclusion.

What is the basic layout of a clarification paper?

*The layout of a POV Paper is the same as a clarification Paper!*

Paragraph # 1 - The INTRODUCTION. Writer states their topic and two to three reasons to support the topic briefly. Sometimes a "hook" sentence is used to grab the readers interest. (This paragraph is usually 4 - 5 sentences long.)

Paragraph #2 - The FIRST REASON. Transition word is used to introduce the first reason - Initially, To begin with, For starters, First of all. The writer states their first reason and then supports it with 4-5 details. (This paragraph is usually 6-7 sentences long.)

Paragraph #3 - The SECOND REASON. Transition word is used to introduce the second reason - In addition, Secondly, Furthermore, To continue. The writer states their second reason and then supports it with 4-5 details. (This paragraph is usually 6-7 sentences long.)

Paragraph #4 - The THIRD REASON. Transition word is used to introduce the third reason - Last but not least, Finally, Most importantly, Lastly. The writer states their second reason and then supports it with 4-5 details. (This paragraph is usually 6-7 sentence long.)

Paragraph #5 - The CONCLUSION. Transition word is used to introduce the conclusion - In conclusion, Obviously, All things considered, Unquestionably, To summarize. The writer restates their topic and two to three reasons a little differently than they did in the first paragraph. Although very similar, good writers write the topic and reasons with a different twist than in the introduction.

• In clarification writing, your conclusion and introduction should be solid. See them as two bookends, supporting the body (the reasons) of your paper.

What is an example of a clarification prompt?

There are four seasons - fall, winter, spring, and summer. Choose your favorite season and explain why it is your favorite.