14 Do’s and Don’ts for When Writing an Informative Essay

Writing a high-quality informative essay can be straightforward when you know what to do and what to avoid in your process. Crafting these essays requires not just a good grasp of the subject matter but also an understanding of effective writing techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential do’s and don’ts to help you navigate the informative essay-writing process successfully.

Understanding the Basics of an Informative Essay

Before we jump into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what an informative essay is. Unlike persuasive essays, which aim to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, informative essays seek to provide a balanced and factual exploration of a given topic. The goal is to inform the reader, offering insights and knowledge rather than opinions.

Now, let's explore the do’s for writing an informative essay:

Do 1: Research the Topic Thoroughly

One of the cornerstones of a successful informative essay is conducting thorough research. A well-researched essay is grounded in facts and credible sources. Start your search on platforms like Google Scholar to find reputable articles and papers that can provide valuable insights into your topic. When conducting research, allow the keywords to guide your search and narrow down the information to only what is relevant to your essay.

Research doesn’t mean you should read everything you find. Instead, focus on high-quality sources that directly relate to your topic. Quality over quantity is your mantra here.

Do 2: Brainstorm Ideas for Your Essay

Brainstorming is a vital step in the writing process. It allows you to explore different angles of your topic and find a unique approach that interests you. Spend some time jotting down ideas, concepts, questions, and possible narratives regarding your subject matter. Taking this preliminary step can clarify your thoughts and organize the foundation of your essay.

Many students struggle to get started, but brainstorming can jumpstart your thinking and help you identify a clear direction for your writing. It helps to plan and structure your ideas before moving to the next phases of your essay.

Do 3: Organize Your Thoughts and Ideas

Once you have a collection of ideas, the next step is to organize them. Writing your thoughts down in an orderly manner can help you see the connections between ideas and set the stage for a logical flow of information. Using an outlining feature in a word processing program can greatly assist you in creating a structured framework for your essay. Outlines not only help organize your thoughts but also make writing the actual essay more manageable.

An outline might include the introduction, key points for each paragraph, supporting evidence, and the conclusion, ensuring that your essay is coherent and logically structured from start to finish.

Do 4: Select a Focus and Make a Thesis Statement

A clear thesis statement is essential for a focused essay. It should encapsulate the main point of your essay and provide your readers with a roadmap of what to expect. Whether your essay consists of a thousand words or just a few hundred, a well-defined thesis simplifies your writing process and helps maintain your focus. Make sure your thesis is specific, arguable, and relevant to your topic.

Do 5: Include Relevant Facts and Data

The backbone of an informative essay is factual information. For each key point you make, back it up with evidence, statistics, or quotes from credible sources. This adds weight to your arguments and portrays you as an informed writer. Also, including diverse types of data will enhance the richness of your content, as readers appreciate varied perspectives on the topic at hand.

Do 6: Support Your Arguments with Evidence

When making arguments or claims, supporting them with evidence from reputable sources is crucial. Citing evidence not only helps substantiate your claims but also shows your audience that you have done your homework and understand the context of your arguments. Proper citation also lends your essay credibility, assuring readers that your assertions are backed by factual information.

Do 7: Use a Logical Structure

A logically structured essay guides the reader through your thoughts coherently. The introduction should contain your thesis statement and outline the main points you’ll cover. Each subsequent paragraph should focus on one point, progressively building upon your argument. Transition smoothly from one idea to another while keeping your writing consistent. Avoid tangents that might confuse the reader.

Do 8: Use Simple and Clear Language

Language is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Your writing should never be convoluted or unnecessarily complex. Aim for simplicity. Clear, concise language ensures every reader, regardless of their background, can grasp your ideas. Avoid jargon and overly complicated terms, and if you must use them, be sure to explain their meaning.

Do 9: Use a Variety of Sentence Structures

Employing a mix of sentence structures can keep your writing engaging. Monotonous sentence patterns may bore your readers. Instead, vary your syntax by alternating between short, punchy sentences and longer, more complex structures. This creates a rhythm in your writing that can make it more enjoyable to read.

Do 10: Cite Your Sources Properly

Maintaining academic integrity is essential. Always properly cite your sources to avoid accusations of plagiarism. This also aids your reader in exploring your material further if they wish. Familiarize yourself with citation styles (like APA, MLA, and Chicago) and the specific requirements for your class or publication.

Do 11: Check Your Work for Accuracy

It is imperative to ensure that all your information is accurate, especially when dealing with statistics or factual claims. Double-check your sources and verify your data. This will enhance your credibility as a writer and reflect positively on your work.

Do 12: Proofread and Edit Your Informative Essay

Editing and proofreading are critical stages in the writing process. Spelling and grammatical errors can undermine the overall quality of your essay. Take the time to read through your essay multiple times, checking for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. You can also use tools like Rephrasely’s Grammar Corrector to catch any lingering errors.

Do 13: Ask Someone Else to Review Your Essay

Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can provide invaluable feedback. Sharing your essay with a peer or mentor can help identify errors you might have overlooked and offer different perspectives on your arguments. This constructive criticism can strengthen your final draft significantly.

Do 14: Revise and Refine Your Informative Essay

Once you have made necessary revisions based on feedback, take a moment to polish your essay further. Ensure that it is coherent, fluid, and effectively conveys your intended message. Refining your work demonstrates a commitment to quality and can elevate your writing to the next level.

Moving to the Don'ts

As with any writing endeavor, there are pitfalls to avoid. Here are some common don’ts when writing an informative essay:

Don't 1: Copy and Paste from Other Sources

Plagiarism is a serious offense. Relying on other writers’ words without proper attribution not only tarnishes your integrity but also undermines the originality of your work. Always strive to present information in your own words and genuine expressions.

Don't 2: Use Biased Language

It’s crucial to maintain impartiality, especially in informative writing. Avoid language that could suggest bias or favoritism towards a particular perspective. Instead, aim for neutrality, and present multiple viewpoints fairly.

Don't 3: Make Baseless Claims

Unsubstantiated claims weaken the effectiveness of your arguments. Always provide backing for your statements with factual evidence to maintain credibility and make a persuasive case.

Don't 4: Use Jargon or Complex Terminology

Unnecessary jargon can alienate readers who may not be familiar with specialized language. Strive for clarity by employing straightforward language that can be easily understood.

Don't 5: Use First-Person Pronouns

In academic writing, particularly informative essays, it is best to avoid first-person pronouns. Phrases like "I believe" or "In my opinion" detract from the objective tone that informative essays should convey. Instead, focus on presenting facts and analysis.

Don't 6: Exaggerate or Make Assumptions

Making exaggerated claims or unfounded assumptions can erode your credibility. Stick to verifiable data and avoid inflating your arguments beyond the evidence you provide.

Don't 7: Provide False Information

Inaccurate information can harm your credibility and mislead readers. Scrutinize your sources for authenticity and reliability. Never include information unless you are certain of its accuracy.

Don't 8: Use Too Many Quotes

While quotes can add authority to your essay, over-reliance on them can make your writing feel fragmented. Aim for a balance between original content and quotes to maintain a unique voice throughout your essay.

Don't 9: Be Afraid to Be Opinionated

While it is important to stay factual, don’t hesitate to express your opinion when appropriate. Stating your perspective, backed up with evidence, can make your essay more engaging and thought-provoking.

Don't 10: Forget to Include a Conclusion

A conclusive paragraph is where you reinforce your primary points and summarize the importance of your findings. Don’t leave your essay hanging; instead, ensure your conclusion offers closure and insight.

Don't 11: Ignore the Purpose of Your Informative Essay

Always stay focused on the purpose of your essay. Clarity in your objectives enhances the reader’s understanding and keeps your arguments aligned with the essay's goals.

Don't 12: Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you find yourself stuck, seeking help is a smart strategy. Whether it’s a teacher, a peer, or online writing resources, don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed.

Don't 13: Forget to Check the Formatting Requirements

Adhering to formatting guidelines is crucial for professionalism. Familiarize yourself with the required style (APA, MLA, etc.) and ensure your essay aligns with these specifications.

Don't 14: Wait Until the Last Minute to Write Your Essay

Procrastination is the enemy of good writing. Allow yourself sufficient time to create, revise, and refine your essay to achieve quality work. Planning ahead will also reduce stress and lead to better outcomes.

Final Thoughts

By adhering to these do’s and don’ts for writing an informative essay, you will be equipped to create a polished and engaging piece that fulfills its purpose of informing readers.

Summarized Do’s:

• Research the topic thoroughly
• Brainstorm ideas for your informative essay
• Organize your thoughts and ideas
• Select a focus and create a thesis statement
• Include relevant facts and data
• Support your arguments with evidence
• Use a logical structure
• Use simple and clear language
• Use a variety of sentence structures
• Cite your sources properly
• Check your work for accuracy
• Proofread and edit your informative essay
• Ask someone else to review your informative essay
• Revise and refine your informative essay

Summarized Don’ts:

• Don’t copy and paste from other sources
• Don’t use biased language
• Don’t make baseless claims
• Don’t use jargon or complex terminology
• Don’t use first-person pronouns
• Don’t exaggerate or make assumptions
• Don’t provide false information
• Don’t use too many quotes
• Don’t be afraid to be opinionated
• Don’t forget to include a conclusion
• Don’t ignore the purpose of your informative essay
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help
• Don’t forget to check the formatting requirements
• Don’t wait until the last minute to write your informative essay

We hope you’ve found this article helpful. Share it with fellow students to spread the knowledge and ensure that everyone can write informative essays that are both functional and compelling!

Works Cited

• How to improve your writing. Rephrasely. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from rephrasely.com/how-to-improve-your-writing
• Google Scholar. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from scholar.google.com
• 20 important questions to consider when writing an essay. Rephrasely. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from rephrasely.com/20-important-questions-to-consider-when-writing-an-essay
• Google. (n.d.). My word! Google Books. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from books.google.co.za