techniques in writing informative essay

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

Informative essays are often assigned in schools and universities. Here’s how to write them effectively:

• Choose the Topic and Length : Pick a relevant topic and decide how long your essay will be.
• Determine Your Audience : Identify who your readers are and understand their needs.
• Research : Collect accurate information from reliable sources.
• Choose the Main Points : Select the key points you want to cover.
• Write the Introduction : Introduce the topic and provide a clear thesis statement.
• Write the Body : Develop each main point in separate paragraphs.
• Write the Conclusion : Summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a new way.

After writing, make sure your essay is clear, balanced, and informative. Invest time in planning, thorough research, and effective organization. For more details on how to write an informative essay, our essay writer has got some expert tips up their sleeve! So, let's keep on reading this article.

What is an Informative Essay

Informative essays aim to educate the reader about a specific topic. They present facts, explanations, and insights in a clear and straightforward manner without trying to persuade or argue a particular point of view. The main goal is to increase the reader’s understanding of the subject by providing well-researched and organized information.

For example, an informative essay is often needed in an educational setting, such as when a student is assigned to explain the process of photosynthesis in a biology class. In this case, the student must consider the audience’s level of knowledge, ensuring the explanation is neither too basic nor too complex. The essay should include key details like the roles of sunlight, chlorophyll, and carbon dioxide, and it should be organized logically with clear transitions between points to help readers follow the explanation easily.

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How to Write an Informative Essay

Writing an informative essay involves several clear steps that help you present your topic effectively. By following these steps, you can ensure your essay is well-organized, thoroughly researched, and engaging for your readers. Here’s a detailed guide from our admission essay writing service on how to start an informative essay and help you continue the process.

Step 1. Choose a Topic

When writing an informative essay, you start by choosing a topic. This can set the tone for your entire essay, so it's important to pick something both interesting and relevant. Think about subjects that intrigue you or issues that are currently trending and have ample information available. The topic should be specific enough to be covered thoroughly in the length of your essay but broad enough to find plenty of sources.

Some informative writing topics include:

• How new technologies and practices shape how we eat.
• Discuss the benefits of kindness and how to spread it.
• How is VR changing various fields?
• Explain the importance of sleep for health and well-being.
• Discuss the history, science, and benefits of fermented foods and drinks.

Step 2. Research

Research will build a strong case for your topic. Jot down everything including facts, questions, even random ideas. When you find something interesting, note the source and look at its references. Try to go beyond textbooks - look for documentaries, news articles, interviews, or even blog posts by experts. You can also explore offline by visiting your local library and browsing relevant sections. 

Take notes in your own words, summarizing key points and paraphrases. This helps you understand better and write smoothly. As you read, think critically - consider the author's perspective, evidence, and potential bias to add analysis to your essay.

Track your sources for later, but don't get hung up on strict formats during initial research. Focus on gathering strong material. By approaching your research thoughtfully and actively, you'll create a solid foundation for your essay.

Step 3. Create an Informative Essay Outline

The purpose of an outline for an informative essay is to organize your thoughts and ensure your essay has a logical flow. By outlining, you can spot any gaps in your research and ensure all necessary points are covered. It’s best to create an outline after you’ve completed your research but before you start writing. This way, you have all the information you need and can arrange it in a coherent order.

• Introduction : Start your outline with an informative essay introduction. Here you’ll introduce the topic and provide your thesis statement, which outlines the main points you will cover.
• Body Paragraphs : Break down the body of your essay into several main points or sections. The topic of each body paragraph of an informative essay should be supported with facts and examples. Include sub-points or bullet points that highlight the key information you will discuss.
• Conclusion: End your outline with the informative essay conclusion. Summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a new way. Include any final thoughts or reflections that provide closure to your essay - this is key to knowing how to write a conclusion for an informative essay.

For example, if your essay topic is "The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life," your outline might look something like this:

Step 4. Start Writing an Informative Essay

Now that you have an outline and know how to start an essay , you’re ready to start writing your informative essay. This step involves turning your organized thoughts and detailed notes into a coherent and engaging piece of writing.

Your first sentence should grab the reader’s attention—consider starting with a surprising fact, a quote, or a brief anecdote related to your topic. After this hook, provide some background information to set the context for your essay. Finish your introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main points you will cover.

Next, move on to the body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your topic, as outlined earlier. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main idea, followed by supporting sentences that include facts, examples, and explanations. 

After the body paragraphs, write your conclusion where you reinforce your main message. Throughout your writing, keep your language clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless you’re sure your audience will understand it, and explain any complex terms. Be sure to write in a neutral tone, focusing on informing rather than persuading. This will help ensure your essay is both informative and accessible to your readers.

Note : If you’re a computer science major, you’ll find our guide on IEEE format very helpful!

Step 5: Edit and Proofread

Once you have completed your informative essay, focus on proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Read your essay slowly and aloud to catch any mistakes that might have slipped through. Pay attention to how your sentences are constructed—make sure they are clear and contribute to the overall meaning of your essay.

Double-check the accuracy of any facts, statistics, or quotes you've included. Also check that each sentence and paragraph directly contribute to informing your reader about the topic without unnecessary distractions.

Lastly, consider sharing your essay with someone you trust, like a friend or teacher, for their input. You can also use our term paper writing services to make your essay even stronger. Remember, fresh eyes can often catch mistakes or suggest improvements. 

Informative Essay Examples

Essay examples show how theoretical ideas can be applied effectively and engagingly. So, let's check them out for good structure, organization, and presentation techniques.

Additionally, you can also explore essay writing apps that offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to work on assignments wherever you are.

7 Tips for Writing an Informative Essay

Here are some helpful tips on how to write an informative essay that combines strong mechanics with engaging delivery and leaves your readers feeling more informed.

• Employ the Inverted Pyramid Structure: Start with the most important information first, gradually providing more details as you move through your essay. 
• Vary Your Verbs : Go beyond the simple "is" and "was." Strong action verbs add life and clarity to your writing.
• Credible Sources Only: Steer clear of Wikipedia and non-academic websites. Prioritize scholarly articles, reputable news outlets, and government publications.
• Vary Sentence Openings: Don't always start with the subject. Use introductory phrases, questions, or even quotes to grab the reader's attention and add variety.
• Balance Objectivity and Subjectivity : While presenting facts, maintain a neutral tone and avoid personal bias unless specified otherwise.
• Consider Your Audience : Tailor your language and examples to the knowledge level and interests of your intended readers.
• Stay Focused : Stick to the main topic and avoid going off on tangents that do not contribute to the central theme of your essay.

Final Remarks

Now that you have these tips, you're ready to write a strong informative essay. This guide has given you key ideas, like how to pick a good topic, how to plan your essay, and how to write each part. It also offered helpful advice to improve your writing overall. By using these tips, you'll have a successful and informative writing experience, allowing you to share interesting information about a topic you care about! And if you struggle with getting started on your writing assignments, you can always order essay from our experts.

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What are the 5 Parts of an Informative Essay?

How to write an informative article, what is an informative essay.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Added FAQs, two essay samples
• Updated writing steps, tips and definitions
• How to Write an Informative Five Paragraph Essay | Terrebonne Parish Library System . (n.d.). https://mytpl.org/project/how-to-write-an-informative-five-paragraph-essay/  
• ‌ Purpose in Informative Writing . (n.d.). Content.byui.edu. https://content.byui.edu/file/b8b83119-9acc-4a7b-bc84-efacf9043998/1/Writing-1-5-2.html  

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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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:

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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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

Last Updated: February 14, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. 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 244,797 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.

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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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Informative Essay Guide: Topics, Outline, Examples, Tips

When writing an informative essay, you must understand what source of argumentation it stems from. Additionally, you must follow an informative essay format, which has its own peculiarities. You may be familiar with expository essays where the author must investigate and evaluate various evidence. Moreover, the author must provide the argumentation for the stated idea as well.

What Is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is an academic paper written by high school and college students. This kind of informative writing aims to inform the target audience about a particular object, person, situation, or phenomenon. The purpose is to respond to the main question by explaining the topic in detail. When writing in an informational essay format, imagine the readers do not know anything about the topic in front of them. If possible, use professional terms to explain the topic, but remember to provide meaningful explanations. The definition of informative writing is as follows: The piece must be informative and based on facts. It is not supposed to sway the reader into changing their beliefs or give an opinion.

Informative writing:

• based on cold facts, statistics, and scientific evidence;
• not supposed to give the author’s opinion. ‍

‍ Example: When writing an informative essay about marketing for the audience of students who have no idea of startups and business, try to express the main idea with the help of special words. Great words to use are brainstorming, A/B testing, target audience, customer research, copywriting, etc. Give professional definitions. In some cases, use specific examples to explain the meaning of words.

Informative Essay Outline

If you don’t know how to write an informative essay outline, don’t worry. It looks much like most of the academic papers. There are three parts in it: an introduction, the body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Also, do not forget to include a list of references at the end of the work. The number of body paragraphs may vary based on your topic, so choose it carefully. In the conclusion of your informational essay, remind the reader of the main idea. Instead of providing a thesis statement in the shape of an argument, you can stress the importance of the issue under consideration. The purpose of an outline for an informative essay is to determine what you are going to talk about and organize your thoughts.

Example: Imagine that the topic of the informative essay is “ The effectiveness of exercising on coping with stress. ”

Your informative essay outline should look like this:

• Origin of the problem. This is the main idea of the essay, focusing on the ways exercising helps dealing with stress. Feel free to go into the history of the problem, and in this case, it is especially important to have a thorough introduction. This will let the reader know what is going on and help understand the information you will provide later in the body of the essay.
• Process. Write about the ways researchers detect what type of exercises help and why. Describe how exactly does it work.
• Benefits. Describe the advantages of regular exercise using examples from real life.

Informative Essay Introduction

In this part of the essay, take the time to introduce the problem you are going to discuss. The introduction should not be very long; however, in some cases, there are exceptions, especially if the problem you are discussing is complex and not well known to the general public. The main objective of this section is to provide a background of the topic, write your thesis, and let the essay smoothly transition into the next part, the body.

Informative Essay Body

Use the body part to inform the target audience about the peculiarities of the topic. You have got three paragraphs that you can use to share some interesting facts with your audience. Go into the little known details, or reflect on common knowledge in a new light to intrigue readers. The three integral elements of each body paragraph you must absolutely have are the claim, supporting evidence, and explanation. The principle here is simple, state something and explain why it is so by backing it up with evidence. Be as detailed in your explanation as you can and remember to stay on point.

Informative Essay Thesis Statement

Decide on the clear message your essay will have. Address reasons why the specific problem is important and how to let your audience know about the issue’s significance. Professionals from different writing services agree that a good informative essay thesis should contain a clear message that you can later prove with evidence. Make it in such a way that you can later easily support it. An example of a good thesis is: “Smoking causes three health problems that lead to gradual health deterioration by the age of 40”. To support this thesis, you will have to list the three health disorders and provide information on how each one of them harms people’s health.

Informative Essay Conclusion

As a rule, in conclusion for informative essay, just like for a descriptive essay , you should summarize everything that was mentioned in the text. Sum up all information in the essay and give a short rundown of what you have talked about. This will help the reader to solidify what they have just read in their mind and link all the pieces of your essay together.

Make sure your conclusion is not far-fetched and does not come “out of nowhere”. Finish your essay by providing a summary of the main points listed in the body of your informative essay. Avoid adding any new information and questions; this may steer your essay off the topic and confuse the reader. Besides, you should have provided all the needed information in the body section of the essay. End your essay in a way that maintains the reader’s interest in the topic you discussed and encourages its further exploration.

Informative Essay Topics

You can find good informative essay examples online on various platforms. In turn, we want to offer you a list of informative essay ideas and topics you can choose from compiled by the writers from our paper writing service .

Social Issues Topics

Here are some topic ideas on social issues:

• The negative effects of gambling on one’s personal and social life.
• What are the main triggers of eating disorders in humans?
• The issue of censorship in modern society, arts, and media.
• The key causes resulting in water pollution.
• What effects did the global pandemic have on the world and economy?
• The importance of education in the 21st century.
• The problem of bullying in today’s schools.
• Is there a way to prevent and minimize child abuse?
• The effects of the environmental degradation.
• The main causes and effects of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Educational Topics

Find below ten great topic ideas for inspiration for writing your own informative essay on education:

• Higher education in the world’s top universities.
• The effects of excessive video game use on students’ academic performances.
• Sports as an integral part of an effective educational program.
• The role of books in academic research in the 21st century.
• The key skills that affect a student’s academic progress.
• How does standardized testing negatively affect a student’s overall performance?
• Homework during summer vacation.
• The role of leadership in the classroom.
• The standard grading system should be eliminated.
• Summer classes are not as productive as the autumn ones.

Historical Topics

Here are some engaging historical topics for an A-level informative essay:

• Discuss the concepts of ethics in terms of the Vietnam War.
• The history and roots of slavery in the United States of America.
• The key causes of the Civil War.
• What cultural impact did native Americans have on our society?
• Analysis of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.
• How did the Declaration of Independence change the course of US history?
• The effects of the Civil Rights Movement.
• The key controversial points in the 21st-century US foreign policy.
• Analysis of the interwar period.
• The influence of industrialization on American social movements.

Business Topics

To craft a compelling informative essay on business, feel free to consider the following relevant topic ideas:

• The role of consumerism in modern business.
• Marketing and branding as the key triggers for sales.
• How did e-commerce influence business development in the 21st century?
• The effects of demonetization.
• What is the role of human resources in today’s business landscape?
• Data as the main asset for decision making in business.
• Is there such a thing as socio-economic inequality?
• Key methods used in economics today.
• The influence of COVID-19 on the economic crisis of 2020.
• The role of industrial corridors in economy and business.

Religion Topics

Here are a few great ideas for an essay on religion:

• What is religion and what role does it play in society?
• Common religion dogmas in the modern world.
• How do technology and religion coexist in the 21st century?
• The influence of religion and church on our personalities.
• History and roots of Christianity.
• New movements in religion that can be observed today.
• What is the role of religion in the political field?
• Is there still a place for any ​​confrontation between science and religion?
• The role of religion in the workplace.
• How did religion and church affect the evolution of humanity?

Tips on Writing an Informative Essay

The most frequent mistake that students make is attempting to write right away, without the proper research and a lack of an informative essay structure plan. Such an attitude is especially unproductive when writing an informative essay since it needs a lot of effort put into the synthesis of information. Therefore, it is best to have a structured plan that you can follow. Having a blueprint of your essay speeds up the writing process. Make sure to follow the plan and deliver the information in the best possible way you can. The audience must learn something new by the end of the piece. 

Here is a basic plan you can follow when writing your informative essay:

Brainstorming

• Introduction
• Body-paragraphs

First of all, you must understand that the topic you choose for your informative essay cannot be too vast or too specific. A good student will always write about an area they have yet to explore. Think of it as an exercise, you are expanding your pool of knowledge, and try to stick to something you care about. Visualize the route you will take with your paper; you may refer to the list of provided topics and see if anything tickles your curiosity.

The most important part is the research. Familiarize yourself with several sources, and save them for later. You will need to refer to them, and perhaps even cite them if your educator wants you to do so. Archiving knowledge will improve the retention of that material and will help during the writing process. Do not limit yourself to only primary sources. Evaluate the secondary ones as well and make sure they are legible and relevant.

How to Write an Informative Essay?

Before you start working on your informative essay outline, remember that the most common way of writing an informative essay is a five-paragraph format. You start off with an introduction, follow with three body paragraphs, and finish with a conclusion. Your intro serves to present the main idea of your article. The three body paragraphs of your article will mainly expand on the thesis statement you have created in your intro. Your conclusion will sum everything up and present the significance of your topic.

How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction?

The introduction to your informative essay should be something that will grab your reader's attention. Include an essay hook, a thesis statement, and a transition sentence (usually the same sentence) to make sure everything moves smoothly.

Let’s take one of our topics as an example - showcasing art on a factual basis. The critical thing is to avoid sentiment. Suppose your theme is based on the context behind the album “Kid A” by Radiohead. To explain it, you would have to delve into the band’s prior history and experience and explain why Kid A turned out the way it did base on interviews and reviews.

An example of an attention grabber: The tunes on the radio head in a different direction nowadays.

An example like that is a bit ridiculous, but it is an extreme example of the job that an essay hook needs to perform. Hopefully, a play on words will make the reader grin in this case.

An example of a thesis statement: To what extent has Kid A’s deviation from the norm been influenced by the band’s prior experiences?

How to Write an Informative Essay Body?

The goal of the body paragraphs is to support the thesis statement with evidence or examples. Continuing with our example:

1st body paragraph  - Kid A’s deviance in style

• Kid A’s deviance in style
• Exhausting touring schedule

2d body paragraph - Exhausting Touring Schedule after “OK Computer” album

• Heavy Themes in Artwork
• Themes in Music (and why)

3d body paragraph - Lyrical Meaning

• Use of sarcasm, irony
• Threatening messages delivered very softly

How to Write Informative Essay Conclusion?

The goal of the conclusion is, to sum up, everything that was stated in body paragraphs. Implement your thesis and provide significance. Explain why the topic you chose is valuable, giving it importance in the real world. This step can be very subjective, so that is entirely up to you.

Informative Essay Examples

Is traditional education better than remote learning?

Just a couple of years ago, could you think that you will have to deal with remote learning? In fact, the outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in some dramatic changes in the field of education. Although countries across the globe faced different infection rates, one of the primary anti-COVID measures integrated by global governments was a switch to the remote learning model of education. According to stats, over 1.2 billion children across 186 countries ended up being out of the classroom at the peak of the pandemic. This fact led to a significant rise in e-learning. As a result, billions of students and teachers across the world have experienced remote education. And, according to specialists, the new model of learning has demonstrated a significant improvement in learning outcomes, suggesting that the changes caused by COVID-19 might be here to stay. So, is traditional education still better than remote learning?

Unlike traditional education that implies face-to-face interaction between students and teachers, remote (or distance) learning is a different educational model that implies acquiring knowledge without going to school. At the heart of such learning lies technology. And, while the outbreak of COVID-19 has forced many children to experience this form of education, there are still doubts on whether it can replace traditional schooling.

On the one hand, remote learning saves time and energy for both students and teachers. This schooling method eliminates the necessity to rush from one class to another and enables students to study in a comfortable environment. Therefore, this model is associated with less anxiety and stress.

On the other hand, traditional education offers more motivation. It implies physical interaction of students with their peers, as well as teachers, which results in higher levels of engagement and motivation in the classroom. Whereas remote learning can’t offer that.

Another point for remote learning is flexibility. In this model of schooling, students typically can study at their own pace, without the necessity to stick to a strict schedule. This enables them to fit in time for other things rather than studying. But, while this will offer plenty of benefits for certain groups of students, such as those with health restrictions or part-time students, it can have an opposite effect for the rest. Namely, such flexibility can result in students falling behind the program.

Another advantage of traditional education over remote learning is the lack of technical challenges. Online education brings along a wide range of issues. And while this may not be a problem for most students, who are technology natives, it can imply multiple challenges for teachers and families. To confirm this, the stats indicate that at least one-third of teachers struggle with technology, and only 90% of families in the US have access to the Internet. That is, e-learning is not accessible for everyone.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that studies show that the overall efficiency of traditional and remote schooling is about the same. Thus, in terms of academic outcomes, both educational models can offer benefits. Nevertheless, remote learning does imply more challenges, especially tech-related. What is more, it doesn’t help students develop vital oral and social skills, as it rules out face-to-face interactions. And, since education is not only about gaining knowledge but also about developing social skills, there are quite a few reasons to say that traditional learning is more beneficial. Nevertheless, both methods have positive and negative aspects. Thus, we can conclude that each model can be right or wrong based on specific students’ situations and needs.

Informative writing is assessed on the specific criteria that show the writer’s ability to implement them in their essay. The following is a foundation you need to base the piece on. Run through these questions to make sure that your essay is the best it can be: Does the thesis statement adequately unify all subtopics presented in the essay? Does the introduction engage the reader, and does it explain the forthcoming content? Are there enough details for the reader to understand the subject matter fully? Does the concluding paragraph effectively unify the essay? Does it make a point of the importance of the stated idea?

Informative essays are very tedious by definition. The amount of research that goes into them can seem a little too much to handle. If you feel like you have difficulties completing such a task yourself, we have a team of essay writers at your disposal to help you accomplish it. You can hire a writer to proofread your writing and help you make it perfect or pay for an essay on our website. You can also order a custom essay written from scratch or based on your outline for a very affordable price. Don’t hesitate to ask for essay help and improve your grades now!

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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: 

Climate change has profound effects on agriculture, with potential consequences for food security globally.

As you can see, this statement is informative, but neutral. In this case, a college essay writer isn’t trying to take any particular stance on climate change. Instead, they are just saying that climate change affects agriculture. Let’s consider another example of a thesis statement for informative essay on the history of the Internet: 

The history of the Internet showcases a remarkable evolution, from its humble beginning as a military project to the widespread global network today.

5. Build an Outline 

By having a clear plan of action, you will be able to write an informative essay without taking unexpected turns. Much like a compass, an outline serves as a vital tool during the writing process helping students to stay on track. 

In most cases, instructions may not explicitly require the preparation of an outline. However, we still suggest that you create a basic plan listing the main ideas of each section. By having a layout, students can easily refer to it whenever they veer off topic. This ensures that your thoughts remain aligned with the central theme of your writing.

6. Write the First Draft 

Writing an informative essay is all about breaking down complex information into digestible chunks of information. There are 2 ways to go about creating an informative essay: 

• Start writing a polished version right after building a plan. 
• Compose a  rough draft  and revise it later.

You may think that skipping the draft will save you time, and opt for the first way. We highly recommend preparing a draft instead. This way, you'll see your thoughts on paper and be able to rearrange them if needed. Ultimately, it takes less time and allows you to craft a well-organized paper. 

Your draft shouldn’t be perfect. It's a starting point that you'll polish later. At this stage, just focus on transforming your ideas and research into a structured form. You can try essay typer free right now instead of doing the task yourself.

How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction?

Next, let’s explore how to start an informative essay in an engaging manner. Our professionals shared some valuable tips on composing a truly effective opening paragraph. 

Your task in the introduction for informative essay is to get your readers interested and present them with a preview of what's to come. 

To begin, create a hook. ​​This could be a striking fact or an intriguing question. Another nice option is adding a simile or metaphor. The purpose of the hook is to entice your readers right from the beginning. For instance, if you're writing about recycling, your hook could be something like this: 

Did you know that only 9% of the world's plastic waste has been recycled?

Your next move is to prepare your audience for the major point of your informative writing. This is where you need to contextualize your subject matter. You can briefly touch on its history, why it's relevant, or its implications. Using our recycling example, you might mention when the concept of recycling was introduced and its significance in environmental conservation. 

Finally,  finish your informative essay introduction paragraph with your thesis statement. Simply state what you will talk about in your piece. Using the recycling topic, your thesis might be: 

This essay will explore the different types of recycling processes, their effectiveness, and their impact on the environment.

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

Informative Essay Introduction Example

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, impacting many aspects of our lives. A key area where this change is apparent is education. In the past, classrooms were defined by physical boundaries and face-to-face interaction. Today, however, the landscape of education is increasingly blending with technology. In fact, it's estimated that about 95% of classrooms now have access to computers, a far cry from a few decades ago. In the context of this technological evolution, it's important to understand how the integration of technology is reshaping the way we teach and learn. In this essay, we will explore the various ways technology is changing the face of education, from the rise of online learning and digital literacy to the use of augmented reality in classrooms. We'll also discuss the challenges these changes present and how educators can navigate them to enhance education. 

>> Learn more: How to Start an Introduction for an Essay

How to Write an Informative Essay Body Paragraphs?

A body section is where you demonstrate all your research and provide your readers with the information you've promised in your thesis statement. Generally, you will need to come up with 3 distinct points and cover them in each body paragraph. You can extend your paper to more paragraphs if there is a lot to say about your subject. 

As a rule, the body paragraphs of an informative essay should include these parts: 

• The main aspect – your topic sentence
• Supporting details – your research and facts
• A closing line that wraps up your point or smoothly transitions to the next paragraph.

Always make sure your information is clear and your points are well organized. You want your reader to easily follow your line of thought. Use simple, straightforward language to explain complex ideas or concepts.

Informative Essay Body Paragraph Example  

One significant way technology has transformed education is through the advent of online learning platforms. These platforms have expanded the boundaries of education beyond the traditional classroom. Students from all over the world can now access courses offered by prestigious universities, right from the comfort of their homes. Websites like Coursera host thousands of courses across a wide range of subjects. This widespread availability of knowledge has democratized education to a great extent. No longer are learning opportunities restricted by geography or socio-economic status. Indeed, with a stable Internet connection and a willingness to learn, anyone can pursue a course in a field of their interest. This shift towards digital learning is one of the most profound changes brought about by the integration of technology in education.

How to Write a Conclusion for an Informative Essay?

We are approaching the finish line and it’s time to learn how to end an informative essay and make it memorable.

A useful approach is to round out your critical  points. But avoid simply repeating them. Aim to synthesize information, showing your reader how the pieces fit together to build a clear picture. 

Then, revisit your thesis statement. Has your essay successfully conveyed the information you intended? If so, rephrase your thesis statement in a way that shows its significance. 

Finally, close out your essay with a statement that leaves your reader with something to think about. It is a good idea to finish your informative essay with an implication, forecast or a final thought. 

Example of an Informative Essay Conclusion Paragraph  

It is clear that technology has impacted education, drastically transforming its landscape. From online learning platforms broadening access to education, to digital literacy becoming a vital skill in today's world, the intersection of technology and education is rich. This exploration of the topic has demonstrated how the classroom's physical boundaries have extended into the digital realm, opening up opportunities for learning beyond what was previously imaginable. The integration  of technology, as we've discussed, isn't without its challenges. However, the benefits it brings, like making education more accessible and fostering digital citizenship, are significant strides towards a future-ready society. The ongoing evolution of this relationship invites further study, promising many more enlightening revelations.

7. Revise and Edit 

When you're satisfied  with the organization and content of your essay, it's time to add the final touches. Essay revision is a crucial step in the writing process since it helps ensure that you've created an informative and accurate piece of work.

To make sure that your informational essay is error-free, read through the text several times and pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure you’ve applied the right style, and that citations are properly formatted. Also, check if your sources are credible and are correctly referenced in your paper.

Informative Essay Format 

It is time to say several words about the format of an informative essay. Most instructions will have this point among the rest, so do not overlook these requirements. When formatting your writing, you will deal with 2 essential aspects:

• Direct/indirect in-text citations inserted in the body text
• List of references, which appears at the end of the informative essay after the concluding paragraph.

The format of each citation varies depending on the paper style you are using. Most likely you will apply one of these popular formats:

• APA style format
• Chicago style .

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.

• checkbox I gathered sufficient information about my subject from reliable sources.
• checkbox I brainstormed and organized my thoughts in an outline.
• checkbox My informative essay is written following the structure I've set up.
• checkbox The introductory paragraph contains background information and ends with a thesis statement.
• checkbox I did fact-checking to offer accurate details.
• checkbox My essay educates the audience and doesn’t try to persuade or support any viewpoint.
• checkbox I cited all sources and formatted quotations properly.

Bottom Line on How to Write an Informative Essay

Now that you have a full grasp of how to write an informative essay, all that's left to do is sit down and start creating your own paper. Remember to be unbiased and carefully plan each section. Above all, strive to enlighten your readers with valuable insights, helping them sharpen their knowledge.

Our professional team of experienced writers is here to assist you with your essays, ensuring high-quality and timely submissions. Take the stress out of essay writing and get straight As effort-free. Order essays online now for personalized assistance!

FAQ About Informative Essays

1. what is the main purpose in writing an informative essay.

The main purpose of writing an informative essay is to educate and provide information. Writer's task is to present facts, details, and explanations about a subject without convincing the audience.

2. How to start an informative essay?

To start an informative essay, you can begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that creates context and engages the reader's interest. You can use a relevant anecdote or a shocking fact to make your opening section intriguing. Then, introduce your topic and provide a brief thesis statement communicating your main focus.

3. How many paragraphs are there in an informative essay?

The number of paragraphs in an informative essay can vary depending on the essay length and its complexity. However, a typical informative essay includes 5 paragraphs. You can always adjust the number of sections based on how much you want to tell.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Stick to the chosen format and use the corresponding manual for specific  guidelines.

Informative Essay Writing Tips: Crafting Compelling Informative Articles

In the ever-changing world of writing, informative essays act as a bridge between reader and writer. It increases the curiosity of a writer while writing essays on any topic whether you are a seasoned writer or not. Essay writing tips can make your essay look good and increase readability.

In this article, you will be reading about a few essay writing tips that will help you to write a good essay and master the art of crafting effective and captivating informative articles.

Here Are 15 Informative Essay Writing Tips:

1. choose a captivating topic.

A captivating topic lies at the center of every good essay. Select a subject that resonates with your target audience, triggers curiosity, and holds relevance. Think about the questions your readers might have or the issues they’re eager to explore. The cornerstone of every informative essay is the topic itself. Opt for a subject that not only resonates with your intended audience but also piques their curiosity and holds significant relevance. Delve into the questions that your readers may have lingering in their minds, or explore issues that are ripe for exploration.

2 . Research Thoroughly

Comprehensive research is the bedrock of informative writing. Utilize reputable sources such as academic journals, books, reputable websites, and expert interviews to gather accurate and current information. A well-researched article not only builds your credibility but also provides readers with valuable insights. An informative article thrives on a foundation of thorough research. Dive into a treasure trove of reputable sources, such as scholarly journals, books authored by experts, trustworthy websites, and illuminating interviews. Remember, a meticulously researched article not only bolsters your credibility but also presents readers with a treasure trove of knowledge.

3.  Structure Matters

The structure of an essay is important and hence you should spend more time building a good essay structure. It should look attractive as well as effective. A short conclusion should be written at the end of the essay and it must have an informative body in the middle of the essay. You can use subheadings to organize the paragraphs and mention references at the end of the essay. A well-structured informative essay serves as a roadmap for readers. Commence your journey with an engaging introduction that sets the stage and piques your curiosity.

Employ the art of headings, subheadings, and well-organized paragraphs to seamlessly guide your audience through the labyrinth of information. Your conclusion should elegantly summarize key takeaways, leaving readers with a satisfying sense of closure. The structure of the essay is an important factor in essay writing tips.

4 . Craft a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should encapsulate the main focus of your article. It informs readers about the purpose of the essay and what they can expect to learn. Make sure your thesis is clear, concise, and thought-provoking.

5. Engage with Engrossing Introductions

The introduction is your chance to grab readers’ attention. Use a compelling hook, such as a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid anecdote. This sets the tone for the rest of the article and encourages readers to continue. The thesis statement serves as the North Star of your article, guiding both your writing and readers. This concise statement encapsulates the essence of your article, conveying its purpose and what readers can expect to glean from it. A well-crafted thesis is both a beacon and a promise.

6. Provide Credible Evidence

Back up your points with solid evidence. This could include statistics, studies, expert quotes, or real-life examples. Credible evidence reinforces your claims and builds trust with your readers. Supporting your claims with substantial evidence is akin to constructing a sturdy bridge between your insights and your readers’ understanding. Whether it’s statistics, empirical studies, expert quotations, or real-world examples, credible evidence fortifies your arguments and cultivates trust with your audience.

7. Maintain Clarity and Conciseness

Informative articles should be clear and concise. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that could alienate readers. Use straightforward sentences and paragraphs that convey information without unnecessary fluff.

8. Be Objective and Balanced

An informative article should present information objectively, allowing readers to form their own opinions. Avoid bias and present multiple sides of an issue if applicable. A balanced approach demonstrates your commitment to providing a well-rounded perspective.

9. Add Visual Elements

Visual aids like images, graphs, charts, and infographics can enhance the reader’s understanding of complex information. Use visuals sparingly and ensure they are relevant and well-explained within the context of your article.

10. Revise and Edit

Before publishing, revise your article for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and awkward phrasing. Reading your work aloud can help you identify areas that need improvement.

In the vast landscape of writing, the informative essay emerges as a beacon of enlightenment—a vessel through which writers can seamlessly convey their knowledge to curious minds. More than just a collection of facts, informative articles are a symphony of engagement, insight, and valuable information on a diverse array of subjects. Whether you’re an experienced wordsmith or taking your first steps into this realm, the following invaluable essay writing tips will help you master the craft of creating impactful and captivating informative articles.

11. Engaging Introductions

An introduction is your invitation to readers—an opportunity to sweep them off their feet from the very beginning. Employ a captivating hook, whether it’s an astounding fact, a thought-provoking question, or an immersive anecdote. This establishes the tone for your piece and entices readers to embark on the journey you’ve prepared for them.

12. Clarity and Conciseness

The art of informative writing lies in its lucidity and brevity. Refrain from indulging in jargon or convoluted language that might distance readers. Instead, employ straightforward sentences and paragraphs that carry information gracefully, without unnecessary embellishment.

13. The Elegance of Objectivity

An informative article should mirror a pristine lake—reflecting information without distortion or ripples of bias. Strive for objectivity, presenting information without personal inclinations. If your subject encompasses varying viewpoints, acknowledge them and offer a balanced perspective.

14. The Visual Symphony

Images, graphs, charts, and infographics are the visual symphonies that complement your words. Employ them judiciously to elucidate complex concepts and enrich your readers’ comprehension. Visual aids, when seamlessly integrated, elevate the overall impact of your article.

15. The Alchemy of Revision

Before unveiling your creation to the world, engage in the alchemical process of revision. Scrutinize your work for clarity, cohesion, and precision. Hone your article, detecting grammatical nuances, punctuation subtleties, and any passages that might require refinement. Reading your piece aloud can unveil areas in need of refinement, ensuring a symphony of words that resonates harmoniously.

Mastering the Art of Informative Mastery

Writing informative articles transcends mere communication; it embodies the essence of imparting knowledge. Through meticulous topic selection, in-depth research, and the application of these essay writing tips, you can curate a literary tapestry that captivates, enlightens, and etches an indelible mark on the minds of your readers. Remember, the true power of information is not just its existence, but its articulation—a tapestry woven with eloquence, clarity, and a dedication to sharing knowledge with the world.

Also Read: Tips For Writing An Essay As An Excellent Student

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How to Write an Informative Essay?

09 May, 2020

15 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

The bad news is that if you're anything like the majority of students, you're overwhelmed with all kinds of essays your teachers ask you to create. It feels as if they multiply day on day. However, the good news is that here, at HandMade Writing blog, you can find all the answers on how to craft a decent informative essay in no time. So, without further ado, let's dive into the essence of the issue together!

What is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is a piece of writing that seeks to inform or explain a subject or topic to educate the reader. When writing an informative essay consider the audience and correspond to their level. Do not over-explain to experts where knowledge can be assumed or under-explain to novices that lack basic understating.

There are in four main categories:

• To define a term
• To compare and contrast a subject
• To analyze data
• To provide a how-to guide on a subject

An informative paper should be written in an objective tone and avoid the use of the first person.

You may order an informative essay written from scratch at our professional essay writing service – our essay writers are available 24/7.

What is the Purpose of an Informative Essay?

The purpose of an informative essay is to educate the reader by giving them in-depth information and a clear explanation of a subject.  Informative writing should bombard the reader with information and facts that surround an issue. If your reader comes away feeling educated and full of facts about a subject than you have succeeded.

Examples of informative writing are pamphlets, leaflets, brochures, and textbooks. Primarily texts that are used to inform in a neutral manner.

What is the Difference Between an Informative Essay and Expository Essay?

An expository essay and an informative essay are incredibly similar and often confused. A lot of writers class them as the same type of essay. The difference between them is often hazy and contradictory depending on the author’s definition.

In both essays, your purpose is to explain and educate. An expository essay is here to define a single side of an argument or the issue. It’s the first step to writing an argumentative essay through taking the argument on the next level. Informative essays are less complicated. They are just about the information. Such essays generally require less research on a topic, but it all depends on the assignment level and subject. The difference between the two essay types is so subtle that they are almost interchangeable.

How to Plan an Informative Essay Outline

Your plan for an informative essay outline should include:

• Choosing a topic
• Conducting research
• Building a thesis statement
• Planning the structure of introduction
• Choosing the topic of a body paragraph
• Forming a satisfying conclusion

By following the list above, you will have a great outline for your informational writing.

Related Post: How to write an Essay outline 

How to Choose an Informative Essay Topic

One of the most difficult tasks when writing is coming up with a topic. Here is some general advice when you are choosing a topic for your essay:

• Choose a topic that you are interested in. Your interest in writing on the subject will make the essay more engaging.
• Choose a theme that you know a little about. This way you will be able to find sources and fact easier.
• Choose a topic that can explain something new or in a different way.
• Choose a topic that you can support with facts, statistics, and
• Choose a topic that is relevant to the subject.
• Remember the four types of categories information essays cover.

Inspiration and Research for Your Ultimate Topic

Your perfect informative essay title can come from numerous sources. Here is where you can potentially seek for relevant topics:

Not only will they inspire you, but they will also provide with some of the research you need.

Researching an Informative Essay

The best sources should be objective. Some excellent sources for an informative essay include:

Always remember to check if the source of information will have a bias. For example, a newspaper journalist may have a political leaning, and their article might reflect that. A charities site for motor neuron disease may also come as biased. Analyze the source for the writer’s agenda.

Informational research should answer the five W’s (who, what, where, why and how), and these will form the majority of your essay’s plan. So, if I were writing about the different types of pollution I’d research what kinds of pollution there are, who and how they affect, why they happen, and where they are most likely to occur.

Collating and organizing this information will form your thesis statement and paragraph layout.

Still struggling to find a topic for your informational writing? Then, here are some ideas to that might inspire you.

Examples of Informative Essay Topics for College Students

• How to avoid stress
• What ecological problems are we faced with today?
• What are the effects of obesity?
• What is cyberbullying?
• How has the internet changed the world?
• How to adjust to college life
• Where to find the best part-time jobs
• How to get along with your room-mate
• Guidance on how to write a college application
• How caffeine affects studying

Examples of Informative Essay Topics for High School

• How to start your own vegetable garden
• The reason for and effects of childhood obesity
• Outline the consequences of texting and driving
• How to make your favorite food
• What is climate change? And what are its effects?
• The different types of pollution
• The history of the Titanic.
• An essay on the Great Depression
• The life and times of Ernst Hemmingway
• How to have a great vacation

Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Research paper topics

Informative Essay Example

When you have finished planning and research, you have to start writing. But, how do you start an informative essay? The simple answer is to just go with it. Do not get overly critical. Just pour out all the information you have. You can shape it up later.

Important points to consider are: never use first person pronouns and keep the topic objective not subjective . Remember, your purpose is to educate the reader in the most thorough way possible by explaining a topic with statistics and facts.

As usual, the essay should include an introduction, main body, and conclusion. All information should be presented in a clear and easy to understand manner. The flow of information should be signposted. We will delve into these areas in more detail now.

Related Post: How to Write a Narrative essay

How to Write an Introduction for an Informative Essay?

An introductory paragraph of an informative essay should comprise of the following things:

A Hook to Ensnare the Reader

An introductory paragraph for informative writing should start with a hook. A hook needs to be in the first sentence and something that will ‘wow’ the reader and impel them to read on. Alarming statistics on the subject/topic make up great hooks for informative essays. For example, if you were writing an essay on cyber-bullying, citing the number of children who have considered suicide due to cyberbullying could be a powerful opening message.

A Thesis Statements for Direction

All introductions should include a thesis statement. The best practice is to place it at the end of the introductory paragraph to summarize your argument.  However, you do not want to form an argument or state a position. It is best to use the thesis statement to clarify what subject you are discussing.

Related Post: What is a thesis statement

It may also be better to place the statement after the hook, as it will clarify the issue that you are discussing.

For example, ‘Research conducted by Bob the Scientist indicates that the majority of issues caused by cyberbullying can be overcome through the informative literature on the subject to educate bullies about the consequences of their actions.’

How to Write the Body of an Informative Essay

When writing the body of an informative paper, it is best to break the paragraph down into four distinct steps.

 The Claim or Statement

The claim or statement is a single, simple sentence that introduces the main topic of the paragraph. It can be narrow or broad depending on the level and depth of the essay. Think of this as the ‘what’ aspect. For example, the claim for a high-school informative paper would be broader than a claim written at the university level. This is the first step to signposting your essay. It provides a logical and easy way to follow a discussion.

The Supporting Evidence

After making a claim you want to back it up with supporting evidence. Supporting evidence could be findings from a survey, the results of an experiment, documented casual effects or a quote. Anything that lends support to the claim or statement in the first sentence would work. This is the ‘why’ aspect of your research. By using supporting evidence like this, you are defining why the statement is essential to the topic.

Explanation

After you state the supporting evidence, you want to explain ‘how’ this finding is important to the subject at hand. That usually unpacks the supporting evidence and makes it easier for the reader to understand. So, an explanation is to explain how this claim and the supporting research affects your thesis statement.

Concluding Sentence

You should always finish a body paragraph with a concluding sentence that ties up the paragraph nicely and prompts the reader on to the next stage. This is a signpost that the topic and the paragraph are wrapped up.

How to Write the Conclusion of an Informative Essay

Writing a conclusion to an informative paper can be hard as there is no argument to conclude – there is only information to summarize. A good conclusion for these types of essays should support the information provided on the subject. It should also explain why these topics are important.

Here are some Tips on writing informative essay conclusions:

Rephrase Your Thesis Statement

It is vital that you rephrase the thesis and not copy it word for word. That will allow you restate the theme or key point of your essay in a new way. You will simultaneously tie your conclusion back to the introduction of your essay. Echoing your introduction will bring the essay full circle.

Read Through Your Body Paragraphs

Read through the body paragraphs of your essay and ask if a brief overview of the main points of the essay would form a good conclusion for the essay. Generally, it is best to restate the main points of the essay in a conclusion using different words.

Finish the Conclusion With a Clincher

A clincher gives your concluding paragraph a powerful finish. It is a sentence that leaves the reader thinking about your essay long after they have put it down.

Some excellent examples of clinchers are:

• A statement of truth
• A thought-provoking quote relevant to the subject and thesis statement
• A lingering question that none of the research has answered or puts the research into a new light
• Whether it provides an answer to a common question
• Challenge your reader with a quote from an expert that forces them to think about or change their own behavior
• Something that shifts the focus onto the future and the long-time implications of your research

Context and Significance of the Information

A conclusion should always try to frame why the topic was important, and in what context it was important. By doing this your research matters.

Remember: A concluding paragraph should never include new information.

Informative Essay Sample

Be sure to check the sample essay, completed by our writers. Use it as an example to write your own informative paper. Link:  Tesla motors

Tips for Writing an Excellent Informative Essay

Here are a few tips for writing an informative paper

• When writing the main body paragraph, concentrate on explaining information only once. Avoid repeating the same information in the next section.
• Focus on the subject. Make sure all the information that you include is relevant to the topic you are describing. Do not include information that “goes off.”
• Write in a logical way that is signposted. Writing like this will make an essay flow and mean it is easier to understand.
• Always revise the essay at least three times. This way, you will find where to expand ideas in the paragraph, where to trim back ideas until everything has the right balance.
• Be familiar with the academic reference style you are writing in
• Write to your audience. Make sure you know who you are writing it for.

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Informative Essay Guide

Informative Essay Writing

Last updated on: Jun 20, 2023

Informative Essay Writing - Expert Guide & Examples

By: Jared P.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: May 25, 2021

Have you been given an informative essay to write? Don't worry; it’s not as difficult as one might think. The following blog will provide complete information about how to write it like professional writers.

On this Page

What is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay does just what the name suggests. It informs the readers about a certain person, place, event, or anything about the essay’s main topic.

While writing an informative essay, the objective is to inform the reader with facts without persuading their opinion towards your point of view.

Because of its descriptive and detailed nature, many college students feel that it is like the descriptive and narrative types of academic essays, however, do not be confused. It is different than those and has its own method and research material.

Because an informative essay is more on the informative side, you will have to be fully aware of the topic and know it inside out. Therefore, when writing this essay, your main aim is to describe the topic in detail and convey the information clearly and organized way.

These essays are generally written at the high school and college level when students work on their creative writing skills, learning to describe objects in detail. Students must also learn how to brainstorm ideas before they can present researched information creatively.

Informative Essay Format

When writing an essay, you must follow the correct format. Most of the time, your teacher will specify the format that you must use. A basic informative essay format has the following elements:

• Times New Roman 12 pt.
• Font.Double spacing.
• Your institution's name is centered and top.
• Essay title, centered. A subtitle underneath it.
• Your name, course name, number, your instructor’s name, and the date of submission.

To learn more about the essay format , head on to this blog.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

How to Start an Informative Essay?

Writing an informative essay is just like writing any other type of essay regarding how the essay is divided. The sections and length are the same, while the topics differ due to the nature of the paper. However, before you start writing, make sure that you have ample time and information to present in your paper.

Following are the steps involved in writing an informative essay.

1. Brainstorming

Brainstorming is key for a successful essay and paper. Strong writing, especially an academic assignment, needs strong and relevant data arranged and presented in a well-structured way. Think about your subject, the person, place or thing, that you would like to write your essay about. Write everything down in a notebook and make important notes about how you will present this information.

2. Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic is as important as writing the entire paper. The right chosen topic will steer your essay in the right direction and keep you focused. Most of the time, the teachers assign the topics themselves, but you may get to choose the topics yourself.

When choosing a topic for your academic paper, you should make sure that the topic has good scope. It should not be too narrow or broad. It should be interesting and engaging for your readers. Besides, you must also take care that you are presenting the facts in an appropriate design.

3. Create an Informative Essay Outline

Creating an outline is the most important step of any writing process. It is important because it directs the entire essay and keeps your focus narrow and strong. An outline for an informative essay should include everything that you want to discuss. And you should decide what you will discuss in your essay beforehand.

How to Write an Informative Essay?

Here are some steps for your help in writing a great essay.

1. Write the Introduction

An introduction is the first section of your essay. It is where the reader will know what the essay is all about. However, the introduction should not have any main ideas in it. Instead, it should present some background of the main topic and guides the reader to the thesis statement.

The thesis statement is a brief one or two-liner that summarizes the entire essay and briefly presents the main ideas. Some students think that they can add all the details here, which is wrong. Summarizing the essence of the entire topic is important to write a strong thesis statement. Keep your informative essay thesis short and to the point, as it is a brief paper presentation.

You can also have a look at this informative essay introduction sample to understand it better.

2. Write Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs have all the main ideas and interesting facts about the main topic. Usually, the body paragraphs are three in number, but the paragraphs could be increased based on the essays’ scope and requirements. All the paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence and present one whole idea.

All the information should be formatted and presented to help the reader understand what the essay is about. In addition, the information should be cohesive and directed to the target audience in an easy-to-understand language and way.

3. Write Conclusion

The conclusion is probably the most important step in the writing process. Unfortunately, many students think that a conclusion does not matter. They are wrong. A conclusion is as important as an introduction.

Pay attention to the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement. Do not present any new ideas and thoughts here because you are closing your essay, not presenting new ideas here. Be brief and to the point.

Have a look at this informative essay conclusion sample to understand how to conclude an essay effectively.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

4. Editing and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading is the final and the most important step before the final submission. When writing something, it is possible that we overlook some minor mistakes. These minor mistakes lower the score. Therefore, after you are done writing, go through the entire paper thoroughly.

Check it for grammatical and spelling errors and plagiarism before you hand it over to your teacher.

This step is important, and you must not overlook it. If possible, have your friend or sibling read it for you and point out any errors. It is easier for a fresh mind to spot mistakes that you might have overlooked.

Informative Essay Examples

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE SAMPLE (PDF)

INFORMATIVE ESSAY (PDF)

Informative Essay Topics

To help you get started with the writing process, we have added some informative paper ideas here. You can choose a topic that best fits your interests.

• Reasons to be concerned about global warming.
• Cybercrime and its effects.
• Is going to college necessary to be successful in life?
• Domestic violence in your society.
• Why do students procrastinate?
• How to write an expository essay and persuasive essay?
• Do uniforms in schools help bring students together?
• Understand the essay parts and a couple of sentences.
• How to improve gun laws for a safer environment?
• How to write an essay step by step with a proper word count?

Informative Essay Writing Tips

The following is a list of important essay writing tips that will help you express your thoughts more clearly and effectively.

• Brainstorm ideas and choose something that you are more interested in writing about. Think of a topic that you can easily search for and provide information on.
• It is important to back up the information you provide no matter what type of academic paper you are writing. For that, research and include information from credible and reliable sources.
• It is important to ensure the sources you use in your paper are acceptable in your academe. For example, books and articles are a good choice to consider.

5StarEssays.com is a professional essay writing service that specializes in providing high-quality and affordable help to students. We want to help you get good grades without compromising on your lifestyle and other activities.

We aim to help you with all your academic writing needs, and with our do my essay paper service, you can easily get good grades.

Place your order now to get a high-quality paper within your deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 parts of an informative essay.

The five parts of an informative essay are:

• Introduction
• Background information
• Thesis statement
• Main body paragraphs

How many paragraphs should an informative essay have?

An informative essay is the most basic type of essay. They follow a specific format with four to five paragraphs, including an introduction, two or three supporting sections that elaborate on the topic at hand, and a conclusion.

Masters Essay, Literature

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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How to Write an Informative Essay

[Post information was updated in April, 2024]

The modern education system is ruthless. Every year, educational institutions pose more and more complex tasks for students, and only a few of these tasks have immediate practical value in a person’s future. One of the most difficult and, at the same time, practical assignments is writing thematic essays. Essays may differ depending on structure, content, or topic.

Our experts at EssayShark can handle any essay, regardless of subject matter and complexity. Still, this guide is primarily intended for those who want to understand the nuances of essay writing on their own. If you are tired of typing in search engines such queries as “how to write an informative essay” or “how to write an informational essay,” then you are in luck – here you will find expert help.

What is an informative essay

An informative essay is a short paper or essay covering a particular topic for a specific audience. It provides the reader with information about a specific topic. To write an informative essay, you need to understand what this type of essay is, as well as its features and main components.

An informative essay is a typical assignment in school and college. The essay writer needs to create an exciting and captivating article that will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read through the whole paper. The word count usually limits an informative essay, so the audience will get all necessary information without wasting time on extensive reading.

Essays can include many different pieces of information. Still, most informative essays are focused on one particular aspect of a topic, and they use several different types of details to make their point. The word “informative” in this type of essay refers to the point of view of the person receiving the information.

How to start an informative essay

Writing an informative essay can be a bit challenging, as you need to be informative and give your opinion on the material. The most important advice to remember while dealing with this type of essay is that the introduction should be solid, and the first paragraph, in particular, should have the strongest thesis statement. The first paragraph should contain an example of the topic you will cover in your essay.

You need to provide some information on the topic, where you got it, who said it, and so on. However, keep in mind that the core objective of your essay is not to include material but to analyze it providing a lot of comments and support from your ideas and experiences. Therefore, make sure that your first paragraph does not look like just a collection of facts about the topic but your response to it.

Starting your essay on a topic you know a lot about is much easier. The first step is to choose a topic. The goal here is to develop your thesis statement. If you select a topic that allows for the thesis to cover areas you are knowledgeable in, the essay should be simple enough to complete.

Informative essay structure

Informative essay structure is necessary to follow while writing an informative essay. If a writer ignores the essay’s proper format, it will not be considered an excellent informative essay. All the points should be well-organized and included in the structure systematically.

There are six steps or stages to writing an informative essay. They are: choosing a topic, researching for an informative essay, constructing an outline of your informative essay, writing and concluding, finalizing, and revising the project. Following these steps will help students write an informative essay correctly.

Therefore, this structure is essential to make your informative essay effective and impressive. An excellent essay is characterized by a logical series of statements that lead to an inevitable logical conclusion.

The type of information may vary from common topics such as science and social studies to more detailed information such as literary criticism, ethics, and philosophical analysis. It usually contains factual data, examples of events, and evidence that supports the central idea.

A five-paragraph essay is the most common type of informative essay. It comprises five paragraphs, each with its topic sentence, supporting details, and concluding statement. The general structure of this type of essay implies that the first paragraph should begin with an introduction that should be followed by three body paragraphs accompanied by a brief final statement in the fifth paragraph.

The first paragraph of an informative essay introduces the topic and briefly describes why it is worth discussing. If you still have any doubts about informative essay writing, you can always explore our informative essay samples . One of those samples you can find in the following paragraph of this guide.

Informative essay outline

An informative essay is a form of non-fiction that gives information about a topic to the audience. It is also referred to as an expository essay. An informative essay must follow a clear and logical structure to ensure that the information it gives is understandable and memorable.

An informative essay is a piece of writing aimed at informing the reader about a particular topic or subject. It may be centered around a person, place, or event, or a critical issue review. Whatever your case, you can take steps to make sure that your informative essay is both informative and well-received. Before you even begin writing, you will need to have a solid outline in place.

Explain what the essay is about: examples of persuasive essays and other forms of essays are usually mentioned in this section. Do not go into too much detail about the information you will write about. It is just a short overview for the reader to summarize what your main points are going to be.

Informative essay topics

General Topics

• College stress
• Worldwide poverty
• Domestic violence
• Procrastination
• Homelessness
• Pregnancy in college
• Cybersecurity
• Bullying in college
• Violence in video games
• Organic food tendency
• Harming impact of fast food
• College scholarships

Advanced Topics

• Millennial generation’s role in economic transformation
• Overgeneralization of generations
• Global extreme poverty
• World poverty clock
• Secrets of successful academic performance
• My life-changing event
• My favorite time
• My biggest loss

Informative essay example

 Artificial Intelligence Privacy Breaches

Artificial Intelligence involves developing computer programs with the objective of mimicking and performing customized tasks similar to human behavior such as visual perception, language translation, and speech translation. Though it has made man’s life easier in some ways, it is worth noting how it can contravene the right to privacy of its users. A goal of artificial intelligence is to do what humans can do (and in the future, with greater precision), but in an effort to achieve this, AI usually utilizes the past activities of the user, such as voice recognition, Google searches, and artificial intelligence in the medical sector.

The medical sector stands out as a major beneficiary of AI. but of greater note is the challenge to patients’ data. Medical institutions have exposed the data of their patients through the utilization of AI. Private entities own the AI deployed in the sector; thus, the patients’ information is in these companies’ hands (Murdoch, 2021). This contravenes the client privilege guaranteeing non-disclosure of self-data. Even though this contract binds the patient with the health institution, it might not hold with the private entity owning the AI, as non-breaching of privacy is between them and the institution that turned over its patients’ information. Legally the patient might be tied as their personal data is then sold by the private entity that gathered it through the aid of information gathered with the aid of AI. Matters such as access, use, and control of data collected are in the hands of the private entity leaving the patients compromised. The patient would thus receive a customized set of eerily personalized remedies sold to them by, for example, the health sector.

Voice recognition is another aspect of artificial intelligence that, to a huge degree, compromises the privacy of the user. Individuals have voices unique to themselves, which are often used for identity verification. But if AI can mimic voices or fail to accurately recognize voices, this can threaten user safety and consumer trust (Manheim, & Kaplan, 2019). An instance where breach of privacy can lead to property loss and physical safety issues is the use of voice recognition in homes. Voice recognition may be used to unlock the house. An individual’s voice, however, can be cloned. This can lead to break-ins.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence has led to serious privacy breaches through its utilization in the medical sector and in voice recognition. Consumer privacy is further compromised by device functionality opacity, predictive algorithms, internet connectivity, and ubiquitous data collection (Manheim, & Kaplan, 2019). Predictive algorithms, for instance, can lead to companies knowing too much about individual users – this information could be used to manipulate not only consumer spending, but also political actions. Private entities that are legally contracted to provide these services are, to the highest degree, responsible for privacy breaches. This is becoming more common with medical institutions and has led to backlash from patients. Similarly, voice recognition has led to the cloning of people’s voices, leading to property endangerment and even the undermining of people’s physical safety.

Murdoch, B. (2021). Privacy and artificial intelligence: Challenges for protecting health information in a new era. BMC Medical Ethics , 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-021-00687-3 Manheim, K., & Kaplan, L. (2019). Artificial intelligence: Risks to privacy and democracy. Yale JL & Tech. , 21, 106. https://yjolt.org/sites/default/files/21_yale_j.l._tech._106_0.pdf

Informative essay FAQ

What is an informative essay sample.

Informative essays are common writing assignments that include a particular structure and require using all kinds of writing techniques. If you are assigned to write an informative essay, all you need to do is stick to the requirements and the peculiarities of this type of writing. To compose an informative essay, a student should know how to form an abstract and body, which means keeping in mind some peculiarities of each part of the assignment.

What Is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is an academic essay used for explaining a specific topic in more detail. Such compositions are used primarily in college and university. The writing aims to describe rather than analyze the essay’s topic. Usually, it is not very difficult to write an essay, but sometimes the student may have some difficulties. One of the main things to consider is the topic of the essay and its structure.

What Is Informative Writing?

Informative writing gives your reader an idea about a topic. Informative writing provides facts, explains procedures, or describes how something works. It can also describe historical events. It can also be about a person or place, including personal experiences. The purpose of informative writing is to inform, not to persuade. The writer tries to convince the reader to accept an idea or take a specific action, but that’s not true in the case of informative writing.

Informative essay writing assistance

Every paper ranges from an individual experience or point of view to the criticism of a social issue or a scientific phenomenon. An essay that aims to inform its reader about something specific belongs to the latter type – informative essays. Information is a form of knowledge acquired through personal experience and research. Thus, an informative essay must contain both of these elements.

This guide is intended to help you write an informative essay yourself or understand the issue sufficiently. Nevertheless, in the modern world, a person often has to deal with various thematic essays, each of which has its nuances. You can explore our guides on writing other essays or ask our experts for help.

Professional writers with academic education in the field are ready to help you write an essay in any season and nearly twenty-four hours a day. We guarantee the fulfillment of obligations on time and the quality of the material. If you want to write a genuinely quality essay, then EssayShark is your choice. We are ready to help. Not only with writing. You can also request do my math homework help from us, and get qualified assistance.

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Informative Essay

Informative Essay - Writing Tips, Examples and Topics

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The Ultimate Handbook for Informative Essay Topics

Informative Essay Outline - Steps, Template. & Samples

Do you find writing informative essays a bit tricky? You're not alone—many students feel the same way.

It can be tough to figure out how to start and organize your essay.

But don't worry! This blog is here to help. We'll guide you step by step on how to write great informative essays. By the end, you'll feel confident and ready to tackle your assignments with ease! 

Let's get started!

• 1. What is an Informative Essay?
• 2. Types of Informative Essay 
• 3. How to Start an Informative Essay?
• 4. How to Write an Informative Essay?
• 5. How To End An Informative Essay
• 6. Informative Essay Examples
• 7. Informative Essay Topics
• 8. Informative Essay Writing Tips

What is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is a type of academic writing where you objectively share facts, statistics and about a specific topic. It's like being a helpful guide, presenting information without adding your own opinions. It's an organized way of communicating to ensure clarity in academic discussions.

Why Write an Informative Essay?

Writing an informative essay is all about sharing knowledge. It helps explain complex ideas, teach important concepts, or describe detailed processes. 

Whether you're a student meeting academic needs or a facts enthusiast, this essay style provides a clear structure for easy understanding.

Types of Informative Essay 

According to the functions that an informative essay performs, it can be divided into several types. If you are a high school or a college student, understanding each informative essay type is essential to score well.

Expository Essays

Expository essays aim to explain a process or concept with clarity and precision. 

They provide a detailed, step-by-step breakdown, ensuring the reader gains a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The focus is on presenting information logically to make complex ideas more accessible.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays strive to create a vivid and sensory-rich experience for the reader. 

By incorporating detailed descriptions and appealing to the senses, these essays go beyond mere facts. They immerse the audience in the subject, fostering a deeper connection and understanding through the power of vivid language.

Compare and Contrast Essays

In compare and contrast essays , the writer explores the similarities and differences between two subjects. 

This type of essay facilitates a nuanced understanding of relationships and distinctions, providing valuable insights into the characteristics that bind or differentiate the chosen subjects.

Cause and Effect Essays

Cause and effect essays delve into the reasons behind a particular event or phenomenon, examining the factors that lead to its occurrence. 

Simultaneously, these essays explore the consequences or outcomes that result from these causal factors. 

This type of informative essay is valuable for comprehending the interconnected nature of events and understanding their broader implications.

How to Start an Informative Essay?

Here are some steps that will help you to start writing an essay. 

Choose a Topic

Selecting an engaging and relevant topic is the foundational step in starting your informative essay. 

Consider your interests, the preferences of your audience, and the requirements of the assignment. Choose a subject that not only captivates your curiosity but also has enough credible information available for thorough exploration.

Conduct Research

Once you've chosen your topic, delve into research to gather credible and reliable information. Utilize reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. 

Take comprehensive notes, making sure to distinguish between various perspectives and collecting relevant data that will contribute to a well-informed and compelling essay.

Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and research findings by creating a structured outline. Divide your essay into sections, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

Establish a logical flow by arranging your main points and supporting details in a cohesive manner. The outline serves as a roadmap for your writing, ensuring that your informative essay unfolds in a clear and organized fashion.

Here is the basic structure of an informative essay outline:

 Have a look at this in-depth guide on how to outline informative essays effectively!

How to Write an Informative Essay?

Now that you have your basic information organized in an outline, you can get started on the writing process. Here’s what you need to include:

Introduction

The first section of the essay is the introduction . Here you will present the essay’s purpose and attempt to grab the reader’s attention towards the content. An informative essay introduction includes the following information:

• A hook statement to excite the audience
• The background context of the chosen topic
• The main thesis statement

Writing an introduction that tells your reader what to expect is essential for your informative essay’s effectiveness. 

Body Paragraphs

An informative essay body contains all the details on the topic. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence which indicates what the paragraph is going to be about. In addition, it includes supporting information and evidence on the thesis statement. 

This section has several paragraphs that together form informative content for the audience. All the body paragraphs contain a single point or claim and an explanation that describes a topic. 

How To End An Informative Essay

After the body paragraphs, you close your essay by writing your conclusion. Here’s how you can end informative essay:

All the body paragraphs lead the audience towards the end of the essay. The conclusion is the last section of the essay in which the closing statements are presented. It gives closure to the whole discussion. 

The concluding paragraph of an informative essay should contain the following information:

• Restated thesis statement 
• Summary of the major points

The purpose of writing a conclusion is to highlight the essay’s significance and where this information can be applied. 

Editing and Proofreading 

After finishing your essay's conclusion, take the time to read through and make improvements. Check it a few times to catch any mistakes and make sure it follows the rules of writing. Look out for:

• Punctuation
• Sentence structure

Fix all the errors to make your essay more interesting. Lastly, confirm that you've  used the right format for an informative essay. This ensures your essay is well-presented and engaging.

Informative Essay Examples

When drafting an academic assignment for the first time, students need examples to understand the correct procedure and structure. 

Here is a short informative essay example:

Check out more essay examples: 

Informative Essay Sample

Informative Essay on Bullying

Informative Essay on Poverty

Informative Essay Format

Thesis Statement for Informative Essay

Informative Essay Introduction Examples

Informative Essay Topics

Choosing an effective informative essay topic is crucial for creating a compelling piece of writing. 

An ideal topic should not only captivate your interest but also resonate with your audience. The subject matter should hold contemporary significance or contribute to a better understanding of various aspects of life. 

Here are some good informative essay topics for you:

• The Impact of Climate Change on Global Weather Patterns
• The Evolution and Importance of Renewable Energy Sources
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Healthcare
• Understanding the Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
• Exploring Sustainable Practices for a Greener Lifestyle
• The History and Significance of Space Exploration
• The Benefits and Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Agriculture
• The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Global Business Practices
• The Rise of E-commerce and Its Effects on Traditional Retail
• The Importance of Financial Literacy for Young Adults

Can’t pick a topic? Check out more interesting and creative informative essay topics !

Informative Essay Writing Tips

Here are some essential tips to enhance your essay writing:

• Clearly articulate why you are writing the essay.
• Tailor your content to the knowledge level and interests of your readers.
• Conduct in-depth research consulting credible sources of information to make the content authentic.
• The thesis statement of the essay should be concise, direct, and readable. 
• Use examples and facts to support your claims.
• Maintain an unbiased and factual tone throughout your essay.
• Do not share extra information in the introduction paragraph. 
• Create an outline to make the essay’s content structured
• The length of the conclusion should not exceed the length of the introduction. 

To sum up, you now have all the steps and valuable tips laid out, you can get started on your informative essay!

It's as simple as crafting an interesting introduction, organizing ideas in paragraphs, and wrapping it up with a strong conclusion. 

However, if you find yourself struggling or needing extra help, our essay help online is here for you. Our skilled writers are ready to assist, making sure your essay stands out for being clear, thorough, and impactful.

So, why wait? Order now!

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Informative Writing Techniques

How to Write a Fifth-Grade Essay

Whether or not you have a passion for it, writing is a crucial life skill that you will need to employ at various stages in both your academic and professional career. Becoming an effective writer will improve your grades as much as it will improve your job prospects in the future. From professors to potential employers, effective writing skills are undeniably valuable tools to have in your toolbox. Fortunately, you don’t have to love writing to do it well; you simply need to understand and employ the strategies and techniques that set good writers apart from the mediocre.

Overview of the Informative Writing Style

The informative writing definition is precisely what its name implies – writing that is designed to inform the reader about a given topic. Informative writing, which is sometimes called expository or explanatory writing, uses evidence and information from credible sources to support a focused and logical explanation of the topic at hand. The informative writing style demands that you thoroughly educate the reader on the given topic without including your own opinions.

Choosing a Topic for Informative Writing

Sometimes the topic for informative writing is assigned by a professor, but other times you may be required to come up with it yourself. If you are responsible for choosing the topic about which you will write, start by brainstorming subjects that are interesting to both you and your reader. Your topic should not be too broad or too narrow. For example, you would not want to choose health as a topic for informative writing because it is far too broad of a subject. Instead, you could narrow it down to something specific about health, like how to optimize health during the summer months. Another important consideration when choosing a topic is whether you can find enough reliable sources of evidence to thoroughly support your explanation.

The Structure of an Informative Essay

When it comes to structure, an informative essay follows the same basic principles as argumentative writing. The main difference between the two is the purpose. While an argumentative essay is designed to persuade the reader to agree with the position argued in its claim, an informative essay’s sole purpose is to educate the reader.

Structure your informative essay using multiple paragraphs that follow a logical order and include relevant information that is properly cited. The introductory paragraph should include a general introduction to the topic followed by a clear thesis statement that will serve as the road map for the rest of the essay. Each body paragraph should include a topic sentence that addresses the specific subtopic of that paragraph followed by at least two pieces of relevant evidence from reliable sources that are properly cited. End each body paragraph with at least two or three sentences that clearly show how the evidence presented in the lines above relate to and support the thesis statement.

Planning for Informative Writing

Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” and this philosophy certainly applies when it comes to informative writing or any type of formal writing for that matter. If you just jump right into writing your informative essay or article, you are likely to get stuck at some point, and the entire process will be far more challenging for you than if you take the time to do a little planning first. While planning is not a mandatory part of most writing assessments, it is a strategy that can significantly improve your performance.

Whether you use a traditional outline or a graphic organizer, taking some time before writing to identify the thesis statement and the details that you will use to support that thesis statement will make the writing process much easier for you once you begin. If you are having trouble coming up with a thesis statement, ask yourself what information is most important for the reader to know about the given topic and the reasons why it is important. This should help you formulate a thesis statement and then start planning the best way to support it.

The Thesis Statement in Informative Writing

The thesis statement is arguably the most critical component of your informative writing because the entire essay is built around it. A thesis statement is comprised of one or two sentences that clearly address the question in the writing prompt. An effective thesis statement is precise and lets the reader know what to expect in the rest of the essay.

While the thesis statement is designed as a road map of sorts for the reader, you don’t want to make it too obvious either. This means that you should not use “this essay will explain" as part of your thesis statement. Instead, write a sentence that explains it without such obvious forewarning. For instance, if you were writing an informative essay about recycled art, you might use a thesis statement that says, “Recycled art gives garbage new life and allows artists to express themselves in unique ways.” Based on this thesis statement, the reader can reasonably infer that the first body paragraph will include details and examples that explain how recycled art gives garbage new life and that the second body paragraph will focus on explaining how recycled art allows artists to express themselves in unique ways.

Informative Techniques That Improve Writing Quality

Biased information is the bane of informative writing, and you should avoid it at all costs. Be as factual as possible so the readers can use the information provided to draw their own conclusions about the topic without you influencing that conclusion in any direction. Another helpful technique to improve your informative writing is to be as specific as possible. Try to provide the reader with clear answers to the what, where, when, how and why of the topic you are explaining. The more precise you are in your writing, the more likely the reader is to understand the information.

Prioritizing information is another useful informative technique. Start your writing with the information that is most relevant to your reader’s understanding before you include details that are nice to know but not necessary. Finally, use language that is clear, formal and free of bias.

Features of Informative Writing

The key feature of informative writing is unbiased information about a given topic that is presented in a way that helps the reader truly understand the subject. It uses language that is easy to comprehend, and if technical terms are included, clear definitions and explanations of those terms are also included.

When educating readers about a given topic, it is important to only include the most relevant and essential details. Informative writing uses a variety of sentence structures to keep the reader from getting bored, and ideas are organized in a way that makes sense. Each body paragraph should focus on explaining a single idea that was introduced in the thesis statement and that develops the topic in a logical manner.

The concluding paragraph in an informative essay or article should summarize the main points made throughout the essay and should also restate the thesis statement in a new way. Never introduce new evidence in the conclusion. New evidence only belongs in the body paragraphs where it can be properly explained.

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Kristina Barroso earned a B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University and works full-time as a classroom teacher in a public school. She teaches middle school English to a wide range of students from struggling readers to advanced and gifted populations. In her spare time, she loves writing articles about education for TheClassroom.com, WorkingMother and other education sites.