How to write an informative essay
Short answer: An informative essay explains a topic with facts. Open with an introduction that names the topic and its main point, use body paragraphs that each cover one aspect with facts and examples, keep a neutral present-tense voice, and close with a conclusion that sums up what the reader learned.
🎯 I can explain a topic.
At a glance
| Part | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| introduction | topic and main point | Honey bees do more than make honey. |
| body paragraphs | one aspect each | pollination, hive life |
| conclusion | sums up | Bees help our food and our planet. |
How to write it
- Choose one topic and one main point.
- Pick two or three aspects.
- Write a body paragraph for each, with facts and an example.
- Close with a summary and no new facts.
A model text
Honey bees do more than make honey.
First, bees pollinate. When a bee visits a flower, pollen sticks to its body and travels to the next flower, so plants can make fruit.
Second, bees work as a team. A hive may have fifty thousand bees, and each one has a job.
In short, bees help our food and our planet.
- The introduction states the point.
- Each paragraph covers one aspect.
- The conclusion sums up with no new facts.
Common mistakes
I think bees are great.→ Bees pollinate many crops.
Stay neutral.A new fact in the conclusion.→ Sum up what you already said.
No new facts at the end.One long block.→ Split by aspect.
One aspect per paragraph.
Informative and opinion
An informative essay explains. An opinion essay persuades.
| Type | Voice | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| informative | neutral | explain |
| opinion | personal | give a view |
Check yourself
- Which tense?
Show the answer
The present. Facts are true now.
- Can the conclusion add a new fact?
Show the answer
No. It only sums up.
- What does each body paragraph cover?
Show the answer
One aspect. With facts.
Rule cards that help
- No Article?: For things in general, use no a and no the: I like dogs. I drink milk.
- Present simple: I, you, we, they: For things we do again and again, and for likes, use the plain action word with I, you, we and they.
- Present simple: he, she, it + -s: With he, she, it or one name, the action word usually adds -s.
- Every day or right now?: Every day or usually: present simple. Now, Look! or Listen!: am, is or are + -ing.
- always, usually, sometimes, never: Words like always and never tell how often. They go before the action word but after am / is / are.
Sounds that help
- Saying -s and -es: He / she -s endings
- Sentence Stress: Big beats on the key words
- Longer Word Stress: Long words: one big beat
Questions
How long is it?
Three to five paragraphs.
Where do I find facts?
Use trusted books and sites and write in your own words.
Where can I practice?
The articles and essays stone has informative lessons.
Part of 📰 Articles and essays (stone 4 of the Learning Path). See also the English writing guide. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30