informative essays how to

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:

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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Home > Blog > How To Write Informative Essays and Get Top Marks

How To Write Informative Essays and Get Top Marks

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Published: November 5, 2024
• Step-by-Step Instructions for Writing
• Student Guide for Writing

Do you need help getting the highest grade in your class with your next informative essay? We’ll share the strategies for how to write informative essays, so you can be proud of your work. This includes everything from the informative essay outline to the tips on preliminary research.

You’ll see that it’s possible to have fun with informative writing by exploring interesting topics. It’s also an opportunity to improve your writing skills while passing class assignments. We’ll also share how using AI tools can be a game-changer. You’ll see that you can save a lot of time while submitting higher-quality work.

Keep reading for the top suggestions on how to start an essay and make the right creative choices.

Table of Contents

What Is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is a type of writing that aims to educate the reader on a particular topic by providing clear, factual, and organized information. Unlike a persuasive or argumentative essay, its primary goal is not to present an opinion or persuade the reader. Instead, the aim is to explain or clarify a subject thoroughly.

You’ll find that informative essays are commonly used in academic settings and cover a wide range of topics. This includes everything from science and history to current events.

The structure of an informative essay typically includes an introduction that introduces the topic and body paragraphs that provide detailed information. Finally, there’s a conclusion that summarizes the key points.

Furthermore, each body paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the topic. This ensures clarity and logical flow. Additionally, the writer should rely on credible sources and evidence to support the facts presented. You can use a Citation Machine to improve your organization of the sources you use and present them in the correct manner.

Tips for Starting an Informative Essay

Are you not sure about the best way to begin crafting your informative essay introduction paragraph? We’ll share some of the best practices that you can follow to begin writing your perfect piece. You’ll see that there are a number of different strategies that you can use to increase your grade.

Choose a Clear and Focused Topic

When starting an informative essay, select a topic that is clear and focused. This will make everything else easier. That’s because a well-defined topic allows you to present in-depth information and keeps your essay organized.

Additionally, avoid choosing overly complex or expansive subjects that might overwhelm you. Sometimes less is more, and this might be the case here. Hence, opt for a topic that can be explained effectively within the scope of your essay.

Conduct Thorough Research

Having trouble with the last section? Then take time to research extensively to generate ideas. Use reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and trusted websites. You’ll need to take notes and organize your findings to ensure that your facts are well-supported and reliable.

The more in-depth your research, the better you will be able to explain and clarify the topic. Also, thorough research ensures that your essay is informative, factual, and engaging. This can take practice and may require tackling several essays before you get it right.

Start Off With a Hook

There are a number of ways that you can hook a reader to explore your essay in more detail. Setting the right first impression makes convincing the reader of your viewpoint much easier. Here are a few ideas to implement to hook your reader’s attention:

• Start with a surprising fact or statistic: A surprising fact or statistic immediately grabs attention and raises the interest level. You’ll also want to provide content for the numbers to avoid confusion. Furthermore, ensure the fact is thought-provoking.
• Ask a rhetorical question: Posing a rhetorical question engages readers by making them think about the topic from the start. The question should relate to the essay’s subject and encourage the reader to reflect or ponder the issue.
• Use an intriguing quotation: An intriguing or famous quotation relevant to your topic can serve as an effective hook. Therefore, choose a quote that encapsulates the theme of your essay or offers a fresh perspective.
• Set the scene with vivid imagery: Describe a scene or a moment using sensory details to create a mental picture that helps readers visualize and connect with the subject. This technique works well when learning how to write a college essay .

Use AI Tools To Improve Your Informative Essay

Did you know that you can have a much better time writing an informative essay with AI tools? Firstly, AI tools streamline research by quickly gathering reliable information from a wide range of sources. This allows writers to efficiently find relevant facts and data. Hence, you’ll have a well-supported essay with accurate and up-to-date evidence. This is key for writing an informative essay body.

Additionally, AI tools help with content organization by suggesting outlines and structuring ideas logically. This ensures a cohesive flow between sections. Essay outline creators can help you get started sooner and teach you the basics of content organization.

Grammar and style enhancements are another key benefit. AI-powered grammar checkers detect errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax. More importantly, they offer style suggestions to improve readability and maintain a consistent tone throughout the essay.

Plagiarism detection is also a crucial feature of AI tools. They scan the essay against large databases to identify any potential instances of unintentional duplication. Therefore, an accurate plagiarism checker allows writers to revise content to ensure originality.

In summary, AI tools improve the efficiency, accuracy, and overall quality of informative essays, making the writing process faster and more effective.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Your Informative Essay

There are several common mistakes that can undermine your hard work. Avoiding these common writing mistakes will increase your chances of a higher grade. It also empowers you to perform better in the future. Here are the noteworthy essay writing pitfalls to consider:

• Lack of a clear thesis statement: An informative essay without a clear thesis statement can confuse readers about the essay’s focus. Hence, the informative essay thesis statement should succinctly present the main topic or purpose by guiding the essay’s structure. Also, avoid vague or overly broad statements.
• Insufficient evidence or examples: Failing to provide sufficient evidence or examples weakens the credibility of your essay. Therefore, avoid making unsupported claims. Instead, use reliable sources, data, and examples to back up your points.
• Grammatical and spelling errors: Grammar and spelling mistakes can detract from the professionalism and clarity of your essay. This means you must avoid neglecting the editing process. Take the time to proofread your essay carefully or use grammar-checking tools to catch errors.
• Plagiarism: Copying content from other sources without proper citation is a major mistake in any essay. Therefore, prevent plagiarism by properly quoting, paraphrasing, and citing all sources. Also, use a plagiarism checker to ensure your essay is original.
• Lack of conclusion: Failing to include a conclusion can leave the essay feeling incomplete. Therefore, avoid ending abruptly without summarizing your main points. Overall, a strong conclusion should restate the thesis, summarize key information, and provide closure.

How To Write Informative Essays To Boost Your Grades: 6 Top Strategies

If you want to get a top mark, there are a few writing strategies you can use to tilt the odds of success in your favor. Use the suggestions in this section, and you’ll have an easier time getting the grades you want for your informative essay.

1. Understand the Assignment Guidelines

Before you begin writing, ensure that you thoroughly understand the assignment guidelines. Therefore, pay close attention to the essay’s required length, formatting style, topic scope, and any specific instructions from your instructor. Knowing the expectations helps you stay on track and ensures you cover all necessary aspects.

Misinterpreting or overlooking guidelines can lead to losing valuable points, even if the essay itself is well-written. Also, following the guidelines precisely demonstrates your ability to meet academic requirements. It is a skill in itself that you need to cultivate to achieve top marks.

2. Utilize AI Tools for Assistance

Leveraging AI tools can significantly enhance your writing process. That’s because you can use AI-driven platforms for research, content organization, grammar checks, and plagiarism detection. This is just a small example of their capabilities and new features are always being developed.

Also, these tools can help you find relevant information quickly, correct errors, and ensure your essay is polished.

However, be mindful to use AI as a supplement, not a replacement for critical thinking and creativity. Otherwise, you’ll notice that the quality of your education will decrease. With practice, you can strike the right balance and use AI tools in the best possible manner to get top grades while learning how to write.

3. Manage Your Time Effectively

Time management is crucial for writing a high-quality informative essay. Therefore, start early by breaking the task into manageable steps. Top examples are research, outlining, drafting, and revising. Also, allocate specific time slots for each stage to avoid last-minute rushes. This ensures you have ample time for thorough research, clear writing, and proper editing.

You’ll find that procrastination can lead to a disorganized essay with incomplete arguments. Hence, manage your time well to produce a more polished and well-thought-out essay. Ultimately, this reduces stress and leads to better results and a higher grade.

4. Consider Taking an Essay Writing Course

Enrolling in an essay writing course can be an excellent way to improve your skills and boost your grades. These courses provide guidance on key writing techniques. Some of what you can expect includes thesis development, organization, grammar, and argumentation.

You’ll also learn how to structure essays, refine your style, and effectively communicate ideas. Some courses also offer personalized feedback, thereby allowing you to identify and address weaknesses in your writing.

You’ll see that by honing your skills through structured learning, you become more confident and capable of producing high-quality essays. However, you’ll need to find an excellent course that has a great reputation for improving writing skills.

5. Hire an Online Tutor for Guidance

Hiring an online tutor can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the essay writing process. That’s because tutors can help with brainstorming ideas, organizing your essay, going over informative essay examples, and refining your thesis. Also, they offer detailed feedback on your drafts to help improve clarity, structure, and grammar.

Tutors also address specific weaknesses. Overall, working with a tutor ensures that you receive individualized attention and expert advice. This tailored support can significantly improve your writing skills and lead to higher grades on your assignments.

6. Ask for Feedback From Your Teacher

Seeking feedback from your teacher before submitting your final essay is a valuable strategy for improvement. Teachers can provide insights on areas that need clarification, adjustments, or further development. Also, they may point out weak arguments, structural issues, or overlooked guidelines, thereby giving you the opportunity to make necessary revisions.

Additionally, early feedback helps you refine your essay’s content, tone, and organization. This ensures it meets the assignment’s expectations. You should try to incorporate your teacher’s suggestions to boost your grade. After all, the feedback they give are the points they will pay attention to when marking your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an informative essay.

An informative essay aims to educate or inform the reader on a specific topic by providing clear, factual, and well-organized information. Unlike persuasive essays, the goal is not to present opinions or arguments. The focus here is to explain a subject thoroughly.

Furthermore, this type of essay helps readers gain a better understanding of the topic through researched and objective content that is easy to follow and comprehend.

How do I choose a topic for an informative essay?

When choosing a topic for an informative essay, select a subject that is relevant, interesting, and narrow enough to cover comprehensively within the given length. You’ll also want to avoid overly broad topics, as they can be difficult to explain in detail.

In addition, make sure the topic is something you can research effectively and provides educational value to your audience. It should also align with your personal interests and the assignment’s requirements.

What is a thesis statement in an informative essay?

A thesis statement in an informative essay clearly outlines the main topic or purpose of the essay. It briefly introduces what the reader will learn by guiding the direction of the essay. This process is fun and you can use a lot of creativity.

The thesis for an informative essay does not take a stance. Instead, it presents the subject that will be explored and explained throughout the essay.

How do I make sure my essay is well-researched?

To ensure your informative essay is well-researched, you can use credible sources like academic journals, books, and reliable websites. Then, cross-check facts and gather data from multiple sources to verify accuracy.

Don’t forget to organize your research by taking notes and keeping track of your sources for proper citation. Overall, you’ll find that strong research enhances the credibility of your essay and provides a solid foundation for the information presented.

How do I conclude an informative essay effectively?

To conclude an informative essay effectively, summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs without introducing new information. Also, restate the thesis in a way that reinforces the essay’s purpose.

Your informative essay conclusion should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the topic and its significance. It also helps to emphasize the importance of the subject or encourage the reader to further explore the topic.

Excel in Your Informative Essay With Smodin

You’ll have an excellent chance of getting a top grade if you implement the ideas in this article. This includes everything from practicing time management to crafting the perfect thesis statement. However, it all starts with research and coming up with a topic that you feel passionate about.

Now that you know how to write an informative essay, pick a topic and begin crafting an outline. Also, don’t forget to use AI tools, since they can assist with every step of the process. You’ll save time and get your first draft completed sooner rather than later.

Are you unsure of what AI tools you can use for your next informative essay? Then use the AI Essay Writer at Smodin. You can try it for free, and the accuracy of the tool is amazing. All you have to do is enter the right prompts and the AI tool will output ideas in seconds.

So what are you waiting for? Try Smodin today to improve your chances of academic success.

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How to Write an Informative Essay

Last Updated: February 14, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Callaghan, PhD . Megan Morgan is an Academic Advising and Writing expert based in Augusta, Georgia. She has over 7 years of university teaching experience and more than 15 years of professional editing experience. She works as an intern for the Law Library of Congress, and is also a Professional Writing Center Consultant at Augusta University. Her key academic interests involve reference and subject librarianship, government information, and information organization. She provides personalized writing instruction, workshops, and support for AU students, faculty, and staff. Previously, she worked as a Graduate Program Administrator at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. She was a Graduate Advisor for three degrees in the departments of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Georgia College of Arts and Sciences. She earned her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University. She also received both a PhD and MA in English from The University of Georgia, and a BA in English and Creative Writing from the Mississippi University for Women. She wrote her PhD dissertation on narrative structure and social change in novels by 18th-century British women writers. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 246,534 times.

An informative essay educates the reader about a topic. You'll need to know a good deal about your subject and convey information in a clear, organized fashion. If it seems overwhelming at first, remember to take it step by step. Working methodically can help you write a successful paper, and you may even enjoy the process!

Selecting and Researching Your Topic

• Be sure you know how your teacher wants you to cite your sources so you can keep track of what you research. Some schools provide reference software like EndNote or RefWorks, which can make collecting and keeping track of research sources easier.
• Be aware of any formatting requirements. The essay prompt will often tell you things such as whether the essay needs to be handwritten or typed, and what font type and size to use. If it doesn't stipulate, the safe choice is a standard, readable 12-pt font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid using "cute" or "quirky" fonts in an academic paper unless given specific permission to do so.
• Know the due date! Get started early so that you have plenty of time to complete the essay.

• The topic should not be too broad or too narrow. See Write an Essay for more information. There should be enough information about the topic to write about, but not so much that you can't present clear, concise information. For example, writing on "the history of animal shelters" is probably much too broad, while "the history of Sunny Days Animal Shelter in X County" is probably too narrow. A happy medium might be "the history of breed-specific animal shelters in America."
• The topic should be appropriate and interesting to your audience. Think in advance about who might be reading your essay. Obviously, if this is for school, your teacher is your primary audience, but you should always have a target audience in mind. What will they want to know? What do they probably not know already that your essay will provide?
• Ideally, the topic should be one that interests you. This will make the writing process that much easier, and you can pass your enthusiasm on to your reader.

• For best results, try to find online sources from reputable organizations, government agencies, and universities. Google Scholar can be a good place to start.

• For your informative essay, you will need an introduction, at least three main points, and a conclusion. You may want to make these sections and write notes down under the section where you expect it to go.

• Make an ideas map. Put your topic in a circle at the center of a piece of paper, then write down the most important pieces of information or ideas related to it in circles surrounding the topic. Make lines connecting each idea to the topic. Next, add details around each idea, circling them and making lines to show connections. There may be lines connecting ideas to each other, as well, or between supporting details.
• Make a list. If you prefer the linear format of a list, write down your topic at the top and then below it any ideas you have. Under the ideas, add extra details that support them. Don't worry about putting them in specific order - that comes next.
• Free write. Free writing can help you generate ideas, even if it usually doesn't provide polished prose you'll use in your final draft. Set a short time limit, such as 15 minutes, and then write whatever comes to mind about your topic. Don't stop to edit or change spelling, and keep writing even if you aren't sure you have anything to say. The important thing is to write for all 15 minutes.

Making an Outline

• Don't worry about getting your thesis just right at this point - that comes later. If you don't feel ready to write the thesis out, jot down some notes in the introductory part of your outline. At the very least, you need some idea of what you want to say in your essay.
• While it may seem odd to summarize your essay before you've begun, writing your thesis at the beginning of your outline will help you organize your ideas and select the most important details that you want to present.

• The number of details you use depends on the paper length: if you're writing a five-paragraph essay, then you have three paragraphs for the body, so you'll need three main ideas.
• Make sure you choose the most important details, and that they are all distinct from one another.
• Details used to support your thesis are also called "evidence."

• Make sure you have enough supporting details for each paragraph. If you don't have enough to say about the paragraph's main topic, consider changing the topic or combining it with another paragraph. Alternatively, you can research a bit more to find additional supporting details for the paragraph.

Writing Your Essay

• Do not worry about spelling errors or mistakes. Remember that this is just a rough draft, not your final copy. Just focus on writing it down, and later you can fix mistakes.
• Write your rough draft by hand or type it - whichever is easier for you.

• For example, a topic/transition sentence might look like this: "While some factories allow union labor, others, such as those in X, argue that unionizing harms the workplace." This sentence gives a clear direction for the paragraph (some factories argue against unionizing) and links it to the paragraph before it (which was probably about pro-union factories).
• Remember: each paragraph needs unity (a single central idea), clear relation to the thesis , coherence (logical relationship of ideas within the paragraph), and development (ideas are clearly explained and supported). [11] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• Make sure you're clear about what the idea of each paragraph is. To keep yourself on track, refer to your outline as you write.

• Have you told the reader everything you need to about your topic?
• Do you have a clear thesis statement, expressed in two to three sentences?
• Do all your paragraphs relate to the thesis?
• Does each paragraph have one main idea, supported by accurate, objective details?
• Does your conclusion summarize your thoughts on the topic without adding new information or opinions?
• How does the paper flow? Are there clear, logical transitions between paragraphs?
• Have you used clear, concise prose and avoided flowery language?
• Did the reader learn something new from the essay? Is it presented in an interesting way?
• Have you cited sources as instructed by your teacher?

• As you write your final draft, keep track of coherence in particular. Rough drafts often have all of their ideas jumbled up without a clear, logical progression. A key difference between a rough draft and a final draft is that the final draft should offer its information in a smooth, clear, easy-to-read fashion that builds on previous points as it goes along. Keeping an eye out to make sure you've followed the C-E-E- formula will help you.

• Also keep an eye out for word echoes, or words that show up many times within the space of a few sentences or paragraphs. If you use the word discusses multiple times in the same paragraph, it will make your writing seem clunky and unpolished.

• Sometimes our eyes "fix" mistakes for us as we read, so it's hard to catch mistakes reading silently. Reading aloud helps you find mistakes your eye might not.

Community Q&A

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• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/understanding-assignments/
• ↑ https://library.carleton.ca/guides/help/choosing-essay-topic
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_in_literature_detailed_discussion/conducting_research.html
• ↑ https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/researching/notes-from-research/
• ↑ https://libguides.rio.edu/c.php?g=620382&p=4320145
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/
• ↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/20-compelling-hook-examples-for-essays.html
• ↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-informative-essays.html
• ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/paragraphs-and-topic-sentences.html
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/paragraphs/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/

About This Article

To write an informative essay, start with an introduction that presents a thesis statement articulating your argument in 2-3 concise sentences. For the body of the essay, focus on one main idea per paragraph and start each paragraph with a topic sentence that establishes that main idea. Then, follow the topic sentence with cited evidence and explanatory detail. Finish up with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis. Don't forget to proofread carefully before turning in your essay! For helpful tips on researching and using good sources, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing Informative Essay: Simple Guide

Sophie Lane

The first step in writing a clear, engaging and educational informative essay is creating an outline. This guide will walk you through completing assignments and developing abilities, from outlining to polishing your final draft—a critical skill for clear communication and academic achievement.

The goal of an informative essay is to teach readers about a topic through the clear and logical presentation of facts. By creating a solid, informative essay outline, you lay the foundation for a compelling and organized piece that effectively conveys your message to your audience. This plan acts as a guide through the writing task and makes sure your essay is cohesive and focused.

We will analyze the main elements of an informative essay and teach you how to create an outline that will position you for success in your writing tasks.

The Structure of an Informative Essay Outline

Introduction

• Hook: Engage your audience from the start.
• Background information: Provide context
• Thesis statement: Outline your key point.

Body Paragraphs

• Subject phrase
• Supporting evidence
• Examination
• Transition to the next point
• Summarize the main idea.
• Summarize main points
• Express your views or motivate your audience.

According to the APA , it’s critical to structure your essay with distinct headers and subheadings that lead the reader through your points of contention.

Creating Your Informative Essay Outline

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

Pick an area that grabs your attention while providing numerous trustworthy sources for exploration. Ponder the audience and the extent of your essay during this selection process.

Step 2: Collect data and investigate.

Investigate subject areas through reliable source materials. Record your observations and arrange them to back up your key arguments.

Step 3: Develop Your Thesis Statement

Formulate a focused and punctual thesis that summarizes the primary objective of your paper. This will influence your creation and assist in maintaining a clear focus on your work.

Step 4: Outline Your Main Points

Find around 3 to 5 essential points that prove your thesis. These will establish the foundation for your body sections.

Step 5: Organize Supporting Evidence

Collect appropriate data and ideas to strengthen your position on every main idea.

Step 6: Outline Your Initial and Final Paragraphs

Design a method for introducing your theme and attracting your audience. Outline a persuasive conclusion to emphasize your main themes.

Tips for Writing an Effective Informative Essay

• Use clear, concise language
• Maintain an objective tone
• Offer pertinent demonstrations and proof to back your statements.
• Include smooth transitions among paragraphs for better readability.
• Cite your sources properly.

Regular Issues and Remedies in Creating an Informative Essay

• Challenge: Gathering large quantities of content

Solution: With Litero’s outline tool you can shape a well-organized framework for your informative essay. This feature helps you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of information in your essay outline.

• Challenge: Troubles in producing text while drafting the essay

Solution: You can use the AI content suggestions from Litero to get past writer’s block. You can receive ideas for your following sentence or paragraph to sustain your progress in writing the essay.

• Challenge: Provide correct references in your informative essay.
• Solution: Use the citation generator and sources search tools provided by Litero. This technology simplifies research and aids in giving due credit to your source materials in your essay.
• Challenge: Retaining uniqueness in your informative content

Solution: Take advantage of Litero’s AI detection and humanization options to maintain the originality of your essay and steer clear of any AI-generated content-related difficulties.

Improve your informative essay with Litero’s features.

Litero offers a suite of tools designed to streamline your informative essay writing process:

• Outline Generator: Quickly create a structured, informative essay outline based on your topic and main points.
• AI Content Autosuggest: Receive valuable guidance to break through writer’s block and keep your writing flowing smoothly in your informative essay.
• Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers: Keep your informative essay without mistakes and original.
• Paraphrase: Adjust how you express ideas to boost clarity and steer clear of repetition in your essay.
• Text Formatting: Quickly arrange your informative essay to fit specified style rules.

By utilizing these functions, you can prioritize the creation of remarkable content as Litero oversees the technical elements of crafting your informative essay.

Improving Your Informative Essay

Once you’ve completed your first draft using your informative essay outline, it’s time to refine your work:

• Review and Revise: Check your writing to verify each piece of text reinforces your main point and follows a coherent structure.
• Edit for Clarity: Activate Litero’s grammar function to find and resolve any issues related to grammar or presentation.
• Check for Plagiarism: Submit your essay to Litero’s plagiarism analyzer to make sure every cited reference is acknowledged properly.
• Peer Review: Send your essay to your other students for feedback.
• Final Edit: Apply feedback-driven changes and give your writing a comprehensive last review.

The first step toward writing a structured, interesting, and instructive piece is to create an informative essay outline. You may enhance your writing and generate superb informative essays by following this approach and using tools such as Litero .

To create an effective informative essay, focus on complete investigation and proper arrangement of concepts. Equipped with experience and useful instruments, you can confidently face any informative essay project.

Whether you’re writing about a complex scientific concept, a historical event, or a current social issue, the skills you develop in creating informative essay outlines will serve you well in all your future writing endeavors. Pick your theme and activate Litero to start sketching your upcoming informative piece now!

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