What you'll learn
Not all transactional writing argues a case. Some tasks ask you to inform (give clear, accurate information), explain (help readers understand how or why something happens) or review (evaluate something such as a book, film, event or place). This guide shows you how these purposes differ from argument and persuasion, how to organise information logically, how to use an engaging but authoritative voice, how to give evaluative judgements in reviews, and how to keep readers interested in informative writing. Model passages were written for this guide.
These purposes appear in Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2 Section B tasks — for example, "Write a guide for new students explaining how to settle in at secondary school" or "Write a review of a local attraction for a travel website". They reward clarity, organisation and an engaging voice.
Key terms and definitions
Writing to inform — Giving readers facts and information clearly and accurately.
Writing to explain — Helping readers understand processes, reasons or causes.
Writing to review — Describing and evaluating something, giving a judgement.
Objectivity — Presenting information fairly, without strong personal bias.
Subjectivity — Expressing personal opinions and feelings, as in reviews.
Sequencing — Organising information in a logical order.
Subheadings — Headings that divide a text into sections.
Evaluative language — Words that express judgement: "outstanding", "disappointing", "well worth".
Recommendation — Advice to readers about whether to try, buy or visit something.
Core concepts
Informing
Informative writing needs to be clear, accurate and well organised. Readers want to find information easily. Techniques include:
- logical sequencing — chronological order, or grouping information by topic;
- subheadings in articles and guides;
- facts, figures and examples;
- precise, unambiguous language;
- a reader-friendly tone suited to the audience.
Even informative writing can be engaging: a lively opening, interesting examples and a confident voice keep readers interested.
Explaining
Explaining goes further than informing: it shows how or why. Useful features:
- cause-and-effect connectives: because, therefore, as a result, consequently, this means that;
- step-by-step sequencing for processes;
- examples and analogies to make complex ideas clear: "Your brain during exam stress is like a phone with too many apps open — it slows down.";
- anticipating questions the reader might have.
Reviewing
Reviews combine description and evaluation:
- Introduce what is being reviewed, with context (where, when, what kind of experience).
- Describe key features vividly so readers can imagine them.
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses using evaluative language and reasons.
- Give a balanced judgement — even enthusiastic reviews often note a drawback.
- Recommend — who would enjoy it, and is it worth the time or money?
Reviews are subjective but should be justified: every opinion needs a reason.
Choosing the right voice
The audience and form shape voice:
- A guide for younger students — friendly, reassuring, direct address.
- A leaflet for parents — clear, informative, respectful.
- A review for a website — lively, confident, vivid description.
- A report for a head teacher — formal, objective, organised by findings and recommendations.
Organising the writing
A useful structure for informative or explanatory writing:
- Introduction — establish the topic and why it matters to the reader.
- Sections — each covering one aspect, perhaps with subheadings.
- Conclusion — summarise key points or give final advice.
For reviews:
- Hook and context.
- Description and evaluation of key features, one per paragraph.
- Overall verdict and recommendation.
Keeping it engaging
- Open with a hook: a question, a surprising fact, a vivid scene.
- Use direct address to involve readers.
- Include anecdotes or examples.
- Vary sentence length and structure.
- End with a memorable final line or practical advice.
Worked examples
All passages were written for this guide.
Example 1: An explanatory guide opening
Task: Write a guide for new Year 7 students explaining how to settle in at secondary school.
Surviving Your First Week: A Guide for New Starters
Starting secondary school can feel like arriving in a new country without a map. The corridors are longer, the timetable looks like a puzzle, and everyone else seems to know where they're going. The good news? By October, you will too. Here's how to make the first few weeks easier.
Get organised the night before
Check your timetable and pack your bag before bed. It sounds simple, but it means you won't be the one searching for a PE kit at 8 a.m. — and that alone will make mornings far calmer.
Features: a clear headline, an analogy ("a new country without a map"), reassurance, subheadings, direct address and cause-and-effect explanation.
Example 2: A review extract
Task: Review a local attraction for a travel website.
The new science centre on the waterfront is, quite simply, the best rainy-day trip in the city. The highlight is the planetarium, where reclining seats and a dome full of stars make you forget you're under a roof at all. The café, sadly, is less impressive: the sandwiches tasted like they had been made for yesterday's visitors. Still, at under ten pounds for a child's ticket, it's excellent value. Families with children aged six to twelve will love it; bring a packed lunch.
Features: a clear opening verdict, vivid description, evaluative language, a balanced criticism with humour, a reason-based judgement and a specific recommendation.
Example 3: Explaining a process
When you recycle a plastic bottle, it doesn't simply become a new bottle overnight. First, it is sorted by type at a recycling centre. Then it is washed, shredded into flakes and melted. As a result, the plastic can be formed into new products — from fleece jackets to garden furniture.
Features: sequencing ("First", "Then"), cause-and-effect ("As a result") and examples.
Example 4: A complete model review
Task: "Write a review of a place you have visited for a website aimed at families."
Model response written for this guide:
Harbour Point Aquarium: A Splash Hit (Mostly)
If your children think fish are boring, Harbour Point Aquarium will change their minds within ten minutes. We visited on a wet Saturday in October, expecting a quick hour indoors, and left four hours later with two exhausted, delighted children and a fridge magnet shaped like an octopus.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Ocean Tunnel, a curved glass walkway that runs beneath the main tank. Sharks drift overhead close enough to count their teeth, and a ray the size of a dining table glided past my daughter so slowly that she forgot to breathe. Staff are stationed throughout the tunnel to answer questions, and they managed the endless "Why?" of a six-year-old with impressive patience.
The rock-pool area is another winner. Children can touch starfish and anemones under supervision, and the low tanks mean even toddlers can join in. My son, who refuses to touch anything slimy at home, spent twenty minutes there.
Not everything shines. The café is small and was crowded by midday, and the prices — nearly five pounds for a slice of cake — felt steep. The gift shop is positioned so that you cannot leave without walking through it, which parents of young children will either find amusing or exhausting.
At around forty pounds for a family ticket, Harbour Point is not cheap, but it is good value for a full day out, especially in bad weather. Families with children aged three to ten will get the most from it. Bring a packed lunch, arrive early, and leave plenty of time for the tunnel.
Rating: four stars out of five.
Why it works: a hooky title with a pun; context (when and with whom); vivid description of highlights with sensory and humorous detail; balanced criticism; a clear verdict with reasons; a specific recommendation for a defined audience; and a rating that suits the form.
A checklist for informative and explanatory pieces
- Does the opening make clear what the piece is about and why it matters to the reader?
- Is information grouped logically, with subheadings if the form allows?
- Are explanations supported by examples or analogies?
- Are cause-and-effect links signposted ("as a result", "this means that")?
- Is the voice appropriate — reassuring, friendly, authoritative?
- Does the ending give practical advice or a memorable summary?
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Turning an informative task into a rant — check the purpose.
- Disorganised information without logical order.
- Reviews with opinions but no reasons.
- Flat, list-like writing — add a hook, examples and voice.
- Forgetting the audience, for example using complex vocabulary in a guide for young children.
- No recommendation at the end of a review.
Example 5: A complete informative guide
Task: "Write a guide for parents explaining how they can help their children manage exam stress."
Model response written for this guide:
Helping Your Child Through Exam Season
Exams can be stressful for the whole family. The good news is that small, practical steps at home can make a real difference to how your child copes.
Keep routines steady
Regular sleep, meals and breaks help young people concentrate. Encourage your child to stop revising at a sensible time in the evening; tired brains remember less, so late-night cramming often does more harm than good.
Help them plan
A simple revision timetable, broken into short sessions with breaks, makes a large task feel manageable. Ask your child to show you their plan — not to check up on them, but so you can support it.
Listen more than you advise
When your child is worried, they may simply want to be heard. Try asking open questions such as "What's the hardest part at the moment?" rather than offering solutions straight away.
Watch for warning signs
Changes in sleep, appetite or mood can indicate that stress is becoming overwhelming. If you are concerned, speak to your child's form tutor or the school's pastoral team, who are there to help.
Remember the bigger picture
Exams matter, but they are not the only measure of your child's worth. Reminding them that you are proud of their effort, whatever the results, can be the most powerful support of all.
Why it works: a clear title and reassuring opening; subheadings that each introduce a practical piece of advice; explanation of why each step helps ("tired brains remember less"); an appropriate, supportive register for parents; and a warm conclusion.
Choosing details for informative writing
Good informative writing selects relevant, specific details and leaves out the rest. Ask of each point: Will my reader find this useful? A guide for new students needs practical tips on finding classrooms, not the history of the school building.
Exam technique for "Writing to Inform, Explain or Review"
- Identify whether the purpose is to inform, explain or review.
- Organise logically, using subheadings where the form allows.
- Use cause-and-effect language for explanation.
- In reviews, describe and evaluate, then recommend.
- Keep the voice engaging and suited to the audience.
Quick revision summary
- Inform — clear, accurate, organised facts.
- Explain — how and why, with cause-and-effect connectives, sequencing and analogies.
- Review — describe, evaluate with reasons, balance, recommend.
- Choose voice and register to suit audience and form.
- Use hooks, examples and direct address to engage readers.