Identifying Complete Sentences in English

Informative Essay Overview

• An informative essay is a type of writing that aims to inform the reader about a particular topic.
• It is different from narrative writing, which aims to entertain, and argumentative writing, which aims to convince the reader of a particular point of view.

Informative Essay Structure

• An informative essay typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion.
• The introduction and conclusion are usually one paragraph each, while the body consists of several paragraphs, typically at least three.
• The purpose of the introduction is to hook the reader, provide background information, and present a thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs provide evidence and explanations to support the thesis statement.
• The conclusion summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with a final thought.

Outlining an Informative Essay

• Before writing an informative essay, it is essential to create an outline to organize thoughts and ideas.
• The outline should include the introduction, body, and conclusion, with each section broken down into more detailed subtopics.
• The introduction section should include a hook, background information, and a thesis statement.
• The body section should include topic sentences, research, and explanations for each paragraph.
• The conclusion should include a reframed thesis statement and a final thought.

Writing an Informative Essay

• The first step in writing an informative essay is to choose a topic that can be researched.
• The topic should be of interest to the writer and not aim to persuade the reader.
• The next step is to research the topic, asking questions and gathering information.
• After researching, the writer should organize the information into paragraphs, using a color-coding system or notecards to group similar ideas together.
• The thesis statement should be drafted, guiding the rest of the essay.
• The body paragraphs should include topic sentences, cited research, and explanations.
• The essay should be revised and edited, making large-scale changes and correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Example of an Informative Essay Introduction

• The introduction should include a hook, background information, and a thesis statement.
• The hook should be interesting and draw the reader in, like baiting a fish.
• The background information should provide context for the topic.
• The thesis statement should define the focus of the essay.

Example of an Informative Essay Body Paragraph

• The body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the main idea.
• The paragraph should include research and explanations to support the topic sentence.
• The research should be cited properly, using a standard format like MLA, APA, or Chicago.

Example of an Informative Essay Conclusion

• The conclusion should summarize the main points and leave the reader with a final thought.
• The conclusion should include a reframed thesis statement and may include a call to action.
• The conclusion should wrap up the essay and bring it to a clean closure.