There are many different types of writing. Most writing, including narrative fiction and nonfiction, persuasive writing, and expository writing, includes some basic elements:

• engage the reader;


• define any unfamiliar terms;


• let the reader know the topic and structure of the writing to come.

• introduces the topic in an interesting, engaging way — "bizarre-looking creature" and "miniature armored alien"


• defines the nine-banded armadillo — a mammal that is the official state small mammal of Texas


• previews the content and structure — "fascinating" information about the armadillo.

• paragraphs that develop the key ideas;


• specific and relevant facts, details, and examples;


• transitions between ideas and paragraphs to guide the reader's understanding and connect the ideas in a meaningful way.

• develops four key ideas that are all "fascinating facts" about armadillos; —
  
  
  • recent immigrants to Texas;
  • insectivores with armor to protect them from brush and predators;
  • have built-in "life preservers";
  • give birth to quadruplet clones.


• provides details and facts to develop the four key ideas;


• includes transitions between the ideas in the paragraphs to connect them together and guide the reader's understanding —
  
  
  • example: Paragraph 2 discusses how the armadillo is protected by its armor. Paragraph 3 discusses how the armor makes the armadillo sink in water, so it uses its built-in life-preserver to float. The sentence at the beginning of Paragraph 3 connects the ideas in these two paragraphs: "While the armadillo's armor can be helpful, it can also be a hindrance."

• stays on topic;


• briefly summarizes some key ideas;


• gives a sense of closure and completeness.

• stays on topic, without introducing any new key ideas;


• briefly summarizes some key ideas — They are not originally from Texas; they eat ants, termites, and other pesky insects; they are adaptable survivors with a unique appearance and behaviors.


• gives a sense of closure and completeness — by bringing the topic back to the armadillo's connection to Texas; the alien appearance of the armadillo ("Xenarthan alien"); and the overall topic encapsulated in the title, "The Amazing Armadillo."