Barbara P
Barbara P

Informative Essay - Writing Tips, Examples and Topics

11 min read

Published on: Nov 17, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 25, 2023

Informative Essay

On This Page On This Page

Essay writing can be challenging for students. However, it is one common assignment form that almost every student from every level has to attempt.

There are several different essay types that a student will need to write depending on their field of study. No matter which discipline you belong to, there's one thing all your essays have in common; information.

All the essays should be a detailed account of the chosen subject to provide a good understanding to the audience. These essays are known as informative essays that are written for the sole purpose of informing something. It is a form of essay that attempts to educate the reader about a theme.

Continue reading to learn how an informative essay is written professionally by following all the writing rules.

What is an Informative Essay?

An informative essay is described as a document developed to inform and educate the audience about a particular subject. This essay type explains the chosen term or topic and analyzes the data for the readers.

Unlike other essay types that attempt to entertain, the informative essay intends to teach new information to the audience. Moreover, this essay does not form or share an opinion on the topic and only shares subjective information.

An informative essay also compares the controversial and contradicting viewpoints that help to understand the topic better. No matter which field you are writing an essay for, it should present in-depth knowledge and basic facts.

In a nutshell, the function of this essay is to define a term, draw a comparison, and analyze data. It does not present an opinion or tries to persuade the audience.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job

Types of Informative Essay

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

  • Descriptive Essay

    A descriptive essay is an essay type that describes an event, concept, or subject in detail. The writer attempts to paint a picture in the reader’s mind to make them experience what they experience.

    To make the audience understand the topic, the writer uses explanations that hit the five senses. Check out the following example to understand better how a descriptive essay is written.

  • Cause and Effect Essay

    A cause and effect essay investigates an event or idea that identifies its reasons and effects. It is a detailed study of all the events that lead to certain results.

    This essay requires a writer to deeply research all the reasons for an event or action that leads to particular effects. In this essay, the writer informs the audience about the topic without persuading them.

    Have a look at the below-given example to get an idea about how a cause and effect essay is written.

  • Compare and Contrast Essay

    Compare and contrast essay studies a subject in detail by drawing similarities and differences. In this essay, two subjects are chosen from the same category. It highlights the elements that make the two things the same or different.

    Writing a compare and contrast essay requires a writer to identify and analyze all the characteristics and angles of the subject. Refer to the following example to get a detailed idea.

  • Process Essay

    A process essay is a writing type that presents a process of doing something. It serves the goal of providing the audience with guidance and directions on the topic. This essay includes a step-by-step description of the process of doing something. Read the following example to get a better understanding.

  • Problem - Solution Essay

    A problem-solution essay is a form of informative essay that focuses on a problem and its multiple solutions. This essay also attempts to educate the audience on the problem and its significance.

    Writing a problem-solution essay requires having a full grip and knowledge of the factors causing the problems. It also discusses the measures taken to deal with the problem. Continue reading the following example to learn how to write this type of essay.

  • Expository Essay

    Just as the name suggests, an expository essay is a form of informative essay where the writer explains the topic. While writing this essay, the writer investigates an idea, evaluates the gathered evidence, expounds on that idea, and develops an argument.

    Understand the detailed concept by going through the following example of an expository essay.


    The essay types in the informative essay family study the subject in detail and analyze different aspects subjectively.

How to Start an Informative Essay?

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

1. Choose the Topic

The first and foremost step in writing any form of essay is to choose a topic. The writer should select an interesting and attention-grabbing theme for the informative essay. It should motivate the readers to read more.

A professional trick is to choose a topic according to your interests, analyzing the prevailing issues, and identifying the targeted audience.

When selecting a topic, it is essential to ensure that enough material can be gathered from various sources of information. The writer should have credible sources that will provide facts and knowledge to the audience.

2. Develop a Thesis Statement

Once you have a topic in hand for your informative essay, it is time to develop a thesis statement. A thesis statement is the central idea of the essay around which the whole content revolves.

All the research and data gathering is done, keeping in view this statement. Unlike other essay types, the thesis statement of an informative essay does not include a writer’s perspective. It only shares a subjective approach to the purpose of the essay.

3. Conduct Research

The thesis statement will direct the research and data collection. Decide on a strong statement and start collecting data that will support and prove the main purpose. Consult various credible sources and gather the information to inform the readers about the topic.

An informative essay is based on deep research as it will present factual information and reliable content. As this essay does not involve perceived ideas about the topic, a writer should dig deeper to collect believable facts.

4. Informative Essay Outline

The gathered raw information needs an organization to be understandable for readers. Essay content should reach its full potential when it's professionally formed and presented in a way that will engage the reader.

The purpose of writing an informative essay is to inform the readers and make them understand the topic. Without a proper presentation of the data, the goal will not be achieved as the content will not be understandable.

According to the traditional essay outline, the content of an essay is divided into three sections; introduction, main body, and conclusion. This division brings a logical flow in the information, gradually taking the audience to the final verdict.

Check out the following informative essay outline sample to get a better idea.

How to Write an Informative Essay?

When writing for academics, you must know the correct procedure of the essay. However, there are no set of rules that define the writing process of an essay. Different things work for different writers. But there can be some common steps that can follow to make the process easier.

Every essay involves gathering information, organizing, and writing it by following the proper structure. If you are assigned an informative essay, the following procedure will help you write it effectively.

Choose the Topic

The first and foremost step in writing any form of essay is to choose a topic. The writer should select an interesting and attention-grabbing theme for the informative essay. It should motivate the readers to read more.

A professional trick is to choose a topic according to your interests, analyzing the prevailing issues, and identifying the targeted audience.

When selecting a topic, it is essential to ensure that enough material can be gathered from various sources of information. The writer should have credible sources that will provide facts and knowledge to the audience.

Develop a Thesis Statement

Once you have a topic in hand for your informative essay, it is time to develop a thesis statement. A thesis statement is the central idea of the essay around which the whole content revolves.

All the research and data gathering is done, keeping in view this statement. Unlike other essay types, the thesis statement of an informative essay does not include a writer’s perspective. It only shares a subjective approach to the purpose of the essay.

Conduct Research

The thesis statement will direct the research and data collection. Decide on a strong statement and start collecting data that will support and prove the main purpose. Consult various credible sources and gather the information to inform the readers about the topic.

An informative essay is based on deep research as it will present factual information and reliable content. As this essay does not involve perceived ideas about the topic, a writer should dig deeper to collect believable facts.

Informative Essay Outline

The gathered raw information needs an organization to be understandable for the readers. Essay content should be formed professionally if the information is not provided.

The purpose of writing an informative essay is to inform the readers and make them understand the topic. Without a proper presentation of the data, the goal will not be achieved as the content will not be understandable.

According to the traditional essay outline, the content of an essay is divided into three sections; introduction, main body, and conclusion. This division brings a logical flow in the information, gradually taking the audience to the final verdict.

Order Essay

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

1. Informative Essay Introduction

The first section of the essay is the introduction. Here the writer presents the essay's purpose and attempts to grab the reader’s attention towards the content. An informative essay introduction includes the following information:

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

Writing an introduction correctly is essential for your informative essay’s effectiveness.

2. Informative Essay Body Paragraphs

The body of an informative essay contains all the details on the topic. In addition, it includes supporting information and evidence on the thesis statement.

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

3. Informative Essay Conclusion

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

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

  • Restated thesis statement
  • Summary of the major points

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

Check out the following informative essay outline sample to get a better idea.

4. Editing and Proofreading

After you have drafted the conclusion of your essay, revise the content. Proofread it a couple of times to ensure that the content is perfect and according to the writing conventions. The following things should be checked when revising your essay:

  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Spellings
  • Syntax

Get rid of all the mistakes and errors to make your informative essay compelling. Lastly, ensure that you have followed the correct informative essay format.

Informative Essay Examples

When drafting an academic assignment for the first time, students need examples to understand the correct procedure and structure. Check out the following examples to write an effective piece of document.

Informative Essay Topics

The significance of the topic in the essay’s success can not be ignored. The essay topic that you choose should be interesting for you as well as for the audience.

Coming up with the right topic for your essay can be daunting as students can often not spend time brainstorming ideas. If you can’t come up with a theme, here are some good informative essay topics for you:

  • What are the ways to treat insomnia?
  • Causes and effects of anxiety
  • How to lose weight?
  • Tips and tricks to lose weight from exercise
  • How to set up a tent?
  • How to get admission to a dream college?
  • Steps to writing a persuasive essay?
  • How to control bullying on campus?
  • Causes and effects of unemployment
  • How to control a panic attack?
  • How to overcome stress?
  • Racism and discrimination in the United States
  • Gun control and its effect
  • Consequences that lead to World War I
  • The similarities and differences between Vietnam War and War on Terror

Informative Essay Writing Tips

Students require professional tips to make sure that their academic assignments are accurately drafted. Apart from following the correct writing procedure of an essay, experts’ tips help polish the draft and ensure quality content.

Here are the tips to make your informative essay outstanding:

  • Choose a topic analyzing your interests and passion.
  • Conduct in-depth research consulting credible sources of information to make the content authentic.
  • The thesis statement of the essay should be concise, direct, and readable.
  • All the paragraphs in the body section should start with a topic sentence.
  • Use examples and facts to support your claims.
  • Keep the content simple and concise.
  • Keep the introduction section short and clear.
  • Do not share extra information in the introduction paragraph.
  • Create an outline to make the essay’s content structured
  • The length of the conclusion should not exceed the length of the introduction.

Whether you are looking for topics for college essays or written quality papers of any type, we have got your back. MyPerfectWords.com is an essay writing service that provides the best writing services to students for their academic papers. 

You can get professional guidance by hiring our professional essay writer online at the most reasonable prices. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 parts of an informative essay?

Here are the five main parts of an informative essay.

  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Thesis statement
  • Body paragraphs
  • Conclusion

How many paragraphs are in an informative essay?

The basic structure for an informative essay will include four or five paragraphs.

 
Barbara P

WRITTEN BY

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

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

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

Keep reading

We use cookies to improve your experience and give you personalized content. Do you agree to our cookie policy?

No, take me to settings

Website Data Collection

We use data collected by cookies and JavaScript libraries.

Allow Category Purpose Tools

Functional

To monitor the performance of our site and to enhance your browsing experience.

For example, these tools enable you to communicate with us via live chat.

Intercom, Salesmachine, Sentry

Marketing and Analytics

To understand user behavior in order to provide you with a more relevant browsing experience or personalize the content on our site.

For example, we collect information about which pages you visit to help us present more relevant information.

Google Analytics 4, ActiveCampaign, FullStory, Google Universal Analytics, Mixpanel, Optimizely Web, SatisMeter, Visual Tagger

Advertising

To personalize and measure the effectiveness of advertising on our site and other websites.

For example, we may serve you a personalized ad based on the pages you visit on our site.

Bing Ads, Facebook Pixel, Google Tag Manager

N/A

Essential

We use browser cookies that are necessary for the site to work as intended.

For example, we store your website data collection preferences so we can honor them if you return to our site. You can disable these cookies in your browser settings but if you do the site may not work as intended.

Are you sure you want to cancel?

Your preferences have not been saved.