informative essay sample 5th grade

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5th grade writing samples.

Fifth Grade Opinion Writing Sample 1

Fifth Grade Opinion Writing Sample 2

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Fifth Grade Opinion Writing Sample 4

Fifth Grade Informative Essay Prompt

Fifth Grade Informative Essay Sample 1

Fifth Grade Informative Essay Sample 2

Fifth Grade Informative Essay Sample 3

Fifth Grade Informative Essay Sample 4

Fifth Grade Narrative Essay Prompt

Fifth Grade Narrative Essay Sample 1

Fifth Grade Narrative Essay Sample 2

Fifth Grade Narrative Essay Sample 4

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70+ Fascinating Informative Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Tell them what you know.

Informative essays are a chance to show what you know. They’re all about informing the reader, without trying to persuade or offer an opinion. Informative writing can include how-to process essays, biographical writing, an in-depth analysis of a topic, research papers, or compare-and-contrast essays . Just remember to stick to the facts, and be clear and descriptive. These informative essay topics offer something for all interests and ages.

How-To Informative Essay Topics

Social studies informative essay topics, science informative essay topics, pop culture informative essay topics.

Teach your reader the steps or process to:

• Cook a recipe
• Set a table
• Make a quilt
• Change a tire
• Start a recycling program
• Play a game
• Build a birdhouse
• Plant a garden
• Make and care for a compost pile

• Care for an animal
• Start a business
• Catch a fish
• Tie a necktie
• Train for a marathon
• Prepare a campsite
• Make a campfire
• Clean a room
• Wrap a gift
• Plan a party
• Kick a bad habit
• Use social media responsibly

• Manage time effectively
• Make a budget
• Describe the life of a world leader.
• How has the role of women in the workplace changed in the last hundred years?

• Explore the current path to becoming an American citizen.
• What are some of the possible ways the pyramids were built?
• Describe a time period in history.
• How does one country’s economy affect another country?
• What is the difference between socialism and communism?
• Explore the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing drugs.
• Describe the political system in a foreign country.
• Explore the causes of a specific war or armed conflict in history.

• How is a new law passed in the United States?
• Give an overview of the history of any country, state, or city.
• Describe the three branches of American government.
• Explain how the American judicial system works.
• Describe the evolution of fashion throughout history.
• Describe a science experiment, including the hypothesis, process, and conclusion.

• Explain what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle.
• What is the relationship between calories and fat?
• What is the physics behind a bicycle?
• How do plants convert sunlight into energy?
• Describe any element from the periodic table, including its makeup and uses.
• What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?
• Describe the life cycle of any animal.
• What are the benefits of recycling?
• Describe the life of a prominent scientist.
• Explain what E = mc 2 means.
• Describe any disease, including its symptoms and treatments.

• Why do leaves change color in the fall?
• Explain the difference between climate and weather.
• Describe a specific ecosystem, including the plants and animals that live there.
• Describe the history of video games.
• What are recent trends in the video game industry?
• Describe your favorite superhero.
• Explain the motivations of any fictional villain.
• Describe the life of your favorite celebrity.
• Explore the development and growth of a main character in any book series.

• Describe the process of making a movie or TV show.
• Tell the story of any band, including its founding, successes and challenges, and breakup (if applicable).
• Describe the life of a famous artist.
• Explore the history of Disney World (or any theme park).
• Plan the perfect fantasy football league team.
• Describe popular trends and fads from any decade.
• Explore the history of the Olympics.
• Describe the music of a generation and how it reflected that time.

• Explain the history of the internet.

What are some of your favorite informative essay topics? Come share your ideas in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (100+ ideas).

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer! Continue Reading

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Not So Wimpy Teacher

The Not So WImpy Teacher creates resources for busy teachers in grades 2-5 who are looking to deliver engaging and meaningful lessons without overwhelm and chaos.

Informational Writing Unit FIFTH GRADE

Grade Level: 5th Grade

My fifth grade informational report writing unit includes 8 weeks of done-for-you writing lessons about how to write an engaging informational report essay, including research, note-taking, and paraphrasing skills. This unit contains detailed lesson plans, mentor texts, anchor charts, student writing tasks, and rubrics –everything you need to be a capable, confident writing teacher with students who love to write.

Also available in the following bundles

More about this resource

My fifth grade informational report writing unit includes 8 weeks of done-for-you writing lessons about how to write an engaging informational report essay, including research, note taking, and paraphrasing skills. This unit contains detailed lesson plans, mentor texts, anchor charts, student writing tasks, and rubrics –everything you need to be a capable, confident writing teacher with students who love to write.

If teaching writing has ever made you cry, weep, tear out your hair, question your existence, or binge-watch reality television—because it’s just that frustrating and overwhelming—this writing unit is perfect for you. 

If your students dread writing time more than meatloaf in the school cafeteria…this writing unit is perfect for them, too. 

Teaching writing can be tough. Teachers tell me that their district-provided writing curriculum is:

• too complicated

Or worse, they don’t have any curriculum at all. Yikes! 

But my fifth grade informational report writing unit makes teaching writing easy . It takes all the guesswork out of teaching writing and gives you the tools you need to teach engaging and effective writing lessons without breaking a sweat.

The ready-to-use lessons and activities in this informational report writing unit will teach your students h ow to conduct research, take notes, paraphrase, craft a strong lead, choose interesting details, write topic and concluding sentences, and structure paragraphs .   And all you have to do is print and teach . The lesson plans are that simple. Seriously.

Student-friendly mentor texts make it easy to provide illustrative examples of new writing skills. You don’t have to waste your time and money hunting down just the right book.  Focused mini lessons and daily writing tasks simplify the writing process helping ALL students, even reluctant writers, experience success. Preprinted anchor charts make it easy to model new skills and engage in shared writing without wasting valuable time. 

And best of all, my informational report writing unit  makes writing fun  for  ALL  your students – from  reluctant writers  to  excited writers . The  Student Success Path  helps you identify where your students are on their writing journey and plan just-right lessons and  interventions .  Short, focused lessons  keep students engaged. Simple, direct writing tasks help kids develop confidence.  Conference materials,  including outlines and topic cards, you can use to guide small group discussion make it easy for you to  differentiate lessons.

Choice empowers students  to write about things they care about and makes them more invested in their writing. And that’s a big deal because  students who enjoy writing and get lots of practice perform better on standardized testing. 

Plus, these materials are  easy-to-use . Everything is organized in folders to help you find just what you need. A  Quick Start Guide  makes it simple to get started and provides tips on how to prep materials for long-term use.

The 2-week  Starting Writing Workshop mini-unit  will help you start your writing instruction on the right foot. Detailed teacher directions show you exactly how to use all the resources and activities.

How Our Writing Curriculum Aligned with the Science of Reading :

• Structured writing routine: Our writing curriculum is organized into 4 genres. Each 8-week unit is carefully structured, beginning with foundational skills before moving into more advanced skills. Students are taught a systematic approach to writing including: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
• Explicit instruction: Daily lessons begin with explicit instruction including access to examples via mentor texts, modeling, and directed practice. Each skill is broken down into bite-size pieces so that students can learn one skill at a time. Students practice skills independently, working on one sentence or paragraph at a time.
• Differentiation: Writing is differentiated through small group instruction that provides reteaching, additional practice, and support at appropriate levels.
• Daily opportunities to write: The majority of the writing lesson is reserved for independent writing time, providing students with large blocks of time to write and practice skills every day. 
• Demonstrates the connection between reading and writing: Mentor texts provide concrete examples of writing skills and allow children to experiment with and apply sophisticated skills and language in their own writing. In addition, constructing their own writing pieces helps students recognize, connect, and understand these strategies when reading.  

What’s Included:

• Detailed teacher directions and suggestions for simple implementation
• Unit-at-a-glance calendar for each unit
• 7 exclusive videos walking you through how to get the most out of these writing units
• 40 days of lesson plans that include guiding questions, materials, mini lessons, student work tasks, student share tasks, intervention, and several extension activities
• 13 original mentor text passages
• 24 informational report task cards
• 24 paraphrasing facts task cards
• 24 informational report writing prompt task cards
• 11 teacher anchor charts (blank and filled-in versions)
• Student anchor charts and printable for writing notebooks
• Conference and goal tracking forms
• Writing grades tracking forms
• List of 10 additional mentor textbooks (Remember, using them is optional because I’ve included all the mentor texts you need) 
• 6 different writing publishing papers
• Student writing notebook cover and dividers
• Teacher notebook covers and binder spines
• Multiple ideas for author share celebration
• DIGITAL writing notebooks on Google Slides
• Student Success Path – Identify where your students are on their writing journey
• Starting Writing Workshop Bonus – Two weeks of writing lesson plans to help build stamina and set your students up for writing success

Skills Covered:

Students learn h ow to use research, take notes, paraphrase, and write an engaging information report with a strong lead, topic, and concluding sentences and details. Lessons include:

• Setting goals
• What is an informational report?
• Generating report ideas
• Narrowing your report idea to a seed
• Research and note taking
• Paraphrasing
• Table of contents
• Writing a lead
• Topic and concluding sentences
• Word choice-adding vocabulary and definitions
• Adding details
• Transitions
• Writing a conclusion
• Text features

How to Use it in the Classroom: 

A typical day of writing:.

I recommend you set aside 30-45 minutes for writing each day (or more if you have it). Check out the sample schedules below. Each day follows the same plan:

• Mini-Lesson (8-10 minutes):  The day kicks off with a mini-lesson to teach a particular skill. The mini-lesson uses mentor text (remember, it’s included in the unit) and anchor charts. For the teacher version of the anchor charts, you can project and fill them out with the class, or print and display them in your classroom. The student versions are smaller so they can fill them out and keep them in their writing notebooks for reference.
• Work Time (18-20 minutes) : Students will apply the skill they just learned into their writing each day. The included writing tasks make it crystal-clear what to do during independent writing time–for you and your students. By the end of the unit, they will have completed two full masterpieces and many other independent writings.
• Share Time (2 minutes) : Students are encouraged to share a piece of their writing with a partner or with the entire class. This makes writing more meaningful to kids and holds them accountable.

Organization made easy:

• The informational report writing unit is organized into multiple folders and files so it’s easy for you to find what you need.
• A 40-day daily schedule so you know exactly what to teach each day.
• Detailed daily lesson plans make teaching writing easy.

Differentiation:

There are many ways to differentiate writing assignments:

• These daily writing prompts are intentionally short and sweet so that all students, even those below grade level, can feel successful. Most tasks can be completed in 1-2 sentences.
• More advanced writers can write longer responses, or work on a second masterpiece if they finish early.
• Students can complete fewer task cards or work with a partner; you can also provide support to students as they work on task cards.
• The process for teaching writing includes group conferencing time. These groups should be based on ability so that you can individualize your instruction to meet the specific needs of the group.

Why you’ll love this writing unit:

• You’ll save hours of prepping and planning time. The daily lesson plans are easy to implement. All you have to do is print and teach. 
• Mentor texts are included. You do not need to hunt down or purchase any additional books! (Unless you want to. Far be it from me to stand between a teacher and new books.) 
• Digital anchor charts project onto your white board-so you don’t have to be Picasso or Renoir to anchor your kids in the lesson.
• Pre-printed student anchor charts make it easy for students to follow along without having to write every word and draw complicated diagrams.
• Digital student notebooks are perfect for 1:1 classrooms and a great way to save paper.
• These lessons work for all students, even students below grade level.
• Task cards incorporate movement, reinforce concepts, and make learning fun. Daily share time encourages students to take pride in their writing.
• Direct writing instruction provides a solid foundation of writing skills that leads to increased test scores.
• Aligned with the Science of Reading.

*****************************

More Fifth Grade Writing Units:

Personal Narrative for Fifth Grade

Opinion Writing for Fifth Grade

Fiction Narrative for Fifth Grade

Frequently Asked

Yes. I also have personal narrative , opinion essay , and fiction narrative writing units available.

This informational writing unit is available for grade 5. I also have informational writing units available for grades two , three , and four .

I prefer composition notebooks because they are sturdy and easy to use and store. But other teachers have used spiral bound notebooks or three-ring binders.

Yes. These writing lessons are based on Common Core standards.

The lessons for consecutive grade levels are very similar because the standards are similar. The biggest difference is that the reading level on the mentor text passages is modified to meet the specific grade level. Other differences include new examples in the lesson plans and anchor charts and new task cards. It is generally fine to use units that are one level above or below grade level. You might want to select the lower grade level to ensure that the mentor texts are easier for students to read.

Each unit includes eight weeks of materials. I recommend spending 30-45 on writing each day. The lesson takes 8-10 minutes and the rest of the time would be used for independent writing.

Students complete two masterpieces in each unit. But they may work on additional pieces if they finish daily assignments early.

My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. However, they are based on the writing standards. My curriculum is organized into units of study and formatted in the workshop model and hundreds of teachers have successfully used my writing units with their district provided curriculum.

My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. With that being said, I have hundreds of teachers who have chosen to use my units as a supplement to their Lucy curriculum because it is more manageable and engaging for students.

You May Also Enjoy These Resources

Student Writing Samples

Annotated student writing samples illustrating the integration of content understanding and writing in the three types of writing expected by college- and career-ready standards, including the CCSS. The resources presented are from  In Common: Effective Writing for All Students , authored by the Vermont Writing Collaborative with Student Achievement Partners and CCSSO. There are two types of resources available:

• On-Demand Writing   provides a progression of writing  across grades  (K–5 and 6–12); students have written independently to the same text-based prompt across grades.
• Range of Writing   provides multiple examples of student writing  within a grade  across a wide variety of content areas, curriculum units, conditions for writing, and purposes.

Learn more about In Common.

Resources specifically designed to support understanding and development of CCR-aligned writing

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• Argument/Opinion Writing
• Informative/Explanatory Writing
• Narrative Writing

To find out how mini-assessment questions align to particular standards, use the Literacy Mini-Assessment Sorter Microsoft Excel file Learn More

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Grades 9–10

Informative/Explanatory Writing: On-Demand ©

The pieces in this On-Demand section represent one of the three types of writing named in the Common Core State Standards for Writing: …

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Narrative Writing: On-Demand

Argument/opinion writing: on-demand, narrative writing: on-demand ©.

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When I look back to my first experience teaching five paragraph essays to fifth graders, I can remember how terribly unprepared I felt.

I knew that the five paragraph essay format was what my students needed to help them pass our state’s writing assessment but I had no idea where to start.

I researched the few grade-appropriate essays I could find online (these were the days before Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers) and determined that there was a structure to follow.

Every essay followed the same basic structure. I taught the structure to my students and they did well.

I have been teaching five paragraph essay structure and everything that goes with it for several years now. I hope that after you read this blog post, you will have a good understanding of how to teach and grade five paragraph essays.

Once you’ve learned all about teaching basic essay structure, you’ll be ready to grow your writers from “blah” to brilliant! 

Teaching five paragraph essays is just one part of teaching 5th grade writing. Click here to find out exactly how I teach writing to my 5th graders! 

Start with Simple Paragraphs

We always start with simple paragraphs.

Yes, this is basic, but if your students cannot write excellent paragraphs, their five paragraph essays will be train wrecks. Trust me!

We spend a while cementing paragraph structure:

Topic Sentence

Closing Sentence

I give students topics, they come up with their own topics, we write together, they write with a partner or independently, the more variety, the better.

We have fun with simple paragraphs. Then, it’s time to move on to body paragraphs.

Organize and Write Body Paragraphs

Please refer to my five paragraph essay organizer below.

The three body paragraphs are absolutely crucial to the success of the five paragraph essay.

Some teachers have trouble teaching the structure of five paragraph essays because they start with the introduction paragraph.

Always teach the body paragraphs first!

I had a teacher say to me once, “What’s the point of just writing parts of the essay? They need to write the entire five paragraphs to get all of the practice they need.”

I understand that point. However, think of it as building a house. Should you test out the foundation and make sure it’s sound and sturdy before building on top of it? Absolutely! That’s what we’re doing here.

The three body paragraphs are the foundation of the essay.

Ask students to write out their three body paragraphs just like they have practiced…Topic sentence…Detail 1…Detail 2…Detail 3…Closing Sentence.

I “ooooh and aaaah” over their three paragraphs. Students are on their way to five paragraph essays, so be sure to build their confidence.

Teach the Introduction Paragraph

I have to say, this is my favorite paragraph to teach. The introduction paragraph is what draws readers into the essay and makes them want to read more.

We start with what I call a “hook.” The hook captures the readers’ attention and can come in many forms: asking a question, making a bold statement, sharing a memory, etc.

After the hook, I ask students to add a sentence or two of applicable commentary about the hook or about the prompt in general.

Finally, we add the thesis sentence. The thesis sentence always follows the same formula: Restate the prompt, topic 1, topic 2, and topic 3.

That’s all you need to write an excellent introduction paragraph!

I do suggest having students write the introduction paragraph plus body paragraphs a couple of times before teaching the closing paragraph.

Teach the Closing Paragraph

In the conclusion paragraph, we mainly focus on restating the thesis and including an engaging closing thought.

With my students, I use the analogy of a gift.

The introduction paragraph and body paragraphs are the gift and the conclusion paragraph is the ribbon that ties everything together and finishes the package.

When you talk about restating the thesis sentence, tell students that they need to make it sound different enough from their original thesis sentence to save their readers from boredom.

Who wants to read the same thing twice? No one!

Students can change up the format and wording a bit to make it fresh.

I enjoy teaching the closing thought because it’s so open to however students want to create it.

Ways to write the closing thought: ask a question, personal statement, call to action, or even a quote. 

I especially like reading the essays in which a quote is used as a closing thought or a powerful statement is used.

Example of a full five paragraph essay

Let’s Talk About Color-Coding!

Who doesn’t like to color? This is coloring with a purpose!

Training your students to color-code their paragraphs and essays will make grading so much easier and will provide reminders and reinforcements for students.

When students color-code their writing, they must think about the parts of their paragraphs, like topic sentences, details, and the closing sentence.

They will be able to see if they are missing something or if they’ve written something out of order.

Color-coding is a wonderful help for the teacher because you can skim to ensure that all parts of your students’ paragraphs and essays are present.

Also, when you are grading, you can quickly scan the paragraphs and essays. Trust me, you will develop a quick essay-grading ability.

I start color-coding with my students at the very beginning when they are working on simple paragraphs. I add the additional elements of the color-code as we progress through our five paragraph essays.

This is the code that I use:

Let’s Talk About Grading Five Paragraph Essays!

Imagine a lonely, stressed teacher grading five paragraph essays on the couch while her husband is working the night shift.

That was me!

Seriously, guys, I would spend about ten minutes per essay. I marked every little error, I made notes for improvement and notes of encouragement. I reworked their incorrect structure.

Those papers were full of marks.

On Monday, I proudly brought back the essays and asked students to look over them and learn what they needed to fix for next time.

You can guess what happened… there were lots of graded essays in the trashcan at the end of the day.

I decided that my grading practices had to change. I needed my weekends back and my students needed to find their own errors!

This is my best advice:

STOP correcting every error!

Your students are not benefiting from marks all over their writing. They need to find those errors themselves so that they will remember their mistakes and change their writing habits.

Do a quick scan of each student’s writing as soon as it’s turned in to you.

If there are major problems with a student’s writing, call him/her over individually and show him/her what needs to be fixed or put the student with a competent peer editor who will help them fix mistakes.

If you have several students who are struggling with a skill, like closing sentences, do a mini-lesson on this topic.

You can do a mini-lesson with a small group. However, I prefer doing mini-lessons with the entire class. The kids who need help will get it and the rest of your class will receive a refresher.

It’s OK if there are some small spelling/grammar mistakes!

If the errors are few and they don’t take away from the meaning/flow of the essay, I don’t worry about them.

Our students are still learning.

Even your brightest star writer will have a few spelling/grammar mistakes from time to time.

Don’t discourage students from writing because of small errors.

Students who receive papers back with markings all over them don’t think, “Oh boy, my teacher has made it so easy for me to make all of these corrections.” They are thinking, “What’s the point in writing? I must be a terrible writer. Look at all of these mistakes.”

If your students are taking a standardized writing assessment, the structure and flow of their essays will be worth much more than perfect spelling.

Need more help?

I created this five paragraph essay instructional unit for teachers who are new to teaching five paragraph essays OR just need all of the materials in one place.

“Teacher Talk” pages will guide you through the unit and this unit contains all materials needed to help students plan, organize, and write amazing five paragraph essays! Click here to check it out:

I have a freebie for you! Enter your first name and email address below. You’ll receive three original prompts with five paragraph essay organizers AND two lined final draft pages!

Once your students are good essay writers…

These task cards will help your students stay sharp on their five paragraph essay knowledge. Students will review hooks (attention-getters), thesis sentences, body paragraphs, topic sentences, closings, and more. Each card contains a unique writing example!

I suggest using these task cards as a quiz/test, scoot game, individual review, or cooperative group activity.

Click on the image to view these task cards:

To save this post for later, simply pin this image to your teacher Pinterest board!

21 comments.

Wow! I really enjoyed reading this. I’ve always stressed over the thought of teaching writing, but your blog makes me think I can do it successfully. Putting your writing packet on my TPT wish list!

Thank you, Shannon! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. I am so glad that my blog post was helpful to you!

Thanks for the tips! When I taught 6th grade I taught this same subject matter, but struggled to get started. I wish I had this then!

I appreciate your comment! Teaching was much different before Pinterest, wasn’t it?!?

This helped me so much!🙂 thanks a lot, I imagined being one student of yours. I’d be so smart and good at essays! Would’ve been so much easier in person❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much, Aizlyn!

Thank you so much for this! May I ask where I can see the rubric for scoring the compositions?

You are so welcome! Click on the resource link. Then, you will see the rubric in the preview!

Thank you so much,I am a parent and this really helped me be clear how to guide my son. God bless you always.,

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

you are welcome!!!

This looks great! Looking forward to using your tips and freebies with my 6th graders. 🙂 THANK YOU.

You are so welcome! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!

Can’t wait to use this with my class tomorrow! Thanks a bunch for sharing!!

You are so welcome, Amy!

Thank you for making it easy to teach an essay with clarity.

You are very welcome, Yamuna! Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback 🙂

I am so happy I discovered your blog. I just started teaching grade 5 in September I have been searching for a simple method to hel me in guiding them in writing. I will be putting your method into practice in the coming week.

That’s wonderful, Cherry! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Welcome to fifth grade 🙂

Beautiful lesson well explained! Thank you so very much .

Thank you so much, Cheryl!

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Informative Essay

Informative essay generator.

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.

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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

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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.

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Informative Essay Outline

School Informative Essay

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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.

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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.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

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

25+ Informative Speech Topics To Engage Your Audience

• The Speaker Lab
• September 1, 2024

Table of Contents

A well-chosen topic is key. Not only does it hook your audience from the start, but it also ensures they’ll remember what you said long after. With so many possibilities, however, where do you even begin? Picking a speech topic can be difficult, but if you’re looking for informative speech topics , look no further. We’ve compiled a list of informative speech topics spanning a wide range of categories, from technology and social media to psychology and mental health. Each one has been chosen carefully so that your audience will learn loads while staying entertained. Whether you’re passionate about green living or sports, there’s a topic out there that’ll catch your attention and spark conversations.

What is an Informative Speech?

The main goal of an informative speech is to educate your audience about a specific subject. Accordingly, you want to present the information in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. Depending on your topic and goal, you can choose to speak on objects, processes, events, or concepts. Whatever type of informative speech you choose, just make sure it aligns with your audience’s interests and needs.

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Key Elements of an Informative Speech

To deliver an effective informative speech, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:

• Choose a clear, specific topic
• Conduct thorough research using credible sources
• Organize your speech in a logical, easy-to-follow structure
• Use engaging language and delivery techniques
• Conclude with a strong summary of your main points

By incorporating these elements into your speech writing process, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative and memorable speech.

How to Choose an Informative Speech Topic

Now that you know the basics of informative speeches, it’s time to choose your topic. But with so many options out there, where do you even begin? Don’t stress—we’ve got some tips to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect informative speech topic.

Brainstorming Ideas

The first step in choosing a topic is to brainstorm potential ideas. Think about your interests, hobbies, and areas of expertise. What topics do you find fascinating? What do you want to learn more about? Jot down any and all ideas that come to mind, no matter how silly or far-fetched they may seem. After all, you never know what might spark inspiration for a great speech topic.

Narrowing Down Your Options

Once you have a list of potential topics, it’s time to start narrowing them down. Consider factors like the length of your speech, your audience’s interests and background knowledge, and the amount of research required for each topic.

Try to choose a topic that’s specific enough to cover in depth, but not so narrow that you’ll struggle to find enough information. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box—sometimes the most unique and creative informative speech topics are the most engaging.

Considering Your Audience

Your audience should always be at the forefront of your mind when choosing a speech topic. What do they want to learn about? What will capture their attention and keep them engaged? Consider factors like age, background, and interests when selecting your topic. You want to choose something that will resonate with your audience and leave them feeling informed and inspired.

Researching Your Topic

Once you’ve settled on a topic, it’s time to start researching. Look for credible sources like academic journals, reputable news outlets, and expert interviews to gather information and statistics. As you research, take notes and organize your findings into an outline. This will help you structure your speech and ensure you cover all the key points. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are about your topic, the more confident and engaging you’ll be when delivering your speech. So don’t skimp on the research phase.

Informative Speech Topics About Education

Education is a topic that affects us all, making it a great choice for an informative speech. Whether you’re passionate about bilingual education, curious about the pros and cons of online classes, or interested in the importance of physical education, there are plenty of angles to explore.

Some potential education-related informative speech topics include:

• The history of education in America
• The benefits and challenges of homeschooling
• The role of technology in modern education
• The importance of early childhood education
• The debate over standardized testing in schools

No matter which topic you choose, make sure to back up your points with research and statistics. And don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and opinions. After all, an informative speech is a great opportunity to educate and inspire your audience.

Psychology and Mental Health Informative Speech Topics

When it comes to informative speech topics about psychology and mental health, there’s no shortage of fascinating subjects to explore. From the inner workings of the human mind to the impact of mental well-being on our daily lives, this field offers a wealth of insights and discoveries. For instance, did you know that regular exercise can have a profound effect on our psychological well-being ? Studies have shown that physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, while also boosting self-esteem and cognitive function. If topics like these interest you, then you may consider giving an informative speech on psychology and mental health.

The Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection is another topic that’s ripe for exploration in an informative speech. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have a powerful impact on our physical health, and vice versa. For example, chronic stress has been linked to a range of health problems, from heart disease to digestive issues. Meanwhile, embracing activities such as mindfulness or meditating brings with it perks aplenty. Bettering our brains alongside our bodies is only the start.

Of course, no discussion of psychology would be complete without delving into the complexities of human behavior. When you look at the way we build friendships or decide what’s next, there’s always something new and exciting to talk about. Wondering what to discuss? We’ve got a handful of killer suggestions ready for your upcoming presentation.

• The psychology of persuasion
• The impact of birth order on personality
• The science of habit formation
• The role of empathy in social interactions

Informative Speech Topics on Social Issues and Human Rights

Social issues and human rights are another rich source of informative speech topics. Not only are they relevant, but these topics are also great at keeping your audience hooked.

One topic that’s been in the spotlight in recent years is the impact of social media on our lives. While platforms like Facebook and Twitter have undoubtedly brought people together in new ways, they’ve also raised concerns about privacy, addiction, and the spread of misinformation. An informative speech on this topic might explore the pros and cons of social media use, as well as strategies for using these platforms in a healthy and responsible way.

Another pressing social issue is the ongoing fight for human rights around the world. Countries around the world have countless stories of courage and resilience just waiting to be told. So if you’re wondering what to discuss, take a look at these suggestions.

• The history of the civil rights movement
• The impact of gender discrimination on women’s lives
• The challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers
• The role of activism in promoting social change

Technology and Social Media Informative Speech Topics

Technology and social media are transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. As a result, these topics offer endless possibilities for informative speeches that educate and inspire.

One recent technological development has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From self-driving cars to personalized medicine, AI is poised to revolutionize nearly every aspect of our lives. If you chose to do an informative speech on AI, you could weigh the good against the bad—what amazing things AI can do for us and where it might trip us up.

Diving into another area, let’s talk about social media. In addition to the impact of social media on our personal lives, there’s also the question of how these platforms are shaping our political discourse and our society as a whole. Wondering what to discuss? We’ve got a handful of killer suggestions ready for your upcoming presentation.

• The role of social media in political campaigns
• The impact of online echo chambers on public opinion
• The ethics of social media data collection and use
• The potential for social media to promote social change

Environmental and Sustainability Informative Speech Topics

Environmental issues and sustainability are some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. From climate change to plastic pollution, you’re never out of options for stirring speeches.

Climate change is, of course, a particularly urgent environmental topic. The scientific consensus is clear: By living the way we currently do, we’re pushing our planet’s temperature higher alarmingly quick, putting everything and everyone at risk. An informative speech on this topic might explore the causes and effects of climate change, as well as the steps we can take to mitigate its impact.

Other potential informative speech topics related to the environment and sustainability might include:

• The benefits of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
• The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change
• The problem of plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways
• The role of sustainable agriculture in feeding a growing population

No matter which topic you choose, an informative speech on psychology, social issues, technology, or the environment has the power to educate, inspire, and motivate your audience to take action. Dive into topics deeply and share what you find to spark change one reader at a time.

Unique and Creative Informative Speech Topics

Looking for a speech topic that’s a little out of the ordinary? Something that will really make your audience sit up and take notice? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing a unique or creative topic is a surefire way to make your informative speech memorable. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and interests while still delivering valuable information. In addition, it’s just more fun to research and write about something a little offbeat. Below are a few creative ideas to get you going.

• Unusual holidays and festivals around the world
• The history and science behind a common food item (like chocolate or coffee)
• How a popular board game or toy is made
• The life and accomplishments of a little-known historical figure
• The psychology of optical illusions and how they trick our brains

The key is to find a topic that piques your curiosity and hasn’t been done to death. Dig deep into your hobbies, passions, and areas of expertise. Chances are, there’s a fascinating informative speech topic hiding in there somewhere. In fact, some of the best informative speeches are the ones that take a familiar topic and approach it from a completely new angle. For example, instead of giving a generic speech about the importance of recycling, you could focus on the surprising ways recycled materials are used in fashion or art.

The possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and research, you can craft a truly unique informative speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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Tips for Delivering an Engaging Informative Speech

You’ve chosen the perfect informative speech topic, done your research, and written a great speech outline . Now comes the hard part: actually delivering the speech in front of an audience. Don’t worry, though, because we have your back.

Giving a great speech is all about preparation and practice. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more confident and engaging you’ll be on stage. Here are a few tips to help you deliver an informative speech that will keep your audience hooked from beginning to end.

Organizing Your Speech

The structure of your speech is just as important as the content itself. A well-organized informative speech has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that previews your main points. Use the body of your speech to dive deeper into each point, using examples and stories to illustrate your ideas. Finally, wrap things up with a memorable conclusion that reinforces your key takeaways.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids like slides, charts, or props can be a great way to enhance your informative speech and make complex topics more accessible. Just be sure to use them sparingly and strategically. Too many visuals can be distracting, so choose ones that really drive home your main points. And always have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.

Connecting with Your Audience

At the end of the day, the goal of any informative speech is to educate and engage your audience. To do that, you need to find ways to make your topic relatable and relevant to their lives. Use examples and anecdotes that resonate with their experiences. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures to convey your enthusiasm for the subject. And don’t be afraid to inject a little humor or personality into your delivery.

Practicing and Refining Your Delivery

The old saying “practice makes perfect” definitely applies to public speaking . The more you rehearse your informative speech, the more natural and polished your delivery will become. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself on video, or grab a friend to be your audience. Pay attention to your pacing, clarity, and body language . And don’t forget to time yourself to make sure you’re staying within the allotted time limit.

Remember, delivering a great informative speech is a skill that anyone can learn with a little practice and preparation. So take a deep breath, trust in your abilities, and go out there and crush it.

FAQs About Informative Speech Topics

What are the 5 useful topics of an informative speech.

Consider technology trends, mental health awareness, climate change impacts, historical events analysis, and modern educational methods for engaging speeches.

What is a good informative speech?

A good one dives deep into facts and insights without trying to sway opinions. It’s clear, precise, and keeps listeners hooked.

What is an appropriate topic for an informative speech about a concept?

The evolution of artificial intelligence presents a rich ground to explore concepts ranging from ethics to its societal impact.

Which topic is best for speech?

Pick something you’re passionate about. If it sparks your interest, chances are high it’ll engage your audience too.

To truly master an informative speech, you have to get excited about your chosen subject. Spend ample time researching every nook and cranny then wrap it up by enthralling everyone through compelling narratives peppered with interesting tidbits. Use the informative speech topics we’ve shared with you and you’re all set to create a presentation that not only shares knowledge but also keeps your audience hooked and leaves them thinking.

So, whether you’re a student, professional speaker, or simply looking to enhance your public speaking skills, embrace the power of informative speeches. Choose a topic that ignites your curiosity, and watch as your words inspire and educate others.

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How to Write an Essay Outline: Examples, FAQs & Tips

An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes the main points and supporting details of an essay before writing. It guides the flow of ideas and ensures that each section of the essay is logically connected and coherent.

In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to build a strong essay outline. You'll discover how to define your thesis, arrange your main points, and structure your outline for clarity and effectiveness. If you're still having trouble putting your outline together after reading this, EssayService can provide expert help to make sure your essay is well-structured and persuasive!

Basic Elements of an Essay

An essay begins with an introduction, which is followed by one or more body paragraphs that expand on the points introduced. It ends with a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the main ideas from the body paragraphs.

Introduction

The introduction of an essay introduces the topic and engages the reader from the start. It usually starts with a hook—a statement or question that grabs attention. After the hook, some background information is given to provide context for the topic.

The introduction ends with a thesis statement, which clearly presents the main argument or purpose of the essay. This section not only introduces the topic but also outlines what the essay will cover, setting the tone for what follows.

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Don't try to cover too much ground in your introduction.
• Avoid vagueness. Be specific and precise in your language.

Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay is where your main ideas and arguments take shape. Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point. This is followed by supporting details like evidence, examples, and analysis that back up the topic sentence.

Smooth transitions between paragraphs are key to maintaining a logical flow throughout the essay. Together, the body paragraphs build and support the thesis by adding depth and detail to your argument.

Remember these tips for effective body paragraphs:

• Begin each paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence.
• Use specific examples, facts, or quotes to support your point.
• Explain why the evidence is important and how it relates to your argument.

The conclusion of an essay wraps up the argument and reinforces the thesis. It usually starts by restating the thesis and reflecting on the discussion and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. A brief summary of the main points follows, highlighting the key arguments made throughout the essay.

The conclusion should close with a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to think about or a sense of closure. The aim is to make a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of the essay's conclusions.

Remember these tips:

• Briefly recap the key arguments you've made.
• Leave the reader with a thought-provoking final sentence or a call to action.
• Don't introduce any new ideas or arguments in your conclusion.

How to Write an Essay Outline?

Now, let's dive into the heart of this article and show you how to write an essay outline in just four smart steps:

• Determining your thesis and key arguments
• Organizing points into sections
• Adding supporting details
• Drafting a rough outline

Determine Your Thesis and Key Arguments

Your thesis should present a specific point of view or a central idea that your essay will support or explore. Here's how to identify your thesis:

• Ask a question: What is the main point you want to convey?
• Brainstorm: Jot down ideas related to your topic.
• Refine your ideas: Narrow down your focus and develop a clear argument.

Once you have your thesis, identify the main points that support it. These points should be logical, relevant, and comprehensive.

• Divide your thesis: Break down your thesis into its key components.
• Create a mind map: Visually organize your ideas.
• Ask yourself questions: What are the main reasons for your argument? What evidence supports your claims?

Group Main Ideas into Sections

The best way to organize your main points when writing an essay outline depends on the specific topic and purpose of your essay. Experiment with different arrangements to find the one that works best for you. Here are some strategies for organizing your main points:

Add Details to Each Main Idea

When working on your essay outline, remember to choose supporting details that are relevant, specific, and convincing. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your arguments will be. Consider these tips for developing supporting details for each one.

• Provide examples: "For example, the Great Depression led to a significant increase in homelessness and poverty."
• Cite expert opinions: "As the renowned historian, Eric Hobsbawm, once said, 'The French Revolution was a watershed moment in European history.'"
• Make comparisons and contrasts: "While both cats and dogs make excellent pets, cats are generally more independent, while dogs are more social."
• Offer definitions: "A democracy is a form of government in which the people have the power to elect their leaders."

Make a Rough Outline

Once you've developed supporting details for each main point, you're ready to create a draft outline. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through the writing process.

Here's a basic outline template:

• Background information
• Thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence
• Supporting detail 1
• Supporting detail 2
• Supporting detail 3

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

• Restate thesis
• Summarize key points
• Final thought

Remember to:

• Use consistent formatting: Indent supporting details.
• Label sections clearly: Use Roman numerals for main points and letters for supporting details.
• Be flexible: Adjust your outline as needed to accommodate new ideas or changes in your argument.

Essay Outline Examples

Now that you have an understanding of the basic structure of an essay outline let's explore some specific examples tailored to different essay genres. Remember, these are just templates, and you should feel free to adapt each essay outline example to fit your unique needs and writing style.

Argumentative Essay Outline

I. Introduction

• Hook: A captivating opening sentence to grab the reader's attention.
• Background information: Relevant context to the topic.
• Thesis statement: A clear and concise statement of your argument.

II. Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence: The main point of this paragraph.
• Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to support your argument.
• Explanation: Analysis of the evidence and its relevance to your thesis.

III. Body Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence: The second main point of your argument.
• Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions.

IV. Body Paragraph 3

• Topic sentence: The third main point of your argument.

V. Counterargument

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoint: Briefly mention a counterargument.
• Refute counterargument: Provide evidence or reasoning to disprove the opposing viewpoint.

VI. Conclusion

• Restate thesis: Reiterate your main argument.
• Summarize key points: Briefly recap the main supporting points.
• Final thought: Leave the reader with a memorable and impactful statement.

Expository Essay Outline

• A. Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact to grab the reader's attention.
• B. Background Information: Provide context or background information necessary for understanding the topic.
• C. Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main point or purpose of the essay.
• A. Topic Sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the first point.
• C. Evidence/Example: Include evidence or examples to support the explanation.
• D. Analysis: Explain how the evidence or example supports the topic sentence.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the second point.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the third point.

V. Conclusion

• A. Restate Thesis: Restate the thesis in a new way, summarizing the main points of the essay.
• B. Summary of Main Points: Briefly summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• C. Final Thought: End with a concluding statement that reinforces the significance of the topic or provides a closing thought.

Persuasive Essays Outline

• Background information: Provide context or history related to your topic.
• Thesis statement: Clearly state your argument or position.
• Main argument: Present your strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Supporting evidence: Use facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to back up your argument.
• Counterargument: Briefly acknowledge an opposing viewpoint.
• Rebuttal: Refute the counterargument with evidence or reasoning.
• Main argument: Present your second strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Main argument: Present your third strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Restate thesis: Briefly rephrase your argument.
• Summarize key points: Recap the main supporting arguments.
• Call to action: Encourage the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint.

Final Words

As we sum up this article, let's recap the main steps for writing an outline:

• Determine the main argument or purpose of your essay.
• Break down your thesis into key ideas or arguments.
• Group related ideas together under clear headings.
• Include evidence, examples, and explanations for each main point.
• Arrange everything in a logical order, ensuring a smooth flow from one section to the next.

To ensure your writing is well-structured and effective, rely on EssayService, which is here to help with any type of essay.

Frequently asked questions

• Linford, J. (2014). Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose What Is an Outline? How Do I Develop an Outline? https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Essay%20Planning%20-%20Outlining.pdf
• ‌ Writing an Outline for your essay | MacOdrum Library . (n.d.). Library.carleton.ca . https://library.carleton.ca/guides/help/writing-outline-your-essay

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Lesson Plan

Sept. 3, 2024, 11:45 a.m.

Lesson plan: 9/11 — Ways to reflect on the day’s legacy

The original lesson appeared Sept. 11, 2021, and was updated Sept. 3, 2024.

Introduction

September 11th will remain a day that shaped the course of the nation’s — and the world’s — history. Students in high school and middle school who were not yet born on September 11, 2001, have still grown up in a cultural and political environment that owes much to the actions of the United States in response to 9/11.

The purpose of this lesson is to invite participants to generate and share their own questions about both the day of 9/11 and the larger context of the response that followed, including the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan that is just now ending after two decades.

You can see more stories from the NewsHour examining how this recent history has shaped the nation and the world. These NewsHour pieces will become optional components of the lesson.

Click here for a series of slides that can supplement this lesson (note: you will be prompted to make a copy).For a Google version of this lesson click here .

Social Studies, English Language Arts

Grade levels

• Understand the history and impact of the 9/11 attacks
• Construct critical questions around the anniversary of 9/11 and its present-day context
• Evaluate & reflect on personal understanding of 9/11 through critical questions

Estimated time

One 60-minute class period (or 2-3 class periods more if using optional resources & extensions)

Supplemental links

Supplemental slides

A note on teaching hard history:

Most educators can recall exactly where they were and what they were doing when 9/11 unfolded. Today’s generation of students does not share this collective memory, with today’s high school seniors being born a few years after 2001.

Teaching 9/11 on its anniversary has its merits, as does teaching 9/11 within the curricular context of American and global history. We encourage educators to explore the wealth of resources provided in this lesson plan, to examine their own unanswered questions and biases, and to reflect on pedagogical practice before bringing in traumatic and provocative images of 9/11. Check out “Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies” and consider how you might design lessons that engage with hard history with a trauma-informed lens. Read Learning for Justice's article “Debunking Stereotypes About Muslims and Islam” and incorporate media literacy education as you confront misinformation. In addition, consider doing the following:

• Preview your expectations or reminding your class about norms
• Name clearly the topics; create time for participants to reflect and process
• Teach with a trauma-informed lens
• Consider the emotional response of your participants and yourself

Warm up activities (5-10 mins):

Note for instructors: Whether you’re teaching about 9/11 on the anniversary of the attacks or as a part of your broader curriculum, starting with the questions participants have can set up an anchor and circular flow (returning to those questions to close out or build upon them in the end). Remind participants to be and stay curious and to practice the skill of writing and developing strong questions.

• Generate: Participants write as many questions as they can about the September 11 attacks — without stopping to revise, edit, evaluate or answer their questions.
• Reflect: Then, participants circle or mark their three most important questions — and briefly reflect on why they selected these three.
• Turn & Talk: Participants turn and share their three questions, noting what may overlap or be different, and have partners share out questions to gauge what participants are curious about. This is also an opportunity to note any misinformation or incorrect assumptions participants may have to clarify & revisit. Read “Debunking Stereotypes About Muslims and Islam” by Learning for Justice to learn more.

Main activities (30-45 mins)

Directions: Choose one or more activity best suited to your class based on the many factors your role as a teacher requires you to know.

• Watch the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s short film (3 minutes): This video outlines the events on the morning of 9/11. As participants listen, instruct them to watch for any answers to the questions they just constructed. CONTENT WARNING : This video contains images of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon after they are hit.
• Optional: Take a detour into a robust timeline of the 9/11 attacks using this interactive guide at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and pair it with this “Historical Timeline of Afghanistan” from PBS NewsHour . Focus on context-building, asking participants to investigate questions, connections and narratives they see represented.
• Clarify and reflect (5-10 mins): Turning to talk with their partners again (or return to their notebook to write), what did participants notice about the short clip or (timelines) that answered some of their questions?
• Together with their partner, what new questions can they create? Note: If a participant replies with “I don’t have any questions,” encourage them to practice the skill of questioning and examining what they think, why they think it and what they wonder. Encourage curiosity.
• Share this infographic with participants. After reviewing, ask participants: What surprises them? Does anything connect to the questions they crafted?

via slideshow -- see link at top of lesson

via slideshow — see link at top of lesson

• Ask participants: What stories do these numbers tell? What stories don’t these numbers tell? (Can invite participants to update their list of questions here, pushing into open-ended questions vs. closed questions.)
• Watch The 9/11 Memorial & Museum has a trailer (3 minutes) for one of their programs featuring some personal connections individuals have to 9/11.
• What did you notice, what surprised you, or what do you now wonder after hearing from some individuals who have a personal connection to that day?
• Now that you’ve reviewed or learned some of the historical context of 9/11, what do you know or wonder about the legacy of 9/11? What impact has the 9/11 terrorist attacks had on the United States? Other countries? Ordinary and everyday people in the United States?
• Turn & talk: Have participants share some of their ideas, questions and reflections with their partner.
• Whole group: Invite participants to share any ideas, encourage questions and discuss together.

Part 3 (Choose one or more of the following activities)

Each night this week, PBS NewsHour features stories that examine some of the ways 9/11 transformed the nation and world. Choose one or more of the following available stories to discuss.

A. Watch “American Muslims remember how 9/11 changed America as they knew it” (from 2021 - 10 minutes)

B. Watch “How 9/11 weighs heavily on the generation born after the 9/11 attacks” (3 minutes)

C. Watch “Middletown lost the most residents on 9/11 after NYC. Here’s how the community is healing” (10 minutes)

D. Watch “The direct line between national unity after 9/11 and partisan polarization in 2021” (10 minutes)

Discussion questions : In small groups or as a whole class, discuss the following questions:

Closing (10-15 mins)

Circle back to warm up questions for clarifying and answering the unanswered questions. (Could be collected as an exit ticket or final turn and talk.)

• Look back over the questions you created at the start of class.
• What’s one question that has been answered today?
• What’s a new question you have or are thinking about? What’s left unanswered for you? What are you wondering about?
• What’s the impact of 9/11 on your generation? What do you predict will be the legacy of 9/11 for future generations?

Extension activities

Extension 1, Poetry Focus: Days before 9/11, poet Lucille Clifton welcomed a granddaughter into the world and remembers eating lunch on the day itself as she “watched on television the devastation of the Twin Towers.” In her poem “September’s Song: A Poem in Seven Days,” she examines “love and continuing and fear and hope.”

Share this excerpt of Tuesday and Sunday from the longer poem with students , reading aloud together or ask participants to annotate a copy of the poem (or digitally with a partner using this Google Doc). [Note: September 11, 2001, was a Tuesday]

Write in response:

• Ask participants to write their own day poem connecting to the themes of hope and fear, of love and continuing, mimicking some of Clifton’s style.
• Do not require participants to write specifically about 9/11. Instead leave the invitation open for them to write about what they choose.
• Or invite participants to identify vivid imagery, metaphors or symbols in the poem.
• Compare Clifton’s poem with excerpts from “ With Their Eyes: September 11th — The View From A High School at Ground Zero. ” What word choice evokes an emotional response in the reader? How does the physical structure of the poems impact the way it is read aloud? As writers, what writing moves might participants employ in their own writing?

Extension 2 : In 2021, more than 123,000 Afghan refugees, many fearing for their lives, were evacuated from Afghanistan and were resettled all over the world, including the United States. Thousands of Afghans did not make it out of the country before the U.S. military's departure on Aug. 30. Explore who, what, when, where and how of the refugees arriving in the U.S., and what local community organizations are still working to provide assistance. Read this NewsHour article for more information.

• Inquire: What do trustworthy and credible charities and organizations look like?
• Explore: What is being done locally in your area or state?
• Understand: What don’t you know? What questions do you have?
• Apply: How could your class, school, or community support and welcome refugees?
• What are the latest updates as to the Afghan refugees welfare and status in the U.S. and around the world?

U.S. Air Force loadmasters and pilots assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, load passengers aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in support of the Afghanistan evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 24, 2021. Picture taken August 24, 2021. U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen/Handout via REUTERS

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.9: Compare and contrast treatments of the same topic in several primary and secondary sources.

Kate Stevens, M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction, is an instructional coach and educator with more than a decade of experience in online, hybrid, and blended learning. In 2015, Kate was honored with Colorado Department of Education’s Online & Blended Teacher of the Year. Connect with Kate on Twitter @KateTeaching.

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