An Introduction

 An informative essay, also known as an expository essay, gives the reader detailed information about a specific topic.  Informative/expository essays are usually written in five paragraphs.

 Five paragraphs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  First paragraph: Introduction  States the character and the main things you’ll talk about in the Body  Second, Third, Fourth paragraphs: Body  HUGE amounts of detail, fact, and example  Fifth paragraph: Conclusion  Nicely summarizes everything

1. Take a deep breath, yo. 2. Choose a character or topic you have some definite opinion(s) on or already know something about. 3. Start with what you know—I promise you already know a lot. Then do research or look through a text to fill in the gaps. 4. Brainstorm using a graphic organizer, write out ideas, maybe make an outline. 5. Write a draft. 6. Revise with a friend. Revise with a parent/guardian. Revise by yourself. Revise with your teacher. 7. Rewrite. 8. Edit, proofread, check spelling, grammar, etc. 9. Turn in, on time, your last draft. Consider yourself a writer.

 R - Restate the Question or Prompt  Introduction  A - Answer the Question or Prompt  Introduction  G - Give Evidence  Body  E - Explain Evidence  Body  +  C - Conclude  Conclusion

 It should be fact-based.  Facts can be quotes, statistics, definitions, names, dates, events.  It should be formal.  Remember who your reader is (the teacher!).  Use examples.  Explain what you mean.  Don’t be overwhelmed. You have a lot of valuable stuff to say. Your teachers want to read it.