Two Questions to Guide You

Remember that when we write, we must make sure we explain enough so that our audience can understand. No one knows what you are thinking or what you mean unless you make it clear with your own words. Here’s a simple way to help you do just that.

As you write, ask yourself at least these two main questions: How and Why?

If you want an important idea to be clear for your readers, you need to include enough information and detail to show how something happens and why it happens.

• Sally was certain that Suki and Lara were planning a surprise party.

This is nice, but how does Sally know this (or think she knows this)? What clues does she have? Maybe she heard them whispering or saw Suki with a giant birthday card or remembered Lara asking Sally her favorite type of cake. You need to explain more to make clear how Sally knows this about her friends’ plan.

• Rishi hoped Joey wasn’t going to be on the soccer team this season.

Why? There must be a specific reason (or more) for Rishi to not want to play soccer with Joey. Maybe Joey is not a skilled player or maybe Joey is so good he makes everyone else feel lousy. Maybe Joey made fun of Rishi at school. You need to explain why Rishi feels this way about Joey.

Use the questions HOW and WHY to prompt and direct you to immediately know what you need to explain, describe, discuss, emphasize, demonstrate, or prove. This is a helpful SpiderSmart hint to help your writing process!