Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples
What is informative writing.
Informative writing educates the reader about a certain topic. An informative essay may explain new information, describe a process, or clarify a concept. The provided information is objective, meaning the writing focuses on presentation of fact and should not contain personal opinion or bias.
Informative writing includes description, process, cause and effect, comparison, and problems and possible solutions:
Describes a person, place, thing, or event using descriptive language that appeals to readers’ senses
Explains the process to do something or how something was created
Discusses the relationship between two things, determining how one ( cause ) leads to the other ( effect ); the effect needs to be based on fact and not an assumption
Identifies the similarities and differences between two things; does not indicate that one is better than the other
Details a problem and presents various possible solutions ; the writer does not suggest one solution is more effective than the others
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Purpose of informative writing
The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer’s motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic’s intricacies.
Informative essays may introduce readers to new information .
Summarizing a scientific/technological study
Outlining the various aspects of a religion
Providing information on a historical period
Describe a process or give step-by-step details of a procedure.
How to write an informational essay
How to construct an argument
How to apply for a job
Clarify a concept and offer details about complex ideas.
![Purpose of informative essays Purpose of informative essays](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-informative-essay-purpose.jpg)
Explain why or how something works the way that it does.
Describe how the stock market impacts the economy
Illustrate why there are high and low tides
Detail how the heart functions
Offer information on the smaller aspects or intricacies of a larger topic.
Identify the importance of the individual bones in the body
Outlining the Dust Bowl in the context of the Great Depression
Explaining how bees impact the environment
How to write an informative essay
Regardless of the type of information, the informative essay structure typically consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Introduction
Background information
Explanation of evidence
Restated thesis
Review of main ideas
Closing statement
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Informative essay introduction
When composing the introductory paragraph(s) of an informative paper, include a hook, introduce the topic, provide background information, and develop a good thesis statement.
If the hook or introduction creates interest in the first paragraph, it will draw the readers’ attention and make them more receptive to the essay writer's ideas. Some of the most common techniques to accomplish this include the following:
Emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or by indicating that the subject is influential.
Use pertinent statistics to give the paper an air of authority.
A surprising statement can be shocking; sometimes it is disgusting; sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.
An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the informative essay topic and focus on what is to follow.
![Informative essay hooks Informative essay hooks](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-informative-essay-intro-hook.jpg)
Directly introduce the topic of the essay.
Provide the reader with the background information necessary to understand the topic. Don’t repeat this information in the body of the essay; it should help the reader understand what follows.
Identify the overall purpose of the essay with the thesis (purpose statement). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.
Informative essay body paragraphs
Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, and a transition sentence.
![Informative essay body paragraphs Informative essay body paragraphs](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-informative-essay-body.jpg)
A good topic sentence should identify what information the reader should expect in the paragraph and how it connects to the main purpose identified in the thesis.
Provide evidence that details the main point of the paragraph. This includes paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements.
Explain how the evidence connects to the main purpose of the essay.
Place transitions at the end of each body paragraph, except the last. There is no need to transition from the last support to the conclusion. A transition should accomplish three goals:
Tell the reader where you were (current support)
Tell the reader where you are going (next support)
Relate the paper’s purpose
Informative essay conclusion
Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.
Rephrase the purpose of the essay. Do not just repeat the purpose statement from the thesis.
Summarize the main idea found in each body paragraph by rephrasing each topic sentence.
End with a clincher or closing statement that helps readers answer the question “so what?” What should the reader take away from the information provided in the essay? Why should they care about the topic?
Informative essay example
The following example illustrates a good informative essay format:
![Informative essay format Informative essay format](https://static.tutors.com/assets/images/content/tutors-informative-essay-example-1.jpg)
Informative Essay
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What is an Informative Essay and How to Write One?
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Published on: Aug 11, 2021
Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024
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Good Informative Essay Topics for All Academic Levels
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Have you been assigned an informative essay but don’t know where to start? This guide has got you covered!
An informative essay is a common assignment for school or college students. The goal is to provide detailed information to the readers about the specific topic.
Read on to find simple step-by-step instructions for writing an interesting and engaging informative essay. You’ll also get to read helpful examples and tips you can follow to make your essay even better!
Let’s dive in!
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Informative Essay Definition
The informative essay can be simply defined as,
"A form of essay writing that aims to educate and inform the reader about a specific topic."
Informative essays can cover a variety of topics. It could be written about a particular thing, event, or natural phenomenon, etc.
This type of essay highlights the objective facts and evidence without reflecting the writer's subjective point-of-view about the topic.
What is the Purpose of an Informative Essay?
An informative essay presents objective and verifiable information about a topic. It relies on factual evidence and reliable sources.
The main goal of writing an informative essay is to;
- Inform the reader about something.
- Explain a particular subject.
- Transmit verified knowledge clearly and concisely.
Types of Informative Essay
There are several types of informative essays, and each type has its own purpose and style. Here are some of the informative essay types that you need to know.
- Descriptive Essay
A descriptive essay is an essay that describes something about an event, person, place, or idea in detail. The descriptive essay aims to provide enough information to the readers to visualize or imagine the matter described.
Want to know more about descriptive essays? Check out this descriptive essay writing blog to learn more.
- Cause and Effect Essay
The cause and effect essay describes the cause of an event or idea and then explains its effects on todayâs world and people. Also, this type of essay is a common form of organization in academic writing.
However, the cause-and-effect essay requires strong research skills. Without them, your essay will not become a successful piece of writing.
- Compare and Contrast Essay
In a compare and contrast essay, the writer discusses the similarities and differences between two or more things. This type of essay also requires strong critical thinking skills.
Therefore, when you start writing the compare and contrast essay , you should identify and analyze the subject from all angles and characteristics.
- Process Essay
The process essay is also known as the "How-To" essay. This essay provides information about how a process occurs or about the process of doing something.
- Problem-Solution Essay
A problem-solution essay is another common type of informative essay in which you describe a problem and then propose its solution. Its main purpose is to educate the readers on the problem and its significance.
Looking for more information? Visit our problem-solution essay guide and learn to write perfect problem solution essays.
- Expository Essay
The expository essay explains, illustrates, or interprets something in a way that becomes easy for the readers. This essay provides a fair analysis of the subject based on facts without the writerâs opinions.
Here is a simple video that explains informative writing:
How to Start an Informative Essay?
Before you can start writing, you have to do some "rewriting." Here are the steps involved in prewriting:
- Brainstorm Ideas
Brainstorming is the first step in writing any type of essay. Here, you brainstorm several topic ideas and generate a list of potential topics.
So think about all the possible ideas that are related to your interest and subject. This will help you choose an interesting topic for your essay.
- Choose a Topic
Choosing the right topic is essential for writing a great essay. A good topic will not only make your writing process easy but also make the research phase interesting.
So choose a topic you can easily write about and support it with facts, evidence, and statistics. In short, the topic should be interesting and easy to research.
- Know Your Target Audience
Your audience determines the style and tone of your essay. Consider who will be reading your essay and what their background, knowledge, and interests might be.
For instance, if you are writing for school children, your language should be simple, easy, and interesting. Meanwhile, writing for a professional audience requires you to use technical terminology and jargon.
So always think about who you are writing for and determine your audience before proceeding.
- Do the Research
You have to do some research to gather information for your essay. Make sure the information that you collect is reliable and accurate.
Use a variety of sources for research, including research articles, books, documentaries, etc. You should also take detailed and organized notes to keep track of the information you find, so you can use it later.
- Create an Outline
An essay outline helps the writer keep their focus strong and narrow. With the help of an outline, you will easily organize your thoughts and ideas.
So create an outline of your essay to lay out a structure.
Don't know how to make an informative essay outline? Donât worry, read on to find out.
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Informative Essay Outline
Crafting a well-structured essay involves planning what points to include and how it all ties together. Creating an outline is the best way to ensure that your work is well-structured.
An informative essay outline is outlined in the following way:
|
Letâs discuss these outline parts in detail.
Introduction
- Start with a captivating hook that grabs the reader's attention. It could be an intriguing fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question.
- State your thesis statement . It is the last part of the introduction that clearly presents the main idea or argument of your essay. It should reflect the informative nature of your essay and guide the reader on what to expect.
- Divide the body of your essay into several paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one specific aspect or subtopic related to your main thesis.
- Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point of that paragraph.
- Analyze and discuss your supporting evidence. They could be examples, facts, or statistics that provide informative content.
Conclusion
- Summarize the main points covered in your essay.
- End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a suggestion for further exploration of the topic.
Here is an example outline template that you can use to write your informative essay outline
Informative Essay Outline Template
Creating an outline is necessary for writing any type of essay. Check out our 10+ essay outline templates and make excellent outlines with ease!
How to Write an Informative Essay?
Once you have done the prewriting, you have got everything you need to start. Following the steps below will help you write a great informative essay.
How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction?
The introduction of an essay sets the tone of the essay and provides an overview of the topic. Here are some key elements you need to include when writing an informative essay introduction:
- Attention-Grabber / Hook:
The hook is the first line of the essay that aims to pique the readersâ interest. This can be:
- An interesting fact,
- A thought-provoking question,
- Or a compelling anecdote related to your topic, etc.
The hook should be related to your topic and should be engaging enough to grab the reader's attention.
Struggling to come up with a good hook? These 200+ hook examples will help you craft an excellent hook!
- Background Information:
After grabbing the readerâs attention, you have to them to your topic. Discuss some background details on the topic to provide context.
Also, discuss the relevance or importance of the subject matter. This helps the reader understand the significance of the information you're about to present. Moreover, use clear and concise language to provide essential and interesting details to make the reader want to continue reading.
- Thesis Statement:
The thesis statement presents the main topic or idea of the essay in a concise and clear way. It provides an overview of what will be covered.
The thesis statement is the last part of the introduction. It should be specific, focused, and encompass the main ideas you'll be discussing in the body of the essay.
How to Write an Informative Essay Body Paragraphs?
The body paragraphs are the major chunk of your essay. They provide all the information about your chosen topic. There should be at least three body paragraphs in your essay, although there can be more depending on your topic.
Here are the key elements of the informative essay body paragraphs:
- Topic Sentence
Begin each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point you will be discussing in that paragraph. It is the first sentence of the paragraph and should be clearly related to the thesis.
- Provide Information and Evidence
In an informative essay, information and evidence should be presented clearly and logically. So present the facts, examples, statistics, or quotations that inform the reader about the topic. This information should come from reliable and credible sources.
- Discuss and Elaborate
After presenting the evidence, explain and discuss them to ensure a thorough understanding of the information. Clarify any complex terms, concepts, or ideas that may require explanation for understanding the topic effectively.
- Use Transitional Phrases:
Use transitional phrases or sentences to connect paragraphs and ideas. This helps maintain a cohesive flow of information throughout the essay.
For instance, transitional words such as "moreover," "furthermore," "on the other hand," or "in addition to" can be used to link ideas logically.
Having a difficult time with smooth transitions? Here’s a list of transition words for essays to help you out!
How to Write an Informative Essay Conclusion?
In an essay conclusion , you wrap up the essay and provide a sense of closure. Writing the informative essay conclusion includes the following steps:
- Summarize the Main Points:
Revisit the main points covered in your essay's body paragraphs and provide a concise summary of the information presented. Do not introduce any new information or arguments in the conclusion.
- Restate your Thesis Statement
Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a slightly different way. This helps remind the reader of the main objective of your essay.
- Provide a Thought-Provoking Statement:
End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement, reflection, or question that leaves a strong impression on the reader. This can help inspire them to continue exploring the topic beyond your essay.
Edit and Proofread the Essay
Once you are done with your first draft, take some time to proofread and revise you essay. Check for grammar and spelling, format, logical coherence, and clarity. Remove any repetitive statements or unnecessary details.
Revising your essay will make it even better and more interesting to read.
Informative Essay Examples
Reading some good examples will make writing an informative essay easier for you. Here are a few short informative essay examples that demonstrate how it looks like. Be sure to read them out.
Informative Essay about Stress
Informative Essay on Diabetes
Informative Essay on Netflix
Informative Essay on Tree in Winter
Informative Essay Topics
A good essay topic is a key to a successful essay. Here are a few ideas that will get you inspired:
- The Benefits of Regular Exercise
- The Importance of Recycling
- The Process of Photosynthesis
- What was the Big Bang?
- The History of the Internet
- How did the Dinosaurs go extinct?
- The Benefits of Meditation
- The Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems
- The Role of Technology in Education
Stuck on choosing your topic? Don’t worry! Check out our list 200 informative essay topics to get inspiration!
To Sum Up,
This guide introduced everything you needed to start writing an informative essay. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently embark on your informative writing journey.
Are you in a race against the deadline and need professional help? Weâve got you covered!
We are a legit essay writing service with professional essay writers. Our team of experts writes high-quality, original, and customized essays tailored to your unique requirements.
Our essay writing service has worked on informative essays and academic papers on various topics, with a high rate of customer satisfaction!
You can also maximize the benefits of our AI writing tool to polish and refine your writing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in an informative essay.
Here are some points that should be included in an informative essay.
- Thesis statement
- Strong evidence
- Examples
What is the main topic of an informative essay?
The main topic of an informative essay is to educate the readers on a specific topic.
Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)
As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.
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Writing an Informative Essay
Informative essays engage readers with new, interesting, and often surprising facts and details about a subject. Informative essays are educational; readers expect to learn something new from them. In fact, much of the reading and writing done in college and the workplace is informative. From textbooks to reports to tutorials like this one, informative writing imparts important and useful information about a topic.
This tutorial refers to the sample informative outline and final essay written by fictional student Paige Turner.
Reasons to Write Informatively
Your purpose for writing and the audience for whom you are writing will impact the depth and breadth of information you provide, but all informative writing aims to present a subject without opinions or bias. Some common reasons to write informatively are to
- report findings that an audience would find interesting,
- present facts that an audience would find useful, and
- communicate information about a person, place, event, issue, or change that would improve an audience’s understanding.
Characteristics of Informative Essays
Informative essays present factual information and do not attempt to sway readers’ opinions about it. Other types of academic and workplace writing do try to influence readers’ opinions:
- Expository essays aim to expose a truth about an issue in order to influence how readers view the issue.
- Persuasive essays aim to influence readers’ opinions, so they will adopt a particular position or take a certain course of action.
Expository and persuasive essays make “arguments.” The only argument an informative essay makes is that something exists, did exist, is happening, or has happened, and the point of the essay is not to convince readers of this but to tell them about it.
- Informative essays seek to enlighten and educate readers, so they can make their own educated opinions and decisions about what to think and how to act.
Strategies for Writing Informatively
Informative essays provide useful information such as facts, examples, and evidence from research in order to help readers understand a topic or see it more clearly. While informative writing does not aim to appeal emotionally to readers in order to change their opinions or behaviors, informative writing should still be engaging to read. Factual information is not necessarily dry or boring. Sometimes facts can be more alarming than fiction!
Writers use various strategies to engage and educate readers. Some strategies include
- introducing the topic with an alarming fact or arresting image;
- asserting what is true or so about the subject in a clear thesis statement;
- organizing the paragraphs logically by grouping related information;
- unifying each paragraph with a topic sentence and controlling idea;
- developing cohesive paragraphs with transition sentences;
- using precise language and terminology appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience; and
- concluding with a final idea or example that captures the essay’s purpose and leaves a lasting impression.
Five Steps for Getting Started
1. Brainstorm and choose a topic.
- Sample topic : The opioid epidemic in the United States.
- The opiod epidemic or even opiod addiction would would be considered too broad for a single essay, so the next steps aim to narrow this topic down.
2. Next, write a question about the topic that you would like to answer through research.
- Sample question : What major events caused the opioid crisis in the United States?
- This question aims to narrow the topic down to causes of the epidemic in the US.
3. Now go to the Purdue Global Library to find the answers to your research question.
As you begin reading and collecting sources, write down the themes that emerge as common answers. Later, in step four, use the most common answers (or the ones you are most interested in writing and discussing) to construct a thesis statement.
- Sample answers: aggressive marketing, loopholes in prescription drug provider programs, and economic downturn.
4. Next, provide purpose to your paper by creating a thesis statement.
The thesis attempts to frame your research question. The sample thesis below incorporates three of the more common answers for the research question from step two: What caused the opioid crisis in the United States?
- Thesis Statement : Aggressive marketing, loopholes in prescription drug provider programs, and economic downturn contributed to the current opioid crisis in the United States.
- Writing Tip : For additional help with thesis statements, please visit our Writing a Thesis Statement article. For help with writing in 3rd person, see our article on Formal Vs. Informal Writing .
5. Now follow each numbered step in the “Suggested Outline Format and Sample” below.
Sample answers have been provided for “I. Introduction” and “II. First Cause.” A complete sample outline can be seen here. A complete sample informative essay can be seen here.
Suggested Outline Format and Sample
I. INTRODUCTION
A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the main topic: Sample topic sentence : There is a current prescription pain medication addiction and abuse epidemic possibly caused by an excessive over prescription of these medications.
B. Now provide a couple sentences with evidence to support the main topic: Sample sentence one with evidence to support the main topic : According to Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in testimony before the 115th Congress, “In 2016, over 11 million Americans misused prescription opioids … and 2.1 million had an opioid use disorder due to prescription opioids” (Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis, 2017, p. 2).
C. Sample sentence two with evidence to support the main topic : Volkow indicated “more than 300,000 Americans have died of an opioid overdose” since 2013 (Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis, 2017, p.2).
D. Sample sentence three with evidence to support the main topic : According to Perez-Pena (2017), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 25,000 people in the United States died in 2015 from overdosing on opioids Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone.
E. Toward the end of the introduction, include your thesis statement written in the 3rd-person point-of-view: Sample thesis statement : Potential solutions to the growing opioid epidemic may be illuminated by examining how opioid addiction is triggered through aggressive pharmaceutical marketing, how opioid addiction manifests among prescribed patients, and how economic downturns play a role in the increase of opioid addiction.
F. Write down the library sources you can use in this introductory paragraph to help support the main topic.
- Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis, 2017
- Perez-Pena, 2017
- Writing Tip : For more help writing an introduction, please refer to this article on introductions and conclusions .
II. FIRST CAUSE
A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the first cause of the opioid epidemic: Sample topic sentence that introduces the first cause : One issue that helped contribute to the opioid epidemic is aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical manufacturers.
B. Now provide sentences with evidence to support the first cause: Sample sentence one with evidence that supports the first cause : Perez-Pena (2017) concluded that while the healthcare industry was attempting to effectively and efficiently treat patients with chronic pain, pharmaceutical companies were providing funding to prominent doctors, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups in order to win support for a particular drug’s adoption and usage.
C. Sample sentence two with evidence to support the first cause : In fact, pharmaceutical companies continue to spend millions on promotional activities and materials that deny or trivialize any risks of opioid use while at the same time overstating each drug’s benefit (Perez-Pina, 2017).
D. Next, add more information or provide concluding or transitional sentences that foreshadows the upcoming second cause: Sample concluding and transitional sentence that foreshadow the second cause : Although aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies played a large role in opioid addiction, patients are to blame too, as many take advantage of holes in the healthcare provider system in order to remedy their addiction.
E. Write down the library sources you can use in this body paragraph to help support the first cause:
- Writing Tip : For more assistance working with sources, please visit the Using Sources page here.
III. SECOND CAUSE
A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the second cause.
B. Now provide sentences with evidence to support the second cause.
C. Next, add more information or provide concluding or transitional sentences that foreshadows the upcoming third cause.
D. Write down the library sources you can use in this body paragraph to help support the second cause:
- Writing Tip : Listen to Writing Powerful Sentences for information and features of effective writing.
IV. THIRD CAUSE
A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the third cause.
B. Now provide sentences with evidence to support the third cause.
C. Next, add more information or provide a concluding sentence or two.
D. Write down the library sources you can use in this body paragraph to help support the third cause:
V. CONCLUSION: Summary of key points and evidence discussed.
- Writing Tip : For more help writing a conclusion, refer to this podcast on endings .
- Writing Tip : Have a question? Leave a comment below or Purdue Global students, click here to access the Purdue Global Writing Center tutoring platform and available staff.
- Writing Tip : Ready to have someone look at your paper? Purdue Global students, click here to submit your assignment for feedback through our video paper review service.
See a Sample Informative Essay Outline here .
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dang bro i got an A
Having faith with all this mentioned, that i will pass my english class at a college. Thank you for posting.
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ENG 101: The Informative Essay
About the informative essay.
- Developing Questions
- The Thesis Statement
- Reading Scholarly Sources
- Collecting Scholarly Information
- Research Databases
- MLA Resources
Writing Resources
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Write an informative essay that does the following:
- Clearly informs the reader about a topic without presenting your opinion.
- Correctly uses required style (e.g. MLA or APA ) to organize and format the essay, and to create in-text citations and a bibliography.
- Cites research from academically reliable sources from library databases.
- Includes a properly developed introduction and conclusion.
- Is grammatically correct with few errors in spelling or mechanics.
NOTE: For specific requirements (i.e. - formatting style, number of pages, etc.) follow your instructor's guidelines.
Image from page 3 of Myles, R., & Tuang, H. (2014). Grade 2: Informative writing lessons . The Los Angeles Unified School District's Academic English Mastery Program. https://achieve.lausd.net/cms/lib/CA01000043/Centricity/Domain/217/MELD_Informative_CCSS_Lesson_2.pdf
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Greetings! My name is Elizabeth Hartlaub. I have been the Director of Library and Information Services at Gateway since the Summer of 2020.
I have been a librarian for over 15 years with both public and academic library experience. Some professional positions I held prior to coming to Gateway are as follows:
~ Library Operations Manager - UC Blue Ash
~ Branch Manager - Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
I am originally from Cincinnati and attended Xavier University for my undergraduate degree in International Affairs. My career in libraries started when I worked as a Student Assistant at the XU Library!
I was a first generation college student and found that the library provided the academic support and empowerment I needed to succeed in my studies. This doesn't go without saying that I also had an amazing group of family, friends, and other academic support at the university to help me along the way. My advice to any student is that you are not alone as you work through your courses! Engage with your school and personal support system early and often!
A few years after I graduated from XU, I earned a Master's Degree in Library Science at Indiana University - Bloomington.
My favorite part of being a librarian is connecting with students and guiding them through the research and information literacy process. Research is one of my favorite parts of being a librarian and I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love and share that knowledge with others!
In my free time, I love hiking and playing outside with my two children, going to baseball games at Great American Ball Park, and gardening in my small-but-mighty backyard garden.
One fun fact about me is that I started learning French when I was in Kindergarten. I kept with it all the way through to earning a minor at XU. I have visited France three times, including living there for 6 months as a part of a study abroad opportunity. I am really rusty, but I think I can still carry on a conversation if needed.
Contact Elizabeth by...
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859-442-4162
Office Location: UB208 (in the TIE building)
EDGEWOOD CAMPUS
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Before I became a librarian, I was an architect and an historical archaeologist. I renovate homes, and research history and genealogy for fun; I am interested in everything, so bring bring me your research questions and let's learn together! Email, call, or chat if I can help with your information needs.
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Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859-442-4171
Office Location: E105A (within sight of the Info Commons desk at the Student Services Center)
** I'm the librarian closest to the Transportation Technology Center!
BOONE CAMPUS
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Contact Priscilla by...
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859-442-1163
Office Location: Boone Campus (CAM Building) Ground Floor B05
Hello, my name is Priscilla Kapungu I am your Library Specialist based at the Boone Campus.
I have 20 plus years of experience working in a special-public library at the Department of State's Harare Embassy as the Deputy director, for the Information Resource Center.
Before joining Gateway College I worked as a Customer Support Associate at Cengage Learning Group for four plus years.
One thing I enjoy in my line of work - Information Management, Program Evaluation, Interlibrary Linkages, Information Resources Literacy, is patrons and colleagues alike who are incredibly friendly and willing and ready to ask questions.
Fun fact about me is, I strongly believe in the the spirit of Ubuntu - namely “I am because we are…”
URBAN METRO CAMPUS - IC DESK
I have worked at Gateway since 2015, receiving my MLIS from Wayne State University in Michigan, after leaving an internship at Xavier University's library. My primary areas of interest were and are how to best catalog, curate, and organize information to make it easy to learn from and use.
As you might expect, I enjoy reading and researching history for fun.
Please note that the best way to contact me is by email. If you need to meet in person, I will schedule an appointment by email. I try to reply to all emails made during the work week within 24 hours.
Given my role extends beyond traditional library services, I would encourage those who are embedded in my classes to contact me for more general questions, as well as research related ones: If I cannot find an answer for you, I can find someone who can!
Contact Adam by...
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859-442-1122
Office Location: UC - TIE Information Commons desk
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How to Write an Informative Essay: Definition, Structure, Steps & Examples
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An informative essay is a piece of academic writing that provides clear and balanced information about a specific topic. Its main objective is to educate and inform the reader about a subject, rather than to persuade or argue a point of view.
In this article, we will talk about how to write an informative essay and structure it in an organized way. From introduction to conclusion, we will walk you through each step of informational essay format writing. Keep reading and you will find valuable tips from professional essay writing services and informative essay examples along the way.
But before we dig deeper into details, let’s define what an informative essay is.
What Is an Informative Essay: Definition
An informative essay, as the name suggests, is a type of essay intended to enlighten the reader about a particular subject. The primary purpose of an informative essay is to present information in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner. In this type of writing, students shouldn’t express personal opinions or attempt to persuade their audience.
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While informative essays and other academic writing styles may share some structural similarities (e.g., introduction, body, and conclusion), their goals and approaches are distinct.
Unlike other popular forms of academic writing, such as argumentative or persuasive essays , informative essays focus solely on presenting factual information. They do not seek to persuade readers to adopt a particular viewpoint, nor do they provide an analysis, like analytical essays do.
Many students also confuse it with an expository essay . However, unlike expository writing, informational essays do not explore a topic so extensively. Instead, they just offer relevant information.
Informative essay writing deals largely with suggesting well-researched information to expand someone’s knowledge. Teachers assign it to test how well students can educate on a chosen matter without leaving personal biases or emotional appeals. In this sense, an informative essay is more of an educational than a persuasive tool.
Characteristics of Informative Essays
Informative essays have a few peculiar features that set them apart from other forms of writing. Here are the main ones:
- Objective approach to presenting facts
- Balanced coverage of information without redundant details
- Accurate, factual content
- Educational purpose of writing.
Now that you are familiar with the fundamentals, let’s look at how to structure an essay .
Informative Essay Structure
To write informatively, you need to sort things out in a logical order. The structure of an informative essay is typical and comprises 5 paragraphs: an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Sometimes, you will need to compose more paragraphs if you feel that information you have provided is insufficient.
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Let’s take a closer look at each part individually.
Informative Essay Introduction
An informative essay introduction paragraph is a perfect place to capture your reader's attention. It should include such components:
- Background information
- Thesis statement.
Your opening will start with a compelling "hook" – a staggering statistic, an interesting anecdote, or a provocative question. This is followed by a brief transition to the topic, which provides some context. You may include essential facts, historical background, or why the theme is important. Remember to keep it concise and don’t overdo with details.
Your introductory paragraph should end with a thesis statement. And we will talk about it right below.
>> Read more: How to Write a Hook for an Essay
Informative Essay Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is arguably the most crucial sentence in your paper. It establishes your ruther direction by framing the main points you will cover. Thesis for an informative essay should be neutral and objective. Here, you should focus on presenting facts rather than asserting an opinion. A thesis statement is brief and usually takes no more than 1-2 sentences.
Informative Essay Body Part
The body part is where you delve into the details of your topic. Here are the things you should cover in each section:
- Topic sentence
- Supporting details
Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence, which introduces the main point of that section. But this shouldn’t be a bold statement. Integrate supporting details, which may include facts, statistics, examples, or explanations that elaborate on the topic sentence. Use transition words for essay to build links between your sentences.
Every paragraph should stick to one main idea and shouldn't change the subject. Additionally, your body part should systematically address the key point mentioned in your thesis statement. For instance, if you are talking solely about the origin of art, you can’t suddenly change the direction and discuss its use in modern society.
>> Learn more: How to Write a Body Paragraph
Informative Essay Conclusion
The conclusion of an informative essay serves to bring about the key points presented in your paper. This is the last paragraph and it should bring a sense of closure. Keep in mind this structure:
- Rewritten thesis statement
- Succinct summary
- Prediction or implication.
While an informative essay doesn't typically require a call-to-action, you might end with a thought-provoking question or a relevant implication for further consideration.
How to Write an Informative Essay Step-by-Step?
At this point, you should be equipped with all necessary knowledge, and we finally can discuss how to write an informative essay. This guide will walk you through each phase of your essay writing process .
In the steps below, you'll learn how to select a captivating topic, retrieve necessary information and weave those facts into your paper. From penning a powerful thesis statement to rounding it all off with a succinct conclusion, we will cover each essential stage. Without further ado, let’s see how to write an informational essay together!
1. Choose a Proper Topic
Choosing a topic is a critical first step in writing an informative essay.
Before you pick any title, ensure you understand your assignment and its requirements thoroughly. Only when all instructions are clear, start brainstorming all potential informative essay topics . Remember to include subjects that pique your interest, as writing about something you love can make the process enjoyable.
Once you've got your list, it's time to narrow it down. Select topics that are relevant to your audience and have ample information available for research. Also, consider the scope – it shouldn't be too broad or too narrow. After all, you don’t want to end up writing about a subject that has limited information.
After evaluating based on all criteria described above, select the idea that ticks all the boxes.
2. Conduct Research and Collect Information
The integral part of academic essay writing is a thorough investigation. When you're ready to start gathering facts for your informative essay, the first thing to remember is to truly understand the concept. Look it up online and read a few general articles to get a handle on the subject.
When it comes to research sources, variety is your friend. Try to explore a mix of resources like books, academic articles, reliable websites, and documentaries. It is better to exclude sources that provide an opinion on the matter (for example, article review , book review or critical analysis ). Pay attention to the date of publishing and avoid outdated sources older than 5 years.
While researching, be critical. Not all information you'll find, especially on the internet, is accurate or reliable. Check the author's credentials and the source's reputation. Always aim for information from authoritative and trustworthy sources.
3. Write Down Crucial Facts
As you carry out your research, remember to take notes. There are 2 things you should keep in mind at this stage:
- Important facts Write down key points, interesting facts, or quotes that you think will support your essay. Organize them based on the main points of your essay. This will make the writing process smoother.
- Source referencing details When it's time to reference sources in your informative essay, you'll need accurate information about where you found your data. It's much easier to do this as you go along, rather than trying to find it again later.
Now let’s figure out how to write a thesis statement for an informative essay.
4. Prepare a Thesis Statement
Writing a thesis statement for an informative essay is like drawing a map for your reader. Usually, it’s a 1-2 sentences statement that highlights the major focus of your paper. This is your opportunity to tell your audience exactly what information you will be presenting.
Avoid being vague or overly general. For instance, if your essay is about the impacts of climate change on agriculture, your thesis statement could be:
Climate change has profound effects on agriculture, with potential consequences for food security globally.
As you can see, this statement is informative, but neutral. In this case, a college essay writer isn’t trying to take any particular stance on climate change. Instead, they are just saying that climate change affects agriculture. Let’s consider another example of a thesis statement for informative essay on the history of the Internet:
The history of the Internet showcases a remarkable evolution, from its humble beginning as a military project to the widespread global network today.
5. Build an Outline
By having a clear plan of action, you will be able to write an informative essay without taking unexpected turns. Much like a compass, an outline serves as a vital tool during the writing process helping students to stay on track.
In most cases, instructions may not explicitly require the preparation of an outline. However, we still suggest that you create a basic plan listing the main ideas of each section. By having a layout, students can easily refer to it whenever they veer off topic. This ensures that your thoughts remain aligned with the central theme of your writing.
6. Write the First Draft
Writing an informative essay is all about breaking down complex information into digestible chunks of information. There are 2 ways to go about creating an informative essay:
- Start writing a polished version right after building a plan.
- Compose a rough draft and revise it later.
You may think that skipping the draft will save you time, and opt for the first way. We highly recommend preparing a draft instead. This way, you'll see your thoughts on paper and be able to rearrange them if needed. Ultimately, it takes less time and allows you to craft a well-organized paper.
Your draft shouldn’t be perfect. It's a starting point that you'll polish later. At this stage, just focus on transforming your ideas and research into a structured form. You can try essay typer free right now instead of doing the task yourself.
How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction?
Next, let’s explore how to start an informative essay in an engaging manner. Our professionals shared some valuable tips on composing a truly effective opening paragraph.
Your task in the introduction for informative essay is to get your readers interested and present them with a preview of what's to come.
To begin, create a hook. This could be a striking fact or an intriguing question. Another nice option is adding a simile or metaphor. The purpose of the hook is to entice your readers right from the beginning. For instance, if you're writing about recycling, your hook could be something like this:
Did you know that only 9% of the world's plastic waste has been recycled?
Your next move is to prepare your audience for the major point of your informative writing. This is where you need to contextualize your subject matter. You can briefly touch on its history, why it's relevant, or its implications. Using our recycling example, you might mention when the concept of recycling was introduced and its significance in environmental conservation.
Finally, finish your informative essay introduction paragraph with your thesis statement. Simply state what you will talk about in your piece. Using the recycling topic, your thesis might be:
This essay will explore the different types of recycling processes, their effectiveness, and their impact on the environment.
Let’s see how to put all these guidelines into practice.
Informative Essay Introduction Example
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, impacting many aspects of our lives. A key area where this change is apparent is education. In the past, classrooms were defined by physical boundaries and face-to-face interaction. Today, however, the landscape of education is increasingly blending with technology. In fact, it's estimated that about 95% of classrooms now have access to computers, a far cry from a few decades ago. In the context of this technological evolution, it's important to understand how the integration of technology is reshaping the way we teach and learn. In this essay, we will explore the various ways technology is changing the face of education, from the rise of online learning and digital literacy to the use of augmented reality in classrooms. We'll also discuss the challenges these changes present and how educators can navigate them to enhance education.
>> Learn more: How to Start an Introduction for an Essay
How to Write an Informative Essay Body Paragraphs?
A body section is where you demonstrate all your research and provide your readers with the information you've promised in your thesis statement. Generally, you will need to come up with 3 distinct points and cover them in each body paragraph. You can extend your paper to more paragraphs if there is a lot to say about your subject.
As a rule, the body paragraphs of an informative essay should include these parts:
- The main aspect – your topic sentence
- Supporting details – your research and facts
- A closing line that wraps up your point or smoothly transitions to the next paragraph.
Always make sure your information is clear and your points are well organized. You want your reader to easily follow your line of thought. Use simple, straightforward language to explain complex ideas or concepts.
Informative Essay Body Paragraph Example
One significant way technology has transformed education is through the advent of online learning platforms. These platforms have expanded the boundaries of education beyond the traditional classroom. Students from all over the world can now access courses offered by prestigious universities, right from the comfort of their homes. Websites like Coursera host thousands of courses across a wide range of subjects. This widespread availability of knowledge has democratized education to a great extent. No longer are learning opportunities restricted by geography or socio-economic status. Indeed, with a stable Internet connection and a willingness to learn, anyone can pursue a course in a field of their interest. This shift towards digital learning is one of the most profound changes brought about by the integration of technology in education.
How to Write a Conclusion for an Informative Essay?
We are approaching the finish line and it’s time to learn how to end an informative essay and make it memorable.
A useful approach is to round out your critical points. But avoid simply repeating them. Aim to synthesize information, showing your reader how the pieces fit together to build a clear picture.
Then, revisit your thesis statement. Has your essay successfully conveyed the information you intended? If so, rephrase your thesis statement in a way that shows its significance.
Finally, close out your essay with a statement that leaves your reader with something to think about. It is a good idea to finish your informative essay with an implication, forecast or a final thought.
Example of an Informative Essay Conclusion Paragraph
It is clear that technology has impacted education, drastically transforming its landscape. From online learning platforms broadening access to education, to digital literacy becoming a vital skill in today's world, the intersection of technology and education is rich. This exploration of the topic has demonstrated how the classroom's physical boundaries have extended into the digital realm, opening up opportunities for learning beyond what was previously imaginable. The integration of technology, as we've discussed, isn't without its challenges. However, the benefits it brings, like making education more accessible and fostering digital citizenship, are significant strides towards a future-ready society. The ongoing evolution of this relationship invites further study, promising many more enlightening revelations.
7. Revise and Edit
When you're satisfied with the organization and content of your essay, it's time to add the final touches. Essay revision is a crucial step in the writing process since it helps ensure that you've created an informative and accurate piece of work.
To make sure that your informational essay is error-free, read through the text several times and pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure you’ve applied the right style, and that citations are properly formatted. Also, check if your sources are credible and are correctly referenced in your paper.
Informative Essay Format
It is time to say several words about the format of an informative essay. Most instructions will have this point among the rest, so do not overlook these requirements. When formatting your writing, you will deal with 2 essential aspects:
- Direct/indirect in-text citations inserted in the body text
- List of references, which appears at the end of the informative essay after the concluding paragraph.
The format of each citation varies depending on the paper style you are using. Most likely you will apply one of these popular formats:
- APA style format
- Chicago style .
Stick to the chosen format and use the corresponding manual for specific guidelines.
Informative Essay Examples
One more thing that a student might lack after reading the article is a decent informative essay example. Fortunately, we have rendered some good sample informative essay examples that you may use as a template.
![define the terms informative essay Illustration](https://studycrumb.com/img/icons/download.png)
Informative Essay Writing Checklist
As a writer, your role is much like that of a tour guide, leading your readers through the landscape of your chosen subject. Your ultimate goal is to ensure your audience finishes the tour more knowledgeable than when they started. Use this handy checklist and tips on how to write a good informative essay to compose your own piece.
- checkbox I gathered sufficient information about my subject from reliable sources.
- checkbox I brainstormed and organized my thoughts in an outline.
- checkbox My informative essay is written following the structure I've set up.
- checkbox The introductory paragraph contains background information and ends with a thesis statement.
- checkbox I did fact-checking to offer accurate details.
- checkbox My essay educates the audience and doesn’t try to persuade or support any viewpoint.
- checkbox I cited all sources and formatted quotations properly.
Bottom Line on How to Write an Informative Essay
Now that you have a full grasp of how to write an informative essay, all that's left to do is sit down and start creating your own paper. Remember to be unbiased and carefully plan each section. Above all, strive to enlighten your readers with valuable insights, helping them sharpen their knowledge.
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Our professional team of experienced writers is here to assist you with your essays, ensuring high-quality and timely submissions. Take the stress out of essay writing and get straight As effort-free. Order essays online now for personalized assistance!
FAQ About Informative Essays
1. what is the main purpose in writing an informative essay.
The main purpose of writing an informative essay is to educate and provide information. Writer's task is to present facts, details, and explanations about a subject without convincing the audience.
2. How to start an informative essay?
To start an informative essay, you can begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that creates context and engages the reader's interest. You can use a relevant anecdote or a shocking fact to make your opening section intriguing. Then, introduce your topic and provide a brief thesis statement communicating your main focus.
3. How many paragraphs are there in an informative essay?
The number of paragraphs in an informative essay can vary depending on the essay length and its complexity. However, a typical informative essay includes 5 paragraphs. You can always adjust the number of sections based on how much you want to tell.
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How to Write an Informative Essay: Step-by-Step Guide
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Being a student means doing hundreds of writing assignments. Despite the huge number of advantages of academic writing, students continue to hate it and suffer when they get another paper. However, for the professors, it remains a favorite type of homework, especially an informative essay, which is the best way to test students' knowledge or make them understand a specific topic better.
The complexity of the informative paper and its special feature is the necessity to have good knowledge of the particular topic and the ability to hook the readers' attention. Hence, it is quite a complicated paper that takes a lot of effort. Perhaps you do not know how to make an informative essay outline or how to begin to work on your paper? In this article, we give tips on how to write an excellent paper that deserves the highest score as well as provide informative essay examples of topics. But first, let's give an informative essay definition.
What is informative writing?
Before performing any task, you need to understand what is required of you — the same situation with the papers, including an informative essay. Thus, first, you should get the right informative definition essay . At first sight, it seems to you that the purpose of this paper is to inform. Well, you are right, but everything is not so simple.
It is a type of academic assignment where you need to give clear, reliable, and useful information to a reader, that has to be based on facts and evidence, as well as provide examples. At the same time, you should hook the reader and organize information logically. In addition, avoid a complex and specific language with a massive number of terms. So writing an informative essay, you should simplify the information and make it easy to understand.
We also want to pay attention to the serious mistakes that most students make in this paper:
- Present their points of view
- Try to convince a reader
You should neutrally provide information and not express your position regarding the topic. Forget about linking words such as "I believe" or "In my opinion." Just do in-depth research and inform the reader.
Now, you can answer the question, "What is informative writing?" So it is time to move to the next step of the writing process of an informative essay to study its structure.
Follow the Correct Informative Essay Structure to Write a Successful Paper
Writing assignments based on three pillars: introduction, main body, and conclusion. So if you are good at academic writing, you will not face problems with this type of paper. The informative essay has the same structure, however, with some features which we discuss below.
Introduction: How to Start an Informative Essay?
We think you know the well-known saying, "First impressions are the most lasting." You should remember it when you write the first paragraph of your paper. Even if you write the main body well and make a brilliant conclusion, the reader will remember your weak or boring beginning.
Thus, you need to catch the reader's attention from the first lines. We recommend you provide a bold statement or write a rhetorical question. Besides, it is still popular to use quotes by famous people. Having made an effective hook sentence , you should give background information on your topic in several sentences.
The next essential part is creating a good informative essay thesis. It has to state the main idea of your paper in several sentences.
The Body of Informative Paper
In this part, you should provide information that supports your thesis and reveals the topic. The number of paragraphs depends on the amount of collected data. However, the classic version of the informative essay contains 2 or 3 paragraphs, and each of them represents a new idea.
As for the structure of the paragraphs, you should start with the statement sentence. Then it is necessary to present supporting information, facts, or examples in several sentences. And the final sentence gives an explanation.
Do not forget about the logical order, as every idea should support the previous one. There are several methods of organizing information, for example, from the most to the least important or vice versa. Besides, you can represent the gathered facts in chronological order.
Right Paper Finish: Informative Essay Conclusion
Do not hope that after writing the main body, you can relax and end the essay with a simple sentence. The summary is as essential as the two previous parts of a paper. You should work on it and make it sound good so that the reader does not think, "It was going so well, but the final paragraph is awful." In the informative essay conclusion, you need to reformulate the thesis and support it with the most important data from your paper. Avoid providing new information as most students like to do. Just summarize your paper while keeping the reader's interest.
How to Write an Informative Essay: 5 Main Writing Steps
Step 1 - Choose a winning topic. If you want to get the highest score for your informative essay, then you should select a relevant and interesting topic.
Step 2 - Read a lot of informative essay examples . It will help you understand the features of the paper better.
Step 3 - Formulate a strong informative essay thesis. We recommend you first develop a thesis so that you will highlight the main idea and know what information you should look for.
Step 4 - Gather information. Writing an informative essay, you should have enough facts, examples, and information to cover your topic.
Step 5 - Make an informative essay outline. Having done in-depth research and collected enough data, you should present it logically following the structure. Besides, such a draft of a paper will greatly facilitate the writing process.
How to Write an Informative Essay from a Scratch: Tips from Experts
- Do a brainstorm. When students decide to write an essay from scratch, many of them stare at a blank piece of paper asking themselves, “How to start an informative essay?” On the one hand, you can understand your topic and have some knowledge about it, but on the other hand, you do not know how to make the first step. We recommend doing brainstorm and writing down all ideas. It will help to organize your thoughts and highlight the main ideas that you want to convey to the reader.
- Read as much as possible. This tip is not just for a daily routine that helps enrich the vocabulary . Read articles on your topic or watch a video to find new and impressive information. After all, when you write an informative essay, you should have a sufficient number of reliable sources. Moreover, you can find new words and phrases that will make your paper sound better.
- Do not write an informative essay in one day. Having read the tips on how to write an informative essay, at first sight, the paper may seem quite simple, but it is a delusion. Any type of essay takes a lot of time and energy. Moreover, you have to proofread and edit the final version of the paper that should be done with a fresh mind.
How to Write an Informative Essay Outline?
- Start writing with an impressive title. Think of a headline that will catch the reader’s interest, but at the same time, will cover the topic of your paper. Moreover, pay attention to the headings of the articles while looking for information for an essay. Perhaps you will find a good formulation of your topic or get the idea of how to title your paper.
- Develop your informative essay thesis. Highlight the key idea of the entire paper in several sentences to give the reader an idea of what you are going to write about.
- Organize collected information in a logical order. When you start making an informative essay outline, you should organize the facts and information by its required structure. Choose a method of organizing information and provide key ideas from collected sources.
- C onclude the informative essay. Make a logical conclusion to the paper summarizing the information discussed before.
Choose the Good Theme: Tips and Examples of Informative Essay Topics
The success of your paper depends on many factors, including the chosen topic. If the professor did not assign it, then read our tips below on how to select an excellent topic for a paper.
- Think about your interests and knowledge. If a student is genuinely interested in the topic of the informative essay, he/she usually shows the highest result. Because it makes writing easier and more enjoyable. Besides, it is crucial to choose a topic in which you have basic knowledge as it facilitates the researching process.
- Give preference to relevant and interesting informative essay topics. Think about what the public is interested in and excited about today, what people discuss, and what problems they pay more attention to. If you write an essay on a relevant issue, it will definitely attract the reader's attention. Avoid trivial or boring topics because a boring topic means writing a boring informative essay.
- Make sure there are enough sources. Writing an informative essay requires a huge amount of information, such as facts, statistics, and researches. Before making a final decision on a topic, make sure that there are enough reliable sources and materials for your paper.
We also prepared a list of 15 relevant informative essay topics for you:
- The burnout makes us less creative
- Procrastination is about managing emotions, not time
- Depression and addiction are related
- Reclaim the past to save the future
- Working from home is good for business
- The progress bar keeps us sane
- Symbols and brands shape our humanity
- People who changed the world
- The difficulties of living in a knowledge-intensive society
- Being a celebrity: the blessing and the curse
- Surprises and challenges of the 21st century
- The health benefits of clowning around
- Virtual reality can turn students into scientists
- Ocean microbes reveal the truth about the changing climate
- Gender-based marketing is bad for business
Informative Essay Example
The american dream is becoming an american illusion.
The American Dream is three simple words that attract and inspire a large number of emigrants to leave homes and go to the United States, searching for a better life. But is it worth it? The USA is considered one of the richest countries in the world. But at the same time, it has huge competition in the labor market, which forces people to fight and survive, but not to live. Having failed economically, you are unlikely to get back on your feet. In this essay, you will understand why people come to believe that the American Dream is truly unattainable.
It seemed that the Great Recession had dealt a severe blow to the country's economy. After 11 years, the USA emerged from the crisis and achieved a remarkable economic recovery. However, the Four Corners informs that the iniquity in the US has worsened while the recovery was gaining steam. It means that millions of workers slipped into low paid part-time jobs, swelling the ranks of the working poor.
Today, the United States industry’s most popular strategy is to switch to low wages. For example, the factories of Erie put more than 75% of a country’s locomotives and circulation on the track, so they literally helped to build an America. But now General Electric decided to close the factories and built a low wage Factory in Texas. Perhaps, this strategy improved their economic situation, but no one thought of hundreds of unemployed people who do not know what to devote themselves to.
As a result, we can observe another side of the USA's prosperous economy. Like millions of people get low paid jobs and entrepreneurs think only about their own profit, while the American Dream becomes an illusion.
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Understanding and Writing Informative Essays: A Comprehensive Guide
- Dr. Huey Logan
- December 8, 2023
- Study Guides
An informative essay is a type of essay that aims to educate and provide factual information to the reader. It explains a specific topic and does not contain the author’s opinion or perspective. Writing an informative essay requires careful planning and organization to ensure that the information is presented in a clear and concise manner.
Here's What You'll Learn
Whether you are a student writing an essay for an assignment or a professional looking to share knowledge, understanding the structure and steps involved in crafting informative essays is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of writing informative essays, from selecting a topic to properly citing your sources.
Key Takeaways:
- An informative essay aims to educate and provide factual information.
- The structure of an informative essay consists of an introduction , body paragraphs , and a conclusion .
- To write an informative essay, you need to select a topic, conduct research , create an outline, write the essay following the outline, edit and proofread , and include proper citations.
- The introduction introduces the topic and provides a thesis statement.
- The body paragraphs present facts and relevant details to support the thesis statement.
The Structure of an Informative Essay
An informative essay follows a specific structure to effectively educate the reader on a chosen topic. Understanding this structure is crucial for crafting a well-organized and impactful essay. Let’s explore the three main components of an informative essay: the introduction , body paragraphs , and conclusion .
Introduction
The introduction serves as the starting point of your essay, where you grab the reader’s attention and provide an overview of the topic. It should begin with a captivating hook, such as a surprising statistic or an intriguing question, to entice the reader to continue reading. The introduction also includes a thesis statement, which concisely states the main focus of your essay.
Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs make up the core of your essay and present the in-depth information and evidence that supports your thesis statement. Each body paragraph should focus on one key idea or subtopic and provide supporting facts, examples, or statistics. Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of that paragraph. Use transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs.
Steps for Writing an Informative Essay
Writing an informative essay requires careful planning and organization to effectively convey factual information to your readers. By following a step-by-step process, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, well-structured, and informative. Here are the key steps to guide you:
- Select a Topic: Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about and have a genuine interest in. Consider the target audience and the purpose of your essay.
- Research: Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic. Gather information from credible sources such as scholarly articles, books, reputable websites, and expert interviews. Take note of key facts, statistics, and examples that will support your essay.
- Create an Outline: Develop a clear and organized outline that will serve as the framework for your essay. Divide your essay into sections, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion . Each section should focus on a specific aspect of your topic.
- Write the Essay: Use your outline to guide the writing process. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states the purpose of your essay. In the body paragraphs, present relevant information, facts, and examples to support your thesis statement. Make sure to provide proper citations for any sources you use.
- Edit and Proofread: Once you have completed the initial draft, take the time to revise and edit your essay. Check for grammar and spelling errors, sentence structure, and overall coherence. Make any necessary changes to enhance clarity and flow.
- Proofread: After editing, carefully proofread your essay to ensure that it is error-free and polished. Check for any remaining typos, grammar mistakes, or inconsistencies. It is essential to present a well-written and professional piece of work.
- Document Citations: Finally, create a citations page that includes all the sources you used in your essay. Follow the appropriate citation style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, and provide accurate and complete information for each source.
By following these steps, you can effectively write an informative essay that engages your readers and provides valuable information on your chosen topic.
Table: Key Steps for Writing an Informative Essay
Step | Description |
---|---|
Select a Topic | Choose a topic of interest that you can sufficiently explain in your essay. |
Gather information from credible sources to support your essay’s content. | |
Create an Outline | Organize your thoughts and plan the structure of your essay. |
Write the Essay | Compose your essay by following your outline and providing factual information. |
Edit and | Revise and polish your essay for clarity, accuracy, and coherence. |
Proofread | Carefully review your essay for any remaining errors or mistakes. |
Create a citations page to credit the sources used in your essay. |
In conclusion, effective writing of informative essays is a crucial skill that allows us to provide valuable information and educate our readers. By understanding the structure of an informative essay and following the necessary steps, we can craft compelling and informative pieces of writing.
It is important to remember that an informative essay should be objective and based on factual information. We should select a suitable topic, conduct thorough research, and organize our thoughts in a clear and coherent manner. By doing so, we can ensure that our essays are informative and engaging.
Furthermore, citing credible sources is essential to maintain the integrity of our informative essays. Documenting our citations in the appropriate format, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago style, allows us to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
Incorporating these practices into our writing routine and continuously refining our skills will enable us to master the art of writing informative essays. So let us strive to create informative essays that captivate our readers with valuable information and contribute to their knowledge and understanding.
What is an informative essay?
An informative essay is a type of essay that aims to educate and provide factual information to the reader. It explains a specific topic and does not contain the author’s opinion or perspective.
What is the structure of an informative essay?
The structure of an informative essay consists of three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction introduces the topic and provides a thesis statement, the body paragraphs present facts and relevant details, and the conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the thesis.
How do I write an informative essay?
To write an informative essay, you need to select a topic, conduct research, create an outline, write the essay following the outline, edit and proofread the essay, and include proper citations for any sources used.
What are the steps for writing an informative essay?
The steps for writing an informative essay include selecting a topic, conducting research, creating an outline, writing the essay, editing and proofreading, and documenting citations.
What is the purpose of the conclusion in an informative essay?
The conclusion of an informative essay summarizes the main points of the essay and restates the thesis statement. It provides a closing statement or call to action to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Source Links
- https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-an-informative-essay/
- https://essayusa.com/blog/how-to-write-an-informative-essay/
- https://idaho.pressbooks.pub/write/chapter/introduction-to-informative-writing/
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Home ➔ How to Write an Essay ➔ Informative Essay Guide
Informative Essay Guide
An informative essay is a type of paper focusing on increasing the audience’s knowledge of a particular topic. Unlike other paper types and their goals to convince the reader, refute the argument, or take a personal stance, informative writing strictly relies on facts and abstains from including any personal opinions.
Below, you will find an informative essay guide. It provides an extensive definition and analyzes its five core types. You will also find tips on how to write an informative essay according to basic academic requirements.
What Is an Informative Essay? – The Definition
An informative essay, also called expository , is a piece that strives to inform the reader about a specific subject. When writing an informative essay, the writer should use their rationale, collect the necessary data, analyze, and synthesize it. They should also provide accurate, understandable, and, most importantly, unbiased information on the topic.
The purpose of an informative essay is to educate the reader and provide the necessary and clear information on a subject. You can go different routes to write this paper: by explaining an idea, describing the process, comparing elements to make it more apparent to the reader, exploring causation, or examining data.
Note: To learn more about essay basics, you can read our general Essay Definition article.
The following section provides more details on how to write an informative essay and what good informative essay topics are. We will also analyze five informative essay examples and provide an outline later on.
The Five Types of Informative Essays
As said previously, although an informative essay aims to improve the reader’s expertise on a certain topic, the paper per se can be divided into several sub-types. An informative paper can have an architecture of a definition, how-to, compare and contrast, cause-and-effect, and analysis essay. Let’s look at every type, defining their peculiarities along with some topic examples and good thesis statements .
1. Explaining a Concept (Definition Essay)
A definition essay focuses on defining the main point, idea, or object and tends to be one of the most used types in this genre. This essay uses synonyms, categories, or negations to educate the reader. Some papers might be better off laying out the information chronologically. In contrast, others can benefit from placing the least crucial examples first and leaving the most important ones till the end (or vice versa).
Topic example: “Natural Language Processing: What is it?”
Thesis statement example: “NLP is a branch of science that incorporates various fields of studies, of which the primary ones are Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Linguistics.”
⇓ Check an Example Below ⇓
2. Describing a Process (How-to Essay)
This one is an informative essay that leans toward describing a process and uses the features of how-to papers . Its goal is to walk the reader through the process to make them aware of the most critical stages.
Topic example: “Determining the focal steps in interviewing as the data elicitation technique.”
Thesis statement example: “The interviewer needs to get consent from the interviewee, do research before the interview, double-check hardware, and conduct the discussion, posing follow-up questions when necessary.”
3. Comparing Things (Compare-Contrast Essay)
By comparing and contrasting things in an essay , you’ll provide similarities and dissimilarities. You can choose this sub-type when writing an informative paper about a person, for example. It will let you explain how their behavior or viewpoints have changed during their professional career.
Topic example: “Detailing Peirce’s changes in theory of signs.”
Thesis statement example: “Charles Pierce had introduced his theory of signs in the 1860s, yet during his academic path, he had modified it several times, making the third, Final Account more detailed, sophisticated, and extensive.”
4. Exploring Causation (Cause-Effect Essay)
The cause-effect essay sub-type heavily relies on authoritative data and provides only information that can be checked.
Topic example: “Encapsulating the causality of Covid-19 lockdowns.”
Thesis statement example: “The coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to live in turbulence, with the governments implementing abrupt lockdowns based on low vaccination rates and high hospitalization–and especially lethal–cases; such decisions ultimately led to economic stagnation and population’s distrust in authority’s idleness and short-sightedness.”
5. Investigating Data (Analysis Essay)
Like the cause-effect paper, the data analysis sub-type examines data and helps the readers draw objective conclusions regarding the object, event, or idea. It is best to use this approach when having the right set of reliable data to write an informative essay.
Topic example: “Outlining key points of the new infrastructure bill recently passed by the White House.”
Thesis statement example: “The bill’s agenda includes numerous expenditures, of which the main points are roads and bridges, railroads, childcare, Child Tax Credit, and clean energy and climate.”
Breaking Down Five Informative Essay Examples
Here, we will review several informative essay examples , analyzing if they have a good opening, clear and precise body paragraphs, and appropriate ending. We will also check the essays’ type and explain whether or not they look like informative papers. Most examples were provided by Saint Leo University .
Essay Example 1: Defining Emotional Intelligence
This essay about emotional intelligence begins with a famous quote, drawing the reader’s attention right away. Using a quote is one of the most common ways to start an essay. Although the main statement could have been made more precise, it still sparked the audience’s curiosity.
When it comes to body paragraphs, two paragraphs provide various definitions of emotional intelligence. These sections are well-written and consist of reliable data that helps the author establish credibility. Overall, the writer did good work and made the essay fall into the category of a definition paper.
Essay Example 2: How Football Players Prepare for Football Season
The second example is an attempt to follow the main purpose of an informative how-to essay. The writer intends to describe how exactly football players prepare for every upcoming season. Unlike the previous piece, this essay doesn’t stand out in terms of its opening. Neither does it have a clear thesis statement. The entire introductory paragraph appears a bit fuzzy.
As for the body paragraphs, it is necessary to indicate that paragraphs are a bit too large and incoherent, i.e., there is no clear transition between paragraphs. Also, the author didn’t narrow down the work; they tried to cover too many aspects in one essay. However, the last section is well-written, summarizing key information presented within the paper.
Essay Example 3: Comparing Life Before and After Having a Child
This Life Before and After Parenthood paper is an excellent example of an informative, compare-contrast essay. The writer managed to provide a robust opening, contemplating about starting a family. He then smoothly moved to the argument and made it solid and precise. The main part is well-designed, containing three paragraphs, each describing the unique aspects stated in the thesis.
Furthermore, each body paragraph includes a robust topic sentence that sets the right context and lets the readers know what the paragraph is about. The ending is well-written; it isn’t too pushy to call others to act and start a family. Yet, it touches upon philosophical issues and the matters of rest, finances, and spare time.
Essay Example 4: Causes and Effects of Fast-food Popularity
This one is an example of a cause-and-effect informative essay. In trying to provide the cause for buying fast food and what effects such consumption can bring, the writer decided to make the essay revolve around three aspects: convenience, commercialization, and tastefulness.
Although the beginning was quite involving, the writer failed to include the thesis statement, proceeding to the central part instead. The central part had rather weak topic sentences, which were then developed by more potent examples. Besides summarizing key information, the last paragraph contained redundant and new information absent in the previous sections.
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Essay Example 5: Analyzing Spendings
Last but not least, this analysis essay investigates the data of a school attendee Tina. The author evaluated the ways Tina spent her time and money within one semester. The paper is a good example of an informative essay that investigates data. The opening is accurate and lets the reader learn more about the paper’s purpose.
However, it is unclear where the thesis is. Other than this hiccup, everything else is crystal clear: the main part is detailed and contains visual elements, which is a good move to help the audience understand the data better; the ending is also done well.
How to Write an Informative Essay (7 Steps)
Writing an informative essay is similar to any essay writing process. It requires understanding the task, coming up with the ideas that’ll be developed in the piece, building a layout, and more. Below, you can find seven essential steps to writing a thought-provoking and faultless informative paper from scratch.
1. Analyze the assignment
Before delving into writing, the first step to creating an informative essay involves reading and comprehension. So, once you are given the assignment, check if you are assigned the topic, or you have to come up with one. Apart from that, carefully read what type of informative essay you should follow, the citation style you must use, and the structure you need to meet. Here’s what your assignment might look like. Only after you complete these can you move on to the next stage.
2. Outline the Structure
Assuming you are well aware of your job and its specifics, it is time to develop an informative essay outline. The format of the outline hinges on the structure of the essay. Academic institutions can set unique requirements as to the structure and formatting style. However, a standard high-school informative essay would usually consist of four to five paragraphs, meaning your informative essay outline would need to resemble the same structure. Following is an example of such an outline:
Note: You can read our detailed article – Making Outlines for Essays – with various examples to learn more about this step.
Topic: Detailing the benefits of a fixed-gear bicycle
- Statement: Riding a fixed gear provides numerous benefits, of which the three most critical ones stand out – cardio, simplicity, and aesthetics.
- Explanation
- Thesis rephrased
- Key information provided in the main part
- Clincher sentence , calling the target audience to act (do further research or discuss the topic)
3. Develop a Thesis Statement
Similar to any other writing piece, an informative essay comprises a thesis statement. It is a short sentence, usually placed at the end of your introduction. The statement’s central goal is to explain what the essay focuses on and what points the writer will develop in the succeeding sections. You’ll want to create the thesis in the first place to determine the elements you will include in each body paragraph.
4. Write the Main Body
The main body is the central part of any informative essay. A typical short essay would contain three body paragraphs, with each body paragraph consisting of a topic sentence, example, evidence, explanation, and a concluding sentence transitioning to the following paragraph.
It is best to leave the introduction aside and deal with the body and conclusion first, as writing them is less time-consuming and demanding. Besides, having pre-written middle and last parts will help you write a catchy and straight-to-the-point introduction.
Note: Learn how to write the main body successfully by visiting our general Essay Writing Guide .
5. Write the Conclusion
The primary aim of the conclusion is to remind the readers of the main statement and its central points. The final paragraph also provides key information from the central part so that the audience understands the relationship between the thesis and the information provided in the following sections.
Finally, the last part can end the chosen topic by asking the readers to take various actions, i.e., continue to research the topic, discuss it with others, etc.
Note: Check our Conclusion Writing Guide to get a good grasp of how to end an essay correctly.
6. Write the Introduction
When you draft the thesis, body, and conclusion, return to the introduction. The first paragraph usually consists of an opening sentence, background information, and a thesis statement. Since you already have the thesis, proceed to the hook and background parts.
The hook can manifest in various forms, depending on your target audience and its interests. The background information, in turn, aims to enrich the readers’ knowledge and make sure they can understand the chosen topic in its entirety.
Note: For more details on how to start essays, visit our Introduction Writing Guide .
7. Pause and Revise
Upon drafting the essay, it is advisable to step away from the piece to retain initial focus and productivity. Once you take a break, reapproach your paper and get ready to complete the final stage.
The last phase of writing an informative essay is the revision phase. When revising an informative essay, the most important thing to keep in mind is the accuracy of the factual support. In other words, pay attention to the evidence you include in your work.
No matter the sub-type you follow when working on an informative essay, the facts you rely on must be clear-cut and specific. Carefully go through the piece and ask yourself whether your research is relevant, topic sentences correspond with the thesis, create a smooth transition between sections , and be accurate.
Don’t hesitate to use spell-checking tools to eliminate mistakes related to mechanics. Polishing your paper to shine may take an hour or two, so if you want to write an informative essay, ensure you aren’t short on time.
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point is to grab the readers’ attention and make them curious enough to keep reading the paper. The hook can have many forms, such as a quote, shocking statement, question, anecdote, etc. Ensure to evaluate the audience before writing. Knowing your readers better will help you write an informative essay quickly and easily.
The best way to end the informative essay is to write a striking conclusion. Notably, the conclusion of an informative essay should reiterate the central statement, summarize critical information, and state how this information supports the thesis.
It is your instructor who sets the word count limit for the informative essay. Such kind of information is usually presented in the requirements attached to the task. However, if you don’t have the length of your essay predetermined, it depends on the topic and the main points you aspire to cover. Either way, you are encouraged to write an informative essay outline first and stick to it to score high.
Yes, as long as the author does effective research and rests upon credible and interesting facts, avoiding personal opinions, an informative essay can be written about a work of literature.
Yes, if the audience analysis shows that the question would be the most appropriate way to begin an informative essay, you can start it with a question.
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How to write an informative essay
Published September 27, 2020. Updated June 5, 2022.
Informative essay definition
The primary purpose of an informative essay is to educate the reader without injecting the writer’s ideas and opinions.
Overview of an informative essay
The first step is to choose a topic for the informative essay. Pick a topic that interests you, as this will help you stay motivated. When writing an informative essay, explain a topic as objectively as possible, unless otherwise directed by a professor. An informative essay helps readers to understand the facts without adding bias. The next step is to research the topic for the informative essay. An informative essay is based on facts and not opinions; therefore, it is important to choose proper sources when researching the topic. The next step of the essay is to create an outline. The outline is important because it helps to keep the thoughts and ideas organized. An informative essay outline generally consists of an introduction, three or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. After the draft is written, it should be read as many times as possible to search for grammar mistakes. The language should be more coherent and flowing. Enough evidence should be used and cite the sources correctly.
- You will usually be writing for your instructor and a general academic audience.
- Common examples of informative essays include “how-to” guides, definitions of subjects, and data analyses.
- These examples serve only to inform the reader about a specific subject .
- The style of informative writing is utilitarian and concise. Typically, the reader isn’t interested in opinions—they just want to learn about the topic.
Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.
How is an informative essay different from other essays?
When writing an informative essay, explain a topic as objectively as possible, unless otherwise directed by your professor. The clue is in the name—an informative essay delivers information and not much else.
- Journalism is informative in nature, as the facts are presumably presented without bias. The audience gets to decide for themselves what they think about these facts.
- Remember that true objectivity is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain.
In contrast, an explanatory essay explores viewpoints surrounding an issue. Moreover, it may suggest why one opinion is superior to another. Because it serves only to educate, there is less emphasis on supporting arguments with evidence.
- There are also many similarities between an informative essay and an explanatory essay.
- Writers of both essays are trying to help the reader understand something new.
- The only real difference is that an informative essay helps readers understand a new set of facts, while an explanatory essay explains why certain opinions have resulted from those facts.
Why is an informative essay important?
Informative essays help readers understand the facts without adding bias. These types of essays teach students how to impart information without trying to influence people to think in one way or another.
Informative essays test your ability to
- write objectively
- conduct credible research
Planning your informative essay
Choose a topic.
The first step is to choose a topic for your informative essay. Pick a topic that interests you, as this will help you stay motivated.
- Choose a topic that appeals to a wider audience, especially if your instructor requires you to give an accompanying presentation with your essay.
- It’s easier to educate your audience if they’re learning about something they are interested in.
- Avoid essays about a very esoteric topic that few would know about; always avoid specific jargon that a general academic audience would not understand.
Finally, it’s a good idea to choose a topic that you already know about. If you have a solid understanding of a subject’s background, you will probably find it easier to research the topic and quickly find important facts. With that said, your instructor may choose your topic, or you may enjoy the challenge of writing about something totally new.
Conduct research
The next step is to research the topic for your informative essay. Because an informative essay is based on facts and not opinions, it’s important to choose proper sources when researching your topic. Keep the following in mind:
- Look for sources with well-established facts.
- Use primary sources when possible.
- For example, if you are writing about a famous speech or text, use the original or “primary” document rather than a “secondary” commentary about the speech or otherwise altered source.
- Secondary sources can still be helpful if they are unbiased and academic in nature.
- The best sources for an informative essay help you clearly define your subject.
Research tips:
- Using a variety of sources will give you more credibility.
- Remember to check the reliability of each source you choose and make sure that “the facts” are widely accepted by subject matter experts.
- Take notes and bookmark sources that you want to use.
- Save all publication data for correct documentation in your Works Cited, Bibliography, or References section.
- Make sure you understand the format your instructor requires, usually MLA, APA, or Chicago style.
- Write down important quotes or statistics.
Create an outline
Next, create an outline. The outline is important because it helps you keep your thoughts and ideas organized. With a clear structure in place, you’ll find that the writing process is much easier once you begin the essay itself. Many instructors require this; some don’t. If it isn’t required and you don’t find outlines useful, skip this step.
If the outline is required, be sure to use the format you are writing the essay in. Refer to MLA or APA guides and model your outline after the examples you find in the guide’s index. Some require roman numerals; other styles require alphabetical notation.
You can outline in your own formal style if the assignment doesn’t require this step.
An informative essay outline generally consists of the following:
- introduction
- three or more body paragraphs
Writing your informative essay
Write the introduction.
Start with a sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. Your goal is to educate the reader, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them interested in the subject they will learn about. Once you have the reader hooked, provide a generous amount of background information for the subject with a few sentences. Finish the introduction with a thesis statement.
Normally, a thesis statement would communicate an argument or point of view, but opinions do not belong in informative essays. Because of this, your thesis statement should essentially be a one-sentence clarification of the subject you’re focusing on. The thesis statement should also make the reader want to continue reading. During the introduction, you might want to touch on the where , who , why , what , how , and when of the topic.
Write the body paragraphs
The body paragraphs of an informative essay go into detail and explore important aspects of the subject you’re writing about. Each body paragraph should cover a different aspect of the topic, leaving readers with a more complete understanding of the subject.
- Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence introducing what you’ll be discussing.
- Once you’ve introduced the sub-topic, go into detail and support various facts with the evidence you discovered during your research.
- Try to use a variety of paraphrases, short direct quotes, and your own logical analysis.
- Be careful to avoid accidental plagiarism when paraphrasing or using quotes from outside sources.
- Any outside information must be cited correctly and/or attributed in your essay and reflected in the works cited or references at the end so your teacher can easily see where the information came from (and find it if they want to).
Remember, you can’t just throw your evidence out there and expect your reader to connect the dots on their own. Explain how this evidence relates to the subject and why it’s important.
To conclude each of your body paragraphs, write a single sentence summarizing what you’ve just discussed and how it relates to the main topic. If you can, try to transition into the next body paragraph in a smooth, flowing manner.
Write the conclusion
Once you’ve finished your body paragraphs, it’s time to wrap your informative essay up with a strong conclusion. Start your conclusion by restating your thesis. Remind the reader about the topic, but use different language compared to the thesis in your introduction.
Next, mention why the information you’ve just delivered is relevant.
- How can the reader use this information in the future?
- What is its impact?
- Why is this information valuable for the average person?
- Can you think of examples of how they might make use of this information in the future?
Finish your conclusion (and your entire essay) with a sentence that leaves a strong impact on the reader.
Hammer home the importance of the subject you’ve just explored in a new way that you haven’t already used in your essay.
A tried-and-true method is to use a powerful quote related to your subject—something that sums up what your subject truly means.
You might even end with an open-ended question that leaves the reader with larger ideas to connect.
Editing your informative essay
After you’ve finished the draft, read it over as many times as you can in order to search for grammar mistakes.
Try to make the language more coherent and flowing. Ensure that you’re using evidence and citing your sources in the correct manner.
Once you’re sure that you’ve found even the smallest errors, find a classmate or peer willing to read over your essay and give you advice. In return, you can also edit their essay.
- Some teachers are happy to review your draft and offer suggestions before you turn in the final draft.
- If you are a college student, check to see if there is a writing lab you can visit for some suggestions on improvement.
Example informative essay
Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.
Additional tips for writing an informative essay
- Be careful to leave out bias: write as objectively as possible.
- Use a variety of credible sources.
- Transition between ideas and paragraphs to help the essay flow.
- Avoid redundancy, wordiness, and unnecessary repetition.
- Stay on topic: avoid going on long tangents.
- Use the correct academic reference/citation style based on your instructor and discipline.
- Be aware of your audience and write accordingly.
By Andrew Block. Andrew received his BA in English from the University of South Carolina and his MA from the University of New Mexico. After more than a decade as a faculty member in a community college, he has worked in client success for an educational technology company since 2018.
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Step-by-step guide on how to write a well-structured and informative essay to grab readers’ attention and convey your message clearly and effectively.
![Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write a Well-Structured and Informative Essay to Grab Readers' Attention and Convey Your Message Clearly and Effectively How to write a informative essay](https://studbaywritingvip.com/wp-content/images/how-to-write-a-informative-essay.jpg)
Have you ever found yourself struggling to convey a complex concept in a clear and concise manner? Crafting an informative essay requires finesse and meticulous attention to detail. This ultimate guide will equip you with valuable tips and tricks to enhance your essay writing skills, ensuring your ideas are effectively communicated to your readers.
One of the key aspects of writing an informative essay is the ability to present information in a logical and coherent manner. By employing a structured approach, you can guide your readers through your essay, building connections and facilitating understanding. Additionally, using appropriate vocabulary and terminology will enhance the clarity of your writing, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
While it is essential to provide factual information, it is equally important to engage your readers and maintain their interest throughout your essay. Utilizing captivating anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, or impactful statistics can grab your readers’ attention and make your essay more compelling. Remember, the goal is not only to inform but also to engage and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Tips for Choosing a Topic for Your Informative Essay
When it comes to selecting a subject for your informative essay, it is crucial to consider a few key factors that can guide your decision-making process. By carefully choosing a topic that aligns with your interests and expertise, you can create a compelling and engaging essay that will captivate your readers.
First and foremost, think about your own passions and areas of knowledge. What subjects do you find most fascinating? Which topics are you well-versed in? By selecting a topic that resonates with you, you will be more motivated to conduct thorough research and present the information in an enthusiastic and knowledgeable manner.
Next, consider the target audience for your essay. Are you writing for a specific group of people, such as students, professionals, or a general audience? Tailoring your topic to suit the interests and needs of your readers can greatly enhance the impact of your essay.
Additionally, think about the current trends and issues in society. Is there a particular topic that is generating a lot of discussion and debate? Choosing a topic that is relevant and timely can make your essay more compelling and thought-provoking.
Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that your chosen topic is informative and can be thoroughly explored within the scope of your essay. Avoid topics that are too broad or vague, as this can result in a lack of focus and depth. Instead, narrow down your topic to a specific aspect or angle that you can delve into and analyze in detail.
Lastly, consider the availability of credible and reliable sources for your chosen topic. Conduct a preliminary search to determine if there is a sufficient amount of information available to support your essay. Having access to reputable sources will strengthen the credibility and validity of your arguments.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose a topic for your informative essay that will not only capture the interest of your readers but also allow you to showcase your expertise and passion for the subject matter.
Consider your audience and their interests
When writing an informative essay, it is important to take into consideration your audience and their interests. Understanding who will be reading your essay can help you tailor your content to better engage and inform your readers. By considering your audience, you can ensure that the information you provide is relevant and valuable to them.
One way to understand your audience is to consider their demographics and characteristics. This includes factors such as age, education level, and background knowledge on the topic. For example, if you are writing an informative essay on climate change for a college-level audience, you can assume that they have a certain level of understanding on the topic and can dive into more complex details.
Another important factor to consider is your audience’s interests and motivations. What topics are they passionate about? What issues do they care about? By addressing these interests and motivations in your essay, you can capture and maintain your readers’ attention. For instance, if your audience is environmentally conscious, focusing on the impact of climate change on the environment and potential solutions can be engaging and informative.
Furthermore, it is essential to use language that is appropriate for your audience. The tone and style of your writing should resonate with your readers, making the information more accessible and relatable. Consider using examples, analogies, and real-life stories to illustrate your points and make the content more engaging.
Lastly, it is imperative to keep in mind any potential biases or preconceptions your audience may have. Providing a balanced and objective view of the topic will help build trust and credibility with your readers. By addressing potential counterarguments or presenting different perspectives, you can present a well-rounded and informative essay.
In conclusion, considering your audience and their interests is crucial when writing an informative essay. By tailoring your content to their needs, you can effectively engage and inform your readers. Keep in mind their demographics, interests, and potential biases to deliver a well-rounded and impactful essay.
Brainstorm potential topics based on your knowledge and expertise
Coming up with a topic for your informative essay can sometimes feel like a daunting task. However, you can make the process easier by tapping into your own knowledge and expertise. By brainstorming potential topics that you are knowledgeable about, you can ensure that you have a solid foundation to build your essay upon.
Start by reflecting on your areas of expertise and interests. Consider the subjects that you have studied or have experience in. Think about the topics that you are passionate about or have a deep understanding of. These could be anything from history, science, literature, or even personal hobbies and experiences.
Once you have identified your areas of expertise, try narrowing down your potential topics by considering the relevance and importance of each subject. Ask yourself what information or insights you can provide that would be valuable to your readers. Look for topics that are not only interesting to you, but also have potential to educate and engage your audience.
Furthermore, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore unique angles or lesser-known aspects of a topic. Your expertise and knowledge might allow you to shed new light on a subject, making it more interesting and informative for your readers.
Remember, the key is to choose a topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about, as this will make the writing process more enjoyable and you will be able to provide valuable insights through your essay.
Research the availability of credible sources on each topic
![define the terms informative essay Research the availability of credible sources on each topic](https://studbaywritingvip.com/wp-content/images/how-to-write-a-informative-essay-8ieg699n.jpg)
Before diving into writing an informative essay, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and ensure the availability of credible sources on each chosen topic. A well-researched essay relies on the quality of sources used, as they help provide accurate and reliable information to support your arguments and claims.
Begin by brainstorming potential topics and narrowing down your choices. Once you have decided on a particular topic, take the time to evaluate the availability of credible sources. This includes searching for scholarly articles, academic journals, books, and reputable websites related to the subject matter.
When assessing the credibility of a source, consider factors such as the author’s qualifications and expertise in the field, the publication date, the reputation of the publishing source, and whether the information is backed by evidence and supported by other reliable sources. It is important to avoid using biased or unreliable sources, as they can weaken the credibility of your essay.
Make use of online databases and libraries to access a wide range of sources. These platforms provide access to scholarly research, academic articles, and other reliable resources. Additionally, consider reaching out to experts in the field or conducting interviews to gather first-hand information and insights that can enhance the credibility of your essay.
Remember, the research process is an essential step in writing an informative essay. Invest time and effort in finding credible sources to ensure that your essay is well-supported and backed by reliable information.
Choose a topic that is both interesting and relevant
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When it comes to writing an informative essay, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing a topic. It’s essential to select a subject that is both interesting and relevant to your audience. By doing so, you’ll not only capture your readers’ attention, but you’ll also provide them with valuable information that they can apply or learn from.
Choosing an interesting topic is crucial because it sets the tone for your entire essay. If you select a topic that is dull or uninteresting, your readers may lose interest before they even finish reading the first paragraph. On the other hand, if you choose a topic that is exciting and engaging, you’ll captivate your audience from the start.
However, it’s not enough for a topic to be interesting; it also needs to be relevant. Select a subject that is timely and offers information that your audience can benefit from. It should provide insights, answer questions, or shed light on a current issue or trend. By choosing a relevant topic, you’ll demonstrate that you have done your research and are well-informed on the subject matter.
When brainstorming for potential topics, consider your target audience and their interests. Think about the type of information they would find valuable or the questions they might have. Additionally, stay up to date with current events and the latest trends to identify relevant topics that are of interest to your readers.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, choose a topic that aligns with your own interests and expertise. Writing about something you are passionate about will not only make the writing process more enjoyable, but it will also allow you to bring a unique perspective to the topic.
In conclusion, choosing a topic that is both interesting and relevant is crucial when writing an informative essay. By selecting a subject that captivates your readers and provides them with valuable information, you’ll be able to engage your audience and make your essay more impactful.
Narrow down your topic to a specific aspect or angle
When it comes to writing an informative essay, it is crucial to choose a topic that is focused and specific. By narrowing down your topic to a specific aspect or angle, you are able to provide more in-depth information and analysis to your readers.
Consider your initial topic and think about the different angles or perspectives that can be explored. This could be a particular time period, a specific geographic location, a certain demographic group, or an aspect that hasn’t been extensively discussed.
For example, if your initial topic is “climate change,” you could narrow it down by focusing on the impact of climate change on a specific region or the role of government policies in addressing climate change. By choosing a specific aspect, you can delve deeper into the subject matter and provide a more comprehensive analysis.
Additionally, narrowing down your topic allows you to avoid overwhelming your readers with too much information. It helps you stay focused and ensures that your essay remains informative and concise.
In order to narrow down your topic effectively, it is important to conduct thorough research and gather relevant information. This will help you identify the specific aspect or angle that interests you the most and aligns with your essay’s purpose.
Benefits of narrowing down your topic |
---|
1. Allows for a more in-depth analysis |
2. Helps to avoid overwhelming the reader |
3. Provides a focused and concise essay |
4. Enables you to showcase your expertise on a specific aspect |
In conclusion, narrowing down your topic to a specific aspect or angle is crucial for writing an informative essay. It allows for a more focused and comprehensive analysis, avoids overwhelming the reader, and helps you showcase your expertise on a particular subject. Take the time to choose a specific aspect that interests you and conduct thorough research to gather relevant information.
Avoid controversial or sensitive topics that may be difficult to handle objectively
When writing an informative essay, it is crucial to choose a topic that allows for objective analysis and discussion. It is important to avoid picking controversial or sensitive subjects that can lead to emotional responses and biased opinions. By selecting a topic that is neutral and has a solid factual foundation, you ensure that your essay remains informative and credible.
Controversial topics often involve heated debates and strong opinions. They tend to polarize people and make it challenging to present information in an unbiased manner. When faced with sensitive subjects, emotions can cloud judgment, and it becomes difficult to separate fact from opinion. To maintain the credibility of your essay, it is best to steer clear of topics that may trigger emotional responses or arguments.
Additionally, choosing a neutral topic ensures that you can provide comprehensive and balanced information. By focusing on an objective subject, you can gather a variety of sources and perspectives to present a well-rounded view. This approach allows readers to form their own opinions based on the facts presented and encourages critical thinking.
It is also important to consider the potential impact of your topic on your audience. Sensitive subjects may touch on personal beliefs and experiences, causing discomfort or distress for some readers. By selecting a topic that is less likely to offend or trigger negative emotions, you create a safer and more inclusive environment for your audience.
Ultimately, by avoiding controversial or sensitive topics, you ensure that your informative essay remains focused on providing objective information. Choose a neutral subject that allows for thorough research, balanced analysis, and respectful discussion to create a compelling and informative piece of writing.
Seek feedback from peers or teachers to help finalize your topic choice
Getting input from others can be a valuable step in the process of choosing a topic for your informative essay. It’s always helpful to have an outside perspective, as it can offer new ideas and insights that you may not have considered on your own. By seeking feedback from peers or teachers, you can gather different viewpoints and opinions that will help you make a more informed decision.
When asking for feedback, it’s important to be open to criticism and constructive suggestions. Your peers or teachers may have valuable input that can help you refine your topic choice and make it more focused and interesting. They might recommend specific angles or aspects to explore, or suggest alternative topics that you haven’t thought of yet. Embrace their insights and consider their suggestions carefully.
Additionally, seeking feedback from peers or teachers can help you gauge the level of interest and relevance of your chosen topic. They can provide valuable insights into whether the topic is engaging and has the potential to captivate your audience. If multiple people express enthusiasm or curiosity about your topic, it can serve as a confirmation that you’re on the right track.
Feedback can also be a useful tool for identifying any potential weaknesses or shortcomings in your chosen topic. Peers or teachers may point out areas that need further research or clarification, helping you to address any gaps in your knowledge or understanding. By seeking feedback, you have the opportunity to strengthen your essay by addressing any criticisms or concerns early on.
In conclusion, seeking feedback from peers or teachers is an essential step in finalizing your topic choice for an informative essay. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you make a more informed decision. Embrace their feedback, consider their suggestions, and use it to refine and strengthen your chosen topic. With their input, you can ensure that your essay is engaging, relevant, and well-rounded.
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Discover How to Write an Informative Essay & Get Top Grade
Table of content.
- 01. What Does Informative Essay Structure Include?
- 02. Steps For Writing an Informative Essay
- 03. Looking for Writing Topics in the Right Places
- 04. Use Sample as Essay Fuel
- 05. Have a Great Time Writing
A surprising number of students feel unsure about how to write an informative essay. On the one hand, everything seems pretty easy: the name of this college task speaks for itself. An informative paper is a piece of writing where you present objective facts about a specific topic, expanding your readers’ knowledge and basically informing them about it. But on the other hand, knowing what it is along with its purpose doesn’t equal being able to write it.
Informative writing is extremely useful for students since with its help, they get a chance to learn how to be objective and pass the information they possess to other individuals. It’s also an easy way for getting a high grade, but first, you need to know what such papers are built on, how they should be approached, as well as what strategies could make your writing amazing.
What Does Informative Essay Structure Include?
Essays of all types have a similar structure. They are roughly divided into such three parts as intro, body, and conclusion, but the peculiarities of their elements differ. When it comes to informative paper, there is a set of components young writers should know about. Take a look at them below and carefully reproduce them when you begin writing an essay.
- Introduction. This is the first paragraph that should take about 10% of all content. Instead of describing everything, in theory, we decided to provide direct examples that will help you get a clear image of what you should do as a writer. Imagine that our topic is “Pigeons as Species: Truth and Stereotypes That Distort It.” How to start an informative essay like this? Here is one of the possible models.
- Hook . In this part, our task lies in capturing the attention of the audience. This could be done through funny quotes, surprising statistics, jokes, or even relevant facts. For topic about pigeons, we could go with, “Numerous people consider pigeons dirty and dangerous for health, but they have no idea how wrong they are.” This example reveals that beliefs of many people are flawed, which instinctively attracts attention. Do the same in your paper.
- This is the next part of informative essay introduction. Inform audience about some general facts stemming from your topic, disclosing relevant terms & concepts if there are any. Here’s our take. “Pigeons are often referred to as ‘flying rats’. This term implies people’s belief that these birds carry as many diseases as rats, which makes them infectious.”
- Introducing perspective . Here you should introduce the central view on the topic. Disclose what your ideas are going to be based on. For instance: “However, medical statistics reveal a different picture. There are next to no documented cases of pigeons infecting humans.”
- Thesis . This is the last sentence of introduction, and it has extreme importance. Reveal the essence of your work here, so that readers could understand what it’s about before reading further. Note that it should be a direct claim. “Pigeons are not as dangerous and dirty as they are presented, and in reality, they are a natural part of city’s ecosystem.”
- Body. Body is one of the most important parts of an informative essay. Every claim made in thesis should be explored and supported here.
- Start each paragraph with an opening sentence . Here is one example: “Despite common misconceptions, pigeons do not carry diseases.”
- Proceed with research explorations within a paragraph . Put evidence and other relevant facts there.
- Close paragraph with a concluding remark . “Thus, pigeons are not dangerous to humans.”
- Conclusion. Finalize an essay by going through all the mentioned points again.
- Restate thesis . Don’t copy it, simply express it in other words. In our case, this could be like this: “Pigeons do not pose the same degree of danger as many believe, and their presence within the cities is a natural phenomenon.”
- Outline major points from paragraphs . Again, avoid copying anything directly. Remind your audience about everything they have learned as they were reading this informative essay.
- Make conclusive remarks . Wrap everything up by giving your audience a sense of closure. In an informative work, this could sound in the following way: “Therefore, there is no need to fear pigeons. Feeding them could be a good way of establishing friendship, meaning that people and these birds could coexist peacefully.”
Steps For Writing an Informative Essay
Now that you know how structure of your work should look like, it is time to go through different useful steps. We prepared 6 of them — they have the biggest meaning when it comes to writing. Use them as your guide. This way, step by step, you’ll follow this essay journey up to its successful completion.
- Choose an Interesting Topic . This stage is very complex. Boring topics will bore you along with your readers, so this isn’t something you should ever do. Keep searching until you find a truly inspiring theme. Are online arguments present? Are there things you wish people would know more about? Use this chance to exploring it and expanding others’ knowledge. Note that your topic shouldn’t be overly broad: for example, if you’re planning on writing about healthcare issues, it’s a bad idea. It would take you ages and thousands of pages to inform people about this extremely wide category. But how about cancer or problems with COVID? This decision narrows the list down, letting you find a specific focus.
- Look at the Samples . Among other tips, this one is particularly relevant as it allows seeing how good papers should be written. Not all students understand what an informative essay thesis is, which info should be put into paragraphs, and how to wrap things up. Checking out samples is a great strategy for gaining a sense of certainty: when you see the works that brought success to other students, you start understanding how your essay should be presented.
- Create an Outline. The third step concerns outlining your ideas. Look at it like at the skeleton of an essay: it holds the foundation on which everything is built. Informative essay outline should be as detailed as you want, but there is some minimal basis. Dedicate at least one sentence per each part. Body should be broken into paragraphs, with each of them being titled in an appropriate way. You could write opening & closing sentences in advance or just outline the main idea: it’s up to you. Once you start writing, keep checking back with your composed outline. If you feel like you are getting stuck, double-check it: it’ll return a direction sense to you.
- Write Thesis. Thesis is vital in every informational essay. Since it is the most essential paper claim, you should compose it in advance. Put all big points you’ll be discussing into it; in case you aren’t sure what thesis is and what structure it must have, look for online examples. Read through as many of them as needed until you get it right.
- Collect Sources. Every paper should be supported by relevant sources. In case with information essay, this is even more important because everything is founded on extensive research there. You cannot count on your words being believed when you have nothing to support them with. After you’ve settled on a topic, look for related sources. These could be credible articles with official DOI or books released by academic or thematic publishing houses. They should be created within the last 5 years or so, and you need to use them for every claim that isn’t general knowledge. Get ideas from them — this could help expand your essay if you start feeling out of ideas.
- Polish the Paper. After you complete an essay, wait for several hours. Let your eyes and your mind rest. Then re-read it, preferably several times. Pay attention to content issues: perhaps some paragraphs are too unfocused? Are some of them too brief, without exploring any of your points properly? Change this. Never be worried about losing time on editing — it is better to perfect everything by yourself rather than having your professor point these issues out. Grammar & proofreading mistakes should be caught as well, so try removing them. That’s why re-reading an essay several times is always a good idea.
Looking for Writing Topics in the Right Places
Since informative essay format requires choosing truly great topics, many students try hard to think about something. But no matter how thoroughly they brainstorm, they just can’t come up with any viable option. If you’re having the same crisis, we have a solution. Why don’t you check our website? We’ve gathered the best writers and they devised numerous essay topics for all education levels. Before publishing them, we checked them in terms of originality and college appropriateness by consulting with fellow professors. So, if you’re in search of inspiring themes, find them in an informative list here. It’ll help push in the right direction.
Use Sample as Essay Fuel
Like we mentioned in one of the categories above, looking at informative essay examples is always useful. They give you an opportunity to understand what a good paper should comprise and which parts as well as smaller elements it should have. But as it frequently happens, there is a problem: where to find them? Not all platforms are trustworthy, so how can a student know where they can read a sample safely? Like with topics, this is something we took care of. Check our extensive collections with examples. You’ll find quite a few informative essays there, and since reading them is totally free, you’ll get many benefits.
Have a Great Time Writing
Informative essays are diverse in nature and require a set of rules to be followed. But at the same time, they can be interesting and engaging — everything depends on the topic you choose and the creativity you master. Enjoy your writing; try seeing it as a chance for sharing something exciting with people and talking about things you’ve never discussed before. What subjects seem interesting to you? Focus on them and you’ll see how much less frightening academic tasks become.
If you need assistance, you can always find it with us. Use chat option on our site and tell our operators that you require an informative speech essay written. Indicate how many sources and how many words are needed, etc., and we’ll pass this info to our best writers. Whatever deadline you need, we’ll be able to handle it. We have a money-back option that protects your interests, so just drop us a word and we’ll take care of everything swiftly as well as effectively.
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If you re wondering how to write an expository essay, you ve come to the right place. This common college task always wreaks chaos among the students, making them panic in their attempts to understand what they should be doing now. The first thing students need lies in understanding what...
How to Write an Informative Essay?
09 May, 2020
15 minutes read
Author: Tomas White
The bad news is that if you're anything like the majority of students, you're overwhelmed with all kinds of essays your teachers ask you to create. It feels as if they multiply day on day. However, the good news is that here, at HandMade Writing blog, you can find all the answers on how to craft a decent informative essay in no time. So, without further ado, let's dive into the essence of the issue together!
![define the terms informative essay Informative Essay](https://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/11.png)
What is an Informative Essay?
An informative essay is a piece of writing that seeks to inform or explain a subject or topic to educate the reader. When writing an informative essay consider the audience and correspond to their level. Do not over-explain to experts where knowledge can be assumed or under-explain to novices that lack basic understating.
There are in four main categories:
- To define a term
- To compare and contrast a subject
- To analyze data
- To provide a how-to guide on a subject
An informative paper should be written in an objective tone and avoid the use of the first person.
You may order an informative essay written from scratch at our professional essay writing service – our essay writers are available 24/7.
What is the Purpose of an Informative Essay?
The purpose of an informative essay is to educate the reader by giving them in-depth information and a clear explanation of a subject. Informative writing should bombard the reader with information and facts that surround an issue. If your reader comes away feeling educated and full of facts about a subject than you have succeeded.
Examples of informative writing are pamphlets, leaflets, brochures, and textbooks. Primarily texts that are used to inform in a neutral manner.
What is the Difference Between an Informative Essay and Expository Essay?
An expository essay and an informative essay are incredibly similar and often confused. A lot of writers class them as the same type of essay. The difference between them is often hazy and contradictory depending on the author’s definition.
In both essays, your purpose is to explain and educate. An expository essay is here to define a single side of an argument or the issue. It’s the first step to writing an argumentative essay through taking the argument on the next level. Informative essays are less complicated. They are just about the information. Such essays generally require less research on a topic, but it all depends on the assignment level and subject. The difference between the two essay types is so subtle that they are almost interchangeable.
How to Plan an Informative Essay Outline
![define the terms informative essay Informative essay outline](https://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/11111.jpg)
Your plan for an informative essay outline should include:
- Choosing a topic
- Conducting research
- Building a thesis statement
- Planning the structure of introduction
- Choosing the topic of a body paragraph
- Forming a satisfying conclusion
By following the list above, you will have a great outline for your informational writing.
Related Post: How to write an Essay outline
How to Choose an Informative Essay Topic
One of the most difficult tasks when writing is coming up with a topic. Here is some general advice when you are choosing a topic for your essay:
- Choose a topic that you are interested in. Your interest in writing on the subject will make the essay more engaging.
- Choose a theme that you know a little about. This way you will be able to find sources and fact easier.
- Choose a topic that can explain something new or in a different way.
- Choose a topic that you can support with facts, statistics, and
- Choose a topic that is relevant to the subject.
- Remember the four types of categories information essays cover.
Inspiration and Research for Your Ultimate Topic
Your perfect informative essay title can come from numerous sources. Here is where you can potentially seek for relevant topics:
![define the terms informative essay Informative essay topic sources](https://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1111.jpg)
Not only will they inspire you, but they will also provide with some of the research you need.
Researching an Informative Essay
The best sources should be objective. Some excellent sources for an informative essay include:
![define the terms informative essay Sources for informative essay research](https://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/111.jpg)
Always remember to check if the source of information will have a bias. For example, a newspaper journalist may have a political leaning, and their article might reflect that. A charities site for motor neuron disease may also come as biased. Analyze the source for the writer’s agenda.
Informational research should answer the five W’s (who, what, where, why and how), and these will form the majority of your essay’s plan. So, if I were writing about the different types of pollution I’d research what kinds of pollution there are, who and how they affect, why they happen, and where they are most likely to occur.
Collating and organizing this information will form your thesis statement and paragraph layout.
Still struggling to find a topic for your informational writing? Then, here are some ideas to that might inspire you.
Examples of Informative Essay Topics for College Students
- How to avoid stress
- What ecological problems are we faced with today?
- What are the effects of obesity?
- What is cyberbullying?
- How has the internet changed the world?
- How to adjust to college life
- Where to find the best part-time jobs
- How to get along with your room-mate
- Guidance on how to write a college application
- How caffeine affects studying
Examples of Informative Essay Topics for High School
- How to start your own vegetable garden
- The reason for and effects of childhood obesity
- Outline the consequences of texting and driving
- How to make your favorite food
- What is climate change? And what are its effects?
- The different types of pollution
- The history of the Titanic.
- An essay on the Great Depression
- The life and times of Ernst Hemmingway
- How to have a great vacation
Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Research paper topics
Informative Essay Example
When you have finished planning and research, you have to start writing. But, how do you start an informative essay? The simple answer is to just go with it. Do not get overly critical. Just pour out all the information you have. You can shape it up later.
Important points to consider are: never use first person pronouns and keep the topic objective not subjective . Remember, your purpose is to educate the reader in the most thorough way possible by explaining a topic with statistics and facts.
![define the terms informative essay how to write an informative essay](https://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/informative-essay.jpg)
As usual, the essay should include an introduction, main body, and conclusion. All information should be presented in a clear and easy to understand manner. The flow of information should be signposted. We will delve into these areas in more detail now.
Related Post: How to Write a Narrative essay
How to Write an Introduction for an Informative Essay?
An introductory paragraph of an informative essay should comprise of the following things:
A Hook to Ensnare the Reader
An introductory paragraph for informative writing should start with a hook. A hook needs to be in the first sentence and something that will ‘wow’ the reader and impel them to read on. Alarming statistics on the subject/topic make up great hooks for informative essays. For example, if you were writing an essay on cyber-bullying, citing the number of children who have considered suicide due to cyberbullying could be a powerful opening message.
A Thesis Statements for Direction
All introductions should include a thesis statement. The best practice is to place it at the end of the introductory paragraph to summarize your argument. However, you do not want to form an argument or state a position. It is best to use the thesis statement to clarify what subject you are discussing.
Related Post: What is a thesis statement
It may also be better to place the statement after the hook, as it will clarify the issue that you are discussing.
For example, ‘Research conducted by Bob the Scientist indicates that the majority of issues caused by cyberbullying can be overcome through the informative literature on the subject to educate bullies about the consequences of their actions.’
How to Write the Body of an Informative Essay
![define the terms informative essay Informative essay body paragraphs](https://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/11-2.jpg)
When writing the body of an informative paper, it is best to break the paragraph down into four distinct steps.
The Claim or Statement
The claim or statement is a single, simple sentence that introduces the main topic of the paragraph. It can be narrow or broad depending on the level and depth of the essay. Think of this as the ‘what’ aspect. For example, the claim for a high-school informative paper would be broader than a claim written at the university level. This is the first step to signposting your essay. It provides a logical and easy way to follow a discussion.
The Supporting Evidence
After making a claim you want to back it up with supporting evidence. Supporting evidence could be findings from a survey, the results of an experiment, documented casual effects or a quote. Anything that lends support to the claim or statement in the first sentence would work. This is the ‘why’ aspect of your research. By using supporting evidence like this, you are defining why the statement is essential to the topic.
Explanation
After you state the supporting evidence, you want to explain ‘how’ this finding is important to the subject at hand. That usually unpacks the supporting evidence and makes it easier for the reader to understand. So, an explanation is to explain how this claim and the supporting research affects your thesis statement.
Concluding Sentence
You should always finish a body paragraph with a concluding sentence that ties up the paragraph nicely and prompts the reader on to the next stage. This is a signpost that the topic and the paragraph are wrapped up.
How to Write the Conclusion of an Informative Essay
Writing a conclusion to an informative paper can be hard as there is no argument to conclude – there is only information to summarize. A good conclusion for these types of essays should support the information provided on the subject. It should also explain why these topics are important.
Here are some Tips on writing informative essay conclusions:
Rephrase Your Thesis Statement
It is vital that you rephrase the thesis and not copy it word for word. That will allow you restate the theme or key point of your essay in a new way. You will simultaneously tie your conclusion back to the introduction of your essay. Echoing your introduction will bring the essay full circle.
Read Through Your Body Paragraphs
Read through the body paragraphs of your essay and ask if a brief overview of the main points of the essay would form a good conclusion for the essay. Generally, it is best to restate the main points of the essay in a conclusion using different words.
Finish the Conclusion With a Clincher
A clincher gives your concluding paragraph a powerful finish. It is a sentence that leaves the reader thinking about your essay long after they have put it down.
Some excellent examples of clinchers are:
- A statement of truth
- A thought-provoking quote relevant to the subject and thesis statement
- A lingering question that none of the research has answered or puts the research into a new light
- Whether it provides an answer to a common question
- Challenge your reader with a quote from an expert that forces them to think about or change their own behavior
- Something that shifts the focus onto the future and the long-time implications of your research
Context and Significance of the Information
A conclusion should always try to frame why the topic was important, and in what context it was important. By doing this your research matters.
Remember: A concluding paragraph should never include new information.
Informative Essay Sample
Be sure to check the sample essay, completed by our writers. Use it as an example to write your own informative paper. Link: Tesla motors
Tips for Writing an Excellent Informative Essay
Here are a few tips for writing an informative paper
- When writing the main body paragraph, concentrate on explaining information only once. Avoid repeating the same information in the next section.
- Focus on the subject. Make sure all the information that you include is relevant to the topic you are describing. Do not include information that “goes off.”
- Write in a logical way that is signposted. Writing like this will make an essay flow and mean it is easier to understand.
- Always revise the essay at least three times. This way, you will find where to expand ideas in the paragraph, where to trim back ideas until everything has the right balance.
- Be familiar with the academic reference style you are writing in
- Write to your audience. Make sure you know who you are writing it for.
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How To Write An Informative Essay
If you have been looking at the blank MS Word document for a couple of hours attempting to write something meaningful in your informative essay, you’re in the right place. Today, you will learn the informative essay definition, master this paper with ease, and get the highest grades. Read the guide from our essay service to discover how to craft a worthy informative essay.
What is an Informative Essay?
An informative essay is a paper that provides information on a specific topic. In other words, it educates the reader about a particular thing, be it a term, event, natural phenomenon, etc.
An informative essay doesn’t contain the author’s evaluation or analysis. Instead, it aims to describe a subject. What does this essay look like? In essence, most Wikipedia articles are informative essays since they provide you with information on a particular topic .
Due to this, you might be lucky if you are assigned to write an informative essay, since it’s one of the simplest academic writing tasks.
Informative Essay Purpose
The informative essay aims to explain a particular subject. But what does it mean? It means you need to tell your reader about the topic’s origin, causes, effects, etc. Let’s exemplify it with some historical events, like WW2:
- When did WW2 start?
- Who and why did initiate it?
- What are the main WW2 events?
- How did it end?
- What countries did engage in WW2?
- What implications did it involve?
Informative Essay Outline
All essay types share the same logic when it comes to outlining. Therefore, your informative essay structure must contain the following elements:
Introduction
Essays share some introduction features. Informative one is no exception: your introduction must contain a hook, background facts, a thesis statement, and the transition sentence.
What is an essay hook? It is a couple of the very first sentences of your essay introduction that spark your readers’ interest. You can include some eye-opening statistics and add some wordplay. After that, you may want to add background information that will evolve into the thesis statement.
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the main topic your essay will revolve around. A good rule of thumb is to narrow down your thesis statement so that you can fit into the required word count without compromising your research quality. After writing a thesis statement, you need to include a logical transition to your essay body.
You will describe your topic in the essay body. Usually, it will contain several paragraphs, depending on your topic complexity and the required word count. The crucial point is to follow the sequence of events and make logical transitions between the essay parts. Consequently, each body paragraph must contain:
- A topic sentence that explains the paragraph’s main point and connects it to the previous one.
- Information: facts, statistics, and thesis-supporting evidence.
- Mini-conclusion. Summarize your paragraph and add a transition to the next one.
Repeat this pattern while writing each body paragraph to make your essay sound clear and logical.
An informative essay conclusion contains the following elements:
- The restated thesis statement.
- A summary of body paragraphs.
- The final word.
How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction?
How to start an informative essay? First and foremost, it doesn’t require proving or debunking some beliefs or analyzing something. That’s why popular hooks like provocative rhetorical questions may not be suitable for this paper.
However, you may want to play with the readers’ awareness. Take a look at the introduction hook example on the global deforestation topic: Do you know that people remove 40,000 square miles (the size of Iceland) of forest each year? By wrapping striking facts into rhetorical questions, you can quickly grab your readers’ attention.
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How to write an informative essay thesis.
The thesis statement can render the meaning of your paper title. For example, your topic is Amazonian deforestation.
Think of what to write about: when Amazonian deforestation started, what countries remove the most trees, what implications deforestation involves, etc.
In this case, you have to provide a thesis statement that will set a direction for your paper so that you can uncover more and more details in your essay body.
So the thesis statement for this topic might sound like this: Deforestation of the Amazonian rainforest makes an unprecedented impact on the local biodiversity and climate . At this point, you have defined your essay’s direction: you will mention extinct species, changing rain patterns, rainforest loss rates, etc.
Note that you should make your thesis statement sound non-controversial. It has to be a fact (like deforestation implications) rather than an opinion/argument.
Remember that informative essays don’t involve debates.
How to Write an Informative Essay Body?
The essay body aims to bring more details to your thesis statement. It would be much better if you added headings for each part of your subject. In this way, it will be much easier for you to follow the essay direction. Also, you can use headings from H1 to H4. Take a look at the example on how to do that:
- H1 Amazonian Rainforest Deforestation: Causes and Implications .
- H2 When Did the Amazonian Deforestation Start ?
- H2 Main Amazonian Deforestation Drivers
- H2 Rainforest Loss Rates
- H3 Brazilian Rainforest Loss Rates
- H2 Amazonian Rainforest Deforestation Implications
- H3 Global Temperature Rise
- H3 Global Sea Level Rise
- H3 Massive Extinction of Rainforest Species
- H2 The Bottom Line.
How to Write an Informative Essay Conclusion?
The essay conclusion should provide a sense of completeness. For this, you should rephrase the thesis statement first. Please note that you need to give your rephrased thesis statement a new meaning based on the provided facts and conclusions.
After that, summarize your essay body in a couple of sentences. At the end of your conclusion, sum up the whole paper within the final line.
How to Choose a Topic for an Informative Essay?
Usually, professors provide their students with essay topics. But if you are free to choose one on your own, you are lucky. Check these tips for choosing informative essay topics:
- Check for informative essay ideas on the web. Many websites list hundreds of topics for all academic levels.
- Select narrow topics instead of broad ones if you wish to get a meaningful, well-researched essay – it’s impossible to cover a general topic.
- Make sure you can find enough information on your subject. For this, do a quick research on a couple of topics before writing an informative essay.
Informative Essay Examples
Here are some informative paper examples you can use anytime you feel uncertain about how to properly organize and write your paper:
- The War Within
- The Miracle Worke
- An informative essay about traveling
Informative Essay Writing Tips
Feel free to check the following tips if you wish to write an outstanding informative essay and get the highest grade for it:
Note Your Ideas
You may struggle to keep in mind all the ideas regarding your essay. So it would be excellent to note and list them before writing your first draft.
Make Up an Outline
Research your selected subject and draft your essay outline first to save you time. Once you get a clear and logical paper structure, you will write your essay step-by-step without a problem.
Use Writing Tools
Using citation machines is the best way to follow the required informative essay format and list all the used sources with ease. You can also use grammar checkers like Grammarly and plagiarism detection software to polish your paper.
Proofread Your Essay the Next Day
You might not notice all the errors in your essay right after completing your draft. Due to this, you may want to let your vision and mind have a rest. For this, proofread your piece the next day.
Write My Informative Essay for Me, Please!
Writing an informative essay is easier than you think. This academic paper requires you to describe a given or chosen topic in detail, with facts, statistics, and explanations. If you still struggle to grasp the informative essay meaning or have no time for it, you can ask professional Ph.D. writers from our essay writing service to craft this paper for you. All you need to do is create an account, place an order, and wait for the delivery.
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Informative Essay Outline – Ultimate Guide & Examples
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Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.
Writing an informative essay requires excellent research skills to educate your audience; I know this from first-hand experience. But creating an outline for your paper is easier said than done. I promise!
I created this guide to show you the correct outline for writing an informative essay with examples. Follow my tips so you can organize your thoughts and ideas.
What Is an Informative Essay?
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An informative essay’s purpose is to inform and educate readers on a specific topic. Some reports seek to define a term, while others compare and contrast different objects. Some informative essays analyze data or provide procedures for doing something.
It’s the type of essay that should present something other than an opinion. That means you should omit personal pronouns “I” and “me” on the paper. You should also not persuade your reader in an informative essay.
Informational Essay Outline
Most essays and speeches follow four parts: an introduction, thesis, body, and conclusion. The main purpose is to help the writer connect all the information and support their thesis statement. Below is an outline for an informative essay structure with examples.
- Introduction
The essay introduction is where you introduce the topic of your choice. It should be shorter than the body paragraphs because it merely provides a background of your informative essay topic. Give the readers an overview of the body paragraph.
This part also includes the relevance of your topic. Ask yourself why you are writing about this subject. What makes it timely?
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Here’s an example:
“Tobacco, a plant that contains an addictive drug called nicotine, kills over 8 million people worldwide annually. It occurs as individuals inhale and exhale the burning plant material’s fumes.”
The thesis statement is often part of the introduction. It’s a complete sentence at the end of the first paragraph discussing what the informative essay will inform its readers. The thesis should be brief, concise, and written in simple terms.
For example:
“Smoking is the major cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and stroke.”
- Body paragraphs
The main body of the essay includes a paragraph for every supporting detail. Teachers usually require students to have three points in this section. For every target point, the writer should support it with facts.
The target point is also known as the topic sentence. This statement will serve as the basis of the paragraph for cohesion. After that, support the sentence with facts and studies. Don’t forget to cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.
Don’t forget to summarize each point after every body paragraph to tie everything together.
Below is an example of a body paragraph about one target point.
“Smoking can cause cancer because it weakens the body’s immune system or damages a cell’s DNA. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (2014), nearly 9 out of 10 deaths caused by lung cancer are caused by smoking cigarettes or exposure to second-hand smoke. Although treatments are advancing, it continues killing more people than other types of cancer.”
The informative essay conclusion summarizes the entire essay, highlighting the key points. Here, you should restate your thesis statement and the paper’s purpose. Do not introduce any new ideas or recommendations.
Here is a quick sample informative essay conclusion.
“Smoking is responsible for a majority of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. It increases the risk of cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Nevertheless, people consume it because of the adrenaline rush that creates short-term energy and pleasure. With an effective action plan, anyone can quit this bad habit for good.”
How to Write an Informative Essay: The Writing Process
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Now that you know the correct structure of an informative essay, here are some tips for writing one.
Review the Instructions
If you’re writing an informative essay for school, the teacher might have specific instructions for the activity or topic. Find out what you should write about and what they want to read from your paper.
Then, learn the required word and paragraph count. Some professors also have instructions for the writing style guide you should follow.
Formatting guidelines are also common among high school and college professors. Make sure to follow the font style, spacing, and size instructions.
A good essay is about more than just content. Teachers also grade these aspects to help you practice formality in writing. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unclear about the instructions.
Choose a Narrow Topic
Broad themes like love, weather, music, and technology are not recommended when writing an informative essay. Pick a topic that does not include general knowledge.
Consider smoking, for example. This topic is too broad for a 500-word essay. Try focusing on a subtopic, such as the diseases it causes or why people smoke. Perhaps you can also write about the correlation between smoking and poverty.
Create a Logical Thesis Before Writing the Body
You can only create subtopics for your informative essay if you already have a solid topic and thesis statement. Consider what you want your reader to know and why you choose this subject.
Start with a question in mind and write an initial answer. Research the topic, then formulate a tentative response. Make sure it’s based on facts with credible sources and summarizes your overall exposition. A logical thesis statement for this essay type also doesn’t include an opinion.
Create Several Drafts
Whether you’re asked to submit drafts or not, making several versions of your paper is crucial to ensure its quality. After every draft, you should create a more improved version of it with a better structure and fewer errors.
If you have to submit every draft, the lecturer may write their comments and return the paper for revision. Revising is the process of adding or removing information, fixing sentences, rearranging, or changing your evidence. It helps make your writing more understandable.
Here are some guide questions when revising your informative essay.
- Are some parts of your informative essay in proportion with others?
- Do you spend too much time on general knowledge and less on evidence?
- Does the paper follow the thesis statement?
- Is the formality appropriate?
- Does the essay follow a logical pattern?
- Are all the facts accurate?
- Have you cited all information appropriately?
Write a Successful Conclusion
Your outline for an informative essay should include a successful conclusion. It wraps up what you have been informing your readers. You can take from general to specific information while focusing on restating your topic.
Do not add extra information to your conclusion unless it’s a call to action for possible future research. In general, this part of the essay should restate your thesis statement, explain why the topic is essential, and address your main points.
One tip for writing a successful conclusion is to use your introductory paragraph as a guide. It also contains the thesis statement and main points. So, you can reword it and add a closing sentence. Provide closure to the reader, leaving them with a significant impression.
Proofread Your Paper
Proofreading is the final stage in the essay writing process before submitting your informative paper or persuasive essay. This step is crucial because professors also grade your essay or academic paper based on a technicality in informative writing. Check for grammar, punctuation, formatting, and spelling errors to make your writing more precise and accurate.
Review from the larger aspects of your text to the narrow ones. Check your complex sentence constructions, variety, vocabulary, and repetitive phrases. You also want to review your list of references. Are you using the correct style guide?
Learn More Writing Tips for Essay Writers
Writing an informative essay takes more than just research skills. You also need to ensure clarity, organization, and coherence in your work. Take a moment and read some informative essay examples you can find online.
The best method to write an informative essay is to have a specific thesis statement which you can expand in the body paragraphs. Revise, edit, and proofread your work before submitting the final draft. I hope my guide and tips helped you on your way!
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How to Write an Informative Essay: Everything You Need to Know
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Informative essays are often assigned in schools and universities. Here’s how to write them effectively:
- Choose the Topic and Length : Pick a relevant topic and decide how long your essay will be.
- Determine Your Audience : Identify who your readers are and understand their needs.
- Research : Collect accurate information from reliable sources.
- Choose the Main Points : Select the key points you want to cover.
- Write the Introduction : Introduce the topic and provide a clear thesis statement.
- Write the Body : Develop each main point in separate paragraphs.
- Write the Conclusion : Summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a new way.
After writing, make sure your essay is clear, balanced, and informative. Invest time in planning, thorough research, and effective organization. For more details on how to write an informative essay, our essay writer has got some expert tips up their sleeve! So, let's keep on reading this article.
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What is an Informative Essay
Informative essays aim to educate the reader about a specific topic. They present facts, explanations, and insights in a clear and straightforward manner without trying to persuade or argue a particular point of view. The main goal is to increase the reader’s understanding of the subject by providing well-researched and organized information.
For example, an informative essay is often needed in an educational setting, such as when a student is assigned to explain the process of photosynthesis in a biology class. In this case, the student must consider the audience’s level of knowledge, ensuring the explanation is neither too basic nor too complex. The essay should include key details like the roles of sunlight, chlorophyll, and carbon dioxide, and it should be organized logically with clear transitions between points to help readers follow the explanation easily.
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How to Write an Informative Essay
Writing an informative essay involves several clear steps that help you present your topic effectively. By following these steps, you can ensure your essay is well-organized, thoroughly researched, and engaging for your readers. Here’s a detailed guide from our admission essay writing service on how to start an informative essay and help you continue the process.
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Step 1. Choose a Topic
When writing an informative essay, you start by choosing a topic. This can set the tone for your entire essay, so it's important to pick something both interesting and relevant. Think about subjects that intrigue you or issues that are currently trending and have ample information available. The topic should be specific enough to be covered thoroughly in the length of your essay but broad enough to find plenty of sources.
Some informative writing topics include:
- How new technologies and practices shape how we eat.
- Discuss the benefits of kindness and how to spread it.
- How is VR changing various fields?
- Explain the importance of sleep for health and well-being.
- Discuss the history, science, and benefits of fermented foods and drinks.
Step 2. Research
Research will build a strong case for your topic. Jot down everything including facts, questions, even random ideas. When you find something interesting, note the source and look at its references. Try to go beyond textbooks - look for documentaries, news articles, interviews, or even blog posts by experts. You can also explore offline by visiting your local library and browsing relevant sections.
Take notes in your own words, summarizing key points and paraphrases. This helps you understand better and write smoothly. As you read, think critically - consider the author's perspective, evidence, and potential bias to add analysis to your essay.
Track your sources for later, but don't get hung up on strict formats during initial research. Focus on gathering strong material. By approaching your research thoughtfully and actively, you'll create a solid foundation for your essay.
Step 3. Create an Informative Essay Outline
The purpose of an outline for an informative essay is to organize your thoughts and ensure your essay has a logical flow. By outlining, you can spot any gaps in your research and ensure all necessary points are covered. It’s best to create an outline after you’ve completed your research but before you start writing. This way, you have all the information you need and can arrange it in a coherent order.
- Introduction : Start your outline with an informative essay introduction. Here you’ll introduce the topic and provide your thesis statement, which outlines the main points you will cover.
- Body Paragraphs : Break down the body of your essay into several main points or sections. The topic of each body paragraph of an informative essay should be supported with facts and examples. Include sub-points or bullet points that highlight the key information you will discuss.
- Conclusion: End your outline with the informative essay conclusion. Summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a new way. Include any final thoughts or reflections that provide closure to your essay - this is key to knowing how to write a conclusion for an informative essay.
For example, if your essay topic is "The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life," your outline might look something like this:
Introduction 📚 | |
---|---|
Introduce the topic of plastic pollution. Present the thesis statement | |
Body Paragraphs 🐟 | |
Explain how marine animals mistake plastic for food. Discuss the impact on their health and survival. | |
Describe how animals get entangled in plastic debris. Highlight the physical harm and risk of death. | |
Explore how plastics release harmful chemicals into the ocean. Discuss the long-term effects on marine ecosystems. | |
Conclusion 📝 | |
Summarize the key points Restate the thesis Provide a final thought on the importance of addressing this issue. |
Step 4. Start Writing an Informative Essay
Now that you have an outline and know how to start an essay , you’re ready to start writing your informative essay. This step involves turning your organized thoughts and detailed notes into a coherent and engaging piece of writing.
Your first sentence should grab the reader’s attention—consider starting with a surprising fact, a quote, or a brief anecdote related to your topic. After this hook, provide some background information to set the context for your essay. Finish your introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main points you will cover.
Next, move on to the body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your topic, as outlined earlier. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main idea, followed by supporting sentences that include facts, examples, and explanations.
After the body paragraphs, write your conclusion where you reinforce your main message. Throughout your writing, keep your language clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless you’re sure your audience will understand it, and explain any complex terms. Be sure to write in a neutral tone, focusing on informing rather than persuading. This will help ensure your essay is both informative and accessible to your readers.
Note : If you’re a computer science major, you’ll find our guide on IEEE format very helpful!
Step 5: Edit and Proofread
Once you have completed your informative essay, focus on proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Read your essay slowly and aloud to catch any mistakes that might have slipped through. Pay attention to how your sentences are constructed—make sure they are clear and contribute to the overall meaning of your essay.
Double-check the accuracy of any facts, statistics, or quotes you've included. Also check that each sentence and paragraph directly contribute to informing your reader about the topic without unnecessary distractions.
Lastly, consider sharing your essay with someone you trust, like a friend or teacher, for their input. You can also use our term paper writing services to make your essay even stronger. Remember, fresh eyes can often catch mistakes or suggest improvements.
Informative Essay Examples
Essay examples show how theoretical ideas can be applied effectively and engagingly. So, let's check them out for good structure, organization, and presentation techniques.
Additionally, you can also explore essay writing apps that offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to work on assignments wherever you are.
7 Tips for Writing an Informative Essay
Here are some helpful tips on how to write an informative essay that combines strong mechanics with engaging delivery and leaves your readers feeling more informed.
- Employ the Inverted Pyramid Structure: Start with the most important information first, gradually providing more details as you move through your essay.
- Vary Your Verbs : Go beyond the simple "is" and "was." Strong action verbs add life and clarity to your writing.
- Credible Sources Only: Steer clear of Wikipedia and non-academic websites. Prioritize scholarly articles, reputable news outlets, and government publications.
- Vary Sentence Openings: Don't always start with the subject. Use introductory phrases, questions, or even quotes to grab the reader's attention and add variety.
- Balance Objectivity and Subjectivity : While presenting facts, maintain a neutral tone and avoid personal bias unless specified otherwise.
- Consider Your Audience : Tailor your language and examples to the knowledge level and interests of your intended readers.
- Stay Focused : Stick to the main topic and avoid going off on tangents that do not contribute to the central theme of your essay.
Final Remarks
Now that you have these tips, you're ready to write a strong informative essay. This guide has given you key ideas, like how to pick a good topic, how to plan your essay, and how to write each part. It also offered helpful advice to improve your writing overall. By using these tips, you'll have a successful and informative writing experience, allowing you to share interesting information about a topic you care about! And if you struggle with getting started on your writing assignments, you can always order essay from our experts.
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What are the 5 Parts of an Informative Essay?
How to write an informative article, what is an informative essay.
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- Added FAQs, two essay samples
- Updated writing steps, tips and definitions
- How to Write an Informative Five Paragraph Essay | Terrebonne Parish Library System . (n.d.). https://mytpl.org/project/how-to-write-an-informative-five-paragraph-essay/
- Purpose in Informative Writing . (n.d.). Content.byui.edu. https://content.byui.edu/file/b8b83119-9acc-4a7b-bc84-efacf9043998/1/Writing-1-5-2.html
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Informative Essay Guide
Informative Essay Outline
Last updated on: Jun 20, 2023
Learn How to Create an Informative Essay Outline
By: Jared P.
Reviewed By: Melisa C.
Published on: Jun 1, 2021
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An informative essay is written to educate readers on a particular topic. This type of essay can be written for several purposes, such as defining a term or comparing and contrasting something. This type of essay doesn’t require your opinion on the topic.
The purpose of writing an informative essay is to educate others on a certain topic. You should not express your opinion and do not try to persuade others to take a certain action.
If you are writing an informative essay for the first time, better create an outline first. The informative essay outline will help you structure your essay in the best way possible.
In this blog, you will learn about the basic rules for creating an informative essay outline. These guidelines and a sample outline are designed to help students get started with their projects successfully.
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What is an Informative Essay Outline?
An informative essay outline is like a checklist or action plan that you need to complete. The outline helps the writer not to lose focus while working on the essay. Creating an outline is not necessary, but expert writers recommend it. An outline is the only way not to get lost in the middle of the writing process.
The purpose of an outline for an informative essay is to highlight ideas that you want to include in your essay.
Writing an outline is important because of the basic structure that it provides. In addition, the outline should contain some specific details regarding the layout of the essay. Creating an outline prior to the essay writing process is the key to writing a successful essay.
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How to Write an Informative Essay Outline?
The layout of an informative essay is similar to other types of academic essays. These include argumentative essays, persuasive essays, narrative essays, etc.
The outline for an informative essay should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Understanding what to include in each part of the informative essay is very important for a successful informative essay.
Informative Essay Introduction
Any idea how to start an informative essay?
Remember this is the section where you need to introduce your topic and provide a thesis statement. In a few lines, introduce the topic you are writing your essay on and provide some background information.
The introduction should end with a strong thesis statement. This statement should tell the audience what direction your essay is going to take. Therefore, make sure the thesis statement is brief, clear, and concise.
Tips for Writing an Effective Introduction:
- Make sure to narrow down the scope of your essay.
- There must be a connection between your introduction and thesis statement.
- Hook your readers at the start of your introductory paragraph.
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Informative Essay Body Paragraphs
The main body of an informative essay is usually composed of three paragraphs. There are two things that you should consider while composing the body paragraphs of an informative essay. One is the target point, and the second is supporting facts.
Each body paragraph of an informative essay should begin with an idea (topic sentence). This is one sentence statement on which the whole paragraph will be based on. This statement must be in cohesion with the thesis statement written in the introductory paragraph.
After that, provide supporting evidence from the most credible sources. The evidence you provide must relate to your main target point. Don’t forget to quote sources and properly cite information to avoid plagiarism.
At the end of each body paragraph, summarize your points and explain their relevance to the thesis statement. Effective body paragraphs for an informative essay depend on the following points.
- Making a claim
- Evidence in support of the claim
- Provide an explanation in the last
The informative essay can have more than three body paragraphs depending upon the chosen topic.
Tips for Effective Body Paragraphs:
- Do not provide your opinion or point of view on the topic.
- Completely rely on facts and research.
- Discuss the strongest point in the first body paragraph.
- Don’t forget to use transition words for a smooth flow of information in your body paragraphs.
Informative Essay Conclusion
This is the last part where you need to wrap up your information. Begin the conclusion by restating the thesis statement. After that, write about your major arguments and their purpose. The goal of the conclusion is to provide the reason for your informative essay and its importance in the real world.
The conclusion should describe the purpose of your informative essay and what it means for your readers. You should summarize your key arguments and provide a strong closing statement to summarize all your key points.
Tips for a Strong Conclusion:
- Highlight the key points of your argument.
- Do not introduce any new ideas in the conclusion.
- Restate the thesis in other similar words and terms.
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Informative Essay Outline Template Free
Most of the essay outline contain the same elements. But each essay outline has particular points that you need to focus on. It is important to be well-aware of the distinctive features to come up with a good informative paper.
INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE ELEMENTARY
5Th TO 8TH GRADE INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE TEMPLATE
INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE TEMPLATE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE HIGH SCHOOL
INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Informative Essay Outline Example
Wondering where you can get free informative essay outline examples? Having a well-written example in hand will help you in coming up with successful work. You can easily find many informative essay examples online for your help.
5 PARAGRAPH INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE
Sample Informative Essay Outline
Hopefully, the above guidelines and examples help you in writing a great informative essay. However, informative writing is sometimes not easy, especially when you are working on an unfamiliar topic.
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Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.
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COMMENTS
Purpose of informative writing. The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer's motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic's intricacies. Informative essays may introduce readers to new information. Summarizing a scientific/technological study.
An informative essay is an essay that explains a topic. Informative essays come in many forms; one might explain how a system works, analyze data, summarize an event, compare two or more subjects, or walk the reader through a process step-by-step. Unlike reaction essays, reflective essays, and narrative essays, informative essays are purely ...
An informative essay educates your reader on a topic. They can have one of several functions: to define a term, compare and contrast something, analyze data, or provide a how-to. They do not ...
Informative Essay Definition. The informative essay can be simply defined as, "A form of essay writing that aims to educate and inform the reader about a specific topic." Informative essays can cover a variety of topics. It could be written about a particular thing, event, or natural phenomenon, etc.
Informal Writing. 5. Now follow each numbered step in the "Suggested Outline Format and Sample" below. Sample answers have been provided for "I. Introduction" and "II. First Cause.". A complete sample outline can be seen here. A complete sample informative essay can be seen here.
About the Informative Essay . An informative essay educates your reader on a topic. It can have one of several functions: to define a term, compare and contrast something, analyze data, or provide how-to instruction. It does not present an opinion or try to persuade your reader.
6. Write the First Draft. Writing an informative essay is all about breaking down complex information into digestible chunks of information. There are 2 ways to go about creating an informative essay: Start writing a polished version right after building a plan. Compose a rough draft and revise it later.
A well-written informative essay should include an introduction (hook, bridge, thesis), a body (topic sentence, research, explanation), and a conclusion (reframed thesis and call to action). While ...
Definition. An informative essay is a form of writing that teaches the reader about a specific subject. Unlike persuasive or argumentative essays, which seek to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, an informative essay does not focus on convincing anyone of anything. It has no point of view.
Step 1 - Choose a winning topic. If you want to get the highest score for your informative essay, then you should select a relevant and interesting topic. Step 2 - Read a lot of informative essay examples. It will help you understand the features of the paper better.
An informative essay is a type of essay that aims to educate and provide factual information to the reader. It explains a specific topic and does not contain the author's opinion or perspective. Writing an informative essay requires careful planning and organization to ensure that the information is presented in a clear and concise manner.
- The Definition. An informative essay, also called expository, is a piece that strives to inform the reader about a specific subject. When writing an informative essay, the writer should use their rationale, collect the necessary data, analyze, and synthesize it. ... Unlike the previous piece, this essay doesn't stand out in terms of its ...
Informative essay definition. The primary purpose of an informative essay is to educate the reader without injecting the writer's ideas and opinions. Overview of an informative essay. The first step is to choose a topic for the informative essay. Pick a topic that interests you, as this will help you stay motivated.
1. Allows for a more in-depth analysis. 2. Helps to avoid overwhelming the reader. 3. Provides a focused and concise essay. 4. Enables you to showcase your expertise on a specific aspect. In conclusion, narrowing down your topic to a specific aspect or angle is crucial for writing an informative essay.
Body is one of the most important parts of an informative essay. Every claim made in thesis should be explored and supported here. Start each paragraph with an opening sentence. Here is one example: "Despite common misconceptions, pigeons do not carry diseases.". Proceed with research explorations within a paragraph .
Informative essays must be educational and objective. Follow a guide to structuring one, download a sample essay, or pick a topic from our list of examples. ... In terms of fun, pack for your lack of companionship. Bring a blank journal to record your adventures. Pack a paperback to enjoy while you wait out a rainstorm in a coffee shop.
An informative essay educates your reader on a topic. They can have one of several functions: to define a term, compare and contrast something, analyze data, or provide a how-to.
An informative essay is a paper that educates an audience on a given subject matter unbiasedly. The subject could be an object, person, event, or phenomenon. The goal is to answer a prompt question in detail and with facts compellingly and concisely. You will not be giving your opinion or analysis; instead, your essay should remain objective ...
Focus on the subject. Make sure all the information that you include is relevant to the topic you are describing. Do not include information that "goes off.". Write in a logical way that is signposted. Writing like this will make an essay flow and mean it is easier to understand.
An informative essay is a paper that provides information on a specific topic. In other words, it educates the reader about a particular thing, be it a term, event, natural phenomenon, etc. An informative essay doesn't contain the author's evaluation or analysis.
An informative essay's purpose is to inform and educate readers on a specific topic. Some reports seek to define a term, while others compare and contrast different objects. Some informative essays analyze data or provide procedures for doing something. It's the type of essay that should present something other than an opinion.
Write the Introduction: Introduce the topic and provide a clear thesis statement. Write the Body: Develop each main point in separate paragraphs. Write the Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a new way. After writing, make sure your essay is clear, balanced, and informative.
The main body of an informative essay is usually composed of three paragraphs. There are two things that you should consider while composing the body paragraphs of an informative essay. One is the target point, and the second is supporting facts. Each body paragraph of an informative essay should begin with an idea (topic sentence).