revise a explainer essay

Split the content into 2 distinct documents: the context memo and the explainer itself.

And then for your explainer piece, make sure it has a separate standalone title and add opening hook to grab the reader’s attention. What is the central question that you wish to explore in the piece? Make sure that is clear to the reader.

Make the explainer part in this format.

Paragraph 1: Introduce your topic and your main focus (if an explainer piece, what your primary question is–if an op/ed, your main argument, etc). Also feel free to comment on what piqued your interest in the topic–was it linked to your earlier projects in the course, or is there another aspect that interested you?

Paragraph 2: After reading a series of published pieces in your genre (both in class and in your own research) what are some core features that you observe? (Be specific here.)

Paragraph 3: Who is your target public audience? Indicate specific publication or website. How would you describe that audience (based on what you learn from the publication’s own mission statement in addition to your reading of its content). Offer some details from other explainer pieces this publication has published that seem to characterize its style, tone, approach, etc.

Paragraph 4: What choices did you make in the presentation of your own piece to fit with your target public audience? Be specific.

Paragraph 5 (Optional): Any other insights about the genre that you gleaned from this assignment?