Informing writing uses facts to communicate information in a way that is, instead of persuasively, informative. What this implies is that a writer who intends to “inform” should deliver their message to readers without prejudice (opinion). They should inform their audiences about a certain issue by offering knowledge and true facts without the added aim of prompting a specific response or change among them.
The Five Major Aims of Informative Writing Are:
- Sharing new information with readers
- Describing a process
- Clarifying a concept
- Giving an explanation of why or how
- Detailing parts of a greater whole
Let’s look at a few examples of each of these five goals in the context of various writing subjects to illustrate. Consider the major distinctions between excellent and awful examples as you study these cases. Consider how persuasion topics may be transformed into informative topics, and how you can avoid doing so while creating your own informative essay.
Sharing New Information
Introducing your reader to information he or she may not be aware of.
Good Examples
- Detailing the health advantages of green vegetables.
- Summarizing the gospel’s fundamental principles and ordinances.
- Explaining the spiritual advantages of having Family Councils.
Bad Examples
- Declaring that spinach is the greatest green vegetable.
- Declaring that repentance is the most essential doctrine and ordinance of the Gospel.
- Contending that the Family Council is a waste of effort.
Describing a Process
Walking through a step-by-step procedure or process with your reader.
Good Examples
- Summarizing a simple method to cook a pot roast.
- Describing a typical approach to learning a foreign language.
- Locate a few easy measures that individuals may take to clean their house.
Bad Examples
- Arguing that the Argentine approach to preparing beef is superior to any other method.
- Declaring that Duolingo is the finest software for learning a foreign language.
- Contending that Marie Kondo’s approach is the most effective way to maintain your things.
Clarifying a Concept
Examining the similarities and/or distinctions between seemingly related subjects
Good Examples
- Finding the fundamental differences between a metaphor and a simile.
- Summarizing the similarities and differences between saltwater and freshwater fish.
- Outlining the primary distinctions between top, mid, and lower-level objectives.
Bad Examples
- The metaphor is a far more effective literary device than the simile, therefore it must be used instead of the latter.
- Saltwater fish, he claims, has a far superior taste to freshwater fish.
- Contending that top-level objectives are the greatest sorts of goals to establish.
Giving an Explanation of Why or How
Providing the reader with an insight into how something functions.
Good Examples
- Summarizing the relationship between price and demand in a free market.
- What most plants require to survive and develop may be summarized as follows.
- How to break bad habits in a simple manner using just a few hints.
Bad Examples
- It is usually preferable to defend the free market rather than a fixed one.
- Overpopulation, according to him, is endangering plant life.
- Arguing that some vices are more damaging than others.
Detailing Smaller Parts
Details and clarification on smaller aspects of a larger topic or theme.
Good Examples
- Describing the main components of a combustion engine.
- Summarizing the plan of salvation’s agency component.
- Identifying a few methods for good financial management.
Bad Examples
- The claim that spark ignition gasoline engines are superior to compression ignition diesel engines is made.
- Arguing that the pre-existence is more essential than the earthlife stage in the Plan of Salvation.
- Contending that regaining financial control is the most critical aspect of improving your money management skills.
