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ENG 101: The Informative Essay

About the Informative Essay

 

Infographic on informative writing that has the word 'inform' downward along the left side; the I reads: include an opening paragraph that tells the topic. N is: name facts in the body of your article. F is: follow the facts with supporting details. O is: organize your writing with transition words. R is: refer to the topic and include key vocabulary. M is: make a closing paragraph related to your topic. An informative essay educates your reader on a topic. It can have one of several functions: to define a term, compare and contrast something, analyze data, or provide how-to instruction. It does not  present an opinion or try to persuade your reader.

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