Narrative, informational and opinion pieces

Three kinds of writing, three purposes

In grades 3 to 5, you write three main kinds of pieces. Each has a different purpose:

Before you write, ask: What is my purpose? and Who is my audience? Your audience (classmates, a teacher, a younger child, the principal) affects your word choice and tone.

Part 1: Narrative writing

A narrative tells a story. It can be a personal narrative (true, about you) or fiction (imagined).

Elements of a narrative

• Characters with feelings and goals
• Setting: where and when
• Plot: the sequence of events
• Beginning: introduce characters, setting and the problem
• Rising action: events that build tension
• Climax: the most exciting or important moment
• Falling action and resolution: how the problem is solved
• Point of view: first person (I) or third person (he, she, they)

Techniques that make narratives strong

• Dialogue to show what characters think and feel
• Descriptive details using the five senses
• Show, don’t tell: Her hands trembled instead of She was nervous
• Transitions for time: meanwhile, later that night, suddenly, the next morning
• A satisfying ending that shows how the character changed or what they learned

Mini example

The moment I stepped onto the diving board, my legs turned to jelly. Below, the water glittered like broken glass. “You can do it, Ana!” Dad called. I took a deep breath, counted to three and jumped. The cold rushed over me, and when I came up, everyone was cheering. I had finally conquered the high dive.

Part 2: Informational writing

An informational text teaches the reader about a topic.

Elements

• Introduction that hooks the reader and names the topic
• Body organized into sections, often with headings
• Facts, definitions, details and examples
• Domain-specific vocabulary (special words for the topic), explained clearly
• Text features such as headings, diagrams, captions and bold words
• Conclusion that sums up the topic

Techniques

• Group related information together.
• Use transitions: for example, in addition, also, another, however.
• Use precise words: migrate instead of move.
• Write in third person and keep your opinions out.
• Use reliable sources and put facts in your own words.

Mini example

Monarch butterflies are famous for their long journey. Each fall, millions of monarchs migrate up to 4,800 kilometres from Canada and the United States to the mountains of central Mexico. They travel south to escape the cold, which they cannot survive. In spring, their great-grandchildren make the trip back north.

Part 3: Opinion writing

An opinion piece states a point of view and tries to convince the reader.

Elements

• Introduction with a clear opinion statement (claim)
• Reasons that support the opinion (usually two or three)
• Evidence for each reason: facts, examples, statistics, expert quotes
• Counterargument (in grades 4 and 5): acknowledge the other side and respond to it
• Conclusion that restates the opinion and calls the reader to action

Linking words

because, therefore, since, for example, in addition, consequently, as a result, specifically

Mini example

Our school should start a vegetable garden. First, a garden would teach students where food comes from; we could see seeds grow into carrots and beans. Second, gardening gets students outside and active. Some people worry that a garden would take too much time to care for. However, each class could take turns, so the work would be shared. A school garden would be a valuable, healthy addition to our community.

Comparing the three types

Choosing a structure

1. Read the prompt carefully. Words like tell about a time signal narrative; explain signals informational; convince or do you agree signal opinion.
2. Plan with the right organizer: a story map, a topic web or a reasons chart.
3. Draft, revise and edit.

Common mistakes

• Mixing types, such as adding “I think” in an informational report.
• Narratives with no problem, which feel flat.
• Opinion pieces with weak reasons, like “because it’s fun,” without evidence.
• Informational writing copied from a source. Always paraphrase and give credit.
• Ignoring the audience. Writing for a kindergartener is different from writing for a principal.

Try it yourself

Name the type of writing each prompt asks for:

1. Explain how a bill becomes a law.
2. Should students have homework on weekends? Convince your reader.
3. Write about a time you overcame a fear.
4. Write a topic sentence for an informational piece about the moon.
5. Write one reason and one piece of evidence for the opinion: Every student should learn to swim.

Answers: 1. Informational. 2. Opinion. 3. Narrative. 4. Example: The moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. 5. Example: Reason: swimming is a safety skill. Evidence: drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children.

Study tip

Keep a “purpose check” sticky note: Am I entertaining, informing or persuading? Who is my audience? Look at it before and after drafting.

Quick recap

• Narratives entertain; informational texts inform; opinion pieces persuade.
• Know your purpose and audience before writing.
• Narratives need characters, setting, plot and details.
• Informational texts need organized facts and precise vocabulary.
• Opinion pieces need a clear claim, reasons, evidence and a conclusion.