what are the characteristics of an informative essay

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39 Introduction to Informative Writing

Amy Minervini

By Amy Minervini

Exposition is writing that explains, informs, or describes. This type of writing is also known as the informative mode in that the main objective is not to narrate a story or persuade readers of something but rather to convey factual information , including observations and personal/others’ experiences. However, when writing an expository essay, you can include elements from other modes (storytelling, analysis, writer impressions, persuasion, etc.) although these would be secondary aims or even implied. The expository composition is a practical, authentic kind of writing that can stand on its own or serve as the foundation for your more developed research essays.

Key Characteristics

Expository writing generally exhibits the following:

Emphasis on facts, observations, or personal/others’ experiences
Organization marked by a logical flow or progression of information; chronological, order of importance/priority, or the step-by-step approach are the most common; transitions that guide the reader
Close attention paid to detail and description
No noticeable writer bias

Essay types within this Chapter

Process analysis (how-to)
Illustration

Introduction to the General Expository Essay

The following is excerpted from Crystle Bruno’s Commonsense Composition 3.1 Expository Essay

The main aim of an expository essay is to provide an effective explanation of a topic. While a descriptive essay strives to describe a subject or a narrative essay seeks to show personal growth, an expository essay tries to explain a topic or situation. Thus, expository essays are written as if the writer is explaining or clarifying a topic to the reader. Since an expository essay is trying to clarify a topic, it is important that it provides the categories or reasons that support the clarification of the paper. Moreover, these categories and reasons also provide the framework for the organization of the paper.

Components of the expository essay as the parts of a house.

Much like the categories are essential to clarifying the topic, organization is the key to any well-developed essay. When composing your essay, think of its organization as a house, with each component of an essay representing a major part of a house. Just as the foundation provides support on which a house can be built, a thesis represents the foundation upon which to build an essay. The introductory paragraph then functions as both the door and framework for an expository essay. Like a house door, the introductory paragraph must allow the reader to enter into the essay. Additionally, just as walls are built upon the framework of a house, the body paragraphs of an essay are organized around the framework or organizational scheme, presented in the introductory paragraph. The body paragraphs, much like the walls of a house, must be firm, strong and complete. Also, there must always be as many body paragraphs as the framework of the introductory paragraph indicates otherwise your essay will resemble a house that is missing a wall. Finally, an essay must include a conclusion paragraph that tops off the essay much like a roof completes a house. As the roof cements the structure of the house and helps hold the walls in place, the conclusion paragraph must reiterate the points within your body paragraphs and complete an essay.

Although the overall organization of an expository essay is important, you must also understand the organization of each component (the introductory, body and conclusion paragraphs) of your essay. The chart below identifies the essential parts of each component of your essay, explaining the necessary information for each type of paragraph. While the guidelines listed below may feel constrictive, they are merely meant to guide you as a writer. Ultimately, the guidelines should help you write more effectively. The more familiar you become with how to organize an essay, the more energy you can focus on your ideas and your writing. As a result, your writing will improve as your ability to organize your ideas improves. Plus, focusing your energy on your argument and ideas rather than the organization makes your job as a writer more exciting and fun.

Introductory Paragraph:

Introduce the issue.
Present the topic and its explanation or clarification.
Provide the categories used to explain the topic.
Provide the thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs:

Begin with a topic sentence that reflects an explanation of the paper and the category being discussed in the paragraph.
Support the argument with useful and informative quotes from sources such as books, journal articles, etc.
Provide 2-3 quotes that connect the category being discussed to the explanation
Provide 2-3 sentences explaining each quote more full, drawing stronger connections between the category and the explanation.
Ensure that the information in these paragraphs is important to the thesis statement.
End each paragraph with a transition sentence which leads into the next body paragraph.

Concluding Paragraph:

Begin with a topic sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis statement.
Briefly summarize the main points of the paper.
Provide a strong and effective close for the paper.

Introductory Paragraphs

A strong introductory paragraph is crucial to the development of an effective expository essay. Unlike an argumentative essay which takes a stand or forms an opinion about a subject, an expository essay is used when the writer wishes to explain or clarify a topic to the reader. In order to properly explain a topic, an expository essay breaks the topic being addressed into parts, explains each component in relation to the whole and uses each component to justify the explanation of the topic. Thus when writing an introductory paragraph, it is crucial to include the explanation or clarification of the topic and the categories or components used to produce this explanation.

Since the success of the paper rests on the introductory paragraph, it is important to understand its essential components. Usually, expository papers fail to provide a clear explanation not because the writer’s lacks explanations or clarifications but rather because the explanations are not properly organized and identified in the introductory paragraph. One of the most important jobs of an introductory paragraph is that it introduces the topic or issue. Most explanations cannot be clarified without at least some background information. Thus, it is essential to provide a foundation for your topic before you begin explaining your topic. For instance, if you wanted to explain what happened at the first Olympic Games, your introductory paragraph would first need to provide background information about how the first games happened. In doing so, you ensure that your audience is as informed about your topic as you are and thus you make it easier for your audience to understand your explanation.

Below is a table describing and explaining the main jobs of the introductory paragraph.

Introductory paragraphs introduce the topic and suggest why it is important.

Example: An analysis of the essay exam results of the new English class shows that the new class format promotes close reading and better essay organization.

This sentence tells the reader both that the topic of the paper will be the benefits of the new English class and that the significance of these benefits is the improvement of close reading and essay organization.

Introductory paragraphs outline the structure of the paper and highlight the main ideas.

Example: Considering the results of the High School Exit Exam, it is apparent that school curriculum is not properly addressing basic math skills such as fractions, percentages and long division.

This sentence indicates that main ideas (fractions, percentages and long division) of the essay and indicates the order in which they will be presented in the body paragraphs.

Introductory paragraphs state the thesis.

Example: California high schools will require all students to take a resume and cover letter writing workshop in order to better prepare them for employment.

This thesis statement indicates the explanation of the paper.

In addition to introducing the topic of your paper, your introductory paragraph also needs to introduce each of the arguments you will cover in your body paragraphs. By providing your audience with an idea of the points or arguments you will make later in your paper, your introductory paragraph serves as a guide map, not only for your audience but also for you. Including your main sub-points in your introduction not only allows your audience to understand where your essay is headed but also helps you as a writer remember how you want to organize your paper. This is especially helpful if you are not writing your essay in one sitting as it allows you to leave and return to your essay without forgetting all of the important points you wanted to make.

Most importantly, when writing an introductory paragraph, it is essential to remember that you must capture the interest of your reader. Thus, it is your job as the writer to make the introduction entertaining or intriguing. In order to do so, consider using a quotation, a surprising or interesting fact, an anecdote or a humorous story. While the quotation, story or fact you include must be relevant to your paper, placing one of these at the beginning of your introduction helps you not only capture the attention or the reader but also introduce your topic and argument, making your introduction interesting to your audience and useful for your argument and essay.

Body Paragraphs

In an expository essay the body paragraphs are where the writer has the opportunity to explain or clarify his or her viewpoint. By the conclusion paragraph, the writer should adequately clarify the topic for the reader. Regardless of a strong thesis statement that properly indicates the major sub-topics of the essay, papers with weak body paragraphs fail to properly explain the topic and indicate why it is important. Body paragraphs of an expository essay are weak when no examples are used to help illuminate the topic being discussed or when they are poorly organized. Occasionally, body paragraphs are also weak because the quotes used complicate from rather than simplify the explanation. Thus, it is essential to use appropriate support and to adequately explain your support within your body paragraphs.

In order to create a body paragraph that is properly supported and explained, it is important to understand the components that make up a strong body paragraph. The bullet points below indicate the essential components of a well-written, well-argued body paragraph.

Body Paragraph Components

Support the argument with useful and informative quotes from sources such as books, journal articles, expert opinions, etc.
Provide 1-2 sentences explaining each quote.
Provide 1-3 sentences that indicate the significance of each quote.
Ensure that the information provided is relevant to the thesis statement.
End with a transition sentence which leads into the next body paragraph.

Just as your introduction must introduce the topic of your essay, the first sentence of a body paragraph must introduce the main sub-point for that paragraph. For instance, if you were writing a body paragraph for a paper explaining the factors that led to US involvement in World War II, one body paragraph could discuss the impact of the Great Depression on the decision to enter the war. To do so, you would begin with a topic sentence that explains how the Great Depression encouraged involvement in the war because the war effort would stimulate certain aspects of the economy. Following this sentence, you would go into more detail and explain how the two events are linked. By placing this idea at the beginning of the paragraph, not only does your audience know what the paragraph is explaining, but you can also keep track of your ideas.

Following the topic sentence, you must provide some sort of fact that supports your claim. In the example of the World War II essay, maybe you would provide a quote from a historian or from a prominent history teacher or researcher. After your quote or fact, you must always explain what the quote or fact is saying, stressing what you believe is most important about your fact. It is important to remember that your audience may read a quote and decide it is indicating something entirely different than what you think it is explaining. Or, maybe some or your readers think another aspect of your quote is important. If you do not explain the quote and indicate what portion of it is relevant to your clarification, than your reader may become confused or may be unconvinced of your explanation. Consider the possible interpretations for the statement below.

Example: While the U.S. involvement in World War II was not the major contributor to the ending of the Great Depression, the depression was one of the primary motives for entering the war.

Interestingly, this statement seems to be saying two things at once – that the Great Depression helped spark involvement in the war and that World War II did not end the depression alone. On the one hand, the historian seems to say that the two events are not directly linked. However, on the other hand, the historian also indicates that the two events are linked in that the depression caused U.S. involvement in the war. Because of the tension in this quotation, if you used this quote for your World War II essay, you would need to explain that the significant portion of the quote is the assertion that links the events.

In addition to explaining what this quote is saying, you would also need to indicate why this is important to your explanation. When trying to indicate the significance of a fact, it is essential to try to answer the “so what.” Image you have just finished explaining your quote to someone and they have asked you “so what?” The person does not understand why you have explained this quote, not because you have not explained the quote well but because you have not told him or her why he or she needs to know what the quote means. This, the answer to the “so what,” is the significance of your paper and is essentially your clarification within the body paragraphs. However, it is important to remember that generally a body paragraph will contain more than one quotation or piece of support. Thus, you must repeat the Quotation-Explanation-Significance formula several times within your body paragraph to fully explain the one sub-point indicated in your topic sentence. Below is an example of a properly written body paragraph.

Example of an expository body paragraph paired with an explanation of its parts.

Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph of an expository essay is an author’s last chance to create a good impression. Hence, it is important to restate the thesis statement at the beginning of the paragraph in order to remind the reader of your topic and explanation. Since it is at the end of the paper, the conclusion paragraph also should add a sense of closure and finality to the clarification of the paper. It is important to re-emphasize the main idea without being repetitive or introducing an entirely new idea or subtopic. While you can conclude your conclusion paragraph by suggesting a topic for further research or investigation, do not make this question the focus of the paragraph. Thus, you should briefly and concisely reiterate the strongest clarifications of the paper, reminding the reader of the validity of your thesis or explanation and bringing closure to your paper.

You may feel that the conclusion paragraph is redundant or unnecessary; However, do not forget that this is your last chance to explain the significance of your argument to your audience. Just as your body paragraphs strive to present the significance of each fact or quote you use, your conclusion paragraph should sum up the significance of your argument. Thus, you should consider making a bold statement in your concluding paragraph by evoking a vivid image, suggesting results or consequences related to your argument or ending with a warning. Through using these components, you not only make your conclusion paragraph more exciting, but you also make your essay and your argument, more important.

Review Questions

What are three of the main purposes of an introductory paragraph?

What should you never do in an introductory paragraph?
How should you refute counterpoints?
What is the formula for a well-argued body paragraph?
What should you include in a conclusion paragraph? What should never include in a conclusion paragraph?

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Informative Essay

Informative Essay - Writing Tips, Examples and Topics

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.

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

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Understanding and Writing Informative Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

December 8, 2023
Study Guides

An informative essay is a type of essay that aims to educate and provide factual information to the reader. It explains a specific topic and does not contain the author’s opinion or perspective. Writing an informative essay requires careful planning and organization to ensure that the information is presented in a clear and concise manner.

Here's What You'll Learn

Whether you are a student writing an essay for an assignment or a professional looking to share knowledge, understanding the structure and steps involved in crafting informative essays is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of writing informative essays, from selecting a topic to properly citing your sources.

Key Takeaways:

An informative essay aims to educate and provide factual information.
The structure of an informative essay consists of an introduction , body paragraphs , and a conclusion .
To write an informative essay, you need to select a topic, conduct research , create an outline, write the essay following the outline, edit and proofread , and include proper citations.
The introduction introduces the topic and provides a thesis statement.
The body paragraphs present facts and relevant details to support the thesis statement.

The Structure of an Informative Essay

An informative essay follows a specific structure to effectively educate the reader on a chosen topic. Understanding this structure is crucial for crafting a well-organized and impactful essay. Let’s explore the three main components of an informative essay: the introduction , body paragraphs , and conclusion .

Introduction

The introduction serves as the starting point of your essay, where you grab the reader’s attention and provide an overview of the topic. It should begin with a captivating hook, such as a surprising statistic or an intriguing question, to entice the reader to continue reading. The introduction also includes a thesis statement, which concisely states the main focus of your essay.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs make up the core of your essay and present the in-depth information and evidence that supports your thesis statement. Each body paragraph should focus on one key idea or subtopic and provide supporting facts, examples, or statistics. Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of that paragraph. Use transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs.

Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

Writing an informative essay requires careful planning and organization to effectively convey factual information to your readers. By following a step-by-step process, you can ensure that your essay is well-researched, well-structured, and informative. Here are the key steps to guide you:

Select a Topic: Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about and have a genuine interest in. Consider the target audience and the purpose of your essay.
Research: Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic. Gather information from credible sources such as scholarly articles, books, reputable websites, and expert interviews. Take note of key facts, statistics, and examples that will support your essay.
Create an Outline: Develop a clear and organized outline that will serve as the framework for your essay. Divide your essay into sections, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion . Each section should focus on a specific aspect of your topic.
Write the Essay: Use your outline to guide the writing process. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states the purpose of your essay. In the body paragraphs, present relevant information, facts, and examples to support your thesis statement. Make sure to provide proper citations for any sources you use.
Edit and Proofread: Once you have completed the initial draft, take the time to revise and edit your essay. Check for grammar and spelling errors, sentence structure, and overall coherence. Make any necessary changes to enhance clarity and flow.
Proofread: After editing, carefully proofread your essay to ensure that it is error-free and polished. Check for any remaining typos, grammar mistakes, or inconsistencies. It is essential to present a well-written and professional piece of work.
Document Citations: Finally, create a citations page that includes all the sources you used in your essay. Follow the appropriate citation style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, and provide accurate and complete information for each source.

By following these steps, you can effectively write an informative essay that engages your readers and provides valuable information on your chosen topic.

Table: Key Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

In conclusion, effective writing of informative essays is a crucial skill that allows us to provide valuable information and educate our readers. By understanding the structure of an informative essay and following the necessary steps, we can craft compelling and informative pieces of writing.

It is important to remember that an informative essay should be objective and based on factual information. We should select a suitable topic, conduct thorough research, and organize our thoughts in a clear and coherent manner. By doing so, we can ensure that our essays are informative and engaging.

Furthermore, citing credible sources is essential to maintain the integrity of our informative essays. Documenting our citations in the appropriate format, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago style, allows us to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

Incorporating these practices into our writing routine and continuously refining our skills will enable us to master the art of writing informative essays. So let us strive to create informative essays that captivate our readers with valuable information and contribute to their knowledge and understanding.

What is an informative essay?

An informative essay is a type of essay that aims to educate and provide factual information to the reader. It explains a specific topic and does not contain the author’s opinion or perspective.

What is the structure of an informative essay?

The structure of an informative essay consists of three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction introduces the topic and provides a thesis statement, the body paragraphs present facts and relevant details, and the conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the thesis.

How do I write an informative essay?

To write an informative essay, you need to select a topic, conduct research, create an outline, write the essay following the outline, edit and proofread the essay, and include proper citations for any sources used.

What are the steps for writing an informative essay?

The steps for writing an informative essay include selecting a topic, conducting research, creating an outline, writing the essay, editing and proofreading, and documenting citations.

What is the purpose of the conclusion in an informative essay?

The conclusion of an informative essay summarizes the main points of the essay and restates the thesis statement. It provides a closing statement or call to action to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Source Links

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https://essayusa.com/blog/how-to-write-an-informative-essay/
https://idaho.pressbooks.pub/write/chapter/introduction-to-informative-writing/

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what are the characteristics of an informative essay

Reading & Writing Purposes

Reading & writing to inform.

Reading and writing to inform are key foundation skills for most of your college work. Although much of the reading and writing that you do in college extends beyond information into analysis and evaluation, you need to be able to understand and articulate the main ideas of that information before you can work with it further.

Reading for Information

Reading for information is a more involved process than scanning information quickly. Reading more fully for information involves understanding an author’s content and main ideas so that you can remember and repeat that content in your own words. However—and this is important—reading to inform, on the college level, involves more than just repeating information. As you read, you’re expected to think critically about the information, connect it with other information that you already know, posit new ideas based on that information, and create your own meaning from that information. In other words, you need to be able to apply “academic literacy” competencies, as defined by the Academic Senates of the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California (2002): [1]

“The following intellectual habits of mind are important for students’ success. The percentages noted indicate the portion of faculty who identified the following as “important to very important” or “somewhat to very essential” in their classes and within their academic discipline. College and university students should be able to engage in the following broad intellectual practices:

exhibit curiosity (80%)
experiment with new ideas (79%)
see other points of view (77%)
challenge their own beliefs (77%)
engage in intellectual discussions (74%)
ask provocative questions (73%)
generate hypotheses (72%)
exhibit respect for other viewpoints (71%)
read with awareness of self and others (68%)”

The same report asserts the following: [2]

“Reading is repeatedly identified as a most significant factor in the success of students in their college classes. Three fundamental reading competencies prove essential:

reading for literal comprehension and retention,
reading for depth of understanding, and
reading for analysis and interaction with the text.”

As you can see, reading for information, on the college level, provides the foundation skill for most of your academic work.

Writing to Inform

Writing to provide information involves explaining and describing concepts, people, processes, places, events, etc. Writing to inform, on the college level, involves more than the direct provision of information as you might find in instructions or a brochure. It involves creating a focus for the information, developed as a result of your insight about what you’ve read. A focus offers an over-arching concept or idea which you then develop with examples, descriptions, and details. In many cases, this focus is offered in a thesis sentence of an essay.

Although a thesis offers your own idea about a topic, when you write to inform, the thesis should not argue for one interpretation of information as opposed to another; it’s purpose is not to evaluate or assert your side of an issue or debatable topic. Instead, a thesis for a piece of writing intended to inform is non-judgmental. It focuses your topic so your audience can understand and predict the explanations that follow.

Here’s a simple example using two thesis sentences to differentiate writing to inform from other types of college writing:

Thesis 1: Writing to Inform

Many people enjoy cooking; they enjoy the aromas, creativity, and cost savings as well as the results.

Thesis 2: Writing to React/Apply/Analyze/Synthesize

Everyone should learn to cook, because it results in better nutrition, cost savings and, most of all, stress reduction as a result of two things, 1) having to concentrate on one particular activity to the exclusion of others, and 2) creating an immediate and useful outcome.

The first thesis focuses a reader’s attention on aspects of cooking that people enjoy. It does not offer an argument about an issue, which is something that has two sides and can be debated. It does not offer an assertion, evaluation, or judgment about cooking, but instead makes an observation about this topic. As a reader, you expect to read about three particular aspects of cooking: aromas, creativity, cost. You expect the author to offer details and examples about all three aspects.

On the other hand, the second thesis uses the same topic, but instead makes an argument about that topic, that all people should learn how to cook, because of the benefits it offers. You know this is an issue because there is an opposing side—that cooking may not benefit all people. This analytical thesis offers the author’s personal assertion about a topic. As a reader, you expect to read examples, details, facts, and other forms of evidence that help prove the author’s assertion.

Characteristics of Informative Writing

Informative writing considers the reader. What information does a reader need to have in order to understand your focus? How many examples and details does a reader need in order to understand it? In what sequence does a reader need to receive the information in order to understand it? What tone of language is appropriate to help a reader understand your information in the way that you want it to be understood? You need to consider the type, amount, specificity, sequence, and presentation of information when you write to inform.

Informative writing also makes you consider yourself as writer. What focus do you want to offer to your reader? What examples and details will help explain and highlight that focus? What information should you include to show that you have knowledge of this concept yourself based on the text/s you read? You need to consider overall focus as well as type, amount, specificity, sequence, and presentation of information when you write to inform.

Student Sample: Writing to Inform

The following is an excerpt from one student’s draft essay intended to inform readers about the concept of assimilation. The writer originally read a chapter from an anthropology textbook that talked about cultures and how newcomers to a culture become assimilated.

Assimilation into a Culture

Thesis: Assimilation into a culture exists in different ways.

Assimilation occurs when a particular group (racial, ethnic, or any other group) is absorbed into the larger or dominant group. The entering group loses its entire culture—”language customs, sense of history”—in order to blend into the stronger group.

There are two types of assimilation. The first is behavioral assimilation. Behavioral assimilation is when “a group surrenders all of its culture to be part of the stronger group.” The second is structural assimilation. Structural assimilation is “the final absorption, when the group can no longer be distinguished from any member of the stronger group and has in fact become an equal member of the stronger group.”

This example of assimilation may seem a little unusual, but it gives a perfect example of how assimilation works. In the world of Star Trek there is a race called the Borg whose main objective is to assimilate all other lifeforms. Any non-Borg lifeform is considered to be inferior until they are assimilated. Assimilation costs people their memories, names, language, and their complete identity. The Borg also surgically alter all people they assimilate to become part-humanoid and part-mechanical. All Borg are grey skinned in order to be exactly the same, and finally, are uniformed alike. At this point, these people are now Borg and have been successfully assimilated.

The student author takes a non-judgmental stance in order to explain the concept of assimilation, to inform a reader and to exhibit her knowledge of the concept. (On the other hand, if the author’s purpose were to react or analyze, she might have made an argument about assimilation being an outmoded cultural value based on 20th-century waves of immigration, or an argument about whether assimilation should be required for immigrants to any country.)

How to Approach Writing to Inform

The following video discusses a method of approach to, and important characteristics of, writing to inform. It presents key information on creating a doable, focused, and interesting theses for informative essay writing.

The following video offers one formula (of many different approaches) for developing an informative essay. Although it’s written for a high school audience, it provides a finely-tuned conceptual map of how to develop examples and details relating to an informative thesis: topic sentence, a claim related to that topic sentence, evidence to support the claim, and analysis of that evidence. The video’s discussion of an informative essay nicely exhibits how support can be developed, and how it is linked to an informative thesis.

Read the article “ Getting All Your Ducklings in a Row: A Look Inside the Animal Mind .” If you were reading this article in order to inform others of its content, which of the following statements most precisely and inclusively captures the author’s main idea?

Ducklings are more like humans than we thought.
Research shows the similarities and differences in the process of imprinting among many species.
The study of imprinting in ducklings shows that they are capable of abstract thought; further research can reveal if this is a basic trait of many species or a more exclusive ability.
Ducklings have a “sensitive period” in which they imprint on anything based on shape and relationship among shapes.

The most precise and inclusive statement of main idea is in sentence 3. Sentence 2 offers a generalized version of the main idea which is not as fully developed as sentence 3. Sentence 1 is very general and not precise, while sentence 4 offers background information related to the main idea.

[1] Academic Literacy: A Statement of Competencies Expected of Students Entering California’s Public Colleges and Universities © 2002 Intersegmental Committee of the Academic Senates (ICAS), pg. 13. https://senate.universityofcalifornia.edu/_files/reports/acadlit.pdf

[2] Academic Literacy: A Statement of Competencies Expected of Students Entering California’s Public Colleges and Universities © 2002 Intersegmental Committee of the Academic Senates (ICAS), pg. 17. https://senate.universityofcalifornia.edu/_files/reports/acadlit.pdf

Reading & Writing to Inform. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Project : Introduction to College Reading & Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
image of man reading a book. Authored by : StockSnap. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/guy-man-reading-book-business-2557251/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
Academic Literacy: A Statement of Competencies Expected of Students Entering California's Public Colleges and Universities. Provided by : Intersegmental Committee of the Academic Senates of the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California. Located at : https://senate.universityofcalifornia.edu/_files/reports/acadlit.pdf . License : All Rights Reserved
image of woman thinking with open book. Authored by : Free-Photos. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/book-reading-girl-woman-pretty-690763/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
image of woman typing on laptop. Authored by : 8212733. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-laptop-business-blogging-3190829/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
video Basic Informative Essay: Write to Inform. Authored by : David Taylor. Provided by : UMUC Effective Writing Center. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbZPS8fXMI&feature=youtu.be . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video
video Informative Essay. Authored by : Mallory Kirkland. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l1kF8a4QKY&feature=youtu.be . License : Other . License Terms : YouTube video

Argumentative Essay vs. Informative Essay

What's the difference.

Argumentative essays and informative essays both aim to present information to the reader, but they have different purposes and approaches. Argumentative essays are meant to persuade the reader to agree with the writer's point of view on a controversial topic, presenting evidence and logical reasoning to support their argument. On the other hand, informative essays are focused on providing objective information on a topic, presenting facts, statistics, and research without trying to persuade the reader to take a specific stance. While both types of essays require thorough research and organization, the tone and purpose of each differ significantly.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Argumentative essays and informative essays are two common types of academic writing that students encounter in their educational journey. While both essays serve different purposes, they also share some similarities in terms of structure and organization. In this article, we will compare the attributes of argumentative essays and informative essays to help students understand the differences between the two.

The primary purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action. This type of essay presents a claim or argument and provides evidence to support it. On the other hand, an informative essay aims to educate the reader about a particular topic without persuading them to agree with the author's viewpoint. Informative essays provide facts, data, and information to help readers understand a subject better.

Both argumentative essays and informative essays follow a similar structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, the content and focus of each section differ between the two types of essays. In an argumentative essay, the introduction presents the thesis statement or main argument, while the body paragraphs provide evidence and analysis to support the claim. The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the main points. In contrast, an informative essay introduces the topic in the introduction, presents information and facts in the body paragraphs, and concludes with a summary of the key points discussed.

The tone of an argumentative essay is often persuasive and assertive, as the author aims to convince the reader of their viewpoint. This type of essay may use strong language, logical reasoning, and emotional appeals to make a compelling argument. In comparison, the tone of an informative essay is more neutral and objective, focusing on presenting facts and information in a clear and concise manner. Informative essays avoid using biased language or personal opinions to maintain an unbiased perspective on the topic.

Use of Evidence

Both argumentative essays and informative essays rely on evidence to support their claims and arguments. However, the type of evidence used in each type of essay differs. In an argumentative essay, the evidence is used to persuade the reader of the validity of the author's argument. This evidence may include statistics, research studies, expert opinions, and examples. In contrast, an informative essay uses evidence to provide factual information and support the key points discussed. The evidence in an informative essay is used to educate the reader rather than persuade them to agree with a particular viewpoint.

In conclusion, argumentative essays and informative essays serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. While argumentative essays aim to persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint, informative essays focus on educating the reader about a topic. Both types of essays follow a similar structure but differ in tone, use of evidence, and overall approach. By understanding the differences between argumentative essays and informative essays, students can improve their writing skills and effectively communicate their ideas in academic settings.

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Summary of information, argument, persuasion etc…

NOTE: This article was originally published in the Irish Independent Written Word Supplement, March 2014.

Language Types

The way we use language changes depending on the situation. The words you use in a job interview are obviously more formal than the words you choose when chatting to your mates. If you write a fawning comment to win a competition you’ll use lots of superlatives (think ‘biggest’, ‘best’, ‘brightest’) but for a political speech on bank debt you’ll use financial terminology.

The division of Paper 1 into language categories (information, argument, persuasion, narration/description and aesthetic language) reflects the fact that we use language in different ways in different contexts. These categories aren’t absolute, in fact they often overlap, but understanding the basic rules for informing, arguing, persuading, describing and narrating will make you a more discerning reader (i.e. better at comprehensions) and a more skilled writer (i.e. better at QB & composing).

Language of Information

What is it? Writing whose main purpose is to communicate information.

Examples: Report, leaflet, instructions, travel guide, encyclopaedia.

Layout: The reader wants to glance at the page and select the information they are looking for instantly. Present the facts using a logical, easy to follow structure. Use headings, sub-headings and bullet points or numbering. However, if you are writing an informative essay, full prose paragraphs, rather than bullet point lists, will be expected.

Style: Your focus needs to be on facts and statistics. Every point you make should be backed up by a specific example. If you are giving advice, it needs to be specific – think “count your daily fruit and veg intake and try to gradually increase by one a day until you reach your target” rather than the so-vague-as-to-be-almost-completely-useless “eat more healthily”. You can make statistics up, but you’ll have to make them sound believable. One way to do this is to name the source of the statistic – researcher, title & institution e.g. “According to research carried out by Dr. Hazel Nolan, sociology professor at Harvard University, one reason for the increase in smoking amongst teenage girls is because it is perceived as a good way to control weight gain”. However, your statistic must be convincing! I once had a student write that “92% of teenage girls in Ireland are now smokers”. You only need to look around you (or sniff those around you!) to know this couldn’t possibly be true.

Your language must be appropriate to your audience. Reports commissioned by the government or by an organisation such as the Central Statistics Office (CSO) or the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) adopt a very formal and professional tone and use subject-specific vocabulary. However, a leaflet offering advice to teenagers on staying safe online would need to adopt a much less formal approach, otherwise the people it’s aimed at (teenagers) would stop reading.

Language of Argument

What is it? Writing which offers personal opinions & refutes opposing views logically is argumentative.

Examples: Speeches, debates, opinion pieces, letters to the editor, election material.

Layout: The headings and bullet points you used for the language of information are generally speaking not appropriate here. You are expected to write in complete sentences, alternating between short snappy sentences and longer more complex ones. You need to build up a series of inter-connected ideas paragraph by paragraph, with each one flowing into the next. Election leaflets, however, will use headings, bullet points, etc…

Style: Argumentative language is logical, rational and convincing. Obviously there is a certain amount of overlap with the language of information, with a focus on facts, statistics and examples. However, unlike the language of information, you are not presenting all of the facts and allowing the reader to decide for themselves. Instead, you are emphasising only those facts which support your point of view and offering logical reasons why those who disagree with your viewpoint are wrong.

A strong argument uses logic and reason: 1. to arrive at a particular point of view 2. to defend this position and 3. to refute counter arguments.

Once a person stops utilising the facts to prove their point and resorts to personal insults, they are no longer arguing, they are now persuading.

Language of Persuasion

What is it? Writing which draws you in emotionally to manipulate how you feel and how you think is persuasive.

Examples: Advertisements, competition entries, sermons, inspirational speeches.

Layout: It depends on the genre. Advertisements pay close attention to layout and use a wide variety of headings and font sizes for captions, slogans, statistics etc. A persuasive speech will use a traditional essay-style layout. A competition entry or proposal will have a clear structure – introduction; details (3 – 4 paragraphs); what you expect to happen next.

Style: Rather than purely factual (information) or logical (argument), persuasion manipulates your emotions to make you feel strongly about an issue. The writer draws on personal experiences to lure the reader or viewer into feeling certain emotions – sympathy, distress, disgust, admiration, pride, anger, fear, amusement. Once you are emotionally ‘hooked’ it becomes harder to analyse, assess and accept or reject the writer’s message logically because the heart, not the head, is now in the driving seat! Asking rhetorical questions, making urgent references to time, using emphatic, superlative and emotive words, repeating a key phrase, adopting collective personal pronouns, creating vivid imagery, hyperbole, contrast and humour are all effective ways of manipulating people’s feelings. Argument & persuasion often overlap – logic and emotion is a great combination if you want to win people over. You’ll also find significant overlap between the language of persuasion and descriptive writing, which also draws people in emotionally.

Language of Description / Narration

What is it? Narrative language tells a story, descriptive language paints a picture using words.

Examples: Novels, short stories, memoirs and diary entries narrate. Travel writing, personal essays and feature articles describe.

Layout: All stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. Hemmingway’s six word short story “For sale, baby shoes, never worn” has all the ingredients of a compelling story: set the scene, rousing the reader’s curiosity (for sale) draw the reader into the action emotionally (baby shoes) finish with an unexpected development (never worn) Obviously you need a more fully developed plot, setting and characters for a 1,000 word short story. Descriptive essays are less demanding because they do not require a plot, but they too must draw the reader in emotionally to what is being described.

Style: To write descriptively, you must choose specific verbs. Rather than writing “Susan walks over and says she’s really excited ” select verbs which add energy and movement: “ Susan bounces over, squealing with excitement ”. Adjectives add details about the size, shape, texture, location etc of the noun being described. Rather than writing “ As rain fell from the sky, my daughter began to cry ” include adjectives which add vivid detail “ As heavy rain thundered from the dark grey sky, tiny tears flooded my daughter’s pale face ”. However, be careful not to overload your sentences – too many adjectives can make your writing slow and cumbersome. Evoke all five senses (sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch) to add depth to your writing. Rather than writing “ A van pulled up and a burly man jumped out, ran into the shop, pulled out a gun and demanded that the shop assistant open the till ” instead create a multi-sensory experience for the reader: “ A shiny black van screeched to a halt and a burly man jumped out, bursting through the double doors and barrelling into the shop. Reaching for the cold metal butt of his revolver, he growled at the trembling shop assistant “open the f**king till! ”.

Aesthetic Language

What is it? Language which is crafted to create something beautiful. Only the language of information deliberately avoids trying to be beautiful & engaging, choosing instead to present the facts in a purely objective fashion. All other types – argumentative, persuasive, narrative and descriptive – aim for beauty as well as clarity.

Examples: Poetry, song lyrics, novels, plays. Any great work of art: think William Shakespeare, James Joyce, Seamus Heaney or equally Emily Bronte, Sylvia Plath, Eavan Boland.

Layout: There are no rules, there is only beauty. Emily Dickinson ignored all the ‘rules’ of grammar to create an aesthetic effect; so did James Joyce. Great writers master their craft by obeying the rules at first but they will also experiment and play with language to create something new.

Style: Similes, metaphors, personification, symbolism, contrast, alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme, rhythm, recurring motifs, pathetic fallacy, allusion, foreshadowing, dramatic irony, poetic justice. However, just using literary techniques won’t necessarily make your writing aesthetically pleasing and beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, so what I might consider beautiful, you might consider boring.

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How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

Start with a question
Write your initial answer
Develop your answer
Refine your thesis statement

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What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

Why you hold this position
What they’ll learn from your essay
The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

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

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

It gives your writing direction and focus.
It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

Ask a question about your topic .
Write your initial answer.
Develop your answer by including reasons.
Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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EL Education Curriculum

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ELA 2019 G7:M2:U2:L9

Write an Informative Essay: Draft an Introduction

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

Technology and Multimedia

Supporting English Language Learners

Materials from previous lessons, new materials, closing & assessments, you are here:.

ELA 2019 Grade 7
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Focus Standards: These are the standards the instruction addresses.

W.7.2a, L.7.1a

Supporting Standards: These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.

RI.7.1, RI.7.2, W.7.4, W.7.5, W.7.10, L.7.6
I can write an introduction for my essay giving context on crime detection and epidemiology, clearly stating the focus of the piece. ( W.7.2a )
Opening A: Entrance Ticket, Unit 2, Lesson 9 ( W.7.2a )
Work Time A: Annotated, color-coded model informative essay introduction ( W.7.2a )
Work Time B: Language Dive: Model Essay, Focus Statement note-catcher ( W.7.2a, L.7.1a )
Closing and Assessment A: Introductory Paragraph of Pair Informative Essay ( W.7.2a )
Ensure there is a copy of Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 9 at each student's workspace.
Prepare Organize the Model: Introduction strips (one strip per pair) for Work Time A.
Strategically pair students for work in Opening A with at least one strong reader per pair.
Cut apart the introduction paragraph strips, and organize them using envelopes or paperclips so that each pair will have one set.
Review the Informative Writing checklist to become familiar what will be required of students over the remainder of the unit.
Post the learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see Materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

Continue to use the technology tools recommended throughout previous modules to create anchor charts to share with families; to record students as they participate in discussions and protocols to review with students later and to share with families; and for students to listen to and annotate text, record ideas on note-catchers, and word-process writing.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 7.I.A.1, 7.I.C.10, and 7.II.C.6.

Important Points in the Lesson Itself

To support ELLs, this lesson includes use of manipulatives to understand the key structures of an essay introduction. Also, the collaboration of writing a peer essay supports students.
ELLs may find it challenging to generate language for writing their introduction. Encourage students to use oral processing and their home language to assist them in articulating their ideas.
context (A)

(A): Academic Vocabulary

(DS): Domain-Specific Vocabulary

Close Readers Do These Things anchor chart (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 4, Opening A)
Academic word wall (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Opening A)
Criteria of an Effective Informative Essay anchor chart (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Work Time B)
Domain-specific word wall (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Work Time B)
Model Informative Essay: "Computer Programs and Animal Behavior" (for teacher reference) (from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Work Time A)
Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer (example for teacher reference) (from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Closing and Assessment A)
Vocabulary log (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Opening A)
Model Informative Essay: “Computer Programs and Animal Behavior” (one per student and one for display; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Work Time A)
Painted Essay® template (one per student and one for display; from Module 1, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Closing and Assessment A)
Colored pencils (red, yellow, blue, light green, dark green; one of each per student)
Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Closing and Assessment A)
Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer ▲
Directions for Pair Informative Essay (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Work Time A)
Patient Zero by Marilee Peters (text; one per student; from Module 2, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Work Time C)
Homework: Read “Crime-Solving Strategies” (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lessons 6–7, Homework B)
Independent reading journal (one per student; begun in Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 9 (for teacher reference)
Organize the Model: Introduction strips (for teacher reference)
Language Dive Guide: Model Informative Essay, Paragraph 1 (answers for teacher reference)
Writing implement (red)
Language Dive: Model Informative Essay, Paragraph 1 note-catcher (for teacher reference)
Informative Writing checklist (example for teacher reference)
Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lesson 9 (one per student)
Organize the Model: Introduction strips (one strip per pair)
Colored pencils (red, green; one of each per student)
Language Dive: Model Informative Essay, Paragraph 1 note-catcher (one per student)
Language Dive: Model Informative Essay, Paragraph 1 sentence chunk strips (one per pair of students)
Informative Writing checklist (one per student and one to display)
Lined paper (one per student)
Online or print dictionaries (including ELL and home language dictionaries)

Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

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What Are The Five Characteristics Of Informational Writing?

What are the five characteristics of informational writing.

Characteristics of informational text include facts and text features such as table of contents, pictures, captions, bold print, and glossary . These characteristics help the reader find information, add to information presented in text, call the reader’s attention to important words, and explain what words mean.

What makes good informational writing?

A well-written informative essay should include the following elements: Has an introduction that introduces a topic and grabs the reader’s attention . Clearly conveys information and ideas about a topic . Develops a topic with a variety of specific, relevant details, such as facts, examples, quotations, and anecdotes.

How do you teach informational writing to 4th graders?

4th Grade: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. (a- Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.)

What are the 4 types of informational text?

So those are the four types of informative writing. Literary nonfiction , which tends to be shorter writing; expository writing, which has written cues that make it easier for readers to scan information; argumentative or persuasive writing, which advocates a point of view; and procedural writing, a step-by-step guide.

What are some examples of informative writing?

Here are some examples of informative essay topics to get your creative juices flowing:

How to open a bank account.
World poverty.
Procrastination and its effects.
Homelessness.
Air pollution.
Dream interpretation.
History of women’s right to vote.

What is informative style of writing?

Expository writing, or informative writing, involves relaying facts to your audience . In this style, the author provides facts and figures or explains how a process is completed. The information is typically presented in a logical order or sequence.

What are the five purpose in informative writing?

Because of these guidelines, informative writing tends to serve five basic purposes: Sharing new information with readers . Describing a process . Clarifying a concept .

What are the writing techniques of informative essay?

Structure your informative essay using multiple paragraphs that follow a logical order and include relevant information that is properly cited. The introductory paragraph should include a general introduction to the topic followed by a clear thesis statement that will serve as the road map for the rest of the essay.

What are the 5 informational text structures?

There are five types of text we are going to discuss: definition/description, problem-solution, sequence/time, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect .

What is an informational writing?

Informational writing is written to inform or explain something while fictional writing often is a story conveying an authors point of view or is written simply to entertain.

What is the purpose of informational writing?

Its primary purpose is to inform the reader about the natural or social world . Different from fiction, and other forms of nonfiction, informational text does not utilize characters. Further, it has specialized language characteristics such as general nouns and timeless verbs that are not common in other genres.

How do I introduce a topic?

Introductions

Attract the Reader’s Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader’s attention and introduces the general topic. …
State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper. …
State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.

What does an informational text include?

Informational Texts

The CCSS defines “informational text” as a broad category of nonfiction resources, including: biographies; autobiographies ; books about history, social studies, science, and the arts; technical texts (including how-to books and procedural books); and literary nonfiction.

What is informative writing and its purpose?

The primary purpose of informative/explanatory writing is to increase the understanding of the reader . Unlike argument writing, informative/explanatory writing starts with the assumption of truthfulness, focusing on telling how or why.

What are the unique features of informative writing?

Terms in this set (12)

clear opening. structure.
general information. structure.
more specific information. structure.
summarising conclusion. structure.
interesting, easy to read layout. structure.
present tense. language features.
first person or third person. language features.
connectives to make it clear and cohearent.

What are the 7 types of writing?

The 7 most common types of essay writing

Narrative. Narrative essays are traditionally intended to tell a story based on the writer’s real-life experiences. …
Descriptive. Descriptive essays essentially paint a picture of something. …
Expository. …
Persuasive. …
Compare and contrast. …
Reflective. …

What are the four techniques in writing?

There are four different types of writing techniques:

Descriptive writing style.
Narrative writing style.
Persuasive writing style.
Expository writing style.

What is the example of informative?

The definition of informative is something that contains useful, helpful or relevant information or details. A lecture in which you learn a lot is an example of an informative lecture. Giving information; educational; instructive.

What is informative writing all about?

Simply put, informative writing is writing with the purpose to inform . … They all aim to impart information to the reader, and are therefore all informative writing. Informative writing is one of the main ways that we can communicate through the written word.

What are the 9 main informational text structures?

Examples of text structures include: sequence/process, description, time order/chronology , proposition/support, compare/contrast, problem/solution, cause/effect, inductive/deductive, and investigation.

What are some common informational text features?

These include the table of contents, index, glossary, headings, bold words, sidebars, pictures and captions, and labeled diagrams . These features can be helpful if they are concise, related to the content, and clear, or they can be harmful if they are poorly organized, only loosely related to the content, or too wordy.

How do you read informational text?

Encourage and guide students as they read to use text structure to comprehend text. Before reading text walk to predict the text structure. During reading fill in the appropriate organizer or verbally summarize the learning so far. After reading summarize using a graphic organizer either verbally or in writing.

What is the focus of informational writing?

Its primary purpose is to inform the reader about the natural or social world . Different from fiction, and other forms of nonfiction, informational text does not utilize characters.

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Types of Essay — List of the Different Writings & their Characteristics

Guide on the different types of essay writings & their features.

TYPES OF ESSAY – Here is a list of the different types of writings, the characteristics of each, and the skills tested when writing.

A lot of different activities are usually done at school. One of the tasks usually assigned by the teachers to students is to write an essay about a certain subject. In most cases, the type of essay is not specified but there are situations when you really need to have a knowledge about the different types of essay.

There are actually many types of essay. To be able to distinguish one from the other, it is best to know their characteristics, the goal in writing each type of essay, and the skills they test on the part of the author.

Here is a list of the different writings and a description about their main purposes and how they differ from each other:

Narrative Essay

Among the many types of essay, the most popular is the narrative essay. It is usually used in telling stories and is often written from the first person point-of-view. The author usually writes about his/her personal experiences.

In writing a narrative essay, creativity in the presentation of a story is tested. Writing this type of essay also tests the imagination of the author.

Argumentative Essay

Also called the Persuasive Essay, this type of essay is written to expose a rational argument supported by facts. The intention is often to persuade or convince the reader to agree with the author but this type of essay can also be written in the pursuit to investigate topics fairly.

The writing of an argumentative essay tests the authors stand on particular topics as well as the ability to do in-depth research to support the stand. The arguments must be evidence-based.

Cause and Effect Essay

As its name suggests, this type of essay is written to explain in-depth the cause of a certain incident or phenomena. It is an expository writing that state facts and avoid subjective opinion. It uses the analytical structure to show the relationship between two (2) things.

Writing this type of essay tests the author’s research skills as well as understanding on how things happen. It will also test the writer’s capacity to present the explaination in a comprehensive way.

Compare and Contrast Essay

Also one of the types of essay is the compare and contrast essay which, as its name suggests, a piece of writing with the purpose of compare and contrasting or writing down the similarities and differences of two people, animals, event, things, etc.

Informative Essay

One of the most common types of essay written by college students is the informative essay which presents facts about something from an in-depth research. It aims to provide a body of knowledge to the readers about a particular subject.

Reflective Essay

Have you been assigned to write a reflection after watching a film or doing an activity? It is a Reflective Essay that you will be writing and it is personal as it explores the point of view of the author towards a subject.

what are the characteristics of an informative essay

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39 Introduction to Informative Writing

Introduction to the General Expository Essay

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Informative Essay - Writing Tips, Examples and Topics

What is an Informative Essay?

Why Write an Informative Essay?

Types of Informative Essay

Expository Essays

Descriptive Essays

Compare and Contrast Essays

Cause and Effect Essays

How to Start an Informative Essay?

Choose a Topic

Conduct Research

Create an Outline

How to Write an Informative Essay?

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

How To End An Informative Essay

Editing and Proofreading

Informative Essay Examples

Informative Essay Topics

Informative Essay Writing Tips

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Understanding and Writing Informative Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

Key Takeaways:

The Structure of an Informative Essay

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

Table: Key Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

What is an informative essay?

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What Are The Five Characteristics Of Informational Writing?

What makes good informational writing?

How do you teach informational writing to 4th graders?

What are the 4 types of informational text?

What are some examples of informative writing?

What is informative style of writing?

What are the five purpose in informative writing?

What are the writing techniques of informative essay?

What are the 5 informational text structures?

What is an informational writing?

What is the purpose of informational writing?