informative essay detailed lesson plan

Informative Writing

Our Informative Writing lesson plan teaches students the proper structure of an informative essay and the components that make it up. During this lesson, students use this information to write their own five-paragraph informative essay from start to finish.

Description

Additional information.

Our Informative Writing lesson plan develops written expression as students successfully write a five paragraph informative essay which clearly provides factual information and/or explanations about an expository topic. Starting with a collaborative group brainstorming session to model fact accumulation and categorization of ideas, this interactive lesson demonstrates the process of composing an informative writing piece. Students are asked to identify key elements of a given informative essay, such as topic sentences and the conclusion to reinforce their understanding and help them write their own essays.

At the end of the lesson, students will be able to successfully write a five paragraph informative essay which clearly provides factual information and/or explanations about an expository topic.

State Educational Standards: LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.A, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.B, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.C, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.D, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.A, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.B, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.C, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.D

Thank you for submitting a review!

Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Step by step instructions for lesson

This is great lesson plan from start to finish. It provides an introduction as well as a closure to the lesson. In addition, an articles is included in the lesson. No need to search for articles that are grade appropriate.

Infomative Writing Lesson Plan

Well prepared and useful resource. It is the best I have seen so far. Keep it up please.

Great Help!

I love Clarendon Learning! They always help me out of a bind with their supplies.

Great resource

I was looking for ideas on lessons about 4th grade language arts and science skills. When I made it to this site I was blown away! Not only did it provide great lessons to follow, but it also provides the practice for my students... doesn’t get any better than that... thanks Clarendon

Related products

Careers: Computer Programmer

Man o’ Wars

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Make your life easier with our lesson plans, stay up-to-date with new lessons.

• Lesson Plans
• For Teachers

© 2024 Learn Bright. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions. Privacy Policy.

• Sign Up for Free

Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is informative writing?

Informative writing educates the reader about a certain topic. An informative essay may explain new information, describe a process, or clarify a concept. The provided information is objective, meaning the writing focuses on presentation of fact and should not contain personal opinion or bias.

Informative writing includes description, process, cause and effect, comparison, and problems and possible solutions:

Describes a person, place, thing, or event using descriptive language that appeals to readers’ senses

Explains the process to do something or how something was created

Discusses the relationship between two things, determining how one ( cause ) leads to the other ( effect ); the effect needs to be based on fact and not an assumption

Identifies the similarities and differences between two things; does not indicate that one is better than the other

Details a problem and presents various possible solutions ; the writer does not suggest one solution is more effective than the others

Purpose of informative writing

The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer’s motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic’s intricacies.

Informative essays may introduce readers to new information .

Summarizing a scientific/technological study

Outlining the various aspects of a religion

Providing information on a historical period

Describe a process or give step-by-step details of a procedure.

How to write an informational essay

How to construct an argument

How to apply for a job

Clarify a concept and offer details about complex ideas.

Explain why or how something works the way that it does.

Describe how the stock market impacts the economy

Illustrate why there are high and low tides

Detail how the heart functions

Offer information on the smaller aspects or intricacies of a larger topic.

Identify the importance of the individual bones in the body

Outlining the Dust Bowl in the context of the Great Depression

Explaining how bees impact the environment

How to write an informative essay

Regardless of the type of information, the informative essay structure typically consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

Background information

Explanation of evidence

Restated thesis

Review of main ideas

Closing statement

Informative essay introduction

When composing the introductory paragraph(s) of an informative paper, include a hook, introduce the topic, provide background information, and develop a good thesis statement.

If the hook or introduction creates interest in the first paragraph, it will draw the readers’ attention and make them more receptive to the essay writer's ideas. Some of the most common techniques to accomplish this include the following:

Emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or by indicating that the subject is influential.

Use pertinent statistics to give the paper an air of authority.

A surprising statement can be shocking; sometimes it is disgusting; sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.

An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the informative essay topic and focus on what is to follow.

Directly introduce the topic of the essay.

Provide the reader with the background information necessary to understand the topic. Don’t repeat this information in the body of the essay; it should help the reader understand what follows.

Identify the overall purpose of the essay with the thesis (purpose statement). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.

Informative essay body paragraphs

Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, and a transition sentence.

A good topic sentence should identify what information the reader should expect in the paragraph and how it connects to the main purpose identified in the thesis.

Provide evidence that details the main point of the paragraph. This includes paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements.

Explain how the evidence connects to the main purpose of the essay.

Place transitions at the end of each body paragraph, except the last. There is no need to transition from the last support to the conclusion. A transition should accomplish three goals:

Tell the reader where you were (current support)

Tell the reader where you are going (next support)

Relate the paper’s purpose

Informative essay conclusion

Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.

Rephrase the purpose of the essay. Do not just repeat the purpose statement from the thesis.

Summarize the main idea found in each body paragraph by rephrasing each topic sentence.

End with a clincher or closing statement that helps readers answer the question “so what?” What should the reader take away from the information provided in the essay? Why should they care about the topic?

Informative essay example

The following example illustrates a good informative essay format:

• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Learn WordPress
• Members Newsfeed

Informative Writing | Teaching Tips and Unit Plans

Informative writing is a fundamental element of education, serving as the backbone for students to convey knowledge and ideas in a clear and structured manner. It is crucial in developing critical thinking and communication skills. As educators, it is essential to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in informative writing through effective teaching strategies and well-crafted unit plans.

Teaching Tips for Informative Writing:

Start with Understanding Purpose:

Educators should first ensure that students understand the purpose of informative writing – to educate the reader without reflecting personal opinion. Teachers can present examples of informative texts like news articles, encyclopedic entries, or how-to guides.

Focus on Structure and Clarity:

Teach students the standard structure of an informative essay: an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes key points. Stress the importance of clarity and conciseness in conveying information.

Develop Research Skills:

Informative writing requires reliable information. Teach students to research from credible sources, how to take notes effectively, and the importance of cross-referencing information to ensure accuracy.

Enhance Vocabulary:

Encourage students to expand their vocabulary; a rich vocabulary aids in more precise and engaging writing. Incorporate activities that introduce new words and their usage within informative contexts.

Practice Paraphrasing:

Students should learn to paraphrase research findings. This skill prevents plagiarism and allows them to process and communicate information in their own words.

Utilize Graphic Organizers:

Graphic organizers can help students plan their writing by organizing their thoughts, outlining main ideas, supporting details, and data before they begin drafting their essays.

Incorporating Technology:

Use technological tools for research, collaborative writing, or presenting information in different formats such as slideshows, blogs, or digital posters.

Peer Review Sessions:

Incorporate peer review sessions where students read each other’s work and give constructive feedback focussing on the content’s informativeness.

Unit Plans for Informative Writing:

Week 1: Introduction to Informative Writing

– Objective: Students will understand what informative writing is.

– Activities: Explore various informative texts and discuss characteristics. Practice identifying thesis statements and main points.

Week 2: Research Skills

– Objective: Students will learn to gather information from credible sources.

– Activities: Library session on research databases, practice note-taking methods, start preliminary research on chosen topics.

Week 3: Writing Process – Organizing Information

– Objective: Students will outline their essays using graphic organizers.

– Activities: Brainstorming sessions; teach how to organize facts into introduction, body, and conclusion; construct thesis statements.

Week 4: Drafting

– Objective: Students will write the first draft of their informative essay.

– Activities: Provide class time for drafting. One-on-one consultations with teacher for guidance.

Week 5: Revising & Editing

– Objective: Student will refine drafts for clarity and correctness.

– Activities: Peer reviews focused on content; teacher reviews focused on grammar, style, punctuation.

Week 6: Finalizing & Presenting

– Objective: Students will complete final draft and present their work.

– Activities: Preparation of final draft; students present their essays or create a visual representation of their topic for class discussion.

By integrating these teaching tips and unit plans into the curriculum, educators can help students master the art of informative writing – a skill that transcends academic purposes and prepares them for real-world communication challenges.

Related Articles

The art of informative writing is a fundamental component of educational curriculum…

As parents, educators, and mentors, it’s essential to introduce children to the…

Editing can often be the less glamorous side of writing for students,…

Pedagogue is a social media network where educators can learn and grow. It's a safe space where they can share advice, strategies, tools, hacks, resources, etc., and work together to improve their teaching skills and the academic performance of the students in their charge.

If you want to collaborate with educators from around the globe, facilitate remote learning, etc., sign up for a free account today and start making connections.

Pedagogue is Free Now, and Free Forever!

• New? Start Here
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Registration

Don't you have an account? Register Now! it's really simple and you can start enjoying all the benefits!

We just sent you an Email. Please Open it up to activate your account.

I allow this website to collect and store submitted data.

You are using an outdated browser and it's not supported. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• LOGIN FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
• PROGRAM SUPPORT

Informative Writing

Description.

In this unit, students are introduced to the skills, practices, and routines of informative writing by working collaboratively with their peers to examine informative writing models, plan for their writing, and gather evidence. Students independently practice writing and revising and also engage in peer review to revise their work. Throughout the unit, the class will construct an Informative Writing Checklist, which students will use to guide their drafting, review, and finalization. By the end of the unit, students will have produced fully developed informative papers.

There may be cases when our downloadable resources contain hyperlinks to other websites. These hyperlinks lead to websites published or operated by third parties. UnboundEd and EngageNY are not responsible for the content, availability, or privacy policies of these websites.

• Grades 9-10 Writing Module, Unit 2
• Writing Module Unit 2 Overview
• Cave Painting
• Photography
• Text Firing, Not Hiring
• The New Deal

In This Unit

• lesson 1: Introduction to Informative Writing
• lesson 2: Effective Informative Writing: Purpose and Audience
• lesson 3: Informative Writing: Analyzing the Prompt
• lesson 4: Informative Writing: Charting Topics, Subtopics, Claims, and Evidence
• lesson 5: Informative Writing: More Subtopics and Evidence
• lesson 6: Informative Writing: Processing the Information
• lesson 7: Informative Writing: Drafting an Outline
• lesson 8: Informative Writing: Drafting Body Paragraphs
• lesson 9: Informative Writing: Drafting an Introduction
• lesson 10: Informative Writing: Drafting a Conclusion
• lesson 11: Informative Writing: Getting Feedback
• lesson 12: Finalizing Informative Papers
• lesson 13: Informative Writing: Reflecting on the Writing Process

Related Guides and Multimedia

Our professional learning resources include teaching guides, videos, and podcasts that build educators' knowledge of content related to the standards and their application in the classroom.

Building Fluency: Unbound A Guide to 6-12 ELA/Literacy Practices

• See All Guides

Grade 7 English Module: Informative Essay

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the writing of an informative essay. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The arrangement of the lessons follows the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module is mainly about: Informative Essay

Essay writing brings more benefits than browsing the social networking sites. It sharpens your mind and make you more creative than hitting likes and sharing your friends’ posts. The ability to share something from your mind is a plausible act.

One of the basic types of essays that students need to learn is the informative essay. An informative essay is based on facts to educate or inform an audience on a particular topic. An informative essay is the basic type of essays and its primary goal is to educate the reader by communicating facts or proving explanation on a particular topic.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define informative essay;

2. give the characteristics of informative essay; and

3. compose an informative essay.

Grade 7 English Quarter 4 Self-Learning Module: Informative Essay

Can't find what you're looking for.

We are here to help - please use the search box below.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

EL Education Curriculum

You are here.

• ELA 2019 G8:M2:U2:L10

Draft an Informative Essay (Lessons 10-11)

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

• Technology and Multimedia

Supporting English Language Learners

Materials from previous lessons, new materials, closing & assessments, you are here:.

• ELA 2019 Grade 8
• ELA 2019 G8:M2
• ELA 2019 G8:M2:U2

Like what you see?

Order printed materials, teacher guides and more.

How to order

Help us improve!

Tell us how the curriculum is working in your classroom and send us corrections or suggestions for improving it.

Leave feedback

Focus Standards:  These are the standards the instruction addresses.

• W.8.2, W.8.2f, W.8.4, W.8.5, W.8.6, SL.8.4

Supporting Standards:  These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.

• RI.8.4, RI.8.10, W.8.6, W.8.7, W.8.8, W.8.10, SL.8.1, L.8.4, L.8.6
• I can plan a concluding statement to an informative essay that follows from and supports the information presented. ( W.8.2f, W.8.4 )
• I can draft an informative essay using the Painted Essay® structure. ( W.8.2 )
• I can give kind, helpful, and specific feedback to my partner. ( SL.8.1 )
• Opening A: Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lessons 10-11 ( W.8.2 )
• Work Time A: Informative Essay Writing Plan graphic organizer: plan of conclusion ( W.8.2f, W.8.4 )
• Work Time B: Independent Writing: Draft an Informative Essay ( W.8.2, W.8.4 )
• Prepare Organize the Model Essay: "GMOs" conclusion strips.
• Predetermine triads for sorting the conclusion strips in Work Time A.
• Strategically pair students for work in Closing and Assessment A.
• Review the Informative Writing checklist from Lesson 8 to become familiar with what will be required of students over the remainder of the unit.
• Ensure there is a copy of Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lessons 10-11 at each student's workspace.
• Post the learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see Materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

• Work Time A: Prepare a device with a projector to display Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lessons 10-11; Model Essay: "GMOs"; and the Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer, or prepare devices for students if they will be using digital versions of these documents.
• Work Time B: Prepare devices with word-processing capabilities for students to draft their essays.
• Continue to use the technology tools recommended throughout previous modules to create anchor charts to share with families; to record students as they participate in discussions and protocols to review with students later and to share with families; and for students to listen to and annotate text, record ideas on note-catchers, and word-process writing.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 8.I.A.1, 8.I.A.3, and 8.I.A.4.

Important Points in the Lesson Itself

• To support ELLs, these lessons incorporate repeated routines, embedded Think-Pair-Shares, and continued scaffolding with the writing process as students move into drafting their informative essays. Students translate the planning they have done into an essay and then spend time reviewing one another's work during a peer critique.
• ELLs may find it challenging to articulate feedback for their partners during the peer critique. Likewise, some students may find it difficult to pinpoint areas for improvement in their partner's writing. Remind students that in addition to receiving useful feedback, one benefit of participating in a peer critique is the opportunity to see examples of effective writing and to learn from peers while analyzing their writing.
• Domain-specific word wall (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Work Time A)
• Work to Become Effective Learners anchor chart (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 2, Lessons 4-5, Work Time D)
• Work to Become Ethical People anchor chart (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Work Time D)
• Model Essay: "GMOs" (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Work Time A)
• Model Essay: "CSAs" (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Work Time A)
• Directions for Peer Critique (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 11, Work Time C)
• Peer Critique Protocol anchor chart (example for teacher reference) (from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 11, Work Time C)
• Peer Critique Protocol anchor chart (example for teacher reference) (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 11, Work Time C)
• Model Essay: “GMOs” (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Work Time A)
• Model Essay: “CSAs” (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Work Time A)
• Informative Writing Plan graphic organizer (one per student and one for display; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Work Time B)
• Researcher’s Toolbox (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 1, Work Time A)
• Informative Writing checklist (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 7, Work Time B)
• Painted Essay® template (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
• Informative Writing: Independent Research Essay directions (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 2, Lesson 8, Closing and Assessment A)
• Independent reading journals (one per student; begun in Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
• Transition Words handout (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 2, Lesson 10, Work Time D)
• Device with projector (see Technology and Multimedia)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lessons 10-11 (answers for teacher reference)
• Organize Model Essay: "GMOs" conclusion strips (example for teacher reference)
• Writing Process checklist (for teacher reference) ( see the Tools page )
• Devices (optional; one per student; see Technology and Multimedia)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 2, Lessons 10-11 (one for display and one per student)
• Devices with word-processing capabilities (optional; one per student; see Technology and Multimedia)
• Organize Model Essay: "GMOs" conclusion strips (one per group)
• Scissors (one per triad)
• Sticky notes (one per student)

Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

Copyright © 2013-2024 by EL Education, New York, NY.

Get updates about our new K-5 curriculum as new materials and tools debut.

Help us improve our curriculum..

Tell us what’s going well, share your concerns and feedback.

Terms of use . To learn more about EL Education, visit  eleducation.org