what can an informative essay be called

How to Write an Informative Essay: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that informative essays aren't just for school? They're also used in jobs like journalism, marketing, and PR to explain complex ideas and promote things. This shows how useful they are outside of the classroom.

So, if you're planning to write one, that's a great choice! It's interesting but can be tough. To do it well, you need to plan, research, and organize carefully. Keep your tone balanced, give clear info, and add your own thoughts to stand out.

In this guide, our essay writer will give you tips on starting and organizing your essay effectively. At the end, you'll also find interesting essay samples. So, let's jump right into it.

What is an Informative Essay

To give a good informative essay definition, imagine them as windows to new knowledge. Their main job is to teach others about a particular topic. Whether it's for a school project or something you stumble upon online, these essays are packed with interesting facts and insights.

Here's a simple breakdown from our admission essay writing service of what makes an informative essay tick:

Keeping It Real: These essays are all about the facts. No opinions allowed. We want to keep things fair and honest.
Topics Galore: You can write about anything you find interesting, from science and history to things about different cultures.
Where You Find Them: Informative essays can pop up anywhere, from your classroom assignments to the pages of magazines or even online articles.
Research: Like a good detective, informative essays rely on solid evidence. That means digging into trustworthy sources to gather reliable information.
Stay Neutral: To keep things fair, informative essays don't take sides. They present the facts and let readers draw their own conclusions.
Structure: These essays have a clear roadmap. They start with an introduction to set the stage, then present the main points with evidence, and wrap up with a summary to tie it all together.
Write for Your Audience: Keep your writing simple and easy to understand. Think about who will be reading it.
Give Just Enough Detail: Don't overload people with info. Find the right balance so it's interesting but not overwhelming.

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Reasons to Write an Informative Essay

Writing informative essays, whether following the IEEE format or another style, is a great way to teach and share ideas with others. Here's why it's worth giving it a try:

Make Complex Ideas Easy : Informative essays simplify complicated topics so everyone can understand them. They break down big ideas into simple parts, helping more people learn and share knowledge.
Encourage Thinking : When you read these essays, you're encouraged to think for yourself. They give you facts and evidence so you can form your own opinions about different topics. This helps you become better at understanding the world around you.
Inspire Doing : They can motivate people to take action and make positive changes by raising awareness about important issues like the environment, fairness, or health. By reading these essays, people might be inspired to do something to help.
Leave a Mark : When you write informative essays, you're leaving a legacy of knowledge for future generations. Your ideas can be read and learned from long after you're gone, helping others understand the world better.

How to Start an Informative Essay

If you're still doubting how to start with an informative essay outline, no worries! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle this task like a pro. Alternatively, you can simply order essay and have it done by experts.

Choose an Exciting Topic : Pick something that really grabs your attention. Writing about what you're genuinely interested in makes the whole process way more fun. Plus, it's easier to write confidently about things you know a bit about.
Dig into Research : Spend some quality time digging up info from reliable sources. Take good notes, so you have all the facts you need to back up your essay. The better your research, the stronger your essay will be.
Set Your Essay's Goal : Decide what you want your essay to do. Are you explaining something, analyzing a problem, or comparing ideas? Knowing your goal helps you focus your writing.
Sketch Out Your Essay : Make a simple plan for your essay. Start with an intro that grabs attention and states your main idea. Then, map out your main points for the body paragraphs and plan a strong finish for your conclusion.
Kick Off with an Awesome Introduction : Start with a killer opening line to hook your readers. Give a bit of background on your topic and clearly state your main idea.
Flesh Out Your Body Paragraphs : In each paragraph, cover one key point backed up with evidence from your research. Keep it clear and simple, and don't forget to cite your sources.
Wrap Up Strong : Sum up your main points in your conclusion and restate your main idea in a memorable way. Leave your readers with something to think about related to your topic.

Informative Essay Outline

Many students don't realize how helpful outlining can be for writing an informative essay. Spending a bit of time on it can actually save you loads of time later on when you're writing. To give you a head start, here's a simple format from our term paper writing services :

I. Introduction

Start with something catchy to grab attention
Give a little background info on your topic
State your main idea clearly in your thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Talk about your first main idea

Share evidence or facts that support this idea
Explain what the evidence means
Transition smoothly to the next point

B. Move on to your second main idea

Provide evidence or facts for this point
Explain why this evidence matters
Transition to the next paragraph

C. Address your third main idea

Offer supporting evidence or facts
Explain the significance of this evidence
Transition to the next part

III. Conclusion

Restate your thesis statement to remind readers of your main point
Summarize the key points you've covered in the body paragraphs
Leave readers with some final thoughts or reflections to ponder

IV. Optional: Extra Sections

Consider addressing counterarguments and explaining why they're not valid (if needed)
Offer suggestions for further research or additional reading
Share personal anecdotes or examples to make your essay more relatable (if it fits)

Informative Essay Structure

Now that you've got a plan and know how to start an essay let's talk about how to organize it in more detail.

Introduction :

In your informative essay introduction, your aim is to grab the reader's interest and provide a bit of background on your topic. Start with something attention-grabbing, like a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. Then, give a quick overview of what you'll be talking about in your essay with a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your main points will be.

Body Paragraphs:

The body paragraphs of an informative essay should dive into the main ideas of your topic. Aim for at least three main points and back them up with evidence from reliable sources. Remember the 'C-E-E' formula: Claim, Evidence, Explanation. Start each paragraph with a clear point, then provide evidence to support it, and finally, explain why it's important. Mastering how to write an informative essay also requires smooth transitions from one section to the next, so don't forget to use transition words.

Conclusion :

You may already guess how to write a conclusion for an informative essay, as it's quite similar to other writing types. Wrap up by summarizing the main points you've made. Restate your thesis to remind the reader what your essay was all about. Then, leave them with some final thoughts or reflections to think about. Maybe suggest why your topic is important or what people can learn from it.

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 Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

Before you leave, here are 7 simple yet crucial steps for writing an informative essay. Make sure to incorporate them into your writing process:

Choose Your Topic: If you're given the freedom to choose your topic, opt for something you're passionate about and can explain effectively in about five paragraphs. Begin with a broad subject area and gradually narrow it down to a specific topic. Consider conducting preliminary research to ensure there's enough information available to support your essay.
Do Your Research: Dive deep into your chosen topic and gather information from reliable sources. Ensure that the sources you use are credible and can be referenced in your essay. This step is crucial for building a solid foundation of knowledge on your topic.
Create an Outline: Once you've collected your research, organize your thoughts by creating an outline. Think of it as a roadmap for your essay, briefly summarizing what each paragraph will cover. This step helps maintain coherence and ensures that you cover all essential points in your essay.
Start Writing: With your outline in hand, begin drafting your essay. Don't strive for perfection on the first attempt; instead, focus on getting your ideas down on paper. Maintain an objective and informative tone, avoiding overly complex language or unnecessary embellishments.
Revise Your Draft: After completing the initial draft, take a break before revisiting your work. Read through your essay carefully, assessing how well your arguments are supported by evidence and ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. Rewrite any sections that require improvement to strengthen your essay's overall coherence and clarity.
Proofread: Once you've revised your essay, thoroughly proofread it to catch any spelling or grammar errors. Additionally, verify the accuracy of the facts and information presented in your essay. A polished and error-free essay reflects positively on your attention to detail and credibility as a writer.
Cite Your Sources: Finally, include a citations page to acknowledge the sources you've referenced in your essay. Follow the formatting guidelines of the chosen citation style, whether it's MLA, APA, or Chicago, to ensure consistency and proper credit to the original authors. This step is essential for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism accusations.

Final Remarks

Fantastic! Now that you know how to write an informative essay and absorbed the essentials, let's recap the key points:

You've learned the basics of informative essay writing.
Ready to choose an interesting topic that connects with your audience.
You've understood how to organize your essay clearly, with each paragraph serving a purpose.
You have step-by-step guidance for writing engagingly.
You've gained valuable tips to improve your writing skills and make your essay stand out.

By applying these insights, you're set to write an engaging essay that informs and inspires your readers!

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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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

What is an Informative Essay and How to Write One?

11 min read

Published on: Aug 11, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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.

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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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Mar 20, 2023

How to Write an Informative Essay | Outlines and Examples

Discover the Art of Informative Essays: Engage, Learn, and Be Inspired by These Compelling Examples – Read on to Elevate Your Writing Skills!

An informative essay is written to disseminate knowledge about a specific subject. These writings will typically address one of the five W's (who, what, where, when, and why) in a given topic. Naturally, they can also respond with "how," suggesting a method.

Opinions and attempts to persuade readers to adopt your point of view have no place in informative writing. Only argumentative writing is allowed to play that part. If your instructive essay is particularly engaging, it may inspire your readers to pursue further research on the topic; however, they will have to make that decision independently.

To get you started, we've provided some informative essay samples as well as resources to help you select a subject and craft your paper.

What Is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is a type of academic writing that explains about a particular topic or subject. The primary goal of an informative essay is to provide information on a topic, idea, or concept in a clear, concise, and organized manner. The purpose of the essay is to increase the reader's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

An informative essay is different from other types of essays, such as persuasive or argumentative essays. While persuasive essays aim to convince the audience to take a particular viewpoint or to take action, informative essays are written solely to provide information. This means that the essay should be unbiased, objective, and free from personal opinions or biases.

When writing an informative essay, it is essential to choose a topic that is interesting and relevant to the audience. It is also essential to conduct thorough research on the topic and to use credible sources, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. It is also essential to use a formal tone, clear language, and appropriate grammar and punctuation.

An informative essay is a type of academic writing that aims to provide information on a particular topic or subject in a clear, concise, and organized manner. The essay should be unbiased, objective, and free from personal opinions or biases.

The structure of an informative essay typically follows a basic format, including an introduction that provides background details and a distinct thesis statement, body paragraphs that outlines key arguments along with supporting proof, and a conclusion that offers a synopsis of the information presented. When writing an informative essay, it is essential to choose a topic that is interesting and relevant to the audience and to use credible sources and a formal tone.

How to Create an Informative Essay Outline?

Writing an informative essay outline is an essential step in the essay writing process. An outline provides a structure and a framework for the essay, allowing the writer to organize their thoughts and ideas before beginning to write. A good outline will help to ensure that the essay is clear, concise, and well-structured.

The outline for an informative essay typically includes the following sections: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section has a specific purpose and should be structured in a particular way.

I. Introduction

The introduction of an informative essay should provide background information on the topic and introduce the thesis statement, which is the main idea of the essay. The introduction should also capture the reader's attention and motivate them to continue reading.

A. Hook: The hook is the opening sentence or two of the essay. It should be attention-grabbing and relevant to the topic.

B. Background information: The background information provides context for the topic and helps the reader understand why the topic is important.

C. Thesis statement: The thesis statement is the main idea of the essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific.

II. Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an informative essay provide detailed information on the topic. Each paragraph should focus on a particular aspect of the topic and be organized in a logical and coherent manner.

A. Topic sentence: The topic sentence is the first sentence of each body paragraph. It should clearly state the main point of the paragraph.

B. Supporting details: The supporting details provide evidence and examples to support the topic sentence.

C. Transitions: Transitions help to connect the paragraphs and make the essay flow smoothly.

III. Conclusion

The conclusion of an informative essay summarizes the main points of the essay and restates the thesis statement in a new way. The conclusion should also leave a lasting impression on the reader.

A. Restate thesis statement: The thesis statement should be restated in a new way to remind the reader of the main idea of the essay.

B. Summarize main points: The main points of the essay should be summarized in a concise and clear manner.

C. Final thoughts: The conclusion should end with final thoughts that leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Crafting an outline for an informative essay is a crucial stage in the process of essay writing. The purpose of creating an outline for an informative essay is to establish the topics you aim to address and to structure ideas accordingly.

The outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, each with a specific purpose and structure. By following these guidelines, writers can create an informative essay that is clear, concise, and well-structured.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Informative Essay Format

Despite the fact that all essays have a similar structure, each type has its own distinctive features and peculiarities. It is a must to be aware of them in order to create a well-structured informative research paper outline. Structuring an informative essay outline can help you organize your thoughts and ideas and ensure that you cover all the necessary information.

Here are 7 steps to help you create a well-structured informative essay outline:

Choose a Topic

Select a topic that you are familiar with and that you find interesting. Ensure that the topic is suitable for an informative essay and that there is enough information available for you to research.

Conduct Research

Research your topic thoroughly using reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and websites. Gather information that will help you to support your arguments and make your essay more persuasive.

Create a Thesis Statement

Write a clear thesis statement that summarizes the main argument or purpose of your essay. Your thesis statement should be concise and focused, and it should provide a clear direction for your essay.

Create an Introduction

Begin your essay with an introduction that provides background information on your topic and introduces your thesis statement. Your introduction should be engaging and informative, and it should capture the reader's attention.

Create Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs, each of which should focus on a specific point or argument. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas, and support your arguments with evidence such as examples, statistics, and other forms of evidence.

Create a Conclusion

Conclude your essay with a summary of your main points and a restatement of your thesis statement. Your conclusion should provide closure to your essay and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Proofread and Edit

Edit and proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your essay is well-structured, easy to read, and well-supported with evidence.

Overall, following these seven steps will help you create a well-structured informative essay outline that will guide you in writing an effective and persuasive essay.

Comprehensive Analysis of All of the Outline's Subsections

Outlines for informative papers typically consist of the same five or six parts as those for other kinds of essays. This type of writing task usually requires a specific structure. Begin with a one-paragraph opening, then move on to the body—which should be at least three paragraphs long—and end with a closing. It's likely that this will appear recognizable to you.

Let's read more carefully through the parts of the research report. See to it that you have painted a distinct image of the content that each paragraph will address.

Introduction:

In the introduction of your informative essay structure, you should define your subject in simple terms. Rather than relying on your own assumptions, check that you are using the actual definitions provided by reputable sources. The so-called "prehistory" of the subject can be included, as it often contains fascinating tidbits that aren't common knowledge.

To back up the thesis assertion made at the outset of the paper, you should provide arguments in the body of your work. It is suggested to devote each paragraph to a single subject idea, so the number of body paragraphs will be determined by the number of arguments.

Controversial Arguments:

Before responding to an opponent's claims, make sure you've done your homework and collected all the information you'll need to present a well-reasoned response. There will be more than one way to look at the heart of any given subject. It is for this reason that you must exercise caution when gathering evidence and showing your opponent's arguments.

Each line needs to not only make a case but also provide proof to back up that case. Include the identities of the scientists and scholars who created the relevant references in your citation. Paint a vivid image of the subject at hand. That's why it's up to you to clarify everything that's crucial.

The Conclusion:

Many students make the mistake of thinking that the conclusion section of a summary must be a direct reiteration of the thesis statement. In the final section, you should restate the processed data and direct the reader's attention to the most important parts of the study.

The most important guideline to follow is to explain in the conclusion how the reader can profit from the study findings.

2 Informative Essay Examples

The Key Causes Resulting in Water Pollution

Water pollution is a serious environmental issue that poses a significant threat to human health and the ecosystem. It occurs when harmful substances are introduced into water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater, making them unsuitable for human consumption and other uses.

The causes of water pollution are diverse, ranging from industrial and agricultural practices to household activities. This essay examines the key causes of water pollution and their impacts on the environment and human health.

Industrial activities:

Industrial activities are a significant cause of water pollution, especially in developed countries. Industries such as mining, manufacturing, and oil drilling often release harmful chemicals and waste into water bodies, contaminating them with toxic substances.

For instance, the discharge of untreated wastewater from factories and refineries leads to high levels of pollutants in water bodies. These pollutants can cause waterborne diseases, kill aquatic plants and animals, and render water unsafe for human consumption.

Agricultural practices:

Agricultural activities are another significant cause of water pollution. The use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in farming has led to the contamination of water bodies. When these chemicals are washed away by rain or irrigation, they end up in rivers and lakes, causing water pollution. Excessive use of fertilizers, in particular, has been linked to the eutrophication of water bodies.

Eutrophication is a process in which excessive nutrients in water promote the growth of algae, which reduces the amount of oxygen available for other aquatic organisms, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic life.

Household activities:

Household activities are also responsible for water pollution. These activities include the disposal of household waste, cooking oils, and detergents into water bodies. Septic systems and faulty sewer lines also contribute to water pollution. When households dispose of their waste improperly, it ends up in water bodies, contaminating them with harmful substances.

Detergents contain phosphates, which can cause eutrophication when they enter water bodies. Moreover, septic systems and faulty sewer lines can cause water contamination when they leak or overflow.

Mining activities:

Mining activities, particularly those involving open-pit mines, can cause significant water pollution. Open-pit mines generate large amounts of waste, which is often dumped into nearby water bodies. This waste contains toxic substances such as heavy metals, which can contaminate water and cause severe health problems.

The use of chemicals such as cyanide and mercury in mining operations also contributes to water pollution. These chemicals are used to extract gold and other minerals from ores, but they can contaminate water bodies if not handled properly.

Oil spills:

Oil spills are one of the most devastating causes of water pollution. When oil spills occur, they can have catastrophic effects on the environment and the economy. Oil spills can result from accidents involving oil tankers, pipeline leaks, and offshore drilling.

The spilt oil can spread over large areas, contaminating water bodies and killing aquatic plants and animals. The toxic substances in the oil can also pose a significant health risk to humans who come into contact with them.

Impacts of water pollution:

Water pollution has severe impacts on the environment and human health. For instance, water pollution can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, reducing biodiversity. Water pollution can also make water unsafe for human consumption, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.

Furthermore, water pollution can lead to the destruction of ecosystems, reducing the ability of natural systems to provide essential services such as water purification, flood control, and erosion prevention.

In conclusion, water pollution is a significant environmental problem that can have severe consequences for aquatic life and humans. The causes of water pollution are diverse and can come from industrial and agricultural practices, household activities, mining activities, and oil spills.

To prevent water pollution, it is crucial to implement measures that reduce the release of pollutants into water bodies, such as improved industrial processes, sustainable agriculture practices, proper disposal of household hazardous waste, responsible mining practices, and oil spill prevention measures.

By working together to address water pollution, we can protect our water resources and ensure a healthier future for ourselves and the environment.

The Importance of Education in the 21st Century

Education is a fundamental pillar of society, and it plays a crucial role in the development of individuals and nations. In the 21st century, education has become more critical than ever before, given the rapid pace of technological advancements and globalization. This essay discusses the importance of education in the 21st century and how it impacts individuals and society as a whole.

Globalisation and Technological Advancements:

The 21st century is marked by a new era of globalization, characterized by the integration of economies, cultures, and societies across the world. Technological advancements, such as the internet and social media, have made it easier for people to communicate and access information, breaking down traditional barriers and boundaries.

In this context, education is essential for individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate this new world successfully. Education enables individuals to communicate, think critically, and adapt to changes in the environment, including technological advancements.

Employability:

In the 21st century, the job market is highly competitive, and employers demand a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Education plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the job market.

Education enables individuals to acquire specialized knowledge and skills in their fields of interest, making them more competitive in the job market. Additionally, education fosters the development of soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers.

Personal Development:

Education is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills; it is also about personal development. Education enables individuals to develop a sense of identity, values, and beliefs, shaping their character and worldview. Education also promotes personal growth by exposing individuals to new ideas, perspectives, and cultures, broadening their horizons and promoting tolerance and diversity.

Social Development:

Education is critical for social development, promoting social mobility and reducing inequalities. Education enables individuals from different backgrounds and social classes to access the same opportunities and pursue their dreams, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.

Education also promotes social cohesion and community building by fostering a sense of civic responsibility and promoting active participation in society.

Environmental Sustainability:

In the 21st century, environmental sustainability is a crucial global issue that requires urgent action. Education plays a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Education enables individuals to understand the impact of human activities on the environment and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts.

Education also promotes a culture of environmental stewardship, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions and work towards a sustainable future.

Innovation and Creativity:

Innovation and creativity are critical drivers of economic growth and social progress in the 21st century. Education plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and creativity by fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking. Education enables individuals to develop critical thinking skills, think outside the box, and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, education is critical for the development of individuals and society in the 21st century. It enables individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world, compete in the job market, and pursue personal and social goals. Education also promotes environmental sustainability, innovation, and creativity, promoting economic growth and social progress.

As such, investing in education is essential for building a better future for individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, writing an informative essay can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to share your knowledge on a particular topic with others. By following the steps outlined in this article and utilizing the examples provided, you can create a well-structured and informative essay that will captivate your audience. Remember to thoroughly research your topic, organize your ideas, and use clear and concise language to convey your message. If you're looking for additional support in creating high-quality essays, sign up for jenni.ai ! Our AI-powered writing assistant can help you generate ideas, structure your essay, and even provide autocompletion suggestions to help you write faster. With jenni.ai, you can create engaging and informative essays with ease. Don't hesitate, click the button below to sign up for jenni.ai today and start writing your best essays yet!

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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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Essay Editor

How to Write Informative Essays

Informative essays are one of the main types of academic writing students must complete as part of the educational process. While this is a typical assignment in any curriculum, it can be hard to distinguish between different types of essays and how to write them.

In this article, we’ll delve into the genre of this essay type, learn the definition of an informative essay, and how to write an informational essay.

What is an informative essay?

An informative essay is a piece of academic writing that aims to give a reader information on a certain topic.

This essay type should include a succinct unbiased description of a certain matter. Its goal is to provide an analysis or an overview of facts, which would help the readers draw their own conclusions and encourage them to study the issue independently.

Information essay: functions and objectives

As we already learned, an information essay is an educational paper based on real-life facts. It’s generally written in a style that is very similar to textbooks or encyclopedia entries. This type of essay aims to fulfill the following objectives:

Enlighten the audience . The most important function of any information essay is educating the readers. You need to give your readers insight into topics they may have never heard of before, so your writing must be insightful and provide a detailed account of new knowledge.
Correct misinformation . If the topic you choose is associated with misleading myths, your essay must aim to debunk it. Give accurate information with believable evidence to educate your audience and clarify existing misconceptions.
Raise awareness . Information essays are great avenues to raise awareness about certain issues. By providing well-researched information and keeping your analysis objective, you can motivate readers to study the issue further and make their own conclusions about the subject matter.
Clarify complex ideas . In this type of essay, it's crucial to outline all important details in easily comprehensible terms. The author of an informative essay must strive to give an overview of difficult concepts in simple words to improve the readers’ understanding.
Relay objective data . To support your chosen topic, your writing must include factual data. It can be backed up by statistical data, expert opinions, or research studies to give your audience a broader background and understanding of the issue.

As you can see, all objectives of information essays revolve around providing the readers with knowledge and understanding about the subject matter. These texts aim to broaden the audience’s perspective on the world by presenting it with an unbiased account of certain issues.

How to write an informational essay: tutorial

Now that we answered the question “What is an informative essay?”, let’s talk about how to actually write it.

There are several things you need to do before you begin to write the text.

1. Pick your subject matter

The very first step on your way to writing your essay is selecting the subject matter. Unless you were given a task to detail a specific issue, you will have to search for one on your own. The best option is to choose topics that have extensive research to back them up, are interesting to you, and are relevant to your audience.

Make a list of potential topics and consider which ones you can comfortably cover within your essay. Remember that essays generally have a limited word count. You have to select a subject matter that you will be able to explain to your audience fully.

2. Gather information

All informative essays must contain factual information from credible sources. Research your chosen topic and use only reliable references like academic journals, reputable websites, books, and so on. Keep track of all sources you use to provide proper citations later.

3. Create a draft

Like any other text of this kind, an informative essay can be divided into three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

The introduction is the part where you introduce the subject matter of your essay. This is also where you can provide background on the issue in question and give your audience more context.

The body paragraphs of an informative essay should center on giving your audience detailed and factual information about the subject matter. A typical information essay can address the following questions:

Who? Introduce a person or persons who are known for doing a particular thing.
What? Analyze an important object or an event that was caused by a specific person or persons.
Where? Describe the place where a particular event occurred.
When? Give the timeline of specific events.
Why? Explain the reasons behind a particular event.
How? Illustrate existing and proven methods for doing something.

Organize your research into main ideas, note which sources you plan to use, and create a cohesive and interconnected outline of your future narration.

The conclusion provides a summary of everything you talked about in your essay. You can use bullet points to write down which facts you plan to restate in your conclusion.

4. How to write an informative essay introduction

Your introduction’s main goal is to give your readers information about the subject matter and attract their attention to continue reading your essay. Begin your writing with a hook like a quote or a rhetorical question to pique the readers’ curiosity.

Next, you need to provide a brief overview of the issue, which will help the audience understand why the topic of your essay is significant.

The most important part of your essay is the thesis statement. Students often don’t know how to write a thesis statement for an informative essay because this part generally introduces the author’s opinion. However, an informative essay should not represent the opinion of its author. Instead, give a preview of what your readers will learn from your essay and outline the main that will be covered next.

5. How to write the body of an informative essay

In this part, you should present your research points and evidence. Here are some rules that will help you write a perfect informative essay.

Dedicate each body paragraph to a separate fact. This will keep your essay organized and easy to follow.
Start each new paragraph with a topic sentence. Topic sentences give your audience an indication of what you’re going to discuss next.
Provide evidence that supports your topic sentence. Use only credible sources and don’t forget to include citations in the text.
Explain how the evidence relates to your topic sentence and the subject matter of the entire essay. Analyze the evidence and provide insights or interpretations that help deepen the audience’s understanding.
Avoid repetitions. Be concise in your explanations and provide clear, relevant, and specific details that directly contribute to supporting your main ideas.

6. How to write a conclusion for an informative essay

The conclusion of your essay should briefly restate your thesis statement and provide an overview of all the ideas developed in the body. In the context of informative essays, you may recount what the audience learned from your essay. Finish your narration with suggestions for further research or action.

7. Prepare a list of references

Compile a list of all sources used in your research and mentioned in your essay. Learn which reference standard you’re supposed to use and organize your list per the established rules.

Conclusion: How to write informative essays

In this article, you learned everything you need to know to write a perfect informative essay. Remember that this type of academic writing should provide only factual information based on trustworthy sources.

If you have more questions, you can use our essay generator Aithor. Aithor is an innovative tool specifically designed to assist students in writing academic essays. Use the essay generator Aithor to generate essay ideas, find sources for your research, check your writing for plagiarism, and much more.

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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.

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.

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: A Proven Formula to Successful Writing

What Is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay serves as a comprehensive exploration of a topic, offering explanations in various formats. It can delve into the workings of a system, analyze data, summarize an event, compare subjects, or provide a step-by-step walkthrough of a process.

In stark contrast to reaction, reflective, and narrative essays, informative essays maintain a strictly objective tone. The level of readers' engagement with a didactic essay should gain factual insights without encountering the author's personal opinions or perspectives.

Why Students Have to Write an Informative Essay?

Writing an informative essay is often required from students for several reasons, each serving distinct educational objectives:

Developing research skills: Essays demand thorough research to gather accurate and relevant information. This process helps students hone their research skills, an essential aspect of academic and real-world endeavors.

Enhancing writing proficiency: Crafting an informative essay requires clear and concise content. Students must communicate complex ideas in a straightforward manner, thereby improving their overall academic proficiency.

Promoting critical thinking: The process of selecting and organizing information for an essay encourages students to think critically. They must assess the significance of various details and present a coherent narrative.

Building communication skills: Informative essays teach students how to communicate effectively. By presenting facts in a structured and logical manner, students enhance their ability to convey information clearly and persuasively.

Preparing for academic challenges: Preparing essays prepares students for more advanced academic tasks. It serves as a foundational exercise, laying the groundwork for future assignments that demand analytical thinking, research, and effective communication.

Fostering lifelong learning: Informative essays often require exploring new topics. This fosters a love for learning and encourages students to engage with a variety of subjects, contributing to their overall education.

Meeting curriculum requirements: Essays are commonly included in academic curricula to fulfill specific learning objectives. They provide a structured way to assess students' comprehension of subject matter and their ability to convey information.

Real-world application: The skills developed through composing informative essays are transferable to real-world scenarios. Effective research, critical thinking, and communication are valuable in various professional settings. Should you need help with this assignment, our essay writers are there for you 24/7.

Informative Essay Structure

Introduction

An informative essay introduction always starts with an introductory paragraph. This should feature your thesis statement – a concise overview of your paper’s focus. Unlike persuasive essays, where the thesis supports the author’s position, an essay's thesis is a sentence outlining what the document will cover. Alongside the thesis, introduce the key points of your body paragraphs. Capture your reader’s interest with a compelling statistic, a surprising fact, or an engaging anecdote.

The body paragraphs constitute the core content of your paper. Here, present facts, statistics, and relevant details to support your thesis. Writing an informative essay has to guide the reader through a process. Body paragraphs elucidate each step. Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific topic – summarize events thoroughly for comparisons or explain individual steps for task-oriented compositions.

The conclusion is among the key informative essay requirements. Conclude your piece with a succinct summary of its key points. Consider this a recap of the arguments presented in the body paragraphs. Within this summary, reiterate your thesis statement. While it doesn’t need to be restated verbatim, remind the reader of your primary focus, offering a cohesive conclusion to your written piece.

Informative Essay Outline

Recognizing the often overlooked significance of an outline, students can leverage this tool for efficient research direction and organization. By dedicating a little extra time to crafting a well-thought-out outline, you can substantially streamline the subsequent writing process. Or simply buy essays as many as you need across a wide variety of disciplines on our website.

I. Introduction

Start with a compelling hook or attention-grabbing statement.
Provide background information on the chosen topic.
Present a clear and concise thesis statement outlining the main focus of the article.

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Main Idea 1

Introduce supporting evidence or facts related to Main Idea 1.
Provide a detailed explanation or analysis of the supporting evidence.
Use a transition sentence to segue into the next paragraph.

B. Main Idea 2

Introduce supporting evidence or facts related to Main Idea 2.
Offer a comprehensive explanation or analysis of the presented evidence.
Use a transition sentence to smoothly transition to the next paragraph.

C. Main Idea 3

Introduce supporting evidence or facts related to Main Idea 3.
Provide a thorough explanation or analysis of the supporting evidence.
Use a transition sentence to guide the reader to the next paragraph.

III. Conclusion

Reiterate the thesis statement using a different wording.
Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
Conclude with closing thoughts or final remarks to leave a lasting impression.

IV. Optional: Additional Sections

Counter Arguments and refutations (if deemed necessary).
Suggest further research or recommend additional reading.
Include personal reflections or real-life examples, if applicable.

How to Write an Informative Essay: 7 Essential Steps

Choose a Great Topic

If you're not assigned a topic, it's time to choose your own. Opt for a subject that can be adequately explained in approximately five paragraphs. Once you've settled on a general topic, narrow it down to the specific subject you'll delve into, utilizing the brainstorming process, which often involves some preliminary research.

Do Topic Research

Thoroughly delve into your chosen topic during this phase. Select credible sources that can be cited in your work.

Draw up an Outline

Post-research, construct an outline. This skeletal framework briefly mentions what each paragraph will discuss.

Commence Writing

Follow the structure of your outline and get your thoughts on paper. At this stage, focus on substance over perfect tone or flawless paragraph transitions. Keep your tone objective, educational, and devoid of literary devices.

Edit Vigorously

Once your first draft is complete, take a break before revisiting it, ideally a day later. Assess the effectiveness of your sources, the flow between paragraphs, and the overall topic explanation. Strengthen any weak sections through rewriting, resulting in your second draft.

Proofread Until Perfection

Read through your revised work to catch spelling or grammatical errors. Double-check the accuracy of the facts you cite.

Cite Sources

Complete the process of writing an informative essay by creating a citations page. As this type of essay relies on objective data, credit the sources for statistics and facts consulted. Format your citations page according to the style guide – MLA, APA, or Chicago – used for your paper.

Informative Essay Example

We’d like to present a tangible example that encapsulates the process of selecting a topic, conducting thorough research, crafting a well-structured outline, and ultimately producing a coherent and compelling essay. Study this practical illustration to gain insights into presenting objective information with clarity and precision. If you want to get your own writings of the same quality, pay for essay online right now!

What is the Main Purpose in Writing an Informative Essay?

How to start an informative essay, how to write a thesis statement for an informative essay, how to write a conclusion for an informative essay.

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

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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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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.

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

Let’s see how to put all these guidelines into practice.

Informative Essay Introduction Example

>> 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

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

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 .

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.

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.

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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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.

Essay Papers Writing Online

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.

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

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

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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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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How to Write an Informative Essay? (Step-by-Step)

Have you been asked to pen an informative essay? You will undoubtedly have a loose idea of what you are supposed to do — that is, to produce a coherent, well-organized, and deeply-researched and fact-checked text about a particular topic.

Although you are most certainly off to a good start if you keep those essentials in mind, you may not quite know what kinds of sections you should include, what aspects of the topic to cover, to what extent it is acceptable to bring personal opinions or experiences into your essay, or even how long the essay should be.

We’re here to help you gain the tools you need to start your informative essay with confidence and excitement — and to make it great.

Informative Essay Basics

The essay has, as a form of writing, existed for centuries — where it has typically been used in academic (specifically philosophical or scientific) circles to advance debates on a particular topic. In the modern world, essays have a place within all levels of education.

In elementary school, essays can be used as a vehicle to help students practice their budding writing skills, as well as to demonstrate that they have understood a particular topic as essays serve to produce a summary of the materials that were covered. At higher levels, in high school as well as at college, essays have a different purpose. They are a wonderful place to hone critical thinking skills and to begin disseminating entirely original ideas.

Even outside of education and academia, essays have a place in the media and even on corporate blogs. The word “essay” is derived from the French essayer , which means “to attempt” — and that does describe how many students feel while writing these papers, but it also shows the purpose of these texts. Essays center on a single topic, but many different types exist. The informative essay, also sometimes called the expository essay, is one of the most important of these.

What precisely are informative essays, you wonder, and what sets them apart from other types of essays? Informative essays:

Are meant to convey objective and true information about a single topic — such as the history of ice cream cones in London, the reasons behind the fact that alligator lizards are endangered, the physical health benefits of yoga, or the cultural significance of George Orwell’s 1984 .
This information is typically conveyed in a neutral tone; informative essays stick to the facts and are not narrative or argumentative in nature. These essays have more in common with encyclopedia entries than any other type of essay.
Informative essays need to be well-researched — any information therein must be backed up with sources that support the information offered within the essay. This may not be true in elementary school, however; students are often expected to write about something they learned about in school recently, instead.
Informative essays have the goal of educating readers about the topic in question, or at least to convince the grading educator that the author has thoroughly researched the topic and succeeded in writing a compelling essay.

All these factors set informative essays apart from other types of essays, which include:

Argumentative essays, in which the author attempts to convince readers that the viewpoint they are arguing in favor of is correct. Unlike informative essays, argumentative essays make a particular claim, which is then debated.
Narrative essays, in which the author shares an experience or story from someone else’s life. These essays can be used to help readers learn more about the author, they can be entertaining or emotional, and they are highly subjective in nature.
Descriptive essays, which use vivid or precise words to describe the topic with the goal of immersing the reader.

All types of essays contain information — but other types of essays have primary goals besides simply sharing information. Informative essays are unique in that they are written in order to educate, and aim to be objective.

A Look at the Different Types of Informative Essays

While all informative essays are written in order to inform readers about a particular topic, this goal can be achieved by means of a variety of different formats and structures. Let’s take a look at the different strategies that can be employed in crafting an informative essay — which is particularly important for students who have been given a lot of free reign in deciding what they can write about, and how they can go about that.

Informative essays may be:

Straight-up summaries of the information the student has gathered about the topic they are choosing to write on. This kind of essay is not typically offered a name, so we’ll call it the “today I learned” essay. These essays are often assigned in elementary school, but can also be employed at the high school level. In the first case, the topic may be as simple as “tigers” or “cotton”. In high school, topics become more complex, covering, for instance, the history of the local town hall that is now rumored to be haunted.
Contrast and compare essays. A staple in high school, these informative essays cover two different things and examine the similarities and differences — such as, for instance, the views of Hobbes vs Locke.
How-to essays. These essays describe how to achieve a particular goal, like caring for a wounded sparrow or setting up a Twitter account. These essays are also called process essays.
Cause and effect essays explain how one phenomenon or event caused another; how and why did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand lead to the first world war?
Problem-solution essays are also often said to be informative essays. At first glance, they lay out a particular problem and explain how this problem could be solved. In practice, however, such essays often become argumentative in nature. Take, for instance, topics like “how affordable housing could create job opportunities”.

How to Write an Informative Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready to sink your teeth into the brainstorming process? Should you still be feeling lost, here’s a handy step-by-step that will help you get started. Read the entire guide before you begin researching, and definitely before you start writing, for the best results!

Choose a Topic for Your Informative Essay

You may have been given a very narrow assignment, like “choose two enlightenment philosophers to compare and contrast”, or even “discuss the factors leading up to the formation of the United Nations”. You may also have a much looser topic, like “write any informative essay about any aspect of Victorian England of your choosing”.

If you have not been given a definitive topic, you will have the freedom to narrow your options down on your own. As you decide on a good topic for your informative essay, you have two basic choices:

You can decide to explore an aspect of the subject matter that you are genuinely interested in and would love the opportunity to learn more about, through the process of researching and writing your informative essay.
You can also choose to write on a topic that you are already fairly deeply familiar with, in order to build confidence that you can write a well-researched essay that is factually correct. This is often a solid choice for students who do not have much time to write their essays.
Keep Your Audience in Mind

Not all informative essays are written by students — some may be created to be published on the internet, while others may even appear in newspapers. If you are a student, you already know who your audience is; the grading teacher or professor. You will want to keep their particular likes and dislikes into account as you write the essay, in terms of the format and structure you choose.

Begin Researching for Your Essay

You can begin by brainstorming aspects of the topic you are already familiar with, and would like to include in your essay — make a mindmap, and jot down any source materials you already know you would like to include. Next, use the library or the internet to track down further sources you may wish to call on in your essay.

Collect all the information you have and find in a word-processing document (or on paper if you prefer), and make a note of any gaps you discover, so that you can continue your research. Highlight quotes you would like to include in your essay.

Where Relevant, Decide on a Structure for Your Informative Essay

With some research under your belt, you will have a better idea about the structure you may like to follow. You may decide on a compare and contrast essay, for instance. In this case, you will know that you can choose from among a few different structural options, depending on the points you would like to emphasize:

You may like to write an introduction, followed by a thesis statement, and then (continuing with the Hobbes vs Locke topic we mentioned earlier) highlight the unique views of each, followed by the reasons these philosophers are often said to hold wildly-opposing perspectives on human nature, and ultimately explaining how the two influential philosophers also share a lot of commonalities.
You could also follow your introduction and thesis statement with commonalities before explaining why the two are ultimately very different — creating an informative essay with an entirely different view.

Similarly, in the case of a simple expository essay that only aims to offer more information about the chosen topic, you can explore different formatting options. To take “tigers”, for instance, you could lead with their physical features, evolutionary history, or different species of tigers. The structure you choose greatly impacts the tone of your final essay.

Commit to an Outline and Begin Writing

Once you have played around with different options, settle on an outline by creating subheads for each section. You can now tackle each section as a “mini essay” of its own.

The introduction should generally be compelling, leading with an interesting fact. Follow this with a main idea, or thesis statement, and then continue to write the body of your essay by tackling each section — in order, or by beginning with the sections you already have sufficient information for. Finish the essay with a conclusion that either summarizes the information covered, or invites the reader to keep on learning more. The conclusion should leave the reader feeling like the essay is indeed finished; end on a strong note, but never introduce new information at this point.

If, as you write, you discover that you do not have all the answers, pause your writing process to keep researching. This will likely happen, and your essay will begin shaping itself as you write.

Edit and Proofread Your Essay

These steps cannot be skipped, and form an integral part of the essay-writing process.

The editing stage should include:

Reading your essay from start to finish, without pausing to correct typos or sentences you are not quite happy with, and assessing if you are satisfied with the structure of the essay. If you are not, make changes here before you do anything else.
Assessing what is still missing, or what information you offer in your informative essay that does not truly belong there (and that should be removed).
Read your essay to see whether you offer opinions — these should usually be removed from an informative essay.
Next, assess whether the paragraphs are coherent and flow smoothly. Make changes where necessary, ensuring that all information presented in a single paragraph is related.
If you are still happy, you can now take a closer look at the sentences within your essay, seeing where you can make them stronger or more compelling.
Wherever you are not sure whether a statement you have made is correct, now is the time to fact-check it thoroughly.

The proofreading phase focuses on spelling and sentences. If you have been asked to follow a certain style guide, check that your essay complies with it — looking everything you are not sure about up.

Tips to Help You Write a Compelling Informative Essay

Are you still not quite sure whether you are on the right track? To make sure that you have the chance to write the best possible essay, try to make sure that you choose a topic you are genuinely passionate about, or would truly like to learn more about.

Unless you are already a subject-matter expert, doing research — that is, learning enough about the topic to write a compelling expository essay — will take up much more time than writing the essay. To ensure that you make the most of the research you do, organize it neatly so that you will easily be able to find everything you are planning to incorporate nicely.

If you have been asked to include footnotes and in-text citations, it will often help to place these into the correct format right away; this will save you time later.

The fact that you are writing an informative essay does not mean that the text has to be dry; you can still choose engaging and interesting words, and make use of literary techniques such as hooks to keep your readers focused. Unlike in an encyclopedia entry, those writing informative essays should also make use of creative transitions that will make the paragraphs flow more smoothly.

Where possible, avoid these common mistakes when you are writing your informative essay:

Being too wordy — if you can make your point in a single sentence, there is no need to use three.
Relying on tried and true tropes excessively — even if you are writing an informative essay for high school, set yourself the challenge of including information that your grading teacher has likely never been introduced to before. Informative essays aim to inform, and if you can achieve this goal, you’re a step ahead of the rest.
Writing a boring essay. Information doesn’t have to be dry; you can still entertain in subtle ways.
Being overly formal; always try to find your own authentic writing voice, even if you have been instructed to write an academic text.
Waiting too long to start. If your essay is a long one, the deadline may seem to be far away. The sooner you get started on doing your research and writing your essay, the more likely it is to truly excel.
If you have been given a word count, or a number of pages to write, do not strive to pad a modest amount of information out with additional words. Instead, add more information. It’s better to find yourself in a place where you feel the need to be more succinct, because you still have more to say, than one where you try your best to add verbal padding to meet the requirements.

In Conclusion

Writing an informative essay offers a wonderful opportunity to teach others what you know, or indeed to learn more about any given topic yourself. While it may be daunting at first, the essay will start building itself once you have the right information and have settled on an appropriate structure. If you have a little extra time, do make use of it by editing your essay to perfection; you’ll be pleased with the results.

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The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type.

Essay type	Skills tested	Example prompt
		Has the rise of the internet had a positive or negative impact on education?
		Explain how the invention of the printing press changed European society in the 15th century.
		Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself.
		Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
The body presents your evidence and arguments
The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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What Is an Informative Essay?

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An informative essay is a form of writing that teaches the reader about a topic in an unbiased manner. Typically, this type of essay will include an introduction, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The body of the essay generally will contain facts that are well-researched and come from reliable sources.

There are many uses for an informative essay. For example, it may be used to inform readers about a product, a process, a person, or an event. Although it may be used to discuss a controversial issue, it may not be used to express the writer's opinion about that issue. In those cases, the writer should present both sides of the issue in an unbiased manner — the reader should not be able to infer the writer's opinion on the topic after reading an informative essay.

The introduction section in this type of essay typically is the first paragraph of the paper and offers a brief overview of the paper's topic. It may also present a surprising fact, geared to hook the reader and encourage him to read the rest of the essay. The last sentence of the opening paragraph will usually contain the point of the informative essay, also called the thesis statement . Generally, it is the most important sentence in the entire essay, as it sets forth the direction for the rest of the paper.

The body paragraphs of an informative essay will typically contain the facts that support the thesis statement, presenting the reader with information about the topic in an organized manner. The facts may answer questions that the reader might have about the topic, for instance. This can be done through examples, step-by-step analysis, or by presenting expert opinions. Generally, each fact should refer back to and support the opening thesis statement. The writer must make sure not to express his thoughts or opinions, even in a subtle fashion, since all facts and discussion of the facts must be done in an unbiased manner.

At the end of the informative essay, the writer will have a concluding paragraph. This paragraph typically summarizes the facts that were discussed throughout the body of the essay. It can also restate the thesis sentence. The writer should make sure that he does not introduce any new points or facts in this paragraph — if there are additional facts that the writer feels are important for the essay, they should be included in the body paragraphs.

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14 Do's and Don'ts When Writing an Informative Essay

##14 Do’s and Don’ts for When Writing an Informative Essay

Writing a high-quality informative essay can be straightforward when you know what to do and what to avoid in your process.

Wondering what to do and what to avoid in your informative essay-writing process? When writing one, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts.

Keep reading to learn more!

Here is our list of do’s for when writing an informative essay:

Research the Topic Thoroughly

Search for related topics on Google Scholar . This can help you find additional sources and articles to gain more information from. Also, you can use the search engine to give you the keywords you need for your paper.

It is easy to get overwhelmed with the whole research process. However, it is important to remember that you are not expected to read everything you find. Instead, use the keywords that you find in Google Scholar to help you narrow down your search for information.

You should only spend a little bit of time reading articles on subjects that are relevant to your topic. This will help you save time and improve your writing since you are providing relevant information to your readers.

Brainstorm Ideas for Your Informative Essay

Brainstorming is an essential part of the writing process. It can help you generate ideas and discover a topic that interests you. It can also help you plan your ideas and organize your essay. Many students need help with knowing where to start when writing an essay. Brainstorming can help you get started.

Brainstorming can help you:

Discover a topic that interests you Plan your ideas and organize your essay Organize your ideas and research Get started writing your essay

Brainstorming can help you plan and organize your essay, but it's just one part of the writing process. It should not replace other important writing steps such as pre-writing, drafting, and editing

Organize Your Thoughts and Ideas

The best way to organize ideas is to write them down. You can write them in a journal or use a word processing program. Using a word processing program, you can use the outlining feature to organize your thoughts. Outlines are a great way to organize your ideas. Outlines can be used in a variety of ways. For example, some people use them to write essays and reports.

Others use them to plan speeches or presentations. No matter how you use an outline, it will help you organize your thoughts and ideas. Outlining is a great way to start writing. It helps you think about your topic and write your thoughts down. Once you have an outline, you can start writing.

You can start by writing the introduction and filling in each point from your outline. This will help you write a strong paper that is organized and coherent. Outlining is a great way if you want to write an organized paper.

Select a Focus and Make a Thesis Statement

Allowing yourself a thesis statement can help when it comes to writing. Whether it's a 1,000-word essay or a 100-word paragraph, it makes the writing process easier. However, writing 1,000 words without a thesis statement can be daunting, so it's best to start by making one.

Having a thesis statement lets you narrow down the topic and write about it more easily. You'll be able to connect your ideas and tell your reader what you want to say. Start with a thesis statement to make writing a seamless process.

Include Relevant Facts and Data

What is the context of the writing? What is the author trying to convey and why? What is the purpose of the text, and what is the author's intention? Before evaluating the content, dig a little to understand the background.

Ask yourself: Is the text written for a specific publication? Is it a college writing assignment? Is it an online tutorial? How is the author trying to engage the reader? What is the author's purpose? What kind of audience is the author trying to reach? The more you know about the text itself, the easier it will be to understand what is being said and how the author is saying it.

Support Your Arguments with Evidence

It’s easy to get caught up in what you’re trying to say and forget to back it up with evidence. Writing is an act of communication, and to be truly effective, you need to make sure your audience understands where you are coming from and why you are making the points you are.

Citing evidence is important for a few reasons. First of all, it demonstrates that you understand the context of your argument and are capable of keeping your perspective in mind as you dive into the details. Secondly, citing evidence shows your audience how you came to that conclusion and gives them a path to follow if they want to come to the same conclusion themselves.

Finally, citing evidence shows your audience that you are not afraid to admit your sources and creates a sense of trust that you are presenting what you know to be true rather than making unfounded assumptions.

Use a Logical Structure

A logical structure starts with fundamental concepts and builds toward more complex ideas. This is the most important thing to consider when creating a logical structure for your essay. The first sentence of an essay should always provide the reader with the most essential information to help them understand the rest of the essay.

This sentence should provide the reader with the main idea and help them understand the structure of the essay. It should lead into the next paragraph, further elaborating on the main idea. Stay consistent with your main idea, and don’t go off on tangents.

An effective essay has a logical structure, meaning it starts with the most important information and builds upon it with each subsequent paragraph. A logical structure can be achieved in many ways, but the most important thing is to stay consistent with your main idea.

Don’t go off on tangents or try to include too much information. A logical structure will help you convey your main idea clearly and concisely to your audience.

Use Simple and Clear Language

The best writing is clear and concise. Readers don’t want to be confused, and they certainly don’t want to re-read paragraphs or sentences to understand your message. So, use simple and clear language. The best way to do this is to avoid using big words when small ones will do, and to keep your sentences short and to the point.

Writing that’s complex or difficult to read can often be simplified, so never fear doing that. Instead, you’ll end up with writing that is clear and easy to understand, which is exactly what your readers want.

Use a Variety of Sentence Structures

This means using the correct punctuation. For example, if you are making a statement, use a period to finish it. Do not use a question mark. This is incorrect punctuation. When asking a question, use a question mark at the end of your sentence. It is important to use the correct punctuation as it is an important part of writing.

Cite Your Sources Properly

If we are not certain of the credibility of a source, we should not use it. It is a common mistake for students to cite dubious sources when they are unsure if the source is credible. This can result in a plagiarized paper with references that do not support the author’s observations or opinions. Checking the source’s credibility prevents such situations from happening.

In addition, the student should always ensure that the source they use is relevant to the topic. This can prevent unnecessary repetition of information, which can be a telltale sign of plagiarism. Furthermore, it helps us to stay focused on the essence of the topic and present our ideas more creatively and innovatively.

Check Your Work for Accuracy

Many teachers primarily focus on the content of a student’s writing, particularly when it comes to essay writing. An essay’s content is the most important, and it’s the hardest thing to master. It’s easier to work on your grammar skills and ensure your writing is error-free.

That way, you’ll be well prepared to write an essay that will get you the desired results with the least amount of stress. It’s a good idea to focus on what’s important and ensure your content is interesting, engaging, and informative before worrying about grammar and spelling.

Proofread and Edit Your Informative Essay

The combination of writing an essay and balancing a hectic schedule can be quite overwhelming. Mistakes like grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors are bound to happen. Proofreading and editing your essay is a great way to go about it.

You can use Rephrasely’s Grammar Corrector, a free online tool that helps in identifying grammatical errors and helps in fixing them. Once you're done with your draft, you can use the tool to proofread your essay.

Ask Someone Else to Review Your Informative Essay

It means that your writing is so off-base that you can’t even convince a stranger that your writing is good. That’s a problem. It could be that your writing is just plain bad, or it could be that you’ve been so consumed by your ideas that you can’t even see them objectively.

This is a clear sign that you need to get someone else to review your writing. Either that, or you need to take a break, walk away from your writing for a bit, and come back to it with a fresh mind.

Revise and Refine Your Informative Essay

Student writing can be hard to come to terms with because it’s not always clear exactly what the teacher is looking for. “Revise and refine” can be tricky because it’s hard to know where to start. Is it a case of just putting some ‘revise and refine’ at the top and hoping for the best? Well, sort of.

It’s hard to know exactly what your teachers are looking for, so it’s always best to start with a rough draft of your essay and then revise and refine it from there. Revising and refining your writing can be just as important as the initial draft, so make sure your essay is well-structured, well-researched, and well-written.

Here is our list of don’ts for writing an informative essay:

Don't Copy and Paste from Other Sources

While students may not have the essay writing skills to create a compelling argument, they can at least give themselves a fighting chance by avoiding plagiarism . By not copying and pasting content from other sources, students can at least be confident that the content they are presenting is original and accurate.

Some students may have the misconception that using other content is fine as long as they cite it, but they must remember that they are risking their academic standing by doing so.

Don't Use Biased Language

If you are writing a research paper, ensure that the material you are using is cited properly. This includes the titles, the authors, and the publishers. If you do not do this, you are guilty of plagiarism. Therefore, make sure that you are properly citing your sources so that you can avoid being accused of plagiarism.

When you are not properly citing your sources, you steal someone else’s work. When you are accused of plagiarism, you are accused of stealing someone else’s work.

Don't Make Baseless Claims

One of my biggest pet peeves is when students make claims that aren’t backed up by facts. For example, if a student were to write, “The Beatles were the most influential band of all time,” but didn’t offer any evidence to support this claim, it would leave the reader wondering if this statement is true or just an opinion.

As a writer, it’s important to back up your claims with examples, statistics, or any other evidence proving your point. By doing this, you’re ensuring that your argument is sound and well-supported, which will help your readers understand your point of view and make them more likely to agree with you.

Don't Use Jargon or Complex Terminology

Using jargon or complex terminology may make you seem authoritative, but can also make you seem inaccessible to the reader. If your writing is filled with unfamiliar terms that the average reader will not understand, they will be unable to follow your argument. Instead, consider the average reader and write in a style that is easy to understand and engaging.

Don't Use First-Person Pronouns

Many students have a habit of using first-person pronouns in their written assignments. For example, they will use ‘I,’ ‘me,’ ‘my,’ ‘mine,’ ‘myself’ or ‘our’, etc., in their written assignments so that it becomes distracting to the reader. It doesn’t look professional, and it is better to avoid it.

While you may want to use them, you should ask yourself, “is it important to know who is saying this?” If it isn’t, then don’t mention it. Just write your thoughts. It is much more professional and easier to follow if you do. It may take a while to get used to, but it is worth it!

Don't Exaggerate or Make Assumptions

Students should use evidence to support their arguments rather than exaggerating or making assumptions to get their point across. In the context of student writing, this means that students should provide concrete evidence for their arguments rather than just stating opinions.

For example, if a student is writing an essay about why the death penalty should be abolished, they shouldn't just state that it's immoral and unjust; they should provide specific examples and evidence to support their argument.

Don't Provide False Information

Writers should never include false information. Instead, they should write about their experiences in a way that is honest and engaging without exaggerating or including things that never happened. Never underestimate your reader and their ability to detect misinformation!

Don't Use Too Many Quotes

Quoting is a great way to show that expert opinions support your research and can also be a great way to add some personality to your writing. However, you want to make sure that you don't go overboard and quote too much. Otherwise, your writing can end up sounding dry and uninteresting, which is the opposite of what you're trying to achieve. So as with all things, moderation is key.

Don't Be Afraid to Be Opinionated

Students are often too afraid to be opinionated. They’re worried about coming across as too confident or even arrogant. When students are afraid to express their own opinions, their writing suffers. This is because they aren’t trying to engage with the text.

Instead, they’re simply regurgitating what the author has already said. When students are more willing to share their opinions, they have more to say about the text. This leads to more engaging writing, which is exactly what you want your writing to be. So, don’t be afraid to be opinionated! Be confident in your ideas and share them with the world.

Don't Forget to Include a Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part of a student's essay. It summarizes what the writer said in the essay’s body, and gives the reader a sense of completeness and closure. Conclusions add to the essay's structure and organization. It also helps the reader remember what the writer said in the essay.

The conclusion should not be a summary of the body. Instead, it should be a new and original thought that ties together the main ideas of the body. A conclusion should also leave the reader with an understanding of how the writer's point of view affects their life.

The conclusion should be concise and to the point. It should be between one and three sentences long. It should avoid being overly long or overly complicated. The conclusion should also have a transition sentence leading to the essay's body.

Don't Ignore the Purpose of Your Informative Essay

The best essay writing services could help you improve your writing without changing your original voice. They want your essay to sound like you wrote it. They just want to help you become a better writer. It's a very rewarding experience that can help you build confidence in your writing abilities.

You'll see how your writing has grown and how much progress you've made due to the essay writing service's help. It's a win-win.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you're writing a paper with someone and you're stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your partner might have a different perspective than you, and they can provide some insight that you haven't considered. Even if they can't help, they'll probably be glad to know they're not the only ones struggling!

Don't Forget to Check the Formatting Requirements

All academic papers are required to be formatted and structured in a particular way. It is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure your professor can easily read and assess your work. Furthermore, by taking the time and effort to format your papers properly, you will not only impress your professor but also improve your chances of receiving a good grade.

Not sure how to format your paper? Don't worry - plenty of resources online can help you get it right. A quick Google search will reveal many websites and apps showing you exactly how to format your paper in MLA, APA, or Chicago Style.

By taking the time to format and structure your paper properly, you will ensure that it is easy to read and understand, which will ultimately lead to better results.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Write Your Informative Essay

Many students believe they can write a good essay only in the last minutes before the deadline. And they are right. If they don't take care to arrange their ideas and get the first draft done before the deadline, they will be writing from scratch at the last minute. It is better to dedicate time to writing the first draft of your essay and then go over it and edit it on time.

If you are stuck for ideas, try brainstorming or using some of the effective writing prompts available online. It helps to have a first draft ready before the deadline and then go over it for editing. This way, you save time on writing from scratch and can focus on perfecting your informative essay.

Final Thoughts

Following our list of do’s and don’ts for writing an informative essay will help you score top marks.

Here is our list of do’s for writing an informative essay:

Research the topic thoroughly Brainstorm ideas for your informative essay Organize your thoughts and ideas Select a focus and make a thesis statement Include relevant facts and data Support your arguments with evidence Use a logical structure Use simple and clear language Use a variety of sentence structures Cite your sources properly Check your work for accuracy Proofread and edit your informative essay Ask someone else to review your informative essay Revise and refine your informative essay

Don't copy and paste from other sources Don't use biased language Don't make baseless claims Don't use jargon or complex terminology Don't use first-person pronouns Don't exaggerate or make assumptions Don't provide false information Don't use too many quotes Don't be afraid to be opinionated Don't forget to include a conclusion Don't ignore the purpose of your informative essay Don't be afraid to ask for help Don't forget to check the formatting requirements Don't wait until the last minute to write your informative essay

We hope you’ve found our article helpful. Don’t forget to share it with a fellow student!

Works Cited: How to improve your writing. Rephrasely. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://rephrasely.com/blog/how-to-improve-your-writing Google scholar. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://scholar.google.com/ 20 important questions to consider when writing an essay. Rephrasely. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://rephrasely.com/blog/20-important-questions-to-consider-when-writing-an-essay Google. (n.d.). My word! Google Books. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://books.google.co.za/books?hl=en&lr=&id=J3uv5MQsdIkC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=plagiarism&ots=ef7kSH9Gv7&sig=TN6K7esNMRglDoWhQwQ_XP_O0IE&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=plagiarism&f=false

About Rephrasely

Getting your wording just right.

Paraphrasing is a natural part of the writing process as it helps you clarify your thinking and suit your words to your audience. Using a Rephrasely helps structure and streamline this work, and our paraphrase tool offers 20 modes, many of them free, for accomplishing just this. The 20 modes we offer are diverse, including a summarize tool, a free grammar checker, a mode to simplify text, and a sentence shortener. There are sentence rephrasers and paraphrase rephrase tools, and we pride ourselves on having both, since our reword generator accounts for context at both the sentence and paragraph levels.

When you google paraphrase you will get a variety of results, from a free Rephrasely , to an article spinner, to a general phrase tool, and it can be hard to determine which of these rephrase tools will best help you complete your work. If you simply need to get a word rephrase, that is, reword only small elements within the sentence, many tools will suffice, but there is the risk that you end up with a tool that does not consider context and produces very awkward and ungrammatical sentences. Rephrasing is very much an art, and we’ve built our paraphrase bot to produce the most correct results in 20 modes in over 100 languages, making it the best paraphrasing tool at an exceptionally low cost. So whether you need to paraphrase deutsch, paraphrase greek, or paraphrase bahasa melayu, the next time you think, I need something to paraphrase this for me, you’ll know where to turn.

From keywords to paragraphs

Generating paragraphs with unique ideas can be challenging, and too often writers get stuck at this stage of the writing process. With our paragraph tool, you can enter keywords and let our AI generate paragraphs for you, so that you can have something to work with, refine the output, and become more engaged in your writing.

A paragraph generator creates links between your ideas, such that the output is sensible, unique, and stimulating, very close to what you would expect a thoughtful human paragraph writer to produce.

Paragraph makers are nice, but what about a short story generator? Because our AI is generalized, it serves a story generator, an essay generator, a poem generator, and much more. To generate compelling stories, you should provide the story generator with useful keywords from which it can develop plot elements, including characters, setting details, and any situational information. To generate reasonably good essays, you should likewise provide the essay maker with details around argumentative positions and any other pertinent ideas. If you more specifically want an introduction paragraph generator or conclusion paragraph generator, you can provide starter text and keywords that will best enable our essay creator to produce them.

You may well ask, “is this essay generator free?” Everything on this site is free within a 3-day trial, so you can test and develop confidence in our products. You may also be wondering where this is an essay automatic writer or if it will take a while to get results. All results appear within a matter of seconds, so you can move through your work as quickly as possible.

You may have professional needs for creating paragraphs as well, such as those needed for cover letter. Most of the time a cover letter template includes information that is not relevant to you; by using your own keywords, we can produce cover letter examples that are relevant to your use case and often require very little editing. By using this service, you can also learn how to write a cover letter and achieve the cover letter format you need.

Plagiarism checker free

Like everything else on our site, you can check plagiarism free within a trial, which is a great opportunity for those who want to check a paper for plagiarism without committing to paying before they see results. This free plagiarism checker is great for students and clearly indicates how to check for plagiarism by highlighting areas of similarity between the two texts. Just to be sure you are not accidentally plagiarizing, be sure to check all of your paraphrases as well.

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This week’s televised debate is crucial for Biden and Trump — and for CNN as well

Presidential debate prep: How Biden and Trump are approaching their first face-off in four years

FILE - CNN anchors Jake Tapper, left, and Dana Bash, right, speaking to members of the audience before the start of the CNN Republican presidential debate in Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 10, 2024. Joe Biden and Donald Trump won’t be alone at the debate Thursday, June 27. Moderators Bash and Tapper of CNN will be on camera, too, and there’s a lot on the line for their network as it fights for relevance in a changing media environment. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Biden and Donald Trump won’t be alone at Thursday’s debate . Moderators Dana Bash and Jake Tapper of CNN will be on camera, too, and there’s a lot on the line for their network as it fights for relevance in a changing media environment.

CNN has hosted dozens of town halls and political forums through the years, but never a general election presidential debate, let alone one so early in a campaign. No network has.

“This is a huge moment for CNN,” said former CNN Washington bureau chief Frank Sesno, now a media and public affairs professor at George Washington University. “CNN has to reassert itself. It has to show that it led a revolution in news before and can do it again.”

As a television network, CNN is struggling at a time many consumers are cutting off cable and most news outlets wonder if the campaign will ignite consumer interest.

Those that remain have expressed a clear preference for opinion programming. Fox News Channel has averaged 2.14 million viewers in prime time this month, with MSNBC at 1.22 million and CNN at 525,000, according to the Nielsen company. That’s down 17% from last June for CNN.

CNN’s chairman and CEO, Mark Thompson, has been with the company for less than a year and has spoken more about the internet than television as an opportunity for growth. Yet it means something that both campaigns chose CNN for the first debate. A well-run, illuminating event can open some eyes and remind people of CNN’s legacy as the first all-news television network. If it goes off the rails, that’s a stain that could take years to wash away.

“This is a hugely consequential moment in this campaign,” said David Chalian, CNN’s vice president and political director. “It’s the earliest presidential debate ever. It’s obviously a huge privilege and a huge responsibility for CNN to host it.”

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Looking hard for more viewers

It’s possible — even likely — that CNN won’t even have the biggest American audience on Thursday.

Choosing public service over pure profit, CNN offered to let other networks carry the debate feed; ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, PBS and C-SPAN will all do so. The other networks also have the right to sell their own ad time during the two commercial breaks.

The networks had to agree to CNN’s rules — they must keep CNN’s insignia onscreen and can’t interrupt with their own commentators while the debate airs. Internationally, only CNN is carrying it.

The event, in an Atlanta studio, won’t have a live audience. That was important to the Biden campaign but also to CNN. The network’s town hall with Trump in 2023 was panned in large part because of the presence of Trump partisans.

CNN will also control a mute button, to turn a candidate’s microphone off when his opponent is talking. That’s also reactive; Biden and many viewers were frustrated by Trump’s frequent interruptions during the first of two debates between them in 2020.

When he conducted an unscientific poll among listeners to his SiriusXM radio show, Michael Smerconish said that 90% were in favor of the “mute” button. But Smerconish, who also hosts a weekend show on CNN, counts himself among the 10% who don’t like the idea.

“You run the risk that the debate will become an antiseptic experience,” missing some good give-and-take, Smerconish said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Stay tuned, though. Chalian, who would not say who would be in control of the mute button, said an opponent’s voice may still be picked up if he pipes up. It just won’t be the dominant voice.

The network will not attempt to fact-check the candidates in real time, he said.

“Obviously, if there is some egregious fact that needs to be checked or the record needs to be made clear, Jake and Dana can do that,” he said. “But that’s not their role. They are not here to participate in this debate. They are here to facilitate a debate between Trump and Biden.”

Will CNN offer a fair forum?

Well before the debate, Trump and his supporters have been putting forward the notion that because of CNN’s presence, it won’t be a fair fight. At a campaign rally where he denounced “fake Tapper,” Trump said that he would be debating three people instead of one — even though his campaign agreed in advance to the rules and moderators.

On CNN Monday, the network’s Kasie Hunt cut off an interview with Trump press aide Karoline Leavitt after she repeatedly attacked the moderators.

“Our side has zero expectations that this is going to be a fair debate,” said Tim Graham, director of media analysis at the conservative Media Research Center. “When you watch Tapper and Bash anchor, you get the distinct impression that you’re not going to get a fair debate.”

What Graham will be watching for: How many times will the moderators interrupt Trump and how many times do they stop Biden?

To a large extent, the attitude speaks to how CNN is boxed in commercially. Egged on by Trump, many of his supporters perceive CNN as biased against them, not as a network that follows the facts. And if you oppose Trump and want to see your view reflected, MSNBC is a more satisfying destination.

“Our job is simply to make sure that we are best prepared to facilitate and moderate the debate between the candidates,” Chalian said. “That is our focus. I really try not to pay too much attention to the pre-spin or post-spin. I’m really focused on the debate itself.”

Days before the event, a keep-your-head-down-and-work attitude seems to be how he’s dealing with a pressure-filled event that could choke you if you let it.

“Let’s be clear,” he said. “The stakes are highest for Donald Trump and Joe Biden. They’re the participants in this debate.”

David Bauder writes about media for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder .

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In This Debate, CNN Is the Decider

One network is in charge of every aspect of the Biden-Trump debate, a major shift from previous years. Tens of millions of viewers are expected to be watching.

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On a big outdoor screen against a dark sky, Donald J. Trump is on the left and Joe Biden on the right.

By Michael M. Grynbaum

Michael Grynbaum is a media correspondent who covered the presidential debates in 2016 and 2020.

The prime-time matchup on Thursday between President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump represents an evening full of promise and peril.

Especially for CNN.

For the first time in decades, a single television network will have sole discretion over the look, feel and cadence of a general-election presidential debate. Unlike in past years, when an independent, nonprofit commission oversaw the contests, CNN has picked the moderators, designed the set and will choose the camera angles that viewers see.

Lest any voters forget who’s in charge, the red CNN logo will be ubiquitous: Rival channels seeking to simulcast the event had to agree to leave the network’s on-air watermark untouched.

The debate, at 9 p.m. Eastern, could be the single most-watched moment of the presidential campaign, with consequences that ripple all the way to November. And much of the credit — or the blame — for what transpires on tens of millions of screens on Thursday will land at CNN’s feet.

Leaders at the channel, which has endured a run of poor ratings and viewer apathy, say they don’t mind the pressure.

“The fact that we got it was something of a moment for us,” Mark Thompson, who became CNN’s chairman in October, said in an interview between prep meetings in Washington. “Much of the reaction of the public, the rest of the media and other politicians is going to depend on President Trump and President Biden, who are the stars of the show.”

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How to Write an Informative Essay: Expert Guide
Keeping It Real: These essays are all about the facts. No opinions allowed. We want to keep things fair and honest. Topics Galore: You can write about anything you find interesting, from science and history to things about different cultures. Where You Find Them: Informative essays can pop up anywhere, from your classroom assignments to the pages of magazines or even online articles.
Writing an Informative Essay
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 ...
Informative Essay
An informative essay contains an introductory paragraph that begins with a hook sentence and contains the topic sentence, or thesis. The body of the essay generally contains three to five ...
Informative Essay
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.
Informative Essay
Informative essays can cover a variety of topics. It could be written about a particular thing, event, or natural phenomenon, etc. ... 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.
How to Write an Informative Essay
Here are 7 steps to help you create a well-structured informative essay outline: Choose a Topic. Select a topic that you are familiar with and that you find interesting. Ensure that the topic is suitable for an informative essay and that there is enough information available for you to research. Conduct Research.
Writing an Informative Essay
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.
A complete guide to writing a Informative Essays
Keep track of all sources you use to provide proper citations later. 3. Create a draft. Like any other text of this kind, an informative essay can be divided into three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction is the part where you introduce the subject matter of your essay.
Detailed Informative Essay Writing Guide ⇒ EssayReply
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 ...
How to Write an Informative Essay?
The body paragraphs constitute the core content of your paper. Here, present facts, statistics, and relevant details to support your thesis. Writing an informative essay has to guide the reader through a process. Body paragraphs elucidate each step. Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific topic - summarize events thoroughly for comparisons ...
How to Write an Informative Essay
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.
Writing an Informative Essay: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips
3. Use transitional words and phrases: Transitional words and phrases help to connect ideas and create a smooth flow between paragraphs and sections. Words like "however," "on the other hand," and "therefore" can help guide the reader through your essay. 4.
How to Write an Informative Essay in 7 Steps & Examples
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.
Examples of Informative Essays
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.
Tips for Writing an Informative Essay
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.
What Is An Informative Essay? A Comprehensive Explainer
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 ...
How to Write an Informative Essay: A Friendly and Detailed Guide
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 ...
How to Write an Informative Essay? (Step-by-Step)
Collect all the information you have and find in a word-processing document (or on paper if you prefer), and make a note of any gaps you discover, so that you can continue your research. Highlight quotes you would like to include in your essay. Where Relevant, Decide on a Structure for Your Informative Essay. With some research under your belt ...
The Four Main Types of Essay
An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays. Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and ...
What is an informative essay and how is it written?
Informative essays are actually the same as expository essays. The main difference in nomenclature is that "informative essay " describes what the essay does (it informs) while "expository essay ...
What Is an Informative Essay?
The body paragraphs of an informative essay will typically contain the facts that support the thesis statement, presenting the reader with information about the topic in an organized manner. The facts may answer questions that the reader might have about the topic, for instance. This can be done through examples, step-by-step analysis, or by ...
14 Do's and Don'ts When Writing an Informative Essay
Outlining is a great way to start writing. It helps you think about your topic and write your thoughts down. Once you have an outline, you can start writing. You can start by writing the introduction and filling in each point from your outline. This will help you write a strong paper that is organized and coherent.
To Serve His Country, President Biden Should Leave the Race
The editorial board is a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values. It is separate from the newsroom. President Biden has ...
What the CNN presidential debate means for the network
The networks had to agree to CNN's rules — they must keep CNN's insignia onscreen and can't interrupt with their own commentators while the debate airs. Internationally, only CNN is carrying it. The event, in an Atlanta studio, won't have a live audience. That was important to the Biden campaign but also to CNN.
In This Debate, CNN Is the Decider
"It is an antiquated notion that a so-called public service program is not a public service if it is sponsored," Mr. Sarnoff wrote. "By this odd reasoning, a broadcaster cannot serve the ...

How to Write an Informative Essay: Everything You Need to Know

What is an Informative Essay

Ready to Ignite Minds with Your Informative Essay?

Reasons to Write an Informative Essay

How to Start an Informative Essay

Informative Essay Outline

Informative Essay Structure

Informative Essay Examples

7 Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

Final Remarks

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Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

Purpose of informative writing

How to write an informative essay

Informative essay introduction

Informative essay body paragraphs

Informative essay conclusion

Informative essay example

What is an Informative Essay and How to Write One?

Informative Essay Definition

What is the Purpose of an Informative Essay?

Types of Informative Essay

How to Start an Informative Essay?

Informative Essay Outline

Introduction

Conclusion

How to Write an Informative Essay?

How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction?

How to Write an Informative Essay Body Paragraphs?

How to Write an Informative Essay Conclusion?

Edit and Proofread the Essay

Informative Essay Examples

Informative Essay Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic of an informative essay?

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How to Write an Informative Essay | Outlines and Examples

What Is an Informative Essay?

How to Create an Informative Essay Outline?

I. Introduction

II. Body Paragraphs

III. Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Informative Essay Format

Comprehensive Analysis of All of the Outline's Subsections

2 Informative Essay Examples

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Writing an Informative Essay

Reasons to Write Informatively

Characteristics of Informative Essays

Strategies for Writing Informatively

Five Steps for Getting Started

Suggested Outline Format and Sample

See a Sample Informative Essay Outline here .

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How to Write Informative Essays

What is an informative essay?

Information essay: functions and objectives

How to write an informational essay: tutorial

1. Pick your subject matter

2. Gather information

3. Create a draft

4. How to write an informative essay introduction

5. How to write the body of an informative essay

6. How to write a conclusion for an informative essay

7. Prepare a list of references

Conclusion: How to write informative essays

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