Informational Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Before writing, a good author creates a plan to organize ideas.
Creating a plan before writing helps an author organize ideas so the paragraph flows smoothly from start to finish.
2. A graphic organizer such as a web or chart helps a writer sort facts before drafting.
A graphic organizer like a web or chart gives a writer a visual way to sort and group facts before turning them into sentences.
3. During revision, a writer checks that every sentence connects to the main idea.
During revision, every sentence should connect to the main idea; any sentence that drifts off topic needs to be removed or rewritten.
4. Editing focuses on fixing spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Editing is the final cleanup step where a writer fixes small mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation so the writing looks polished.
5. Reading a paragraph aloud helps a writer hear awkward or unclear sentences.
Reading aloud lets a writer hear how the paragraph sounds, making it easier to catch awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.
6. A writer should remove off-topic sentences during the revision step.
Off-topic sentences distract the reader from the main idea, so removing them during revision keeps the paragraph focused and clear.
7. The first version of a piece of writing is called the rough draft .
The rough draft is the first version of a piece of writing, where the goal is to get ideas down on paper before improving them later.
8. Adding transition words during revision improves the flow of the paragraph.
Transition words like "next" and "also" improve the flow of a paragraph by connecting one idea smoothly to the next.
9. A peer reviewer can give helpful feedback about ways to improve the writing.
A peer reviewer reads the writing with fresh eyes and can give helpful feedback about parts that are unclear or need stronger details.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each writing step to what the writer does.
Planning
→ Gathers facts and organizes ideas
Fixes spelling and punctuation mistakes
Drafting
→ Writes the first version of the paragraph
Writes the first version of the paragraph
Revising
→ Improves ideas, order, and word choice
Improves ideas, order, and word choice
Editing
→ Fixes spelling and punctuation mistakes
Gathers facts and organizes ideas
Correct matches: Planning → Gathers facts and organizes ideas; Drafting → Writes the first version of the paragraph; Revising → Improves ideas, order, and word choice; Editing → Fixes spelling and punctuation mistakes.