Informative Writing

If you're writing an informative essay, you need to make sure that you're using the right techniques; otherwise, your piece could wind up without any substance (or, worse yet, in the bottom of the "circular file.")

Too often, so-called "informative" essays are actually flowery, doctored-up creations. Though they may cite one or two facts, they leave the reader without any more knowledge of the topic area than when he or she began reading the piece.

If you truly want to inform your audience, you need to follow some simple guidelines that will ensure that your words are memorable, informative, and concise. Below are seven helpful hints to get you started on an essay that is fact-based, pithy, and powerful.

1. What's The Point?

Before you ever begin your informative essay, create a thesis statement; in more basic terms, this means you must have a "point". By formulating a hypothesis and using that as the basis of your informative essay, your work won't meander like a snaking stream. Instead, it'll stay on point from beginning to end.

2. Ditch The Flowery Prose

Flowery language can be effective in the right forum; however, overly embellished sentences do not belong in your informative essay. Keep your verbiage simple and straightforward, or your reader will pay too much attention to your overuse of adjectives and adverbs.

3. Put Your Feelings Aside

You probably have an opinion about what you're writing, but unless your essay is meant to be read as a personal syndicated column, leave your feelings at the door. Instead of editorializing, tell the facts like a good journalist; if you do, your readers will be able to draw their own conclusions instead of having yours foisted upon them.

4. Get Your Facts Straight

An informative essay needs to have supporting data to give it clarity and authority. However, that doesn't mean you can rely on any statistics you find online. Unfortunately, the World Wide Web is filled with "facts" that are actually only half-truths (or even outright lies.) Make sure the ones you choose for your work are from reliable sources, such as well-known companies or government agencies.

5. Go to The Sources

If you need to interview individuals to add power or legitimacy to your informative essay, make sure you choose your interviewees carefully. Avoid the temptation to allow just anyone to use your essay as a mouthpiece. Judiciously pick who you want to quote, then make sure that your quotes are accurate.

6. Active Voice = Strong Essay

Present your information in a strong tone, using active words and powerful adjectives that "pop" off the page, not simply dribble down onto the reader's lap. For instance, replace words like "good" or "bad" with much more expressive counterparts. Remember, though - your goal isn't to be poetic; it's to add proper emphasis to your thesis and supporting information.

7. Write About What Interests You

If you don't like the topic of your informative essay, no one else will, either. Of course, we cannot always choose what to write about (unless we're very lucky authors, indeed!) Therefore, you owe it to yourself and your readers to find an element of your essay that intrigues you. Even if you have to manufacture enthusiasm for your work, that's okay; just never allow your audience to hear your disinterest or they'll surely follow suit.

By using some or all of the above seven ideas, you can ensure that your next informative piece of writing is strong, interesting, and succinct.