Informative essay: Tips

-In an informative essay, it is not enough to describe a specific topic (act as an expert in the given problem. The essay should be informative and encourage at the same time. The audience (reader) should not remain indifferent.

-Choose a topic that is relevant for the modern society.

You can use an informative essay in a newspaper magazine, for example. It can also be a school project. The purpose of this essay may be to inform of a new trend in our society (freeganism, slow lyfe movement, …) or to make your readers aware of a reality that may, otherwise, be invisible (blood diamonds, sweatshops, where do our (donated) clothes go?)

Introduction
The introduction should start with a hook sentence to make the reader interested. Think about what you wish to share with the reader, reasons why the specific problem is important, and how to persuade the audience of the issue’s significance.

-Address directly to the reader. Start the introduction by using a striking sentence, or a question that makes the reader stop and think about this issue.

Example introductions:

Blood Diamonds

When you hear “diamonds”, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Most people think of a wedding ring and how expensive they are. But when people who live in countries such as Sierra Leona and work in a diamond mine will think of nothing but death or abuse.

Freeganism

We live in a consumerist world; everybody would agree on that. But, how far would you be willing to go to keep away from the “evils” of modern society, greed, waste and lack of concern? Certain people, known as freegans, have decided to make a stand. In order to respect the Earth as much as possible, these people live entirely outside the economic system, buying nothing and selling nothing. Instead, they get what they need by a combination of borrowing, sharing, and scavenging.

Body

-Apply the body part to inform the target audience about the peculiarities of the topic. It is important to choose credible, relevant, and up-to-date sources.

Conclusion
-End up the paper by providing a summary of the main points listed in the body of your essay. Avoid adding any new information and questions. It is also important to keep the reader's interest. For example, you could wonder what action needs to be taken or how much longer the situation can be withstood (blood diamonds, sweatshops, exploitation of resources, lack of human rights…) or how long the trend will last, if this might be a feasable alternative to consumerism in the XXI century ... (slow life movement, freeganism...)