how to summary an informative essay

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

how to summary an informative essay

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

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

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

What is an Informative Essay

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

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

What is an Informative Essay

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

Ready to Ignite Minds with Your Informative Essay?

Our qualified writers are here to craft a masterpiece tailored to your needs worthy of an A+

Reasons to Write an Informative Essay

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

Reasons to Write an Informative Essay

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

How to Start an Informative Essay

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

Start an Informative Essay

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

Informative Essay Outline

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

I. Introduction

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

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Talk about your first main idea

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

B. Move on to your second main idea

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

C. Address your third main idea

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

III. Conclusion

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

IV. Optional: Extra Sections

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

Informative Essay Structure

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

Introduction :

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

Body Paragraphs:

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

Conclusion :

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

How to Choose informative essay topics

Informative Essay Examples

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

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

7 Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

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

7 Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

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

Final Remarks

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

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

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

Want to Unleash the Brilliance of Your Ideas?

Claim your expertly crafted informative essay today and command attention with your brilliant insights!

Related Articles

Types of Narrative Writing

Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

Daniel Bal

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

What is informative writing?

Purpose of informative writing

The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer’s motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic’s intricacies.

Informative essays may introduce readers to new information .

Summarizing a scientific/technological study

Outlining the various aspects of a religion

Providing information on a historical period

Describe a process or give step-by-step details of a procedure.

How to write an informational essay

How to construct an argument

How to apply for a job

Clarify a concept and offer details about complex ideas.

Purpose of informative essays

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 structure

Informative essay introduction

When composing the introductory paragraph(s) of an informative paper, include a hook, introduce the topic, provide background information, and develop a good thesis statement.

If the hook or introduction creates interest in the first paragraph, it will draw the readers’ attention and make them more receptive to the essay writer's ideas. Some of the most common techniques to accomplish this include the following:

Emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or by indicating that the subject is influential.

Use pertinent statistics to give the paper an air of authority.

A surprising statement can be shocking; sometimes it is disgusting; sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.

An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the informative essay topic and focus on what is to follow.

Informative essay hooks

Directly introduce the topic of the essay.

Provide the reader with the background information necessary to understand the topic. Don’t repeat this information in the body of the essay; it should help the reader understand what follows.

Identify the overall purpose of the essay with the thesis (purpose statement). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.

Informative essay body paragraphs

Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, and a transition sentence.

Informative essay body paragraphs

A good topic sentence should identify what information the reader should expect in the paragraph and how it connects to the main purpose identified in the thesis.

Provide evidence that details the main point of the paragraph. This includes paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements.

Explain how the evidence connects to the main purpose of the essay.

Place transitions at the end of each body paragraph, except the last. There is no need to transition from the last support to the conclusion. A transition should accomplish three goals:

Tell the reader where you were (current support)

Tell the reader where you are going (next support)

Relate the paper’s purpose

Informative essay conclusion

Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.

Rephrase the purpose of the essay. Do not just repeat the purpose statement from the thesis.

Summarize the main idea found in each body paragraph by rephrasing each topic sentence.

End with a clincher or closing statement that helps readers answer the question “so what?” What should the reader take away from the information provided in the essay? Why should they care about the topic?

Informative essay example

The following example illustrates a good informative essay format:

Informative essay format

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • College University and Postgraduate
  • Academic Writing

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 242,842 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

Step 1 Understand your assignment.

  • 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.

Step 2 Choose a topic.

  • 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.

Step 3 Conduct good research.

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

Step 4 Take notes as you research.

  • 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.

Step 5 Keep track of your sources.

  • 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

Step 1 Plan an introduction with a hook.

  • 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.

Step 2 Use one major supporting detail per paragraph in the body of your essay.

  • 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."

Step 3 Add in supporting details for each paragraph in the body.

  • 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.

Step 4 Restate your thesis in your conclusion.

Writing Your Essay

Step 1 Write a rough draft.

  • 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.

Step 2 Give each paragraph a topic sentence.

  • 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

Step 3 Structure your essay in parts.

  • 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.

Step 4 Edit your rough draft.

  • 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?

Step 5 Write your final draft.

  • 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.

Step 6 Finalize your language.

  • 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.

Step 7 Proofread your final draft.

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

Community Q&A

Community Answer

You Might Also Like

Write a Reflection Paper

  • ↑ 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

Megan Morgan, PhD

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

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Britney Montgomery

Britney Montgomery

Dec 8, 2016

Did this article help you?

Britney Montgomery

David Lewis

Nov 27, 2016

Heather Young

Heather Young

Oct 19, 2016

Colleen Borgese

Colleen Borgese

Feb 27, 2017

Anonymous

Feb 28, 2017

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

24 Little Things You Can Do to Make Your Heart Feel Happy

Trending Articles

How to Set Boundaries with Texting

Watch Articles

Fold Boxer Briefs

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

how to summary an informative essay

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 .

See a sample informative essay here., share this:.

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

2 Responses

  • Pingbacks 0

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Blog via Email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive email notifications of new posts.

Email Address

  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments
  • COLLEGE WRITING
  • USING SOURCES & APA STYLE
  • EFFECTIVE WRITING PODCASTS
  • LEARNING FOR SUCCESS
  • PLAGIARISM INFORMATION
  • FACULTY RESOURCES
  • Student Webinar Calendar
  • Academic Success Center
  • Writing Center
  • About the ASC Tutors
  • DIVERSITY TRAINING
  • PG Peer Tutors
  • PG Student Access

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • College Writing
  • Using Sources & APA Style
  • Learning for Success
  • Effective Writing Podcasts
  • Plagiarism Information
  • Faculty Resources
  • Tutor Training

Twitter feed

Informative Essay

Nova A.

What is an Informative Essay and How to Write One?

11 min read

Published on: Aug 11, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

Informative Essay

People also read

Good Informative Essay Topics for All Academic Levels

Share this article

Have you been assigned an informative essay but don’t know where to start? This guide has got you covered! 

An informative essay is a common assignment for school or college students. The goal is to provide detailed information to the readers about the specific topic. 

Read on to find simple step-by-step instructions for writing an interesting and engaging informative essay. You’ll also get to read helpful examples and tips you can follow to make your essay even better! 

Let’s dive in!

On This Page On This Page -->

Informative Essay Definition 

The informative essay can be simply defined as,

"A form of essay writing that aims to educate and inform the reader about a specific topic."

Informative essays can cover a variety of topics. It could be written about a particular thing, event, or natural phenomenon, etc. 

This type of essay highlights the objective facts and evidence without reflecting the writer's subjective point-of-view about the topic. 

What is the Purpose of an Informative Essay?

An informative essay presents objective and verifiable information about a topic. It relies on factual evidence and reliable sources. 

The main goal of writing an informative essay is to;

  • Inform the reader about something.
  • Explain a particular subject.
  • Transmit verified knowledge clearly and concisely.

Types of Informative Essay

There are several types of informative essays, and each type has its own purpose and style. Here are some of the informative essay types that you need to know.

  • Descriptive Essay 

A descriptive essay is an essay that describes something about an event, person, place, or idea in detail. The descriptive essay aims to provide enough information to the readers to visualize or imagine the matter described.

Want to know more about descriptive essays? Check out this descriptive essay writing blog to learn more.

  • Cause and Effect Essay 

The cause and effect essay describes the cause of an event or idea and then explains its effects on today’s world and people. Also, this type of essay is a common form of organization in academic writing.    

However, the cause-and-effect essay requires strong research skills. Without them, your essay will not become a successful piece of writing. 

  • Compare and Contrast Essay 

In a compare and contrast essay, the writer discusses the similarities and differences between two or more things. This type of essay also requires strong critical thinking skills. 

Therefore, when you start writing the compare and contrast essay , you should identify and analyze the subject from all angles and characteristics.

  • Process Essay 

The process essay is also known as the "How-To" essay. This essay provides information about how a process occurs or about the process of doing something.

  • Problem-Solution Essay 

A problem-solution essay is another common type of informative essay in which you describe a problem and then propose its solution. Its main purpose is to educate the readers on the problem and its significance.  

Looking for more information? Visit our problem-solution essay guide and learn to write perfect problem solution essays.

  • Expository Essay 

The expository essay explains, illustrates, or interprets something in a way that becomes easy for the readers. This essay provides a fair analysis of the subject based on facts without the writer’s opinions.  

Here is a simple video that explains informative writing:

How to Start an Informative Essay?   

Before you can start writing, you have to do some "rewriting." Here are the steps involved in prewriting: 

  • Brainstorm Ideas 

Brainstorming is the first step in writing any type of essay. Here, you brainstorm several topic ideas and generate a list of potential topics. 

So think about all the possible ideas that are related to your interest and subject. This will help you choose an interesting topic for your essay.  

  • Choose a Topic 

Choosing the right topic is essential for writing a great essay. A good topic will not only make your writing process easy but also make the research phase interesting. 

So choose a topic you can easily write about and support it with facts, evidence, and statistics. In short, the topic should be interesting and easy to research.

  • Know Your Target Audience 

Your audience determines the style and tone of your essay. Consider who will be reading your essay and what their background, knowledge, and interests might be.

For instance, if you are writing for school children, your language should be simple, easy, and interesting. Meanwhile, writing for a professional audience requires you to use technical terminology and jargon. 

So always think about who you are writing for and determine your audience before proceeding.

  • Do the Research 

You have to do some research to gather information for your essay. Make sure the information that you collect is reliable and accurate. 

Use a variety of sources for research, including research articles, books, documentaries, etc. You should also take detailed and organized notes to keep track of the information you find, so you can use it later.

  • Create an Outline 

An essay outline helps the writer keep their focus strong and narrow. With the help of an outline, you will easily organize your thoughts and ideas. 

So create an outline of your essay to lay out a structure. 

Don't know how to make an informative essay outline? Don’t worry, read on to find out.

Order Now

Paper due? Why Suffer? That's our job.

Informative Essay Outline 

Crafting a well-structured essay involves planning what points to include and how it all ties together. Creating an outline is the best way to ensure that your work is well-structured. 

An informative essay outline is outlined in the following way:

Let’s discuss these outline parts in detail.

Introduction 

  • Start with a captivating hook that grabs the reader's attention. It could be an intriguing fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question.
  • State your thesis statement . It is the last part of the introduction that clearly presents the main idea or argument of your essay. It should reflect the informative nature of your essay and guide the reader on what to expect.
  • Divide the body of your essay into several paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one specific aspect or subtopic related to your main thesis.
  • Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point of that paragraph.
  • Analyze and discuss your supporting evidence. They could be examples, facts, or statistics that provide informative content.

Conclusion 

  • Summarize the main points covered in your essay.
  • End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a suggestion for further exploration of the topic.

Here is an example outline template that you can use to write your informative essay outline

Informative Essay Outline Template

Creating an outline is necessary for writing any type of essay. Check out our 10+ essay outline templates and make excellent outlines with ease!

How to Write an Informative Essay?  

Once you have done the prewriting, you have got everything you need to start. Following the steps below will help you write a great informative essay.  

How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction? 

The introduction of an essay sets the tone of the essay and provides an overview of the topic. Here are some key elements you need to include when writing an informative essay introduction:

  • Attention-Grabber / Hook:

The hook is the first line of the essay that aims to pique the readers’ interest. This can be: 

  • An interesting fact,
  • A thought-provoking question,
  • Or a compelling anecdote related to your topic, etc.

The hook should be related to your topic and should be engaging enough to grab the reader's attention.

Struggling to come up with a good hook? These 200+ hook examples will help you craft an excellent hook!

  • Background Information:

After grabbing the reader’s attention, you have to them to your topic. Discuss some background details on the topic to provide context. 

Also, discuss the relevance or importance of the subject matter. This helps the reader understand the significance of the information you're about to present. Moreover, use clear and concise language to provide essential and interesting details to make the reader want to continue reading. 

  • Thesis Statement:

The thesis statement presents the main topic or idea of the essay in a concise and clear way. It provides an overview of what will be covered.

The thesis statement is the last part of the introduction. It should be specific, focused, and encompass the main ideas you'll be discussing in the body of the essay.

How to Write an Informative Essay Body Paragraphs? 

The body paragraphs are the major chunk of your essay. They provide all the information about your chosen topic. There should be at least three body paragraphs in your essay, although there can be more depending on your topic. 

Here are the key elements of the informative essay body paragraphs:

  • Topic Sentence

Begin each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point you will be discussing in that paragraph. It is the first sentence of the paragraph and should be clearly related to the thesis.

  • Provide Information and Evidence

In an informative essay, information and evidence should be presented clearly and logically. So present the facts, examples, statistics, or quotations that inform the reader about the topic. This information should come from reliable and credible sources.

  • Discuss and Elaborate

After presenting the evidence, explain and discuss them to ensure a thorough understanding of the information. Clarify any complex terms, concepts, or ideas that may require explanation for understanding the topic effectively.

  • Use Transitional Phrases:

Use transitional phrases or sentences to connect paragraphs and ideas. This helps maintain a cohesive flow of information throughout the essay. 

For instance, transitional words such as "moreover," "furthermore," "on the other hand," or "in addition to" can be used to link ideas logically.

Having a difficult time with smooth transitions? Here’s a list of transition words for essays to help you out!

How to Write an Informative Essay Conclusion?

In an essay conclusion , you wrap up the essay and provide a sense of closure. Writing the informative essay conclusion includes the following steps:

  • Summarize the Main Points:

Revisit the main points covered in your essay's body paragraphs and provide a concise summary of the information presented. Do not introduce any new information or arguments in the conclusion.

  • Restate your Thesis Statement

Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement in a slightly different way. This helps remind the reader of the main objective of your essay. 

  • Provide a Thought-Provoking Statement:

End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement, reflection, or question that leaves a strong impression on the reader. This can help inspire them to continue exploring the topic beyond your essay. 

Edit and Proofread the Essay

Once you are done with your first draft, take some time to proofread and revise you essay. Check for grammar and spelling, format, logical coherence, and clarity. Remove any repetitive statements or unnecessary details. 

Revising your essay will make it even better and more interesting to read.

Informative Essay Examples

Reading some good examples will make writing an informative essay easier for you. Here are a few short informative essay examples that demonstrate how it looks like. Be sure to read them out.

Informative Essay about Stress

Informative Essay on Diabetes

Informative Essay on Netflix

Informative Essay on Tree in Winter

Informative Essay Topics

A good essay topic is a key to a successful essay. Here are a few ideas that will get you inspired:

  • The Benefits of Regular Exercise
  • The Importance of Recycling
  • The Process of Photosynthesis
  • What was the Big Bang?
  • The History of the Internet
  • How did the Dinosaurs go extinct?
  • The Benefits of Meditation
  • The Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems
  • The Role of Technology in Education

Stuck on choosing your topic? Don’t worry! Check out our list 200 informative essay topics to get inspiration!

To Sum Up, 

This guide introduced everything you needed to start writing an informative essay. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently embark on your informative writing journey.

Are you in a race against the deadline and need professional help? We’ve got you covered!

We are a legit essay writing service with professional essay writers. Our team of experts writes high-quality, original, and customized essays tailored to your unique requirements.               

Our essay writing service has worked on informative essays and academic papers on various topics, with a high rate of customer satisfaction! 

You can also maximize the benefits of our AI writing tool to polish and refine your writing skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in an informative essay.

Here are some points that should be included in an informative essay. 

  • Thesis statement 
  • Strong evidence 
  • Examples 

What is the main topic of an informative essay?

The main topic of an informative essay is to educate the readers on a specific topic.

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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

Get Help

Keep reading

Informative Essay

Legal & Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program
  • AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

how to summary an informative essay

how to summary an informative essay

Teacher Habits

Helping Teachers inside the Classroom and Out

How to Write an Informative Essay in a Few Easy Steps

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a whirlwind of facts and figures, trying to make sense of it all, then you understand the importance of informative writing. Have you ever wondered how to write an informative essay that captivates your audience and leaves them wanting more? Worry no more, as this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the basics to polishing your masterpiece.

Table of Contents

Informative Essay Writing: Key Takeaways

  • Understand the purpose of an informative essay.
  • Research reliable sources and craft a strong thesis statement.
  • Use evidence to develop engaging body paragraphs & write a powerful conclusion for maximum impact.

What is an Informative Essay and What Does it Entail?

Informative essays are unique in their purpose and characteristics. Unlike persuasive essays, which aim to convince readers of a particular viewpoint, informative essays focus on delivering factual information on a specific topic in a structured format. The primary goal of informative writing is to educate readers without trying to influence them. The informative essay structure typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, which helps in organizing the information and presenting it in a clear and concise manner.

In the realm of informative writing, there are various types, such as:

  • Description
  • Cause and effect
  • Problems and possible solutions

Each type aims to communicate complex ideas, educate the public, and promote products or services. Regardless of the type, every informative essay should contain a clear thesis statement, well-researched body paragraphs, and a powerful conclusion that summarizes the main points and highlights the importance of the topic.

When writing an informative essay, it’s vital to follow these guidelines.

  • Abstain from incorporating personal opinions and perspectives.
  • Focus on providing background information and thorough research.
  • Use a well-defined structure to ensure effective writing.
  • Present complex ideas in an understandable and engaging manner.
  • Cater to your target audience.

By following these guidelines for informative essay writing, you can create a successful and informative essay.

Selecting a Suitable Topic

The first step in writing an informative essay is:

  • Brainstorming various alternatives and refining a general topic to a specific subject.
  • After brainstorming, review the list and discard ideas that are not feasible or reasonable.
  • It is advisable to select a topic with ample available research material and one that interests you. This will make the writing process more enjoyable and effective.

Once you have narrowed down the list of potential informative essay topic options, conduct some preliminary research to assess the availability of relevant information. This will help you determine whether the chosen topic is viable and has enough resources to support your essay. Good informative essay examples can be found online on various platforms, which can help you get a better understanding of the writing style and topic selection process.

After selecting a suitable topic, it is recommended to take one or two days to reflect on your choice and gather your thoughts before diving into the research process. Remember, the most prevalent format for composing an informative essay is a five-paragraph format, comprising an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The Research Process

The research stage is an indispensable component in crafting an informative essay. It involves a systematic investigation of sources to establish the facts or information pertaining to a specific topic. Begin by inquiring about the topic and drawing upon your preexisting knowledge. This will help you build a solid foundation for your essay and make the research process more manageable.

When seeking resources for your informative essay, always opt for reliable sources, such as those published by accredited experts or organizations. It’s essential to avoid incorporating opinions on the matter, as this could compromise the objectivity of your essay. Be thorough in your research and consider information from various perspectives to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

As you gather information, it’s crucial to document all pertinent data to facilitate the retention of the material and aid the writing process. One approach to organizing your research is to color-code each quote or paraphrasing to match a question or main idea. This will make it easier to locate and reference your research when composing your essay.

Crafting an Effective Outline

Constructing an informative essay outline is of paramount importance, as it assists authors in arranging and formulating their ideas to generate a cohesive, well-conceived essay. By allotting a bit more time in devising an outline, you can considerably reduce the time spent on the actual writing process. Outlines for informative essays generally commence with roman numerals, with the introduction denoted as I, the body as II, and the conclusion as III.

The main components of an informative essay outline include the informative essay introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. In the introduction, you should include a hook or attention-grabbing statement, background information on the topic, and an informative essay thesis statement that states the main focus of the essay.

The body paragraphs should each contain:

  • A main idea with supporting evidence or facts related to the main idea
  • An explanation or analysis of the supporting evidence
  • A transition sentence to the next paragraph.

Finally, the conclusion should provide a restatement of the thesis statement, a summary of the main points discussed in the body paragraphs, and final remarks to leave a lasting impression.

Creating an outline not only helps in organizing your thoughts and research, but also ensures that your essay flows smoothly from one idea to the next. A well-structured outline will make the writing process more efficient and enjoyable, resulting in an informative essay that effectively communicates your message to the reader.

Writing the Informative Essay

Once you have completed your research and crafted an effective outline, it’s time to begin the actual writing process. When composing an informative essay, the primary focus should be on constructing a straightforward examination of the subject matter with an impartial and informative tone.

Your introductory paragraph should be engaging and include an attention-grabbing hook, furnishing background information, and a clear thesis statement. This will provide the reader with a clear understanding of the essay’s purpose and the direction.

Constructing a Strong Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is crucial for any informative essay, as it articulates the main idea and focus of the entire essay. To create a clear and concise thesis statement, ensure it is specific and focused, avoiding ambiguous language, and confirming the statement is contestable. For example, a suitable thesis statement for an informative essay could be: “Smoking is known to cause three health issues that can result in a decline of health by the age of 40”.

Remember, the thesis statement should encompass a single comprehensive sentence that delineates the primary topic and subsidiary topics. This will provide a clear roadmap for your essay, guiding the reader through your arguments and supporting evidence.

Developing Engaging Body Paragraphs

The informative essay body paragraphs serve to present the main ideas and relevant evidence or facts pertaining to the topic. Each body paragraph should include:

  • A topic sentence
  • Supportive evidence
  • An elucidation of the evidence
  • A transition sentence

It is necessary to articulate an assertion and validate it by providing supportive data, ensuring that the paragraph is informative and interesting.

When incorporating evidence into your body paragraphs, include details that support the main point of the paragraph, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements. This will make your essay more credible and engaging, keeping the reader’s interest throughout.

Crafting a Powerful Conclusion

The informative essay conclusion should effectively summarize the main points of the essay, reiterate the thesis statement, and elucidate the importance of the topic. To achieve this, be sure to avoid including any novel information and queries, as this may lead the essay away from the topic and perplex the reader.

A powerful conclusion will sustain the reader’s interest in the topic discussed and encourage further exploration. By leaving a lasting impression, you ensure that your essay has successfully achieved its goal of educating the reader on your chosen topic.

Informative Essay Examples and Analysis

To better understand the structure and style of informative essays, it’s helpful to examine well-written examples. Some examples of informative essays include:

  • A definition essay about Gothic architecture
  • An essay about the Harlem Renaissance
  • An essay about animal control
  • An essay about tattoos
  • An essay about the bird flu

These examples offer a comprehensive overview of the topics and present the information in an impartial, unbiased manner. However, they may not provide a complete analysis of the topics. By studying these examples, you can gain insights into how to effectively structure your essay, develop engaging body paragraphs, and craft a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Tips for Polishing Your Informative Essay

After completing your informative essay, it’s essential to polish your work to ensure it meets the highest standards of grammar, style, and content quality. Start by thoroughly reading the assignment instructions and making sure that all the requirements have been fulfilled. Pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, as these elements can greatly impact the overall readability of your essay.

Additionally, ensure proper citation of sources consulted in your essay. Depending on the style of writing employed, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, the format of the citations page will vary. By properly citing sources, you acknowledge the work of others and uphold academic integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start an informative essay.

To start an informative essay, craft an attention-grabbing introduction with an essay hook, a thesis statement, and a transition sentence to make the entire essay flow smoothly.

Make sure to thoroughly research your topic before writing, create an outline, write the essay, edit, proofread, and cite any sources used.

What is an example of informative writing?

Informational writing is a form of nonfiction that provides factual information about a particular subject, such as newspaper articles, almanacs, instruction manuals, academic journals, encyclopedias, and more.

It aims to explain a topic to the reader in order to impart knowledge and increase understanding.

What is informative essay?

An informative essay is a type of writing that educates the reader about a topic. It typically contains an introduction with a hook sentence, followed by the body with three to five paragraphs, and a conclusion restating the main topic and summarizing the main points.

It does not present an opinion or try to persuade.

What is the primary goal of an informative essay?

The primary goal of an informative essay is to educate readers on a specific topic, providing factual information and a structured format.

This type of essay is designed to explain a particular topic in detail, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the subject. It should be written in a clear and concise manner, with the main points highlighted.

How do I select a suitable topic for my informative essay?

To select a suitable topic for an informative essay, start by brainstorming possible ideas, narrowing down the list, and researching relevant information to make sure you can effectively cover the topic.

Narrow down your list of ideas by considering the scope of the essay, the audience, and the purpose of the essay. Research the topic to make sure you have enough information to cover it. Consider the sources you will use and the structure of the essay. Finally, last but not least, the final word.

In summary, writing an informative essay is a challenging yet rewarding task. By understanding the purpose and characteristics of informative essays, selecting a suitable topic, conducting thorough research, crafting an effective outline, and composing engaging body paragraphs and a powerful conclusion, you can create a captivating and informative piece of writing that educates your audience.

Remember, the key to effective informative essay writing lies in your ability to present complex ideas in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you will be well on your way to crafting an informative essay that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

So, go forth and conquer the world of informative essay writing, armed with the knowledge and skills you’ve gained from this guide. Your readers will surely appreciate the effort and expertise you bring to the table.

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!

Try Jenni for free today

Create your first piece of content with Jenni today and never look back

Illustration

  • Essay Guides
  • Main Academic Essays
  • How to Write an Informative Essay: Definition, Structure, Steps & Examples
  • Speech Topics
  • Basics of Essay Writing
  • Essay Topics
  • Other Essays
  • Research Paper Topics
  • Basics of Research Paper Writing
  • Miscellaneous
  • Chicago/ Turabian
  • Data & Statistics
  • Methodology
  • Admission Writing Tips
  • Admission Advice
  • Other Guides
  • Student Life
  • Studying Tips
  • Understanding Plagiarism
  • Academic Writing Tips
  • Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

Illustration

  • Research Paper Guides
  • Formatting Guides
  • Basics of Research Process
  • Admission Guides
  • Dissertation & Thesis Guides

How to Write an Informative Essay: Definition, Structure, Steps & Examples

How to Write an Informative Essay

Table of contents

Illustration

Use our free Readability checker

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.

Purpose of an Informative Essay

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.

Informative Essay Structure

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.

Illustration

Informative Essay Writing Checklist 

As a writer, your role is much like that of a tour guide, leading your readers through the landscape of your chosen subject. Your ultimate goal is to ensure your audience finishes the tour more knowledgeable than when they started. Use this handy checklist and tips on how to write a good informative essay to compose your own piece.

Bottom Line on How to Write an Informative Essay

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

Illustration

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_1_1_2da08f03b5.jpg

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

Illustration

You may also like

thumbnail@2x.png

  • 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.

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

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

Informative Essay

Writing an essay, regardless of the type or format, can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and understanding of the essay format, you can make the process more manageable. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to write an informative essay effectively. Whether you are a student working on an assignment or someone seeking to share information with others, this guide will equip you with the necessary tools to create a well-structured and informative piece of writing.

To begin with, selecting an appropriate topic is crucial for an informative essay. Consider your audience and purpose, and choose a topic that is both interesting and informative. Conduct thorough research to gather relevant information from credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Taking organized notes and keeping track of your sources will help you in the later stages of writing.

Next, create an outline that will serve as a roadmap for your essay. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that provides background information and ends with a clear thesis statement. Divide the body of your essay into paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect or supporting point. Support your arguments with evidence, examples, and analysis. Finally, summarize the main points in a concise conclusion that reinforces your thesis statement and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By following these steps and paying attention to the details of essay writing, such as the essay format and structure, you can confidently write an informative essay that engages and educates your audience. Remember to utilize informative essay examples and informative essay topics as sources of inspiration and guidance. If you find yourself struggling, you can seek help from essay services that specialize in writing and editing. With a well-structured essay and a compelling thesis statement, you can effectively convey your message and provide valuable information to your readers.

Understanding the Essay Format In an Informative Essay

Before delving into the process of writing an essay, it is essential to understand the essay format. Whether you’re working on a research paper, an informative essay, or any other type of writing assignment, the essay format remains consistent. It consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction is crucial as it serves as the gateway to your essay, captivating the reader’s attention. It should include an essay topic, an engaging thesis statement, and an essay outline that highlights the main points to be discussed. Once you’ve hooked the reader, the body paragraphs come into play. They provide a detailed exploration of your thesis statement, supported by research and examples. To ensure coherence, it’s important to use an essay outline format that clearly organizes your ideas. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and analysis. Finally, the conclusion wraps up your essay by summarizing the key points and reinforcing the main argument, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Writing an essay involves several steps that begin with selecting suitable research paper topics or informative essay topics. Once you have chosen a topic, it’s time to create an essay outline. This outline acts as a roadmap, guiding you through the writing process. A w ell-structured essay outline example will ensure that your essay flows smoothly. With your outline in place, you can start developing the content. Conduct thorough research using reputable sources, such as academic journals and books, to gather information and support your arguments. Take note of relevant details and organize your research material. This will serve as a solid foundation for your essay or research paper. As you start writing, pay attention to the essay format example and the introduction essay examples. Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that articulates the main argument of your essay. Remember, an informative essay introduction must be compelling and provide a glimpse of what’s to come. Follow your essay outline , dedicating each body paragraph to a specific supporting point or idea. The conclusion should summarize the key points discussed and leave the reader with a strong impression. If you need assistance, there are essay services available that can help you with writing, formatting, and structuring your essay or research paper.

Selecting an Informative Essay Topic

When it comes to writing an essay, particularly an informative one, understanding the essay format and structure is essential. Knowing how to write an essay effectively involves following a specific essay format that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The essay format serves as a guideline for organizing your thoughts and presenting information in a logical and coherent manner. Additionally, creating an essay outline can greatly assist in structuring your writing. A well-crafted outline provides a roadmap for your essay, helping you stay focused and ensuring that you cover all the necessary points. It helps you organize your ideas, decide on the order of your arguments, and create smooth transitions between paragraphs. By following the proper essay format and utilizing an outline, you can present your ideas clearly and concisely, making your essay more impactful.

Choosing a topic for an informative essay is a crucial step in the writing process. Research paper topics, personal experiences, and current events can all serve as excellent starting points. It’s important to select a topic that not only interests you but also provides valuable information to your readers. Once you have chosen a topic, conducting thorough research is essential. This research will help you gather relevant information and supporting evidence to back up your claims and make your essay more credible. Having a clear thesis statement is also crucial in an informative essay, as it sets the direction for your writing and guides your readers. Overall, selecting an informative essay topic , conducting comprehensive research, and developing a strong thesis statement are key elements in creating an engaging and informative essay that effectively communicates your message to your audience.

Conducting Research and Creating an Outline

Informative Essay

Once you have chosen a topic for your essay, it is essential to follow a structured approach to ensure a well-written and informative piece. Start by conducting thorough research to gather relevant and reliable information from credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Utilize these sources to find supporting evidence, examples, and expert opinions that strengthen your arguments and lend credibility to your writing. As you delve into your research, take organized notes and keep track of your sources for proper referencing. This will help you create an essay outline that outlines the main points and subtopics you want to cover, ensuring a coherent and logical flow in your writing.

The essay format typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, provide an overview of your topic, engage the reader’s interest, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument. The body paragraphs should each focus on a specific point or idea related to your thesis statement. Support each point with evidence, examples, and analysis to strengthen your arguments . Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the coherence of your essay. Finally, in the conclusion, summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the topic.

Writing an essay can be a daunting task, but with proper research, organization, and adherence to the essay structure, you can produce a well-crafted and informative piece of writing. If you find yourself struggling, there are essay services available that can provide guidance and assistance throughout the writing process. Remember to proofread and edit your essay before submission to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper grammar and spelling.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction is a critical component of any essay, and understanding how to write an effective one is crucial. When writing an essay, it is important to follow a specific format and structure to ensure clarity and coherence. One common format is the research paper outline, which helps to organize your thoughts and ideas before you begin writing . By following an outline, you can ensure that your essay has a logical flow and covers all the necessary points.

To illustrate the essay format and structure, it can be helpful to refer to an essay example. Examining a well-written essay can provide insight into how to organize your own writing and present your ideas effectively. By analyzing the essay outline and structure, you can gain a better understanding of how to create a cohesive and well-structured essay .

There are different types of essays, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. Some common types include informative essays, personal essays , and persuasive essays. Understanding the different essay types can help you choose the appropriate approach and style for your topic. It’s important to select a topic that is both interesting and manageable, and that aligns with the requirements of your assignment.

If you need assistance with your essay, there are various essay services available that can provide writing help, proofreading, and editing. These services can be particularly useful if you’re struggling with certain aspects of your essay or need guidance in refining your ideas. Hence, understanding the essay format, conducting proper research, creating an outline, and selecting an appropriate topic are crucial steps in the essay writing process. By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can enhance your essay writing skills and produce well-structured, engaging, and informative essays .

Developing Body Paragraphs

When writing an essay, it is crucial to follow a proper essay format and structure. The body paragraphs of your essay play a vital role in presenting your ideas and supporting your thesis statement. To effectively convey your message, start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. This helps to maintain clarity and organization throughout your essay . As you delve into each paragraph, provide relevant evidence, such as statistics, research findings, or expert opinions, to support your claims. Including real-life examples and situations can make your content more relatable and understandable to the reader.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider different types of essays and their specific requirements. For instance, when writing an informative essay, your focus is on providing valuable information and insights on a particular topic. In this case, you need to choose informative essay topics that are engaging and relevant. Additionally, ensure that your essay has a clear introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and includes examples or personal essay examples to make it more relatable. Developing an informative essay outline can help you structure your content in a logical and coherent manner.

When conducting research for your essay, create a research paper outline to organize your findings and ideas. This outline format serves as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you on what information to include in each paragraph. It helps to maintain a s mooth flow of ideas and ensures that you cover all the necessary points. Additionally, properly citing and referencing all the sources used in your essay is essential to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

If you need assistance with your essay, GradeSmiths is available to provide comprehensive guidance and support. Our range of services includes essay writing, where our expert writers can help you craft a well-structured and engaging essay. We can also assist you in developing an outline that effectively organizes your ideas and arguments, ensuring a coherent flow throughout your paper. Additionally, our team can refine your thesis statement, helping you to articulate a clear and concise focus for your essay.

Formatting your essay correctly is essential, and GradeSmiths can ensure that your essay adheres to the required style, whether it be APA, MLA , or any other formatting guidelines. Our experienced editors will meticulously review your essay to guarantee proper formatting, citation, and referencing. If you are struggling to find suitable research paper topics, our knowledgeable team can provide suggestions that align with your subject area and interests. Furthermore, if you are pressed for time or simply need some extra assistance, our writers can even collaborate with you to write the essay from start to finish, ensuring a high-quality and well-crafted final product.

At GradeSmiths , we understand the challenges that students face when it comes to essay writing, and our goal is to alleviate your stress and help you achieve academic success. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch assistance tailored to your specific needs. So, if you require any support with your essay, don’t hesitate to reach out to GradeSmiths . We are here to help you every step of the way.

Structuring the Conclusion

When it comes to structuring the conclusion of your essay, it is essential to consider several key elements to ensure a comprehensive and impactful ending. The conclusion serves as the final opportunity to leave a strong impression on your reader and reinforce the main points discussed throughout your essay . Additionally, incorporating your provided keywords will further enhance the content. Let’s explore the key components to include:

  • Summarize the Main Points: Begin your conclusion by summarizing the main arguments and ideas presented in your essay. This serves as a reminder to your reader of the key takeaways and provides a cohesive overview of the entire essay .
  • Restate the Thesis Statement: While avoiding repetition, restate your thesis statement in a fresh and impactful manner. Use different words or sentence structure to reinforce the central theme or argument of your essay. This restatement helps to solidify your message and emphasize its importance.
  • Avoid Introducing New Information: One crucial rule in conclusion writing is to refrain from introducing new information. The conclusion should primarily focus on reinforcing and synthesizing the existing content. Including new ideas can confuse or dilute the overall impact of your essay .
  • Provide a Thought-Provoking Ending: Aim to conclude your essay with a thought-provoking statement or idea that resonates with your reader. This could be a reflection, a call to action, or a rhetorical question that encourages further exploration or consideration of the topic.

By skillfully structuring your conclusion with these elements, you can create a powerful and memorable ending for your essay. The summarized main points and restated thesis statement reinforce the core message, while the absence of new information ensures clarity and focus. Finally, ending with a thought-provoking statement leaves a lasting impression on your reader and prompts them to engage further with the subject matter.

Polishing Your Essay

Informative Essay

When it comes to writing an essay , the process doesn’t end with completing the initial draft. It is crucial to invest time in polishing and refining your work to ensure its quality and effectiveness. One of the first steps in this process is to thoroughly proofread your essay, checking for any grammar or spelling errors. This careful review helps to ensure that your writing is clear, professional, and free from mistakes . Additionally, pay close attention to the coherence and flow of your essay by reading it aloud or seeking feedback from others. This step allows you to identify areas that may require further clarification or restructuring. Revise your sentence structure and word choice to enhance readability and engage your readers effectively. Simplify any complex or convoluted sentences to make your ideas more accessible. By devoting time to polish your essay , you can elevate its overall quality and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Citing Sources and References

Maintaining academic integrity is of utmost importance when writing an essay. To demonstrate the credibility of your work and acknowledge the contributions of other authors, it is essential to include proper citations and references for any external sources used . Familiarize yourself with the required citation style for your essay, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and adhere to its guidelines meticulously. Throughout your essay, ensure that all in-text citations are accurately formatted and correspond to the entries in your bibliography or reference page. Consistency and accuracy are key in this process. Compile a comprehensive bibliography or reference list that encompasses all the sources cited in your essay. Double-check the accuracy of each entry, including authors’ names, publication dates, titles, and page numbers. By appropriately citing your sources and providing accurate references, you demonstrate your respect for intellectual property and contribute to the scholarly conversation. Following these guidelines for citing sources and references helps maintain the academic integrity of your essay and enhances its credibility.

Finalizing Your Essay

When it comes to finalizing your essay, there are several important steps to take to ensure that your work meets the necessary requirements and is ready for submission. It is crucial to pay attention to detail and make any necessary adjustments. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the finalization process:

  • Formatting and Styling: Before submitting your essay, make sure to format it according to the given guidelines. Adjust the font style and size, margins, line spacing, and indentation as required. Consistency in formatting throughout your essay enhances its visual appeal and readability.
  • Review Assignment Requirements: Double-check that you have met all the assignment requirements, including the word count and any specific instructions or prompts. Ensure that your essay aligns with the expectations set by your instructor or the assignment guidelines.
  • Proofreading and Editing: Take the time to thoroughly proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Correct any typos, awkward phrasing, or unclear sentences. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and coherent. Reading your essay aloud or asking someone else to review it can help you identify areas that need improvement .
  • Citations and References: Verify that you have properly cited all the sources used in your essay. Follow the required citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and ensure accuracy and consistency throughout your essay. Create a bibliography or reference page that lists all the sources cited in your essay.

Overall Coherence and Flow: Read your essay from start to finish to evaluate its overall coherence and logical flow. Ensure that each paragraph connects smoothly to the next and that your ideas progress in a logical and organized manner. Make necessary revisions to improve the clarity and cohesion of your essay.

Writing an informative essay is a process that requires careful planning, research, and organization. By following the step-by-step guide provided, you can confidently navigate the essay writing journey and produce high-quality work. It all starts with selecting a suitable topic that is interesting and relevant to your audience. Conduct thorough research and gather credible information to support your ideas.

Creating a solid outline helps you structure your essay and ensures that you cover all the necessary points. Focus on developing well-structured paragraphs that clearly present your ideas and provide supporting evidence. Throughout the writing process, be mindful of polishing your essay by proofreading it for errors and refining your writing style to enhance clarity and impact.

At GradeSmiths , we understand the challenges of writing an informative essay. That’s why we offer comprehensive essay services to provide guidance and support at every stage of the writing process. Our experienced writers can help you with essay formatting, proofreading, and refining your content to ensure a polished and impressive final product. Trust GradeSmiths to assist you in crafting compelling and informative essays that captivate readers and convey valuable information.

  • RESEARCH PAPER FOR SALE
  • RESEARCH PAPER WRITER
  • RESEARCH PROPOSAL WRITING SERVICES
  • SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY HELP
  • SPEECH HELP
  • STATISTICS HOMEWORK HELP
  • TERM PAPER WRITING HELP
  • THESIS EDITING SERVICES
  • THESIS PROPOSAL WRITING SERVICE
  • TRIGONOMETRY HOMEWORK HELP
  • ADMISSION ESSAY WRITING HELP
  • BIOLOGY PAPER WRITING SERVICE
  • BOOK REPORT WRITING HELP
  • BUY BOOK REVIEW
  • BUY COURSEWORKS
  • BUY DISCUSSION POST
  • BUY TERM PAPER
  • CAPSTONE PROJECT WRITING SERVICE
  • COURSEWORK WRITING SERVICE
  • CRITIQUE MY ESSAY
  • CUSTOM RESEARCH PAPER
  • CUSTOMER CONDUCT
  • DISSERTATION EDITING SERVICE
  • DISSERTATION WRITERS
  • DO MY DISSERTATION FOR ME
  • DO MY POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
  • EDIT MY PAPER
  • English Research Paper Writing Service
  • ENGLISH RESEARCH PAPER WRITING SERVICE
  • ESSAY WRITING HELP
  • ESSAYS FOR SALE
  • GRADUATE PAPER WRITING SERVICE
  • LAW ASSIGNMENT WRITING HELP
  • MARKETING ASSIGNMENT WRITING HELP
  • NON-PLAGIARIZED ESSAYS
  • NURSING ASSIGNMENT HELP
  • PAY FOR COURSEWORK
  • PAY FOR ESSAYS
  • PAY FOR LITERATURE REVIEW
  • PAY FOR PAPERS
  • PAY FOR RESEARCH PAPERS
  • PERSONAL STATEMENT EDITING SERVICE
  • PERSONAL STATEMENT WRITER
  • PERSUASIVE ESSAY WRITING HELP
  • PERSUASIVE ESSAY WRITING SERVICES
  • PHD THESIS WRITING SERVICE
  • PROOFREAD MY PAPER
  • PSYCHOLOGY ESSAY WRITING SERVICES
  • THESIS STATEMENT HELP
  • WRITE MY ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR ME
  • WRITE MY CASE STUDY
  • WRITE MY DISCUSSION BOARD POST
  • WRITE MY LAB REPORT

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!

Informative Essay

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

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:

Informative essay topic sources

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:

Sources for informative essay research

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.

how to write an informative essay

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

Informative essay body paragraphs

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.

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Informative Essay Guide

Informative Essay Outline

Last updated on: Jun 20, 2023

Learn How to Create an Informative Essay Outline

By: Jared P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jun 1, 2021

Informative Essay Outline

An informative essay is written to educate readers on a particular topic. This type of essay can be written for several purposes, such as defining a term or comparing and contrasting something. This type of essay doesn’t require your opinion on the topic.

The purpose of writing an informative essay is to educate others on a certain topic. You should not express your opinion and do not try to persuade others to take a certain action.

If you are writing an informative essay for the first time, better create an outline first. The informative essay outline will help you structure your essay in the best way possible.

In this blog, you will learn about the basic rules for creating an informative essay outline. These guidelines and a sample outline are designed to help students get started with their projects successfully.

Informative Essay Outline

On this Page

What is an Informative Essay Outline?

An informative essay outline is like a checklist or action plan that you need to complete. The outline helps the writer not to lose focus while working on the essay. Creating an outline is not necessary, but expert writers recommend it. An outline is the only way not to get lost in the middle of the writing process.

The purpose of an outline for an informative essay is to highlight ideas that you want to include in your essay.

Writing an outline is important because of the basic structure that it provides. In addition, the outline should contain some specific details regarding the layout of the essay. Creating an outline prior to the essay writing process is the key to writing a successful essay.

Essay Outliner

Outline Your Way to Writing Excellence!

How to Write an Informative Essay Outline?

The layout of an informative essay is similar to other types of academic essays. These include argumentative essays, persuasive essays, narrative essays, etc.

The outline for an informative essay should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Understanding what to include in each part of the informative essay is very important for a successful informative essay.

Informative Essay Introduction

Any idea how to start an informative essay?

Remember this is the section where you need to introduce your topic and provide a thesis statement. In a few lines, introduce the topic you are writing your essay on and provide some background information.

The introduction should end with a strong thesis statement. This statement should tell the audience what direction your essay is going to take. Therefore, make sure the thesis statement is brief, clear, and concise.

Tips for Writing an Effective Introduction:

  • Make sure to narrow down the scope of your essay.
  • There must be a connection between your introduction and thesis statement.
  • Hook your readers at the start of your introductory paragraph.

Order Essay

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

Informative Essay Body Paragraphs

The main body of an informative essay is usually composed of three paragraphs. There are two things that you should consider while composing the body paragraphs of an informative essay. One is the target point, and the second is supporting facts.

Each body paragraph of an informative essay should begin with an idea (topic sentence). This is one sentence statement on which the whole paragraph will be based on. This statement must be in cohesion with the thesis statement written in the introductory paragraph.

After that, provide supporting evidence from the most credible sources. The evidence you provide must relate to your main target point. Don’t forget to quote sources and properly cite information to avoid plagiarism.

At the end of each body paragraph, summarize your points and explain their relevance to the thesis statement. Effective body paragraphs for an informative essay depend on the following points.

  • Making a claim
  • Evidence in support of the claim
  • Provide an explanation in the last

The informative essay can have more than three body paragraphs depending upon the chosen topic.

Tips for Effective Body Paragraphs:

  • Do not provide your opinion or point of view on the topic.
  • Completely rely on facts and research.
  • Discuss the strongest point in the first body paragraph.
  • Don’t forget to use transition words for a smooth flow of information in your body paragraphs.

Informative Essay Conclusion

This is the last part where you need to wrap up your information. Begin the conclusion by restating the thesis statement. After that, write about your major arguments and their purpose. The goal of the conclusion is to provide the reason for your informative essay and its importance in the real world.

The conclusion should describe the purpose of your informative essay and what it means for your readers. You should summarize your key arguments and provide a strong closing statement to summarize all your key points.

Tips for a Strong Conclusion:

  • Highlight the key points of your argument.
  • Do not introduce any new ideas in the conclusion.
  • Restate the thesis in other similar words and terms.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Informative Essay Outline Template Free

Most of the essay outline contain the same elements. But each essay outline has particular points that you need to focus on. It is important to be well-aware of the distinctive features to come up with a good informative paper.

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE ELEMENTARY

5Th TO 8TH GRADE INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE TEMPLATE

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE TEMPLATE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE HIGH SCHOOL

INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Informative Essay Outline Example

Wondering where you can get free informative essay outline examples? Having a well-written example in hand will help you in coming up with successful work. You can easily find many informative essay examples online for your help.

5 PARAGRAPH INFORMATIVE ESSAY OUTLINE

Sample Informative Essay Outline

Hopefully, the above guidelines and examples help you in writing a great informative essay. However, informative writing is sometimes not easy, especially when you are working on an unfamiliar topic.

In this situation, it is better to get help from professional writers. At 5StarEssays.com, we provide the best ‘ do my essay paper ’ help to students struggling with their academic papers.

Our essay writers can help you create high-quality essays and research papers in no time. To get the best custom essay writing help, all you need is to contact us and hire our essay writer.

Whether you need help with your informative essay topic or with the complete writing process, we can help.

Place your order now and get the best essay writing help from professionals.

Jared P.

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.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

  • Informative Essay Writing - Expert Guide & Examples

Informative Essay Outline

  • Outstanding Informative Essay Topics for Students

Informative Essay Outline

People Also Read

  • dissertation vs thesis
  • elements of press release
  • persuasive speech topics
  • how to write a literature review
  • how to write an editorial

Burdened With Assignments?

Bottom Slider

Advertisement

  • Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Facebook Social Icon

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Working with sources
  • How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples

How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples

Published on November 23, 2020 by Shona McCombes . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Summarizing , or writing a summary, means giving a concise overview of a text’s main points in your own words. A summary is always much shorter than the original text.

There are five key steps that can help you to write a summary:

  • Read the text
  • Break it down into sections
  • Identify the key points in each section
  • Write the summary
  • Check the summary against the article

Writing a summary does not involve critiquing or evaluating the source . You should simply provide an accurate account of the most important information and ideas (without copying any text from the original).

Table of contents

When to write a summary, step 1: read the text, step 2: break the text down into sections, step 3: identify the key points in each section, step 4: write the summary, step 5: check the summary against the article, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about summarizing.

There are many situations in which you might have to summarize an article or other source:

  • As a stand-alone assignment to show you’ve understood the material
  • To keep notes that will help you remember what you’ve read
  • To give an overview of other researchers’ work in a literature review

When you’re writing an academic text like an essay , research paper , or dissertation , you’ll integrate sources in a variety of ways. You might use a brief quote to support your point, or paraphrase a few sentences or paragraphs.

But it’s often appropriate to summarize a whole article or chapter if it is especially relevant to your own research, or to provide an overview of a source before you analyze or critique it.

In any case, the goal of summarizing is to give your reader a clear understanding of the original source. Follow the five steps outlined below to write a good summary.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

You should read the article more than once to make sure you’ve thoroughly understood it. It’s often effective to read in three stages:

  • Scan the article quickly to get a sense of its topic and overall shape.
  • Read the article carefully, highlighting important points and taking notes as you read.
  • Skim the article again to confirm you’ve understood the key points, and reread any particularly important or difficult passages.

There are some tricks you can use to identify the key points as you read:

  • Start by reading the abstract . This already contains the author’s own summary of their work, and it tells you what to expect from the article.
  • Pay attention to headings and subheadings . These should give you a good sense of what each part is about.
  • Read the introduction and the conclusion together and compare them: What did the author set out to do, and what was the outcome?

To make the text more manageable and understand its sub-points, break it down into smaller sections.

If the text is a scientific paper that follows a standard empirical structure, it is probably already organized into clearly marked sections, usually including an introduction , methods , results , and discussion .

Other types of articles may not be explicitly divided into sections. But most articles and essays will be structured around a series of sub-points or themes.

Now it’s time go through each section and pick out its most important points. What does your reader need to know to understand the overall argument or conclusion of the article?

Keep in mind that a summary does not involve paraphrasing every single paragraph of the article. Your goal is to extract the essential points, leaving out anything that can be considered background information or supplementary detail.

In a scientific article, there are some easy questions you can ask to identify the key points in each part.

If the article takes a different form, you might have to think more carefully about what points are most important for the reader to understand its argument.

In that case, pay particular attention to the thesis statement —the central claim that the author wants us to accept, which usually appears in the introduction—and the topic sentences that signal the main idea of each paragraph.

The only proofreading tool specialized in correcting academic writing - try for free!

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts and by native English editors. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students.

how to summary an informative essay

Try for free

Now that you know the key points that the article aims to communicate, you need to put them in your own words.

To avoid plagiarism and show you’ve understood the article, it’s essential to properly paraphrase the author’s ideas. Do not copy and paste parts of the article, not even just a sentence or two.

The best way to do this is to put the article aside and write out your own understanding of the author’s key points.

Examples of article summaries

Let’s take a look at an example. Below, we summarize this article , which scientifically investigates the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Davis et al. (2015) set out to empirically test the popular saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are often used to represent a healthy lifestyle, and research has shown their nutritional properties could be beneficial for various aspects of health. The authors’ unique approach is to take the saying literally and ask: do people who eat apples use healthcare services less frequently? If there is indeed such a relationship, they suggest, promoting apple consumption could help reduce healthcare costs.

The study used publicly available cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were categorized as either apple eaters or non-apple eaters based on their self-reported apple consumption in an average 24-hour period. They were also categorized as either avoiding or not avoiding the use of healthcare services in the past year. The data was statistically analyzed to test whether there was an association between apple consumption and several dependent variables: physician visits, hospital stays, use of mental health services, and use of prescription medication.

Although apple eaters were slightly more likely to have avoided physician visits, this relationship was not statistically significant after adjusting for various relevant factors. No association was found between apple consumption and hospital stays or mental health service use. However, apple eaters were found to be slightly more likely to have avoided using prescription medication. Based on these results, the authors conclude that an apple a day does not keep the doctor away, but it may keep the pharmacist away. They suggest that this finding could have implications for reducing healthcare costs, considering the high annual costs of prescription medication and the inexpensiveness of apples.

However, the authors also note several limitations of the study: most importantly, that apple eaters are likely to differ from non-apple eaters in ways that may have confounded the results (for example, apple eaters may be more likely to be health-conscious). To establish any causal relationship between apple consumption and avoidance of medication, they recommend experimental research.

An article summary like the above would be appropriate for a stand-alone summary assignment. However, you’ll often want to give an even more concise summary of an article.

For example, in a literature review or meta analysis you may want to briefly summarize this study as part of a wider discussion of various sources. In this case, we can boil our summary down even further to include only the most relevant information.

Using national survey data, Davis et al. (2015) tested the assertion that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and did not find statistically significant evidence to support this hypothesis. While people who consumed apples were slightly less likely to use prescription medications, the study was unable to demonstrate a causal relationship between these variables.

Citing the source you’re summarizing

When including a summary as part of a larger text, it’s essential to properly cite the source you’re summarizing. The exact format depends on your citation style , but it usually includes an in-text citation and a full reference at the end of your paper.

You can easily create your citations and references in APA or MLA using our free citation generators.

APA Citation Generator MLA Citation Generator

Finally, read through the article once more to ensure that:

  • You’ve accurately represented the author’s work
  • You haven’t missed any essential information
  • The phrasing is not too similar to any sentences in the original.

If you’re summarizing many articles as part of your own work, it may be a good idea to use a plagiarism checker to double-check that your text is completely original and properly cited. Just be sure to use one that’s safe and reliable.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • ChatGPT vs human editor
  • ChatGPT citations
  • Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
  • Using ChatGPT for your studies
  • What is ChatGPT?
  • Chicago style
  • Paraphrasing

 Plagiarism

  • Types of plagiarism
  • Self-plagiarism
  • Avoiding plagiarism
  • Academic integrity
  • Consequences of plagiarism
  • Common knowledge

A summary is a short overview of the main points of an article or other source, written entirely in your own words. Want to make your life super easy? Try our free text summarizer today!

A summary is always much shorter than the original text. The length of a summary can range from just a few sentences to several paragraphs; it depends on the length of the article you’re summarizing, and on the purpose of the summary.

You might have to write a summary of a source:

  • As a stand-alone assignment to prove you understand the material
  • For your own use, to keep notes on your reading
  • To provide an overview of other researchers’ work in a literature review
  • In a paper , to summarize or introduce a relevant study

To avoid plagiarism when summarizing an article or other source, follow these two rules:

  • Write the summary entirely in your own words by paraphrasing the author’s ideas.
  • Cite the source with an in-text citation and a full reference so your reader can easily find the original text.

An abstract concisely explains all the key points of an academic text such as a thesis , dissertation or journal article. It should summarize the whole text, not just introduce it.

An abstract is a type of summary , but summaries are also written elsewhere in academic writing . For example, you might summarize a source in a paper , in a literature review , or as a standalone assignment.

All can be done within seconds with our free text summarizer .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, May 31). How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 16, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/how-to-summarize/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to paraphrase | step-by-step guide & examples, how to quote | citing quotes in apa, mla & chicago, the basics of in-text citation | apa & mla examples, unlimited academic ai-proofreading.

✔ Document error-free in 5minutes ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Informative Essay

Barbara P

Informative Essay - Writing Tips, Examples and Topics

Informative Essay

People also read

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!

Arrow Down

  • 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 professional essay writing service 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!

AI Essay Bot

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Barbara P

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.

Get Help

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

Keep reading

Informative Essay Topics

How to Write an Informative Essay: A Proven Formula to Successful Writing

informative essay

What Is an Informative Essay?

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

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

Why Students Have to Write an Informative Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

how to summary an informative essay

Informative Essay Structure

informative essay writing

Introduction

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

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

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

Informative Essay Outline

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

I. Introduction

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

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Main Idea 1

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

B. Main Idea 2

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

C. Main Idea 3

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

III. Conclusion

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

IV. Optional: Additional Sections

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

How to Write an Informative Essay: 7 Essential Steps

topic for informative essay

Choose a Great Topic

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

Do Topic Research

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

Draw up an Outline

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

Commence Writing

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

Edit Vigorously

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

Proofread Until Perfection

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

Cite Sources

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

Informative Essay Example

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

how to summary an informative essay

What is the Main Purpose in Writing an Informative Essay?

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

how to summary an informative essay

  • Plagiarism Report
  • Unlimited Revisions
  • 24/7 Support

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

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

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

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

Informative Essay Basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Look at the Different Types of Informative Essays

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

Informative essays may be:

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

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

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

  • Choose a Topic for Your Informative Essay

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

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

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

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

  • Begin Researching for Your Essay

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

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

  • Where Relevant, Decide on a Structure for Your Informative Essay

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

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

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

  • Commit to an Outline and Begin Writing

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

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

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

  • Edit and Proofread Your Essay

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

The editing stage should include:

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

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

Tips to Help You Write a Compelling Informative Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Conclusion

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

Related posts:

  • 14 Tips to Help you Write An Essay Fast
  • How to Write an LEQ Essay? (Step-byStep)
  • How to Write a Concluding Sentence in an Essay?
  • How to Write a DBQ (APUSH) Essay?
  • How to Write an Effective Counterclaim in 5 Steps
  • How to Write a Policy Brief (Step-by-Step)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to Write an Informative Summary

Eileen pfefferle.

Use a summary to demonstrate how well you understand a text

Writing a summary is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of a text. A summary challenges you to use your own words to condense the main idea and most important details of the original piece. According to the Santa Monica College Reading Center, a summary “does not have to be long nor should it be long.” The five-finger summary is an effective method to write a summary that is informative and succinct.

Read the original work at least two times. After the first read, make an outline of important details as you read. Pay attention to topic sentences and concluding sentences; the first and last sentences of a paragraph, and the first and last sentences of a written work.

Read over your outline. Isolate the main idea and the three most important details.

Write a five-finger summary: in the first sentence, introduce the title, author and main idea of the text. Describe the three most important details in one sentence each. Write a concluding sentence that expounds upon and echoes the main idea sentence.

Check your work. Compare your summary to the original work. Ask yourself: Have I maintained meaning of the original work? Have I accurately restated the main idea and supporting details in my own words?

  • An informative summary is not a critique; it should be objective. Do not make value judgments about the original work.

About the Author

Eileen Pfefferle covers art, literature, language, culture, nutrition and yoga. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from the University of Wyoming. Pfefferle is a registered yoga instructor with a specialization in children's yoga.

Related Articles

How to Write a Summary Paper in MLA Format

How to Write a Summary Paper in MLA Format

How to Summarize an Essay or Article

How to Summarize an Essay or Article

How to Write a Three Sentence Summary

How to Write a Three Sentence Summary

How to Write a Lens Essay

How to Write a Lens Essay

True or False: Mars Edition

True or False: Mars Edition

How to Write a Critique Essay

How to Write a Critique Essay

How to Start an Informative Paper

How to Start an Informative Paper

How to Teach Yourself How to Read the Quran

How to Teach Yourself How to Read the Quran

How to Write a Textual Analysis

How to Write a Textual Analysis

How to Use Vocabulary Words in a Sentence

How to Use Vocabulary Words in a Sentence

How to Write a Literary Analysis Paper

How to Write a Literary Analysis Paper

How to Get Rid of Title Overlays in Window Movie Maker Clips

How to Get Rid of Title Overlays in Window Movie Maker...

How to Do a Book Report Without Reading the Book

How to Do a Book Report Without Reading the Book

How to Summarize a Reading Assignment

How to Summarize a Reading Assignment

How to Write a Theme Paragraph

How to Write a Theme Paragraph

How to Write a Topic Summary for an Essay

How to Write a Topic Summary for an Essay

How to Get Beyonce Curls

How to Get Beyonce Curls

How to Write a Formal Written Critique

How to Write a Formal Written Critique

How to Make a Good Thesis Title

How to Make a Good Thesis Title

How to Block Wi-Fi Access on a D-Link Wireless Router

How to Block Wi-Fi Access on a D-Link Wireless Router

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Manage Preferences

© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .

Write a Summary of an Informative Text

Identify the central ideas in a text and use them to write a clear and coherent summary in Google Docs.

Example outcome

how to summary an informative essay

  • Teaching Materials

Time to complete

access_time 45—90 minutes

Digital tools

  • Communication
  • Document formatting
  • Effective communication
  • Identify relevant data
  • Internet search
  • Organizing data
  • Writing strategies

IMAGES

  1. How to Write an Informative Essay

    how to summary an informative essay

  2. How to Write an Informative Essay Outline

    how to summary an informative essay

  3. How to Write an Informative Essay Guide

    how to summary an informative essay

  4. How to Write A Summary

    how to summary an informative essay

  5. How to Write an Informative Essay: Topics, Outline, Examples, Tips

    how to summary an informative essay

  6. 50+ Informative Essay Introduction Outline most complete

    how to summary an informative essay

VIDEO

  1. Informative Essay COMM1

  2. Informative Essay Video

  3. 3.1 Informative Essay Speech Communiction

  4. Informative Essay SPC1017

  5. tip for writing a conclusion for an informative essay

  6. informative essay 1

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write an Informative Essay in 7 Steps

    1 Select topic. If you aren't assigned a topic, you'll need to choose your own. Choose a topic you can sufficiently explain in approximately five paragraphs. Once you've chosen a general topic, narrow it down to the specific subject you'll cover in your essay.

  2. Writing an Informative Essay

    A well-written informative essay should include an introduction (hook, bridge, thesis), a body (topic sentence, research, explanation), and a conclusion (reframed thesis and call to action). While ...

  3. How to Write an Informative Essay: Expert Guide

    They start with an introduction to set the stage, then present the main points with evidence, and wrap up with a summary to tie it all together. Write for Your Audience: Keep your writing simple and easy to understand. Think about who will be reading it. Give Just Enough Detail: Don't overload people with info.

  4. Informative Essay

    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. ... Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.

  5. How to Write an Informative Essay (with Pictures)

    Article Summary X. 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.

  6. Writing an Informative Essay

    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.

  7. Informative Essay

    Informative Essay Definition. The informative essay can be simply defined as, "A form of essay writing that aims to educate and inform the reader about a specific topic." Informative essays can cover a variety of topics. It could be written about a particular thing, event, or natural phenomenon, etc.

  8. How to Write an Informative Essay in a Few Easy Steps

    In summary, writing an informative essay is a challenging yet rewarding task. By understanding the purpose and characteristics of informative essays, selecting a suitable topic, conducting thorough research, crafting an effective outline, and composing engaging body paragraphs and a powerful conclusion, you can create a captivating and ...

  9. How to Write an Informative Essay

    Here are 7 steps to help you create a well-structured informative essay outline: Choose a Topic. Select a topic that you are familiar with and that you find interesting. Ensure that the topic is suitable for an informative essay and that there is enough information available for you to research. Conduct Research.

  10. How to Write an Informative Essay in 7 Steps & Examples

    6. Write the First Draft. Writing an informative essay is all about breaking down complex information into digestible chunks of information. There are 2 ways to go about creating an informative essay: Start writing a polished version right after building a plan. Compose a rough draft and revise it later.

  11. How to Write an Informative Essay

    Understanding the Essay Format In an Informative Essay . Before delving into the process of writing an essay, it is essential to understand the essay format. Whether you're working on a research paper, an informative essay, or any other type of writing assignment, the essay format remains consistent. It consists of an introduction, body ...

  12. Informative Essay

    An informative essay serves the single purpose of informing or educating the reader about a topic. Informative essays are non-fiction essays that deliver content to the reader in a simple manner ...

  13. How to Write an Informative Essay

    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.

  14. How to Write an Informative Essay: A Friendly and Detailed Guide

    An informative essay is a paper that educates an audience on a given subject matter unbiasedly. The subject could be an object, person, event, or phenomenon. The goal is to answer a prompt question in detail and with facts compellingly and concisely. You will not be giving your opinion or analysis; instead, your essay should remain objective ...

  15. How to Write an Informative Essay Guide

    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.

  16. Informative Essay Outline: Step by Step Guide & Examples

    At the end of each body paragraph, summarize your points and explain their relevance to the thesis statement. Effective body paragraphs for an informative essay depend on the following points. Making a claim. Evidence in support of the claim. Provide an explanation in the last.

  17. How to Write a Summary

    Table of contents. When to write a summary. Step 1: Read the text. Step 2: Break the text down into sections. Step 3: Identify the key points in each section. Step 4: Write the summary. Step 5: Check the summary against the article. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about summarizing.

  18. Learn How to Write an Informative 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.

  19. How to Write an Informative Essay?

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

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

    Collect all the information you have and find in a word-processing document (or on paper if you prefer), and make a note of any gaps you discover, so that you can continue your research. Highlight quotes you would like to include in your essay. Where Relevant, Decide on a Structure for Your Informative Essay. With some research under your belt ...

  21. Examples of Informative Essays

    Informative essays must be educational and objective. Follow a guide to structuring one, download a sample essay, or pick a topic from our list of examples.

  22. How to Write an Informative Summary

    Writing a summary is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of a text. A summary challenges you to use your own words to condense the main idea and most important details of the original piece. According to the Santa Monica College Reading Center, a summary "does not have to be long nor should it be ...

  23. Write a Summary of an Informative Text

    In this lesson, you'll learn how to write a summary of informative text in a digital document to improve your understanding of summary writing online. Identify the central ideas in a text and use them to write a clear and coherent summary in Google Docs.

  24. How to Write a Reflective Essay in 10 Steps: Outline & Writing Tips

    To quickly create a conclusion for a reflective essay, use a summary builder. Ten Simple Steps to Writing a Reflective Essay. Students can emphasize their individuality by showcasing a range of abilities, knowledge, behaviors, emotions, and even moods through writing personal reflections. ... Learn to write an engaging informative essay with ...

  25. How Israel and allied defenses intercepted more than 300 Iranian ...

    Almost all the ballistic missiles and drones Iran launched at Israel in an unprecedented attack late Saturday were intercepted and failed to meet their mark, according to Israel and the United ...