informational essay format college

Writing an Informative Essay

Informative essays engage readers with new, interesting, and often surprising facts and details about a subject. Informative essays are educational; readers expect to learn something new from them. In fact, much of the reading and writing done in college and the workplace is informative. From textbooks to reports to tutorials like this one, informative writing imparts important and useful information about a topic.

This tutorial refers to the sample informative outline and final essay written by fictional student Paige Turner.

Reasons to Write Informatively

Your purpose for writing and the audience for whom you are writing will impact the depth and breadth of information you provide, but all informative writing aims to present a subject without opinions or bias. Some common reasons to write informatively are to

  • report findings that an audience would find interesting,
  • present facts that an audience would find useful, and
  • communicate information about a person, place, event, issue, or change that would improve an audience’s understanding.

Characteristics of Informative Essays

Informative essays present factual information and do not attempt to sway readers’ opinions about it. Other types of academic and workplace writing do try to influence readers’ opinions:

  • Expository essays aim to expose a truth about an issue in order to influence how readers view the issue.
  • Persuasive essays aim to influence readers’ opinions, so they will adopt a particular position or take a certain course of action.

Expository and persuasive essays make “arguments.” The only argument an informative essay makes is that something exists, did exist, is happening, or has happened, and the point of the essay is not to convince readers of this but to tell them about it.

  • Informative essays seek to enlighten and educate readers, so they can make their own educated opinions and decisions about what to think and how to act.

Strategies for Writing Informatively

Informative essays provide useful information such as facts, examples, and evidence from research in order to help readers understand a topic or see it more clearly. While informative writing does not aim to appeal emotionally to readers in order to change their opinions or behaviors, informative writing should still be engaging to read. Factual information is not necessarily dry or boring. Sometimes facts can be more alarming than fiction!

Writers use various strategies to engage and educate readers. Some strategies include

  • introducing the topic with an alarming fact or arresting image;
  • asserting what is true or so about the subject in a clear thesis statement;
  • organizing the paragraphs logically by grouping related information;
  • unifying each paragraph with a topic sentence and controlling idea;
  • developing cohesive paragraphs with transition sentences;
  • using precise language and terminology appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience; and
  • concluding with a final idea or example that captures the essay’s purpose and leaves a lasting impression.

Five Steps for Getting Started

1. Brainstorm and choose a topic.

  • Sample topic : The opioid epidemic in the United States.
  • The opiod epidemic or even opiod addiction would would be considered too broad for a single essay, so the next steps aim to narrow this topic down.

2. Next, write a question about the topic that you would like to answer through research.

  • Sample question : What major events caused the opioid crisis in the United States?
  • This question aims to narrow the topic down to causes of the epidemic in the US.

3. Now go to the Purdue Global Library to find the answers to your research question.

As you begin reading and collecting sources, write down the themes that emerge as common answers. Later, in step four, use the most common answers (or the ones you are most interested in writing and discussing) to construct a thesis statement.

  • Sample answers: aggressive marketing, loopholes in prescription drug provider programs, and economic downturn.

4. Next, provide purpose to your paper by creating a thesis statement.

The thesis attempts to frame your research question. The sample thesis below incorporates three of the more common answers for the research question from step two: What caused the opioid crisis in the United States?

  • Thesis Statement : Aggressive marketing, loopholes in prescription drug provider programs, and economic downturn contributed to the current opioid crisis in the United States.
  • Writing Tip : For additional help with thesis statements, please visit our Writing a Thesis Statement article. For help with writing in 3rd person, see our article on Formal Vs. Informal Writing .

5. Now follow each numbered step in the “Suggested Outline Format and Sample” below.

Sample answers have been provided for “I. Introduction” and “II. First Cause.” A complete sample outline can be seen here. A complete sample informative essay can be seen here.

Suggested Outline Format and Sample

I. INTRODUCTION

A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the main topic: Sample topic sentence : There is a current prescription pain medication addiction and abuse epidemic possibly caused by an excessive over prescription of these medications.

B. Now provide a couple sentences with evidence to support the main topic: Sample sentence one with evidence to support the main topic : According to Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in testimony before the 115th Congress, “In 2016, over 11 million Americans misused prescription opioids … and 2.1 million had an opioid use disorder due to prescription opioids” (Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis, 2017, p. 2).

C. Sample sentence two with evidence to support the main topic : Volkow indicated “more than 300,000 Americans have died of an opioid overdose” since 2013 (Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis, 2017, p.2).

D. Sample sentence three with evidence to support the main topic : According to Perez-Pena (2017), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 25,000 people in the United States died in 2015 from overdosing on opioids Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone.

E. Toward the end of the introduction, include your thesis statement written in the 3rd-person point-of-view: Sample thesis statement : Potential solutions to the growing opioid epidemic may be illuminated by examining how opioid addiction is triggered through aggressive pharmaceutical marketing, how opioid addiction manifests among prescribed patients, and how economic downturns play a role in the increase of opioid addiction.

F. Write down the library sources you can use in this introductory paragraph to help support the main topic.

  • Federal Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis, 2017
  • Perez-Pena, 2017
  • Writing Tip : For more help writing an introduction, please refer to this article on introductions and conclusions .

II. FIRST CAUSE

A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the first cause of the opioid epidemic: Sample topic sentence that introduces the first cause : One issue that helped contribute to the opioid epidemic is aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical manufacturers.

B. Now provide sentences with evidence to support the first cause: Sample sentence one with evidence that supports the first cause : Perez-Pena (2017) concluded that while the healthcare industry was attempting to effectively and efficiently treat patients with chronic pain, pharmaceutical companies were providing funding to prominent doctors, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups in order to win support for a particular drug’s adoption and usage.

C. Sample sentence two with evidence to support the first cause : In fact, pharmaceutical companies continue to spend millions on promotional activities and materials that deny or trivialize any risks of opioid use while at the same time overstating each drug’s benefit (Perez-Pina, 2017).

D. Next, add more information or provide concluding or transitional sentences that foreshadows the upcoming second cause: Sample concluding and transitional sentence that foreshadow the second cause : Although aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies played a large role in opioid addiction, patients are to blame too, as many take advantage of holes in the healthcare provider system in order to remedy their addiction.

E. Write down the library sources you can use in this body paragraph to help support the first cause:

  • Writing Tip : For more assistance working with sources, please visit the Using Sources page here.

III. SECOND CAUSE

A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the second cause.

B. Now provide sentences with evidence to support the second cause.

C. Next, add more information or provide concluding or transitional sentences that foreshadows the upcoming third cause.

D. Write down the library sources you can use in this body paragraph to help support the second cause:

  • Writing Tip : Listen to Writing Powerful Sentences for information and features of effective writing.

IV. THIRD CAUSE

A. First provide a topic sentence that introduces the third cause.

B. Now provide sentences with evidence to support the third cause.

C. Next, add more information or provide a concluding sentence or two.

D. Write down the library sources you can use in this body paragraph to help support the third cause:

V. CONCLUSION: Summary of key points and evidence discussed.

  • Writing Tip : For more help writing a conclusion, refer to this podcast on endings .
  • Writing Tip : Have a question? Leave a comment below or Purdue Global students, click here to access the Purdue Global Writing Center tutoring platform and available staff.
  • Writing Tip : Ready to have someone look at your paper? Purdue Global students, click here to submit your assignment for feedback through our video paper review service.

See a Sample Informative Essay Outline here .

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dang bro i got an A

Having faith with all this mentioned, that i will pass my english class at a college. Thank you for posting.

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informational essay format college

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

informational essay format college

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!

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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

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ENG 101: The Informative Essay

About the informative essay.

  • Developing Questions
  • The Thesis Statement
  • Reading Scholarly Sources
  • Collecting Scholarly Information
  • Research Databases
  • MLA Resources

Writing Resources

Press the green button if you

informational essay format college

Press the red button if you 

informational essay format college

Write an informative essay that does the following:

  • Clearly informs the reader about a topic without presenting your opinion.
  • Correctly uses required style (e.g. MLA or APA ) to organize and format the essay, and to create in-text citations and a bibliography.
  • Cites research from academically reliable sources from library databases.
  • Includes a properly developed introduction and conclusion.
  • Is grammatically correct with few errors in spelling or mechanics.

NOTE: For specific requirements (i.e. - formatting style, number of pages, etc.) follow your instructor's guidelines.

Image from page 3 of Myles, R., & Tuang, H. (2014). Grade 2: Informative writing lessons . The Los Angeles Unified School District's Academic English Mastery Program. https://achieve.lausd.net/cms/lib/CA01000043/Centricity/Domain/217/MELD_Informative_CCSS_Lesson_2.pdf

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informational essay format college

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I have been a librarian for over 15 years with both public and academic library experience.  Some professional positions I held prior to coming to Gateway are as follows: 

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informational essay format college

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Your topic is the essential idea of your paper. It is usually a few words or a phrase that summarizes the subject of your paper. For your thesis statement, try to make your topic as specific as possible.

State your main idea about this topic

What are you trying to state or prove about your topic? What are you trying to persuade the reader to believe? When stating your opinion, be sure to:

  • express one major ideal
  • name the topic and assert something specific about it
  • take a stance on an issue that you can support with facts and reasons.
  • state your position on or opinion about the issue.

Give a reason that supports your main idea

Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.

Give another reason that supports your main idea

Give one more reason that supports your main idea.

Tell us one reason that supports your opinion. Write your reason as a clear statement. Be sure that you can support this reason with logical facts and evidence.

Include an opposing viewpoint to your main idea, if applicable

A good thesis statement acknowledges that there is always another side to the argument. So, include an opposing viewpoint (a counterargument) to your opinion. Basically, write down what a person who disagrees with your position might say about your topic.

Click the button to generate your thesis statement!

Use this assignment calculator  to determine when you should complete each part of a writing project, such as research papers and speeches (1).

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1. University of Minnesota Libraries. (n.d.). Assignment calculator . University of Minnesota. Retrieved May 24, 2022, from https://www.lib.umn.edu/services/ac

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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

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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!

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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.

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Informative Essay Outline 

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

An informative essay outline is outlined in the following way:

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.

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informational essay format college

Mar 20, 2023

How to Write an Informative Essay | Outlines and Examples

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

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

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

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

What Is an Informative Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Create an Informative Essay Outline?

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

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

I. Introduction

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

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

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

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

II. Body Paragraphs

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

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

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

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

III. Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose a Topic

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

Conduct Research

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

Create a Thesis Statement

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

Create an Introduction

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

Create Body Paragraphs

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

Create a Conclusion

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

Proofread and Edit

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

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

Comprehensive Analysis of All of the Outline's Subsections

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

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

Introduction:

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

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

Controversial Arguments: 

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

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

The Conclusion: 

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

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

2 Informative Essay Examples

The Key Causes Resulting in Water Pollution

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

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

Industrial activities:

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

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

Agricultural practices:

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

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

Household activities:

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

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

Mining activities:

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

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

Oil spills:

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

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

Impacts of water pollution:

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

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

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

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

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

The Importance of Education in the 21st Century

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

Globalisation and Technological Advancements:

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

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

Employability:

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

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

Personal Development:

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

Social Development:

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

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

Environmental Sustainability:

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

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

Innovation and Creativity:

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

Conclusion:

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

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

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

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How to Write an Informative Essay?

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.

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Examples

Informative Essay

informational essay format college

An Informative Essay stands out in the academic world as a tool for students to elaborate on specific topics with depth and clarity. By incorporating factual details and supporting evidence, these essays educate and enlighten the reader. This guide, enriched with practical essay examples , is tailored to assist students in mastering the art of crafting compelling and informative essays. Whether for school assignments or personal exploration, these examples provide valuable insights into effective informative essay writing.

What is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is a genre of writing aimed at educating the audience on a particular topic or subject. This type of essay doesn’t just offer facts but also provides insights and explanations to help readers understand the subject matter more deeply. Unlike persuasive essays, which aim to convince readers of a particular viewpoint, informative essays are neutral; they do not express the writer’s personal opinions or arguments.

Informative Essay Bundle

Download Informative Essay Bundle

You may have already been flooded with all these load of essays that your teacher asked you to write. You are probably thinking of a clever way on how to get away from the situation where you probably have not ever dreamed of. However, it is a task that we should all be thankful for.  Essay writing actually brings more benefits than browsing through those social media platforms that you have already memorized. It does not only sharpen your minds and makes you more creative than putting likes and hitting shares of your friends’ post. The ability to share something from your mind is definitely a plausible act.

Informative Essay Format

Crafting an informative essay requires a structured approach to organize the wealth of information in a way that’s easily understandable to the reader. The format of an informative essay typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Following this format helps in developing a coherent and logically flowing essay that effectively informs the reader.

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the entire essay. It should start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, such as a surprising fact, a question, or a vivid description of the topic. Following the hook, provide some background information to help readers understand the context of the essay. Finally, the introduction should end with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main points or aspects of the topic that will be discussed. This statement acts as a roadmap for the essay, guiding the reader through the information presented.
Components of the Introduction: Hook : Engages the reader’s interest. Background Information : Provides context for the topic. Thesis Statement : Outlines the main points to be discussed.

Body Paragraphs

The body of an informative essay is where the main information is presented. It should be divided into paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point or aspect of the topic. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the point to be discussed. Follow this with supporting details, such as facts, examples, statistics, and quotes from credible sources. Each paragraph should be coherent and focused, contributing to the overall argument or presentation of the topic.
Structure of Body Paragraphs: Topic Sentence : Introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Supporting Details : Facts, examples, and evidence supporting the topic sentence. Transition : Smoothly connects to the next paragraph or point.
The conclusion of an informative essay wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points discussed. It should restate the thesis statement in a new way, reflecting the information presented in the essay. The conclusion can also highlight the importance or relevance of the topic, offering final insights or thoughts for the reader to consider. This section should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the topic and its significance. Elements of the Conclusion: Restatement of Thesis : Reflects the main points made in the essay. Summary of Main Points : Briefly recaps the key information discussed. Final Insight : Offers closing thoughts or implications of the topic.

Formatting Tips:

Use clear and concise language throughout the essay. Ensure each paragraph flows logically to the next. Cite sources where necessary to back up facts and claims. Keep the essay focused on informing the reader, avoiding personal opinions.

Types of Informative Essay

Types of Informative Essay

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  • Descriptive Essay : Provides a detailed description of a person, place, object, or event, using sensory details to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
  • Definition Essay : Explores the meaning, history, and implications of a complex concept or term, offering a deep and thorough understanding beyond basic definitions.
  • Compare and Contrast Essay : Analyzes two or more subjects by comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences, highlighting the nuances between them.
  • Cause and Effect Essay : Examines the reasons why something happened (cause) and the outcomes that followed (effect), aiming to establish a clear relationship between events.
  • Process Analysis Essay : Explains how something is done, how something occurs, or how something works, in a step-by-step format, providing clear instructions or insights.
  • Problem-Solution Essay : Identifies a specific problem and proposes one or more solutions, focusing on presenting viable and effective ways to address the issue at hand.
  • Classification Essay : Organizes or sorts different subjects or objects into categories based on shared characteristics, providing a clear understanding of their relationships and differences.
  • Expository Essay : Presents a balanced analysis of a topic, using facts, statistics, and examples, aiming to explain or clarify a subject in a straightforward, unbiased manner.

How is an Informative Essay Structured?

An informative essay is structured in a clear, organized manner to effectively convey information to the reader. This structure consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. Here’s how each part is typically organized:

  • Hook : Begins with a captivating opening to grab the reader’s attention. This could be an interesting fact, a question, or a startling statistic related to the topic.
  • Background Information : Provides context for the topic being discussed. This section gives the reader any necessary background information to understand the essay.
  • Thesis Statement : Concludes the introduction with a clear, concise statement that outlines the main points or focus of the essay. This statement guides the rest of the essay.
  • Topic Sentence : Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, relating back to the thesis statement.
  • Supporting Details : These are facts, examples, or explanations that provide evidence to support the topic sentence. This may include statistics, quotes from credible sources, or logical arguments.
  • Analysis : This section interprets the supporting details, explaining how they relate to the topic and the thesis statement. It’s where the writer’s insight comes into play, providing depth to the information presented.
  • Transition : Each paragraph ends with a sentence that provides a smooth transition to the next paragraph, maintaining the flow of the essay.
  • Summary of Main Points : Begins by briefly summarizing the key points or information presented in the body paragraphs, reinforcing the essay’s main ideas.
  • Restatement of the Thesis : Reiterates the thesis statement in light of the information and analysis provided, emphasizing the essay’s main argument or focus.
  • Closing Statement : Concludes with a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to ponder or suggesting steps for further exploration of the topic

7 steps for Writing an Informative Essay

  • Choose Your Topic : Select a topic that interests you and meets the assignment’s criteria. Ensure it is broad enough to research but narrow enough to be covered in your essay.
  • Conduct Research : Gather information from reliable sources to understand your topic thoroughly. Look for facts, statistics, and examples that will provide a solid foundation for your essay.
  • Create an Outline : Organize your thoughts and research into an outline. This will help structure your essay logically, ensuring a clear flow of ideas from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion.
  • Write the Introduction : Begin with a hook to capture the reader’s interest, followed by background information to set the context for your topic. Conclude the introduction with a thesis statement that presents the main focus or argument of your essay.
  • Develop Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence, followed by evidence and examples. Include your analysis to explain how this evidence relates to your topic.
  • Conclude Your Essay : Summarize the main points of your essay, restate your thesis in light of the information provided, and offer a final thought or call to action. This is your chance to reinforce the importance of your topic and the information you’ve presented.
  • Revise and Edit : Review your essay for any errors or unclear parts. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and logically organized. It may help to get feedback from others or to step away from your essay for a while before reviewing it again.

Purpose of Informative Essays

Informative essays serve a foundational role in educational and communication contexts, aiming to enlighten the reader on a specific topic or subject matter. The core purpose of these essays is to inform, explain, and educate without presenting the author’s opinion or persuading the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. Here’s a deeper look into the primary objectives of informative essays:

Educate the Reader

The most direct purpose of an informative essay is to educate its audience. By presenting facts, data, and detailed explanations, the essay seeks to expand the reader’s knowledge on a given subject. This is particularly valuable in academic settings, where understanding diverse topics is essential to a well-rounded education.

Provide Clarity and Insight

Informative essays often tackle complex subjects that may be difficult to understand at first glance. Through clear writing and structured explanation, these essays break down intricate concepts into digestible parts, offering insight and clarity. They help the reader grasp the nuances of topics ranging from scientific theories to historical events and beyond.

Enhance Critical Thinking

By presenting information from various angles and including detailed analyses, informative essays encourage readers to engage in critical thinking. Readers are prompted to consider the hows and whys of the subject matter, analyze the information presented, and connect it to broader contexts or their personal knowledge.

Stimulate Interest

Although the primary aim is to inform, a well-crafted informative essay can also spark interest in the topic. By uncovering intriguing facts or presenting the subject in a compelling manner, the essay can motivate readers to explore the topic further on their own, fostering a culture of learning and curiosity.

Support Academic and Professional Success

In academic settings, informative essays are a tool for students to demonstrate their understanding of a topic, their ability to conduct thorough research, and their proficiency in communicating complex ideas. Professionally, these essays contribute to knowledge sharing within industries, helping individuals stay informed about current trends, innovations, and foundational concepts.

Build Foundation for Further Exploration

Informative essays lay the groundwork for deeper research and exploration. By providing a comprehensive overview of a topic, they equip readers with the basic knowledge necessary to delve into more specialized studies or related subjects, serving as a stepping stone for academic and personal growth.

10+Informative Essay Samples

15+ informative essay examples.

Informative Essay Example

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Informative Essay Outline

Informative Essay Outline

School Informative Essay

School Informative Essay

Informative Essay Example

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Expository Informative Example

Expository Informative Example

Student Informative Sample

Student Informative Sample1

Short Informative Essay

Short Informative Essay

What Is an Informative Essay?

Informative essay is a written as literary essay piece with the purpose of educating a target audience or readers regarding a certain topic or subject.

It is intended to present or expose something while at the same time avoiding to present arguments or personal opinion from the writer. An informative essay is also sometimes called an expository essay in the sense that it also aims to expose or display an information which will be beneficial for the reader.

It does not present bias judgments nor favorable ideas. It does not also dwell in the concept of convincing readers to do things that are contrary to their will.

How to Write an Informative Essay

Writing an informative essay is like telling a blind person what is the color of the sky or telling a kid what are ice creams made of. You simply just have to present a topic and expand.

  • Think of a topic. The first thing that you have to do is think of a topic that you want to right about. It would be good if it is something that you are most passionate about so you can write in great details.
  • Create a format. The most effective format is using the essential parts of an essay .
  • Present your ideas. After choosing the topic, start writing your ideas. Try to present it in a way that you are educating the readers.

College Informative Essay

College Informative Essay

Middle School Informative

Middle School Informative

Narrative Informative Example

informational essay format college

Informative Essay Example

Informative Essay Example

Sample Informative Essay

Sample Informative Essay

Informative Organizer Essay

Informative Organizar Essay

Informative Assignment Essay

Informative Assignment Essay

Uses of Informative Essay

1. educational tools.

  • Learning and Teaching : Informative essays are widely used in educational settings to teach students about specific topics. They serve as a means for students to research, organize, and present information, enhancing their learning process. For educators, these essays are a tool to assess students’ understanding and ability to communicate knowledge effectively.

2. Enhancing Understanding

  • Complex Concept Clarification : These essays break down complex concepts into more understandable parts, making it easier for readers to grasp difficult subjects. They can demystify scientific principles, historical events, or technological advancements, providing clarity and insight.

3. Communication of Ideas

  • Knowledge Sharing : In professional and academic communities, informative essays facilitate the sharing of knowledge and ideas. They allow experts to communicate findings, theories, and analyses, contributing to the collective understanding of a field.

4. Awareness and Information Dissemination

  • Public Awareness : Informative essays play a crucial role in raising awareness about important issues, such as health, environmental concerns, and social justice. By presenting facts and information, they help inform public opinion and encourage informed decision-making.

5. Basis for Further Research

  • Foundation for Exploration : These essays provide a foundation for further research. By offering a comprehensive overview of a topic, they can inspire readers to explore subjects in greater depth, paving the way for advanced studies and discoveries.

6. Professional Development

  • Skill Enhancement : Writing informative essays helps individuals develop valuable skills, including research, critical thinking, organization, and writing. These skills are essential in many professional contexts, enhancing career prospects and professional competence.

7. Decision Making and Problem Solving

  • Informed Decisions : In the business world and personal life, informative essays can provide the necessary background to make informed decisions. Understanding all aspects of a situation or topic can lead to better problem-solving strategies and outcomes.

8. Cultural and Social Engagement

  • Cultural Insight : Essays about cultural practices, societal trends, and historical backgrounds offer readers insights into different ways of life and perspectives, promoting cultural understanding and empathy.

9. Personal Growth

  • Intellectual Stimulation : Reading and writing informative essays can be intellectually stimulating, encouraging curiosity and a love for learning. They can broaden one’s horizons and foster a more informed and thoughtful perspective on the world.

Importance of Informative Essay

  • Facilitates Learning and Education : They are essential tools in educational settings, helping students learn and understand various topics across different subjects.
  • Promotes Critical Thinking : Writing and reading informative essays encourage critical thinking by requiring analysis and synthesis of information.
  • Enhances Research Skills : The process of writing an informative essay improves research skills, teaching individuals how to gather, evaluate, and organize information effectively.
  • Improves Writing and Communication Skills : Informative essays help in honing writing skills, including structuring arguments, maintaining clarity, and engaging the audience with informative content.
  • Encourages Intellectual Curiosity : They stimulate curiosity about the world, encouraging readers and writers to explore topics deeply and broadly.
  • Supports Informed Decision Making : By presenting facts and data, informative essays enable readers to make decisions based on knowledge and insights rather than assumptions or misinformation.
  • Builds a Foundation for Further Study : They lay the groundwork for more in-depth research and analysis, serving as a stepping stone to more specialized studies.
  • Spreads Awareness on Important Issues : Informative essays are a powerful medium for raising awareness about social, environmental, and health-related issues, contributing to public education and action.
  • Promotes Cultural Understanding and Empathy : Essays on cultural and societal topics promote understanding and empathy towards different communities and ways of life.
  • Contributes to Professional Development : The skills gained from researching and writing informative essays are valuable in professional settings, enhancing abilities in documentation, presentation, and critical analysis.
  • Serves as a Source of Inspiration : Reading informative essays can inspire new ideas, hobbies, or even career paths by introducing readers to previously unknown subjects or deeper aspects of familiar topics.
  • Facilitates Clear and Effective Information Dissemination : In both academic and professional contexts, the ability to clearly and effectively disseminate information is critical, and informative essays are an excellent medium for this purpose.

How Do You Start an Informative Essay Sentence?

Start an informative essay sentence with a hook such as a surprising fact, a question, or a quote to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the topic.

How Do You Structure an Informative Essay?

Structure an informative essay with an introduction that includes a hook and thesis statement, body paragraphs that explore the topic in detail, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points.

What Should Each Body Paragraph Begin With?

Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, directly supporting the thesis statement.

What Are the Informative Writing Techniques?

Informative writing techniques include using clear and concise language, organizing information logically, employing facts and data for support, and incorporating visuals like charts or graphs to enhance understanding.

How Do You Start an Informative Letter?

Start an informative letter with a polite greeting, followed by a clear introduction of the purpose of the letter. Provide the necessary information in a concise and organized manner.

What Are the Parts of an Informative Essay?

The parts of an informative essay include the introduction with a hook and thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details, and a conclusion that summarizes the essay’s main points.

The basic parts or elements of an essay are the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. These are all important parts which of course constitutes the wholeness of your essay.

So each part has to be given with special importance. The conclusion of essay , which is the last part, should be your chance to make your readers understand the whole point of your topic.

This is the chance for you to clarify some important things that you want to highlight. It is advisable that you write at least three to five sentences for your conclusion in order for it not to become too explanatory which you have already done on the previous part.

Informative Essay Generator

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  • Instructive
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Crafting the Perfect Thesis for Your Informative Essay

How to Research Effectively for an Informative Essay

Structuring Your Informative Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting the Best Topic for Your Informative Essay

The Importance of Editing Your Informative Essay

Incorporating Visuals into Your Informative Essay

Tips for Writing an Engaging Informative Essay Introduction

Developing Strong Arguments in Your Informative Essay

Informative Essay Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Avoiding Plagiarism in Your Informative Essay

informative essay guide

Informative Essay Guide: Topics, Outline, Examples, Tips

informational essay format college

When writing an informative essay, you must understand what source of argumentation it stems from. Additionally, you must follow an informative essay format, which has its own peculiarities. You may be familiar with expository essays where the author must investigate and evaluate various evidence. Moreover, the author must provide the argumentation for the stated idea as well. If you study in one of the best colleges for astrophysics , or any other, an informative essay may be the one you write very often.

What Is an Informative Essay?

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

informative essay guide

Informative writing:

  • based on cold facts, statistics, and scientific evidence;
  • not supposed to give the author’s opinion. ‍
‍ Example: When writing an informative essay about marketing for the audience of students who have no idea of startups and business, try to express the main idea with the help of special words. Great words to use are brainstorming, A/B testing, target audience, customer research, copywriting, etc. Give professional definitions. In some cases, use specific examples to explain the meaning of words.

informational essay format college

Informative Essay Outline

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

start informative essay

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

Your informative essay outline should look like this:

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

outline informative essay

Informative Essay Introduction

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

Informative Essay Body

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

Informative Essay Thesis Statement

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

Informative Essay Conclusion

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

writing conclusion

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

Informative Essay Topics

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

Social Issues Topics

Here are some topic ideas on social issues:

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

Educational Topics

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

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

Historical Topics

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

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

Business Topics

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

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

Religion Topics

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

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

Tips on Writing an Informative Essay

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

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

Brainstorming

  • Introduction
  • Body-paragraphs

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

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

How to Write an Informative Essay?

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

How to Write an Informative Essay Introduction?

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

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

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

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

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

before writing an informative paper

How to Write an Informative Essay Body?

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

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

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

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

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

3d body paragraph - Lyrical Meaning

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

How to Write Informative Essay Conclusion?

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

how to finish an inormative essay

Informative Essay Examples

Is traditional education better than remote learning?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Examples of Informative Essays

Woman Typing an Essay

  • DESCRIPTION Woman Typing an Essay
  • SOURCE paulaphoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus
  • PERMISSION Used under Getty Images license

The purpose of an informative essay is to educate others on a certain topic. Typically, these essays will answer one of the five Ws: who, what, where, when, and why. Of course, they can also answer "how," indicating how to do something.

Informative essays must never express your opinion or try to convince others to take a certain action or stance. That role is expressly reserved for persuasive essays . Of course, if your informative essay is interesting enough, it may move readers to learn more about the subject, but they'll have to come to that on their own, thanks to the wealth of interesting information you present.

Read our examples of informative essays and learn more about choosing a topic and how to write an informative essay to help you get started.

Structure of an Informative Essay

The basic structure of an informative essay is very simple. It needs to have a beginning, middle, and end. These are known more formally as the introduction, body, and conclusion, respectively.

The Introduction

The beginning, otherwise known as the introduction, is your opportunity to present your thesis statement and grab the attention of the reader. Your thesis statement must be one sentence, making it very clear what the reader will be informed about.

The introduction can be anywhere from a paragraph to a page, depending on the requirements and circumstances. Use this opportunity to introduce the main idea, provide any pertinent definitions, and briefly describe what will be covered. Above all else, the introduction must clearly state what readers are about to explore. Be sure to steer clear of any evidence of your opinion on the topic.

Below, you'll find two informative essay introduction examples to help you brainstorm your own ideas.

Sample Introduction #1 : This essay discusses the topic of donating blood.

When you woke up this morning, did you think today would be the day you save a life? In fact, it's quite easy to save a life and it only takes a little bit of your time. You don't even need to be a paramedic or firefighter. All you have to do is set aside approximately one hour to donate blood. This essay will explore how to donate blood, whom it benefits, and how often you can contribute to these life-saving measures.

Sample Introduction #2: This essay explores the history of Ireland from the perspective of its iconic castles.

Ireland is a country steeped in history. In fact, its history dates beyond 3,000 B.C, when the megalithic tombs were constructed in Newgrange. Throughout the country's expansive evolution, the Irish fought time and again to maintain their independence as a sovereign nation. Evidence of the rich history is clearly visible through its many castles, including Leighlinbridge Castle and Carlow Castle, two of Ireland's oldest establishments.

The middle, otherwise known as the body, is your opportunity to expound upon the thesis statement and grab the attention of the audience with solid facts, statistics, statements , and other supporting details.

The body will be several paragraphs long, comprising the bulk of the essay. This is where you'll provide further details about the main idea. Be sure you delve deeply into every area previously outlined in the introduction.

The Conclusion

The end, otherwise known as the conclusion , is your opportunity to summarize the essay in a paragraph or two. It should spur the reader to want to learn more about the topic. Be sure to reiterate the thesis statement clearly. In your introduction, you may have laid out what would be covered in the essay. Offer a sentence or two reiterating what was learned about those topic areas.

After that, offer up a few closing remarks that gloss over the most important elements. End on a high note, encouraging your readers to learn more or contemplate the most important elements of your essay. You may even pose a rhetorical question.

Below, you'll find two sample conclusions to help you brainstorm your own ideas.

Sample Conclusion #1 : This concludes the essay example above on the topic of donating blood. Note how it emphasizes the simplicity of the process.

The process of donating blood is decidedly simple. Many folks carry out the process while reading a chapter from a new book or watching an episode of their favorite TV show. Indeed, the infinitesimal amount of time it takes to donate blood can transfer into a lifetime of happiness for the recipient. Remember to bring juice or something sugary to keep your glucose levels high at the end of the procedure. Then, hold your head up high, knowing there's a life out there that's about to be saved by you.

Sample Conclusion #2 : This conclusion to the Ireland essay example reiterates the "ferocity of its people."

If Ireland isn't an example of a rebel nation, what is? The ferocity of its people is clearly evidenced by the fact that Leighlinbridge Castle was built and rebuilt three times before it was finally sacked by the Cromwellians. Carlow Castle's staggering history earmarks Ireland's triumphant history too, starting as a mighty fortress and surviving numerous rebellions. Indeed, Ireland is a country storied in history and its many castles are the tellers of its tale.

Sample Informative Essay

In the sample below, note a few things as you read. Try to keep an eye out for the thesis statement in the first paragraph. Then, note the transition words in two of the body paragraphs. They are, "Also in line with safety…" and "In terms of fun…" Finally, in-text citations will vary, based on your teacher's style guide, so be sure to double-check those. Download the PDF version below the essay to keep as a handy reminder.

The title of the following essay is "How to Travel Solo Successfully."

James Baldwin said it best. "I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself" (Baldwin, 2014). Solo travel will not only reveal colorful new heights, it will also introduce you to yourself - your resiliency, your sense of adventure, your independence. Learning how to travel solo is as intrinsic as tying your shoes, and it is something that can be learned today. The first, most obvious, way to travel solo successfully is to research your area. The number one indicator of a tourist is someone stopped in the middle of the sidewalk scanning the GPS on their phone. According to World Travel News Report, four in fifteen tourists will be pickpocketed if they stand still on a busy street (Parker, 2019). Arrive well-informed on the area. Understand the public transportation system to the point where you can blend in as a local. Also in line with safety, you may want to splurge on accommodations. You can stay alone in a hostel, but read the reviews carefully. Make sure it is in a safe area and security is a priority for them. You might even want to consider a private room, some of which include a private bath. In terms of fun, pack for your lack of companionship. Bring a blank journal to record your adventures. Pack a paperback to enjoy while you wait out a rainstorm in a coffee shop. World traveler Samantha Byrnes says, "I never travel with friends. When I'm exploring a new continent, my journal is my only sidekick" (Byrnes, 2018). This allows her to absorb her new surroundings, make new acquaintances, and focus on the act of encountering herself. Byrnes continues, "We lost sight of ourselves in the day-to-day. We focus on work, family, to-do lists, chores. Solo travel allows us to return to ourselves so that, when we resume our day-to-day activities, we can give our all" (Byrnes, 2018). Learning how to travel solo successfully is an achievable feat. You can stay safe if you remain knowledgeable on the area and choose your accommodations wisely. Beyond that, you can experience true transformation through the simple act of carrying a tattered old journal. What do you say? Will you explore solo travel? Choose wisely, for it just might change your life forever.

Example Informative Essay

Example Informative Essay

Subject matter.

Have you been tasked with writing an informative essay? If the topic is open, the first thing you must ask yourself is, "What interests me the most?" This will make the task far less laborious. Take something you're already knowledgeable about and share it with the world, citing other sources and stating current facts and statistics.

This is your chance to add to others' viewpoints on a subject as long as you don't include your own opinions. Allow them to analyze the data, perhaps in a cause and effect layout. Or, you can educate them on how to do something, create something, or solve a problem.

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
  • Foreign cultures
  • U.S. stock market
  • Biographies
  • Architecture in Paris
  • History of the Titanic

Example Essay Titles

While your introduction must be carefully crafted in order to reel readers in, your essay title is the first thing they encounter, and it needs to be enticing. Formulate a clear title, indicating what's about to be discussed. Find a way to invite others to want to learn more. Remember to follow these rules for capitalization in titles .

Here are some possible titles for inspiration:

  • How to Donate Blood
  • A Brief History of Ireland
  • Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol and Heart Disease
  • How to Buy a House
  • Understanding Your Credit Score
  • Defining Poverty in the City of Chicago
  • The Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet
  • The Importance of Regular Daily Exercise
  • Top Three Causes of Global Warming
  • Reducing Carbon Emissions With Alternative Fuels
  • The Many Cost Savings of Hybrid Vehicles
  • Understanding Geothermal Heating and Cooling
  • Why Cleaning Your Air Ducts Is Important
  • Qualifications for Contractors
  • How to Get a Commercial Driver's License

Essay Writing Steps

Most of the work on an informative essay is done before you actually sit down to type.

  • Select an appropriate topic.
  • Research and gather ideas about the subject. See what you already know about the subject as you uncover other areas you still need to research.
  • Make a list of these important facts. Be sure all the facts are accurate. This is a good time to craft your thesis statement as well as a topic sentence for each fact you'd like to include.
  • Create an outline that will organize your facts in a logical way. After this, you'll be ready to make your first draft.
  • Write your essay based on the outline you've created. Ensure that one section naturally flows into the next.
  • Proofread and edit your work. Editing is an important step for any writing project. Reading your essay out loud will help you notice areas where your writing may be unclear or awkwardly worded.

If possible, have someone else read your essay and offer their ideas for improvement. Of course, don't forget to pay attention to grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and other errors as well.

Knowledge Is Power

An informative essay is the best way to explain something complicated - in an uncomplicated way. Even though you're (hopefully) writing on a topic of interest to you, be sure to back up each claim with substantial facts and statistics. Let the content speak for itself, inviting readers to learn more.

Informative essays are powerful, persuasive essays are moving, but have you ever been tasked with a narrative essay? Enjoy the wonders of this third form of essay writing in Narrative Essay Examples and let the endless exchange of knowledge begin!

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5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding.

Unlike an argumentative essay, it aims to remain objective and neutral throughout.

It generally follows this essay format:

expository essay format and structure template

Below are five expository essays to demonstrate style and tone.

Expository Essay Examples

#1 impacts of technology on education.

955 words | 4 Pages | 15 References

impact of technology on education essay

Thesis Statement: “The integration of technology in education represents a complex and critical area of study crucial for understanding and shaping the future of educational practices.”

#2 Impacts of Globalization on Education

1450 words | 5 Pages | 9 References

impacts of globalization on education essay

Thesis Statement: “This essay examines the profound and multifaceted effects of globalization on education, exploring how technological advancements and policy reforms have transformed access to, delivery of, and perceptions of education.”

#3 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Interpersonal Relationships

1211 Words | 5 Pages | 22 References

emotional intelligence essay

Thesis Statement: “The central thesis is that EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is a crucial determinant of success and well-being.”

#4 The Future of Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact

870 words | 4 Pages | 20 References

renewable energy essay

Thesis Statement: “The essay posits that although renewable energy sources hold immense promise for a sustainable future, their full integration into the global energy grid presents significant challenges that must be addressed through technological innovation, economic investment, and policy initiatives.”

#5 The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior

1053 words | 4 Pages | 17 References

consumer behavior essay

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this essay is that consumer behavior is not merely a product of rational decision-making; it is deeply rooted in psychological processes, both conscious and subconscious, that drive consumers’ choices and actions.”

How to Write an Expository Essay

expository essay definition and features, explained below

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays, expository essays do not aim to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Instead, they focus on providing a balanced and thorough explanation of a subject.

Key characteristics of an expository essay include:

  • Clarity and Conciseness
  • Structured Organization (Introduction, Body, Conclusion)
  • Objective Tone
  • Evidence-Based (Cite academic sources in every body paragraph)
  • Objective thesis statement (see below)
  • Informative purpose (Not argumentative)

You can follow my expository essay templates with AI prompts to help guide you through the expository essay writing process:

Expository Essay Paragraph Guide

How to write a Thesis Statement for an Expository Essay

An expository thesis statement doesn’t make an argument or try to persuade. It uses ‘is’ rather than ‘ought’ statements.

Take these comparisons  below. Note how the expository thesis statements don’t prosecute an argument or attempt to persuade, while the argumentative thesis statements clearly take a side on an issue:

💡 AI Prompt for Generating Sample Expository Thesis Statements An expository essay’s thesis statement should be objective rather than argumentative. Write me five broad expository thesis statement ideas on the topic “[TOPIC]”.

Go Deeper: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Differences Between Expository and Argumentative Essays

Expository and argumentative essays are both common writing styles in academic and professional contexts, but they serve different purposes and follow different structures.

Here are the key differences between them:

  • Expository Essay : The primary purpose is to explain, describe, or inform about a topic. It focuses on clarifying a subject or process, providing understanding and insight.
  • Argumentative Essay : The goal is to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view or to take a specific action. It’s about presenting a stance and supporting it with evidence and logic.
  • Expository Essay : It maintains a neutral and objective tone. The writer presents information factually and impartially, without expressing personal opinions or biases.
  • Argumentative Essay : It often adopts a more assertive, persuasive, and subjective tone. The writer takes a clear position and argues in favor of it, using persuasive language.
  • Expository Essay : The reader is expected to gain knowledge, understand a process, or become informed about a topic. There’s no expectation for the reader to agree or disagree.
  • Argumentative Essay : The reader is encouraged to consider the writer’s viewpoint, evaluate arguments, and possibly be persuaded to adopt a new perspective or take action.

Go Deeper: Expository vs Argumentative Essays

Ready to Write your Essay?

Expository Essay Template

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your expository essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

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Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
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Informative Essay Examples

Any form of impairment or a combination of impairments, be it cognitive, mental, intellectual or physical is called a disability. Disabilities substantially affect the life of a person suffering from them and in extreme conditions can destroy the presence of such a person and his or her loved ones lives...

  • Informative

597 words | 2 page(s)

Red Bull entered the energy drink scene in 1997, and it is now the most popular energy drink worldwide. The drink is infused with multiple vitamins and caffeine, which people drink in order to remain alert and focused. Another popular reason to drink the energy drink is to mix it...

634 words | 3 page(s)

During the initial introduction of the reading, we are provided with a quick illustration of the mother character, Mrs. Bryson, who is the mother of the narrator, Bill. We are given a description that leads to the premise that she is a bumbling, disorganized buffoon floundering about each day to...

652 words | 3 page(s)

Introduction: Animal testing is one of the most important and hotly debated themes related to both medicine and ethics. As it is closely connected with two independent spheres of human life, there exist plenty of opinions either supporting or opposing animal testing. Some people support this measure from a medical...

629 words | 3 page(s)

For fans of film, the idea that nearly a century ago sound in motion pictures did not exist is hard to imagine. Silent, black and white movies are relics of the past, although occasionally a modern film such as The Artist finds its way to Hollywood and is appreciated for...

823 words | 3 page(s)

While the Greenpeace and Unfriend Coal Campaign against Facebook entails many factors, I feel that Facebook has an ethical decision to use its purchasing power, name, and corporate influence to set an example for the world. The company has made millions of dollars and has the finances to make sure...

506 words | 2 page(s)

Hi, everyone! My name is Hong Shen and I am going to talk about Bullying which is a complex phenomenon that we seen in our society today. The main purpose of my talk today is to discuss about different forms of bullying and demonstrate that bullying has an impact on...

1077 words | 4 page(s)

General Purpose: To inform the audience on the sport of shotput Specific Purpose: To present the history of shotput, including how it began, its role as a competitive sport, and to demonstrate shotput technique. Thesis: The sport of shotput, which involves throwing a ball as far as one can, has...

601 words | 3 page(s)

Obesity is a condition of being overweight or excessively fat. In health sciences, this condition has been classified as a lifestyle condition that is caused by poor eating habit and lack of physical exercises. According to the World Health Organization, the rate of obesity, especially among children and teens has...

610 words | 3 page(s)

According to the article Enhancing Quality of Education through E-Learning : The Case Study of Allama Iqbal Open University by Pakistani scholars Muhammad Iqbal and Mumtaz Ahmad e-learning enhances the quality of education at the university level. Using the method of case study, the authors explore the benefits of e-learning...

591 words | 2 page(s)

Introduction Attention getter: many of you have watched the television show scandal and have an idea of what it is about. Purpose Statement: My speech aims to inform the audience there is something more than meets the eye about the television show scandal. It will be aiming at making the...

475 words | 2 page(s)

Writing an Informative Essay: Definition and Purpose

Knowing how to write an informative essay entirely is key to unlocking other essay types. Let us explore how we can do this painstakingly. 

Probably today, you might have been browsing, "what is informative writing," and that is why you are here, looking at the informative college essay examples . It is an academic paper aimed at informing a target audience about a particular phenomenon, person, event, or object. 

The information essay aims to explain the topic in detail. In such cases, the presumption is that the readers know nothing at all or limited information on the subject. A perfect example of such an informative piece would be informing the public about handwashing techniques. 

When writing an informative essay, the following should be paramount throughout the paper:

  • Identify a particular topic
  • Explain the topic using specific examples
  • Give professional definitions
  • Show the main ideas using specific particular words

Let's explore the process of writing an informative paper with ease:

Writing an A+ Informative Essay

Now, just by the click of a mouse, you are sure of landing on thousands upon thousands of informative essay examples. However, the effectiveness of using these examples depends on the background of the informative article topic. That is what we are diving into in a moment. Stick with me now.

The Outline of an Informative Paper

1. Choosing a Topic

Many online articles on this essay tend to overlook this critical part. However, we are keen on details, and that is why we would like to cultivate the same mindset in you.

For such an essay to be as informative as possible, the reader should see it from the word go. The topic plays this role. Your informative essay topic should be one you can easily find information about and of interest to the reader. If the problem doesn't seem helpful to the reader, then he/she will throw your paper where it belongs – the bin!

2. The Introductory Paragraph

After creating an appetite for the reader by your topic, the introduction needs to present the problem and grab your audience's attention. Here is a quick way of knowing what you need to on the first paragraph of your informative essay:

  • Start with a general idea
  • Give some background information
  • Foreshadow what you are going to tackle in the body
  • Finish with a clear and precise thesis statement

Thoroughly research all pertinent details pertaining to your subject.

3. The Body

Your readers should be able to get all their questions, doubts and fears answered in this part. Therefore, make sure that all the necessary information and materials are available to your reader in the body. You should sufficiently inform your audience using:

  • A variety of credible sources, facts, and expert insights
  • Accurate statistics
  • Organized and logical examples

Do not leave out any detail. Remember, the topic might be new to some, and those "little details" might be further to them.

4. The Conclusion

End your informative piece by restating the critical nature of the topic and give a summary on both sides of the argument. The primary purpose of your conclusion is to bring together your information in one or two sentences. Therefore, be creative and as unique as possible to achieve this. 

Now, this is important:

An informative essay should not be confused with a persuasive essay. Objectivity and impartiality are the critical features of this essay.

Great Tips To Ponder About

  • Do not go for a broad topic
  • Choose a topic that is relevant to society
  • Check on repetition and inconsistency 

Nevertheless, not all students can comfortably perform this task. Our topnotch writers can provide you with that much-needed help. You can also find many professional examples of informative essays from MyCustomEssay. 

Have a team of vetted experts take you to the top, with professionally written papers in every area of study.

IMAGES

  1. How to Write an Informative Essay

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  2. How To Start An Informative Essay Examples

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  3. College Essay Examples

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  4. How to Write an Informative Five Paragraph Essay

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  5. The Step-by-Step Instruction on How to Write an Informative Essay Outline

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  6. 32 College Essay Format Templates & Examples

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Writing 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…

  2. How to Write an Informative Essay: Expert Guide

    Before you leave, here are 7 simple yet crucial steps for writing an informative essay. Make sure to incorporate them into your writing process: Choose Your Topic: If you're given the freedom to choose your topic, opt for something you're passionate about and can explain effectively in about five paragraphs.

  3. How to Format a College Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

    Again, we'd recommend sticking with standard fonts and sizes—Times New Roman, 12-point is a standard workhorse. You can probably go with 1.5 or double spacing. Standard margins. Basically, show them you're ready to write in college by using the formatting you'll normally use in college.

  4. Informative Essay

    Purpose of informative writing. The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer's motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic's intricacies. Informative essays may introduce readers to new information. Summarizing a scientific/technological study.

  5. 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 ...

  6. ENG 101: The Informative Essay

    An informative essay educates your reader on a topic. It can have one of several functions: ... (e.g. MLA or APA) to organize and format the essay, and to create in-text citations and a bibliography. ... I was a first generation college student and found that the library provided the academic support and empowerment I needed to succeed in my ...

  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: 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 ...

  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 Guide

    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 ...

  11. Informative Essay

    Informed Decisions: In the business world and personal life, informative essays can provide the necessary background to make informed decisions. Understanding all aspects of a situation or topic can lead to better problem-solving strategies and outcomes. 8. Cultural and Social Engagement.

  12. How to Write an Informative Essay

    They are: choosing a topic, researching for an informative essay, constructing an outline of your informative essay, writing and concluding, finalizing, and revising the project. Following these steps will help students write an informative essay correctly. Therefore, this structure is essential to make your informative essay effective and ...

  13. Informative Essay Guide: Topics, Outline, Examples, Tips

    An informative essay is an academic paper written by high school and college students. This kind of informative writing aims to inform the target audience about a particular object, person, situation, or phenomenon. ... When writing in an informational essay format, imagine the readers do not know anything about the topic in front of them. If ...

  14. Informative Essay Outline

    Here is a quick sample informative essay conclusion. "Smoking is responsible for a majority of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. It increases the risk of cancer, stroke, and diabetes. ... Formatting guidelines are also common among high school and college professors. Make sure to follow the font style, spacing, and size instructions.

  15. Expository Essays

    Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument. The five-paragraph Essay. A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays.

  16. PDF Writing an Expository Essay

    Section 1 Essay structure An essay is a piece of writing made up of a number of paragraphs. Each paragraph has a specifi c role in an essay. In a fi ve-paragraph essay, the fi rst paragraph is an introduction; the second, third, and fourth paragraphs form the body of the essay; and the fi fth paragraph is a conclusion (see diagram on page 4).

  17. 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.

  18. 27 Outstanding College Essay Examples From Top Universities 2024

    This college essay tip is by Abigail McFee, Admissions Counselor for Tufts University and Tufts '17 graduate. 2. Write like a journalist. "Don't bury the lede!" The first few sentences must capture the reader's attention, provide a gist of the story, and give a sense of where the essay is heading.

  19. 5 Expository Essay Examples (Full Text with Citations)

    An expository essay attempts to explain a topic in-depth, demonstrating expert knowledge and understanding. Unlike an argumentative essay, it aims to remain objective and neutral throughout. It generally follows this essay format: Open a Copy of the Structure Guide in Google Docs. Below are five expository essays to demonstrate style and tone.

  20. APA Sample Paper

    Note: This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style can be found here. Media Files: APA Sample Student Paper , APA Sample Professional Paper This resource is enhanced by Acrobat PDF files. Download the free Acrobat Reader

  21. Informative Essay Examples

    A perfect example of such an informative piece would be informing the public about handwashing techniques. When writing an informative essay, the following should be paramount throughout the paper: Identify a particular topic. Explain the topic using specific examples. Give professional definitions.