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Mr. A's Writing Tools
writingtools.org
Writing Assignment
The Water Cycle
Standard: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly, including introducing a topic clearly, grouping related information in paragraphs and sections, developing with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, using linking words and phrases, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary, and providing a concluding statement or section.
What to Do
Assignment OverviewYou'll read about the water cycle and write an informative essay explaining how it works. Use facts and details from the passage to teach your reader about the four steps and why they matter. How the Water Cycle Works
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The water cycle is the process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the sky and back again. This cycle has been going on for billions of years, and it is the reason we have fresh water to drink, rain to grow our food, and rivers and lakes to enjoy. The water cycle has four main steps: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
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The cycle begins with evaporation. When the sun heats up water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, some of that water turns into water vapor, which is an invisible gas. The water vapor rises into the air. This is the same thing that happens when you see steam coming off a hot pot of water on the stove.
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Next comes condensation. As the water vapor rises high into the sky, it cools down. When it gets cold enough, the vapor turns back into tiny water droplets. These tiny droplets come together and form clouds. The more droplets that gather, the bigger and darker the clouds become.
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When the clouds get heavy enough, the water falls back to Earth as precipitation. Precipitation can be rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on the temperature. This water lands on the ground, in rivers, in lakes, and in the ocean. The water that lands on the ground soaks into the soil or flows into streams and rivers. Eventually, it makes its way back to the ocean, and the whole cycle starts all over again. This last step is called collection. Vocabulary Bank
Writing Steps
1
Understand the Topic
Show that you understand the topic:
- What is this topic about? - What are 2-3 important facts you learned from the passage? You can use bullet points, short phrases, or sentences — whatever helps you think! Water is always moving! It travels from the ground to the sky and back again in a never-ending journey called the water cycle. Read the passage below to learn about the four main steps of the water cycle and why this process is so important for life on Earth. Then you will write an informative essay to explain what you learned.
Before you write, make sure you understand the topic and what you read. Note: This step helps you think. It will not be part of your final essay.
Scoring Guidance — Step 1
Look for:
Main Idea Detail / Evidence 1 Detail / Evidence 2 Detail / Evidence 3
2
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Write your introduction paragraph (3-5 sentences):
- Introduce the topic to your reader - Tell the reader what they will learn about - Give a little hint about the facts you will share Try starting with: "Did you know..." or "[Topic] is..." or "Have you ever wondered..." Now write your introduction paragraph.
A good informative introduction: - Introduces the topic clearly so the reader knows what this is about - States a central idea (what will the reader learn?) - Gives a little preview of the information to come Remember: You are explaining, not giving your opinion. Tell the reader what they will learn!
Scoring Guidance — Step 2
Role: introduction
Target: ~45 words
Look for:
What is the main thing you want to explain?
What will readers learn from your writing?
Try: '[Topic] is interesting because...
Sentence Starters
This essay is about ___.
The main idea is that ___.
In this essay, I will explain ___.
Target: about 45 words
3
Paragraph 2: Body
Write your body paragraph (4-6 sentences) that includes:
- 2-3 facts from the passage - At least one detail, definition, or example that helps explain - A sentence telling why this information is interesting or important Use linking words like: another, for example, also, because, in addition. Now write your body paragraph — this is where you share the important facts and details!
A good body paragraph includes: 1. Facts — 2-3 important facts from the passage 2. Details — definitions, examples, or interesting details that help explain the facts 3. Explanation — tell the reader what the facts mean or why they matter
Scoring Guidance — Step 3
Role: body paragraph
Target: ~60 words
Look for:
What important facts did you learn from the passage?
Can you give an example or detail that helps explain?
Why is this information interesting or important?
Try: 'For example...' or 'Another important fact is...
Sentence Starters
One important fact about ___ is that ___.
Another key detail is ___, which shows ___.
Target: about 60 words
4
Paragraph 3: Conclusion
Write your conclusion paragraph (2-3 sentences):
- Restate your central idea in a new way - Remind the reader of the most important facts - Add a closing thought about why this topic is interesting Now write your conclusion paragraph to wrap up your informative essay.
A good conclusion: - Restates the central idea (say it in a new way) - Reminds the reader what they learned - May add why this information is interesting or important
Scoring Guidance — Step 4
Role: conclusion
Target: ~30 words
Look for:
What was the main thing you explained?
What is the most important thing readers should remember?
Try: 'As you can see...' or 'Now you know...
Sentence Starters
In summary, ___.
Overall, ___.
To sum up, ___ because ___.
Target: about 30 words
5
Make It Even Better
Review your 3-paragraph essay below and make it better:
- Clarity: Is everything easy to understand? - Linking words: Are your ideas connected? (another, for example, also, because) - Precise words: Did you use specific words instead of vague ones? - Tone: Are you explaining, not arguing? Edit the essay as needed, then submit your final version. Great work! You've written all three paragraphs of your informative essay.
Now revise and refine your essay to make it even better. Your essay below includes: - Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Your topic and central idea - Paragraph 2 (Body): Your facts, details, and explanation - Paragraph 3 (Conclusion): Your summary and closing thought Revision goals: - Make sentences clear and easy to understand - Add linking words (another, for example, also, because, in addition) - Use specific words from the passage (not just "it" or "stuff") - Make sure you are explaining, not giving your opinion - Fix any spelling or grammar mistakes
Scoring Guidance — Step 5
Target: ~135 words
Look for:
Are your ideas connected with linking words?
Can you use more specific words from the passage?
Try words like: another, for example, also, because, in addition
Sentence Starters
This essay is about ___.
For example, ___.
This is important because ___.
In summary, ___.
Target: about 135 words
Self-Check Rubric
Before You Turn InI completed the planning step
I wrote my introduction
My introduction is about 45 words
I wrote my body paragraph
My body paragraph is about 60 words
I wrote my conclusion
My conclusion is about 30 words
I completed Step 5: Make It Even Better
My make it even better is about 135 words
I re-read my writing and fixed any spelling or grammar mistakes
I am proud of this work
ReflectionWhat was the hardest part of this assignment? What would you do differently next time? Want the AI-coached version of this assignment?
Get step-by-step AI feedback on student writing — free for teachers at writingtools.org. Same assignment, with grade-level rubric scoring, revision coaching, and printable reports.
writingtools.org/printables/inform4_water_cycle_v1
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