Expository Writing Terms Word Search, Scramble and Crossword Puzzle

I made this expository writing puzzle set for my Grade 4 students during our writing unit. The kids could tell you facts about a topic but had no idea how to organize them into an essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like explain, inform, describe, define, classify, sequence, cause, effect, compare, contrast, factual, objective, topic, supporting, and conclusion. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the expository terms finally stick.

The PDFs are six pages. Three puzzles, each with its own answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether expository writing can include opinions. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple lightbulb and notebook drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for Grades 4–5. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write a topic sentence for an essay about dogs on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.