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The A to Z of Informal Essays Along With 100 Best Topics

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Informal essays are mainly written in order to share ideas, knowledge, and personal experiences with the potential readers. It goes without saying that the topics must be interesting enough for the readers to continue with the composition. However, it is not only about a mere selection of topic for your informal essay; one must also choose to learn and adapt certain writing techniques, tips, and suggestions associated with the task of drafting informal essays. If you find yourself struggling with this process, seeking essay writing help from experienced professionals can provide invaluable guidance and support, ensuring that your informal essays effectively convey your thoughts and engage your audience.

No good essay has ever been created in the history of academics without a proper implementation of ideas, clarity of thought and creativity. So, here are certain techniques, suggestions and helpful ideas jotted down for you. Make some time out to go through the lines, improvise the ideas shared, and compose informal essays that can fetch you the desired output and academic grade in your semesters.

• Come up with titles that can intrigue readers instantly

Since informal essay is entirely related to creativity, interesting tone of writing, attractive choice of words, self-explanatory statements and articulation of other creative inputs, title certainly plays a major role. That is the first and foremost thing the prospective readers will notice. Thus, one should always consider coming up with an intriguing title, relevant to the topic assigned. The idea is to keep things simple yet catchy. So, don’t make the title unnecessarily long.

• Know your readers well

If the concept of target audience or the readers to be approached with essays on informal topics isn’t clear to you, then the entire write-up might just go in vain. So, you need to understand for whom you’re going to address the paper and what their potential choice of reading is. Set a clear target; understand the purpose behind writing the content and how persuasive will you be in your approach. Once you are done confirming these points thoroughly, the process of drafting the paper would seem to be much easier.

• Research and plan before you write

As part of the basic rule of essay writing, conducting research and planning things before drafting the paper is undoubtedly the most important thing to consider. Even if you are about to work on a personal experience, using informal tone, you need to plan things down carefully. The series of incidents you would describe or talk about must be decided beforehand.

In case the topic is somewhat rigid or challenging in a different way, then proper research and accumulation of vital facts becomes necessary. Although you are writing the essay in an informal way and for the purpose of reader’s amusement, you can’t come up with something entirely hypothetical. Thus, planning the content to be added to the paper, along with a thorough background research is undeniably important

While adding content, you should also consider including amusing facts in such a way so that the logic behind the data presented doesn’t gets affected. If you must decide to add factual data to your copy, then consider adding humor to the fact, so that it doesn’t appear to be serious or formal in the eyes of your potential readers.

• Do not exceed the five paragraph threshold, unless there’s any added instruction

As per the general rule of essay writing, a five paragraph body section is to be maintained, unless your academic instructor is asking you for an exception. The content to be added to the paper shouldn’t be boring or monotonous; rather with every new paragraph try and come up with an interesting perspective or dimension.

• Come up with an amalgamation of fact and humor

All fact and no humor and all humor and no fact can both affect the quality of your informal essay paper. So, the idea is to maintain a nice balance between both and blend the copy with facts and humors in a balanced manner.

• Refrain from being too informal

Although it’s an informal essay you are working on, becoming too informal might make you lose a steady grip. This, as a result, can cause the content quality to suffer as well. So, don’t overdo things, and choose to write whatever is required and avoid contents that may appear to be unessential.

• Writing the conclusion

This certainly is a crucial section which is to be attended carefully. You must consider summarizing the main idea behind the topic and whatever you had discussed in the body paragraphs. The tone should be informal, attractive and persuasive, along with the inclusion of proper logic and factual data. The best thing is to end your essay with creative contents, and articulations of perspectives that can leave the prospective readers look for more of your compositions.

• Proofread and edit your essay carefully

Before you decide to submit your informal essay, do consider going through the paper thoroughly. Many of us end up committing certain silly grammatical mistakes and contextual flaws in the paper. If the errors are not been fixed and rectified with precision, then the overall grade associated with the essay might get affected, thus hindering a successful academic year.

If in case you are running out of sufficient time, or looking for experts to help you in this matter, then simply do the needful by getting in touch with professional essay proofreaders and editors . They are perhaps the best people to consult with for comprehensive solutions.

• Consult experts when in doubt

At times, the potential students may tend to feel confused on being stuck on a complicated section in the paper. So, the best thing to be done in such cases is getting in touch with the professional custom essay paper writing experts available these days.

It is always safe to consider expert assistance and seek helpful guidance from experienced people than risking your paper. Well, apart from seeking academic help from the custom essay writers , one can choose to consult college seniors and parents as well, whichever would be feasible.

100 Interesting Informal Essay Topics

• My favorite television show
• My favorite time of the year
• Effects of global warming
• My favorite pet
• Essays on different breeds of dogs
• The best vacation I have ever spent
• The best of world movies
• My favorite movie director
• A poet I admire and get inspiration from
• Essay on generation gap and what influence it had on you
• Do arrange marriage still works in this modern era?
• The most adventurous journey I’ve ever made
• My sweetest memories being a teenager
• A funny incident that occurred recently in my life
• The beautiful feeling of being a mother
• A hilarious experience I encountered as a younger sibling
• My first day at college
• Any hilarious incident that took place during your hostel days
• Your personal experience of being stuck on an elevator
• Your first pet
• A thrilling experience that you had while on a mountain trip
• A memorable experience to remember while you were on a flight
• A place you don’t feel like visiting and why
• If you were a superhero, then what would you do?
• One thing you wish to change in this world
• Something horrifying you’ve noticed in life
• The kind of teacher you would wish to become
• Your memories as the youngest member of the family
• A place you would like to visit alone
• A place you would fear visiting alone
• What makes your friends special?
• The best class I have ever attended
• The best person I have ever met
• The first time I played cricket
• The first time I visited a museum
• What are my goals and how far have I managed achieving them?
• Influence of animated movies on children
• A hilarious incident I’ve experienced during my college days
• A prank that went wrong
• A prank that scared my friends/siblings/cousin
• Is last-minute exam preparation a nice idea? Share your own experience
• The best gift of nature to you till date
• A day without electricity
• A week spent without internet
• Best forest trip ever
• What impact did television have on you being a child?
• Someone you have always admired
• Someone you had a fight with
• Someone who makes you feel special
• How you managed to overcome a mishap
• A lovely day spent with your favorite people
• Your first trip to the zoo as a child
• A horrifying nightmare
• A dream that came true
• A job you would never like to see yourself in
• Your dream job
• Given a chance, how would you strategize to eliminate terrorism
• How addiction is ruining the youths of your locality?
• A point in my life that taught me how to act like an adult
• What are your views on parenting in the modern world?
• Living in a world of constant innovation
• How often would you feel like going in a vacation?
• The influence of pop-culture around the globe
• Ideal relationship between brother and sister
• Life on Mars
• What makes country music popular among certain listeners?
• What makes hip-hop a popular culture among certain teenagers?
• What makes this world a happy place to live in?
• What makes college education important for students seeking employment?
• What are the best ways to avoid trouble in life?
• What are best ways to make friends on social media?
• Should there be a limitation in using the internet?
• How do you wish to stay healthy without medicinal help?
• A plan that didn’t work out well
• The best thing that happened to you this year
• What are your views on child abuse and how do you wish to eliminate the practice?
• Have you ever helped your younger siblings with homework? How was the experience?
• Who taught you to use the internet? How was the experience?
• What are your perspectives on child marriage and how it can be stopped?
• What would you do if you wake up as a millionaire?
• How would you teach the younger generation to be responsible?
• What was your experience riding bicycle as a child?
• How did you learn to ride a bicycle? Share the experience?
• A close friend you are no more in touch with
• How nature plays a major role in teaching us the real value of life?
• Have you taught your grandmother how to use a Smartphone? How was the experience?
• Your first bike ride
• Which car do you wish to buy?
• An ideal way to spend Sundays
• The best way to make someone feel special
• How tobacco and alcohol are affecting high-school students?
• What makes you smile?
• Someone you aspire to be like
• Your experience of saving someone from a road accident
• How you helped someone from being robbed?
• Helping your mother with her kitchen chores
• If elected as the Prime Minister for a day, what changes would you like to make in the political scenario of your country?
• Your idea of a perfect date
• An ideal travel plan for your family
• The most interesting cuisine you have tried so far

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Hi everyone, I am Ruby Walker, an irreverent copywriter, blogger, and an essay writing expert. I have been working as an English and essay writing specialist at myassignmenthelp.com for 12 years now. With a never-dying passion for writing, I pursued a PhD in English. As a PhD student, I became familiar with the major struggles that students face working on essays, assignments, and dissertations. So, now, I use my knowledge and guide students on how to beat all those hurdles and get closer to top grades. When I am not creating some money-minting sales copies or killer essays, you'll probably find me travelling to different corners in the world. 

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How to Write an Informal Essay: A Beginners' Guide

A typical academic essay is serious writing. It is serious because it is often well-researched and written formally. The typical informal essay is the exact opposite of this.

It is often not researched at all and is written in a casual tone. Furthermore, it is commonly written for enjoyment rather than serious discourse. And for that reason, it is a non-fiction essay that does not follow the writing conventions and is purely based on the author's reasons, reflections, and ideas.

In this guide, you will discover everything crucial you need to know to write a brilliant informal essay.

What is an informal essay?

An informal essay is an essay that is written for enjoyment rather than to argue or support a thesis with scholarly evidence. The essay is usually personal in nature and based on memory. A good example of an informal essay is – The happiest day of my life.

To write this essay, you simply need to recall the happiest day of your life and then write about it chronologically. As you can see, you don’t have to do much research to write an informal essay.

The fact that an informal essay is written for enjoyment does not mean that it does not have a set structure. The typical informal essay is a five-paragraph essay with three key parts – introduction, body, and conclusion. In terms of word count, the essay is often between 700 and 1,000 words long. The only thing informal about it is the fact that it does not need serious research. Moreover, unlike most essays, the informal can be written in a casual or conversational tone. This means that it can be written in the first and second person.

In most cases, informal essays are written for consumption by the author – to show their creativity, journal an experience, or release emotions through writing pieces.

Structure of an Informal Essay

Like most college students, you are probably used to following the five-paragraph essay structure that most professors recommend for formal essays . While using this structure to write your informal essay is okay, it is not necessary. The rationale for this is that the informal essay is informal and doesn’t follow any rigid structure.

Informal essays involve subjective opinions or ideas through prose. Some common examples of informal essays include impromptu speeches, diary entries, journals, social media posts, personal essays, and personal notes.

While the informal essay does not have a rigid structure or format, it must include four elements – topic, introduction, body, and conclusion.

The informal essay must have a title. It might be informal and without a structure, but it must have a title, and the title must be specific. By giving your informal essay a title, you are basically creating a compass that you can always refer to when writing your essay to ensure you are in the right direction. If, for example, you want to argue a point but are unsure whether it deserves to be in your essay, you can refer to your title to evaluate its importance. If the point helps to contribute to your title, you should include it in your essay. If it doesn’t, you should quickly ignore it.

2. Introduction

The informal essay must have an introduction . In other words, it must simply have a paragraph presenting what you will discuss in the body section. When writing the introduction of an informal essay, there is no specific formula to follow. The only thing that you must do is to make the introduction as interesting as possible. You can do this using a relevant quote, an interesting fact, or a related statistic.

In the body of your informal essay, you must go all out to tell the story you set out to tell in the introduction. You must do the title justice; you must make sure that anyone who reads your essay will agree that what you discuss or talk about in the body section is exactly what they expected. While there is no specific structure to follow when writing the body paragraphs of your informal essay, the best way to write them is chronological. This is because chronologically written paragraphs are easy to follow.

4. Conclusion

After writing your essay, you must write the conclusion part of your essay. The conclusion is usually the easiest part to write when writing an essay. This is because all you need to do is to summarize what you have written in the body section or body paragraphs. After doing this, you simply need to end your essay with a powerful closing sentence to complete it.

The Steps to Take to Write an Informal Essay

An informal essay is written in a conversational tone, which is laid-back, entails breaking academic writing rules, and sounds like everyday communication. You can use informal transition words, short sentences, contractions, common and cliché words, adages, expressions, and personal examples.

Here are the steps to take if assigned to write an informal essay.

1. Choose a topic

When you are asked to write an informal essay, you are normally allowed to choose your own topic. If this is the case, you should choose a topic that is very interesting to you. Because by doing so, the fact that the topic is interesting to you will result in you naturally writing an interesting essay. And interesting is what you want your informal essay to be to get a top grade.

Below the informal essay sample that follows this guide is a list of exciting informal essay topics. This list should inspire you to develop your own exciting informal essay topic; a topic that will make your essay interesting.

2. Create an outline for your informal essay

After choosing an interesting or exciting topic, you should create an outline for your informal essay . An essay outline is an essay writing plan. It highlights what you will include in the introduction section, the body section, and the conclusion section of your essay. To create an outline, provide a short summary of what you will include in your introduction paragraph, your three body paragraphs, and your conclusion paragraph.

But how do you know what you will include in your informal essay paragraphs? Well, it depends. If you are writing an informal essay based on a personal experience topic, you must recall as many details as possible about the experience to plan your essay. If you are writing an informal essay based on an academic topic, you will need thorough research to find as many details as possible about the topic to plan your essay.

3. Write the first draft of your essay

After creating a comprehensive outline for your informal essay, you should write the first draft of your essay. Do this by first writing your essay introduction. After writing your essay introduction, you should write its body paragraphs and the conclusion.

Writing the first draft of your informal essay after creating an outline for it should be a relatively straightforward job. You need to follow the outline like a map and use information from it to begin and structure your paragraphs.

The body paragraphs of an informal essay should each express your main message, perspective, or point of view. You can use persuasive writing skills to convince your readers. It would help to think of the topic as a forum thread where you defend your personal views against opposing opinions. Therefore, you must develop resilient supportive facts to defend your stance.

When developing the body paragraphs, you are allowed to use informal language. You should write short, clear, concise sentences, as long formulations are boring and misleading. You should center your discussions around some emotional vibe, express your personality, and write with vigor and respect.

Following your outline will make your informal essay well-organized and structured. However, it won’t guarantee flow in your essay. You will have to create a flow with your writing and transition words. Also, it won’t automatically give your essay a conversational and laid-back tone. You have to do this on your own using conversational words and writing.

Related Articles:

• Using I in an essay.
• How to format paragraphs for better readership.
• Steps to come up with a great thesis statement.

4. Edit your essay

After writing the first draft of your essay, you should edit it thoroughly. Do this by reading it to eliminate ambiguous and unclear words and statements. After reading it to eliminate unclear words, you should read it to remove all types of grammatical and punctuation errors.

The next thing you need to do with regard to editing your essay is to review it one more time using Grammarly.com or similar software. This will help you to catch the errors you may have missed and to correct them.

After proofreading your essay using Grammarly.com, it will be ready for submission.

Informal Essay Example

Title: Benefits of living in a remote location They say no man is an island. While living in a community surrounded by friends and neighbors is a good thing with many benefits, living alone in a remote location also has its benefits. I have been living alone in a remote Pacific island for the last eight months, and the experience has been bliss. The island has a single cabin research station with basic amenities and a satellite connection. The nearest settled island is over 500 kilometers away. I had doubts when I first stepped on the island. I thought I wouldn’t last long. However, this has obviously not been the case. My stay on this island has been quite amazing. I have enjoyed many benefits, including improved mental health, improved safety, and a low cost of living. When I was living in Sydney, Australia, I was in a bad place mentally because I felt a lot of pressure to succeed. I also felt depressed and was frequently on depression medication. Living in a remote location has changed all this. I no longer feel any pressure. I no longer feel depressed or miserable. Just about every day is a good day nowadays. I wake up, check equipment, spend hours on the beach, and eat fresh food I grow in the station’s garden. I feel amazing mentally. I feel like a new person because life is so slow-paced on this island and devoid of the pressures of city life. Regarding safety, I believe living alone on a remote island is much safer than living in a big town or city. I feel safer on this island because there is literally no one around to cause me harm. I do not have to look over my shoulder when walking, sleeping, or doing anything on this isolated island. I also have no reason to watch the news, so I am not exposed to the constant reports of insecurity that city dwellers are exposed to. Not being exposed to constant reports of insecurity makes me feel even safer. Furthermore, in case of any emergency, there is an emergency number I can call at any time of the day to request urgent help. Lastly, regarding the cost of living, living isolated on a remote island is much cheaper than city or town living. I literally do not pay any rent on this island. I also grow much of my own food, and supplies are brought to me biweekly. Furthermore, I do not pay taxes and am not exposed to constant adverts that force city dwellers to make impulse purchases. And even if I want to purchase something, I wouldn’t because it probably wouldn’t have much use on a remote, isolated island. In conclusion, living in a remote location is very beneficial. If you choose to do this, you will be happier, safer, and less stressed financially. I can only equate it to living in paradise.

Informal Essay Topics

Below are some informal essay topics you can use as inspiration to come up with your own informal essay topic if asked to choose your own topic by your professor.

• The best meals in our college cafeteria
• Celebrities who are excellent role models
• My religion and why I love it
• My thoughts on marriage and divorce
• The best day in my college life
• The most embarrassing incident in my life
• How parents can understand their children better
• Why my mother is the most important person to me
• The most famous African American inventors
• Entrepreneurs who changed the world
• Alcoholism among teenagers
• Why home education is bad
• Elon Musk and life on Mars
• The Illuminati and other conspiracy theories
• Legal migration and its benefits
• Mental health in the USA
• Communism and its benefits
• The United Nations and its failures
• Gender violence in California
• Freedom of speech around the world
• The effects of sanctions on Cuba
• Education during the peak of the pandemic
• East African culture
• Why the death penalty should be abolished everywhere
• Abortion and the right to life
• What would I do if I became a millionaire overnight?
• Why soccer is the most popular sport in the world
• The pros and cons of video gaming
• The Second Amendment and its protections
• Why I would like to become a doctor
• Why I love intermittent fasting
• How I won a half marathon when undergoing chemotherapy
• Lessons from my close friend who betrayed me
• How I plan to win the next marathon
• The car I love most
• My dream job
• Places I would like to visit
• Why I love my step-dad
• The last day at my first job

Dos and don’ts when writing an informal essay

• Do write your essay in the first person. This will make it clearly informal and casual. It will also make it read much better.
• Do write short sentences. Long sentences will make your essay difficult to read. In contrast, short sentences will make your writing easier to read and more casual (which is something you want when writing an informal essay).
• Do rewrite your essay. After writing your informal essay, you should read through it to make it flawless. Do this by editing or rewriting anything that appears out of place in your essay.
• Do proofread your essay. After you are done improving the flow of your essay, you should read it one more time to ensure it has zero grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors.
• Do ensure your essay is chronological. While it is unnecessary to make your informal essay chronological, making it chronological will make it easy to read and understand.
• Do use humor. It is okay to use humor in an informal essay. But you should only do it sparingly to avoid making your essay sound like a comedy script.
• Do use conversational language. Using conversational language will make your article to read like a blog, which is a good thing when writing an informal essay. But do not go overboard with conversational language. It could make your essay difficult to understand.
• Do read any informal essay examples. Before you write your informal essay, you should try to find and read informal essay examples online. This will help to make it easy for you to write your essay because it shows you the pattern you need to follow.
• Do let your personality show. If you have a way of expressing your ideas, arguments, and so on, you should let your personality show in your writing. Let your writing be as unique as it can be. Do not try to make your essay look or even feel academic. Just write it as you would write a blog to be read by a friend. This will help make your essay delightfully informal.                                                                                                                     
• Don’t forget to ensure a good flow throughout. While an informal essay doesn’t have a set structure, it must have a good flow. Therefore, you should ensure your essay is understandable throughout.
• Don’t forget to edit your essay. The best informal essays are flawless ones. So after writing your essay, you should read it severally to edit it and ensure it is flawless.
• Don’t make it formal. When writing informal essays, many students usually use the conventional academic language they use in formal essays. This is not right. You should try hard to make your essay as flawless as possible.
• Don’t forget to include a thesis . At the end of your introduction, you should have a thesis statement, and your entire essay should be centered on this statement. A thesis is what distinguishes an informal essay from a blog article.
• Don’t include weak arguments. It is important to ensure that your essay only contains strong arguments. Doing this will ensure you get a top grade. If you include weak arguments, you risk getting an average grade.

Parting Words!

Writing a good informal essay is not an easy job. It will require you to know the structure and style you must follow when writing an informal essay. Fortunately, you now know these two things. You also know exactly how to go about writing an informal essay. So go ahead and write yours. If you get stuck at any point, hire us to help you.

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Informative Essay Topics to Suit Every Preference

Exploring the best informative essay topics unveils a wealth of intellectual treasures, with surprises around every corner. Consider this: Honey never spoils. Archaeologists have unearthed pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Much like the timeless nature of honey, the world of informative essays offers an enduring appeal, providing a reservoir of knowledge that withstands the test of time. Whether you're delving into the wonders of nature, the pages of history, or the intricacies of modern science, the choices are as diverse and enduring as the golden sweetness of honey.

Short Description

Discover the essence of informative writing as our paper writing experts delve into what is an informative essay and unravel the art of selecting a compelling topic. Navigate through the intricacies of crafting a well-rounded essay that both educates and captivates. From understanding the structure to polishing your prose, our exploration extends to the nuances of creating an informative masterpiece. Uncover a treasure trove of possibilities as we present a comprehensive list of topics spanning the realms of science, history, technology, and beyond.

What Is an Informative Essay

In the academic landscape, an informative essay stands as a unique form of writing with the primary objective of imparting knowledge rather than steering opinions. This genre encapsulates a diverse array of subjects, ranging from the historical trajectory of the Internet to the tangible advantages associated with meditation practices. What distinguishes these essays is their adaptability, accommodating various writing styles such as descriptive, comparative, cause and effect, and even narrative approaches.

What makes informative essays intellectually invigorating is their demand for thorough research. Engaging in this writing process is akin to embarking on a scholarly exploration, requiring the unearthing of insightful information to enhance one's understanding of a given topic. The underlying charm lies not only in the broad spectrum of subjects but also in the commitment to presenting information objectively, ensuring its accuracy and reliability.

Contrary to being exclusive to academia, this type of essay writing offers a pathway for inquisitive minds to expand their knowledge horizons. They serve as an accessible invitation for anyone seeking to gain insights into new realms. The significance of these essays lies in their capacity to empower readers through the delivery of factual, unbiased information.

In the following section, we'll unravel the process of choosing topics for informative essays that not only intrigue but also contribute to the broader tapestry of knowledge acquisition.

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How to Choose Informative Essay Topics

Choosing the right informative essay topic is essential for crafting an engaging and insightful piece. The topic should be interesting, relevant, and informative. So, what is the first step to creating an informative essay? Here are five tips from our custom essay writing service for selecting a great topic for an informative essay:

Identify your interests and passions - Start your informative essay journey by tapping into your passions and interests. Consider topics that resonate with you personally, whether it's a hobby, a specific field, or an experience you've encountered. This personal connection not only makes the research process more enjoyable but also enriches your writing with genuine enthusiasm.

• Example: If you're passionate about environmental sustainability, you might explore ideas for informative essay like the impact of urbanization on local biodiversity, the effectiveness of recycling programs, or innovations in eco-friendly technologies.

Research current events and trends - Stay in the know by researching current events and trends that capture your interest. This approach ensures that your informative essay remains relevant and addresses topics that are both timely and engaging.

• Example: Dive into topics such as the influence of social media on public discourse, the evolving landscape of remote work, or the ethical considerations surrounding emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Consider your audience - Tailor your informative essay to your audience by considering their age group, interests, and needs. Think about what would resonate with them and what knowledge they might find valuable or intriguing.

• Example: If your audience comprises young adults, you might explore topics like the impact of social media on mental health, sustainable lifestyle choices, or the role of technology in shaping future career paths.

Focus on a specific aspect of a broader topic - Narrow down broad topics to a specific aspect, allowing for a focused and in-depth exploration in your essay.

• Example: Instead of tackling the broad theme of 'global health,' narrow your focus to the impact of a specific disease on a particular demographic or the effectiveness of a public health intervention in a specific region.

Brainstorm with others - Collaborate with peers, classmates, or colleagues to brainstorm informative essay ideas. Engaging in discussions with others can bring fresh perspectives and novel ideas to the table.

• Example: Discuss with classmates the potential informational paper topics related to advancements in technology, environmental sustainability, or societal changes. Their insights might lead to unique angles or specific aspects of these broad themes that you hadn't considered.

A List of Good Informative Essay Topics

The key to a compelling, informative essay lies in selecting the right topic, a choice that significantly influences the quality and engagement of your piece. With numerous options available, the challenge often lies in where to begin. In the following paragraphs, we'll delve into various informational topics to write about, spanning current events, social issues, science, and technology, offering a diverse array of subjects for students. These topics not only provide ample opportunities for research but also cater to different purposes—whether your goal is to educate, persuade, or simply inform. So, let's explore some great informative essay examples , sparking inspiration and setting you on a path for a successful academic writing journey!

Easy Informative Essay Topics

These easy informative essay topics are great starting points for those who want to write a straightforward and informative essay without getting too complicated.

• The Basics of Healthy Eating: Simple Tips for a Balanced Diet
• The Impact of Social Media on Everyday Life
• How Recycling Benefits the Environment: Easy Steps for a Greener Tomorrow
• The History and Significance of Traditional Festivals in Your Culture
• Understanding the Basics of Climate Change: A Beginner's Guide
• The Wonders of Space Exploration: A Journey into the Cosmos
• The Influence of Music on Mood and Productivity
• The Evolution of Video Games and Their Impact on Society
• DIY Home Gardening: Tips for Growing Your Own Vegetables
• The Importance of Regular Exercise for Mental and Physical Health
• How to Develop Effective Study Habits for Academic Success
• The World of Endangered Species: Conservation and Awareness
• The Process of Photosynthesis: Unraveling the Mystery of Plant Growth
• Exploring Cultural Diversity: Traditions and Customs Around the Globe
• The Fundamentals of Personal Finance: Budgeting for Beginners
• A Journey into the History of Your Local Community
• The Impact of Technology on Education: Advantages and Challenges
• Understanding Different Types of Renewable Energy Sources
• The Benefits of Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques
• The Basics of First Aid: Essential Skills Everyone Should Know

Informative Essay Topics for Middle School Students

The following informative paper topics are tailored specifically for middle school students and cover a wide range of subjects that are both interesting and relevant to their age group.

• The Life Cycle of Butterflies: A Fascinating Journey from Caterpillar to Butterfly
• The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health: Recognizing and Preventing Bullying in Schools
• Exploring Ancient Civilizations: The Wonders of Egypt, Greece, and Rome
• The Science Behind Volcanoes: How They Erupt and Shape the Earth
• The Importance of Reading: How Books Can Broaden Your Horizons
• The Role of Bees in Pollination: Why Bees are Essential to Our Ecosystem
• The Solar System: A Tour of Planets, Moons, and Beyond
• The Intriguing World of Mythical Creatures: From Dragons to Unicorns
• Internet Safety: Tips for Navigating the Online World Responsibly
• The Process of Photosynthesis: How Plants Convert Sunlight into Energy
• The Basics of Coding: An Introduction to Computer Programming
• Understanding Different Forms of Energy: From Solar to Wind Power
• The Water Cycle: Exploring the Journey of Water on Earth
• Discovering Native American Cultures: Traditions and Heritage
• The Impact of Fast Food on Health: Making Informed Dietary Choices
• The Importance of Wildlife Conservation: Protecting Endangered Species
• The History of Animation: From Flip Books to Digital Cartoons
• Healthy Screen Time Habits: Balancing Technology and Well-being
• The Human Digestive System: How Our Bodies Process Food
• Exploring Career Options: What You Can Be When You Grow Up

Informative Essay Topics for High School Students

Here are some great essay topics for high school students. Our college essay writing service recommends conducting thorough research, providing evidence to support your claims, and presenting your findings in a clear and organized manner.

• The Influence of Social Media on Political Movements: Examining Modern Activism
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market: Challenges and Opportunities
• The History and Cultural Significance of Hip-Hop Music
• The Rise of E-Sports: A Look into the World of Competitive Video Gaming
• Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Virtual Reality Technology
• The Relationship Between Mental Health and Teenage Social Media Use
• The Evolution of Feminism: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Waves and Impact
• The Science Behind Climate Change: Understanding the Causes and Effects
• The Intersection of Technology and Privacy: Navigating the Digital Age
• The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures: Challenges and Adaptations
• The Role of Genetics in Human Health: Unlocking the Secrets of DNA
• The History and Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
• The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing: CRISPR Technology and Beyond
• The Psychology of Decision-Making: Understanding Behavioral Economics
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance and Health
• The Influence of Popular Culture on Teenagers: Music, Fashion, and Trends
• The Future of Renewable Energy: Innovations and Sustainable Practices
• The Significance of Space Exploration in Advancing Scientific Knowledge
• The History and Impact of the Internet: From ARPANET to the World Wide Web
• The Role of Education in Combating Climate Change: Building a Sustainable Future

Informative Essay Topics for College Students

Here are some informative essay topics for college students that span a wide range of subjects that will help you in your academic and professional endeavors.

• Here are some informative essay topics for students that span a wide range of subjects that will help you in your academic and professional endeavors.
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Future Job Market: Adapting to Change
• Exploring the Link Between Mental Health and Academic Performance in College
• The Role of Social Media Influencers in Shaping Consumer Behavior
• The Intersection of Technology and Healthcare: Innovations in Medical Practices
• Understanding Cryptocurrency: The Rise of Bitcoin and Its Implications
• The Psychology of Procrastination: Causes, Consequences, and Coping Strategies
• The Influence of Political Polarization on College Campuses: Navigating Diverse Perspectives
• The Evolution of Sustainable Practices in Business: Corporate Responsibility
• The Impact of Climate Change on Global Health: Risks and Mitigation
• The Future of Space Exploration: Mars Colonization and Beyond
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Education: Opportunities and Challenges
• The Psychology of Decision-Making in Financial Investments
• The Influence of Cultural Diversity on College Campuses: Building Inclusive Communities
• The Ethical Considerations of Genetic Engineering: Implications for Future Generations
• The Effects of Social Media on Political Activism: Mobilizing the Youth Vote
• The History and Impact of Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Frontiers
• The Relationship Between Diet and Mental Health: Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection
• The Challenges and Opportunities of Remote Work in a Globalized Economy
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Creative Industries: Redefining Art and Entertainment
• The Role of Renewable Energy in Addressing Global Energy Challenges: A Sustainable Future

Fun Informative Speech Topics

These fun, informative speech topics are designed to engage and entertain audiences while still providing informative and educational content.

• The Science Behind Laughter: How Humor Affects the Brain
• Unusual Hobbies: Exploring the World of Extreme Ironing and Underwater Pumpkin Carving
• The History of the High-Five: Origins and Cultural Significance
• The Secret Lives of Cats: Decoding Feline Behavior
• The Art of Napping: Benefits and Strategies for Optimal Power Naps
• The Surprising Benefits of Chocolate: More Than Just a Sweet Treat
• The Strange World of Competitive Eating: From Hot Dogs to Pumpkin Pie
• The History and Impact of Internet Memes: How They Shape Online Culture
• The Quirky Side of Science: Bizarre Experiments and Curious Discoveries
• The Joy of Random Acts of Kindness: Simple Ways to Spread Positivity
• The Fascinating World of Optical Illusions: Playing Tricks on the Mind
• The Evolution of Dance: From the Twist to TikTok Trends
• The Power of Positive Thinking: Boosting Mental Health with Optimism
• The Unusual Origins of Common Phrases: Exploring Idioms and Sayings
• The Benefits of Laughter Yoga: Combining Chuckles and Mindfulness
• The Art of Juggling: Coordination, Focus, and Entertainment
• The Strange Habits of Historical Figures: From Einstein's Forgetfulness to Newton's Eccentricities
• The Science Behind Why We Love Puppies and Kittens: The Cuteness Factor
• The Joy of Board Games: Navigating the World of Modern Tabletop Games
• The History and Art of Karaoke: From Japanese Bars to Global Singing Phenomenon

Creative Informative Speech Topics

These creative essay topics are designed to spark curiosity and interest in unique and unconventional subjects.

• The Art of Origami: Crafting Intricate Designs with Paper Folds
• The Impact of Color Psychology on Marketing and Consumer Behavior
• Creative Ways to Upcycle Everyday Items: From Trash to Treasure
• The World of Augmented Reality Art: Merging Digital and Physical Realms
• The Evolution of Street Art: From Graffiti to Urban Masterpieces
• The Influence of Music on Creativity and Productivity
• The Intricacies of Food Styling: Making Meals Look as Good as They Taste
• The Power of Storytelling in Advertising: Crafting Compelling Narratives
• The Art of Mind Mapping: Unleashing Creativity and Boosting Productivity
• The Psychology of Creativity: Exploring the Creative Process
• The Impact of Architecture on Human Emotions: Designing Spaces for Well-being
• Creative Problem Solving: Techniques for Thinking Outside the Box
• The Intersection of Science and Art: BioArt and Genetic Engineering
• The Rise of Immersive Theater: Engaging Audiences in Unique Experiences
• The Art of Cinematography: Capturing Moments in Living Photos
• The Unique World of Steampunk: Blending Victorian Era Aesthetics with Modern Technology
• The Power of Improv Comedy: Building Confidence and Quick Thinking
• The Art of Graphic Novels: Exploring Visual Storytelling in Literature
• Creative Ways to Practice Mindfulness: Beyond Traditional Meditation
• The Intricate Craft of Hand Lettering: Transforming Words into Art

Extra Ideas for Informative Essay

These unique ideas cover various informative writing topics that can appeal to various interests and tastes.

• The Science Behind Memory: How We Encode, Store, and Retrieve Information
• The Evolution and Impact of Self-Driving Cars on Transportation
• The Art of Effective Public Speaking: Techniques for Overcoming Anxiety
• The Cultural Significance of Traditional Festivals Around the Globe
• The Benefits of Mindfulness in Education: Improving Focus and Well-being
• The Impact of Digital Detox: Balancing Technology in the Modern World
• The World of Competitive Gaming: Esports and Its Global Rise
• The Power of Language: How Words Shape Our Thoughts and Perceptions
• The Connection Between Physical Exercise and Mental Health: Boosting Well-being
• The Journey of a Plastic Bottle: From Production to Recycling
• The Effects of Music on Memory and Cognitive Function
• The Evolution of Fashion: From Historical Trends to Sustainable Practices
• The Art and Science of Brewing Coffee: A Comprehensive Guide
• The Influence of Gaming on Cognitive Skills and Problem-Solving Abilities
• The Impact of Social Media on Body Image and Self-Esteem
• The Surprising Health Benefits of Laughter: More Than Just a Mood Booster
• The Cultural Significance of Traditional Tattoos: History and Rituals
• The World of Virtual Reality Therapy: Innovations in Mental Health Treatment
• The History and Impact of Podcasting: Changing the Landscape of Media
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Personal and Professional Success

Informational Paper Topics about Sports

These informative essay topic ideas cover a broad range of sports-related subjects that can be explored in an informative paper.

• The Evolution of Sports Broadcasting: From Radio to Streaming Platforms
• The Impact of Sports on Youth Development: Physical, Social, and Psychological Benefits
• The Science Behind Sports Nutrition: Optimizing Performance and Recovery
• The Role of Sports in Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusivity
• The History and Significance of the Olympic Games: A Global Sporting Tradition
• The Rise of Extreme Sports: Thrills, Risks, and Cultural Influence
• The Economics of Professional Sports: From Sponsorships to Ticket Sales
• The Effect of Sports on Academic Achievement: Balancing Athletics and Education
• The Impact of Sports Analytics on Team Performance and Strategy
• The Cultural Significance of Sports in Different Societies and Regions
• The Psychology of Sports Fandom: Emotional Connections and Identity
• The Influence of Sports on Social Change: Athletes as Agents of Transformation
• The Role of Sports in Community Building and Social Cohesion
• The Science of Sports Injuries: Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation
• The History and Impact of Paralympic Games: Celebrating Athletic Achievement
• The Intersection of Sports and Technology: Innovations in Training and Equipment
• The Business of Fantasy Sports: From Hobby to Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
• The Evolution of Women's Sports: Challenges, Triumphs, and Equality
• The Impact of Sports on Mental Health: Exercise as a Tool for Well-being
• The Legacy of Iconic Athletes: Examining Their Influence Beyond the Field

The Final Thoughts

In conclusion, selecting a topic for an informative essay can be challenging, but choosing a subject that is engaging, informative, and relevant to the target audience is crucial. Whether you are writing for high school, college, or professional audiences, there are endless possibilities for good topics for informative essays. Now that you understand what is the purpose of an informative essay, you must know that the key is to identify a topic you are passionate about, conduct thorough research, and present your findings in a clear and organized manner.

Meanwhile, you can always get top-notch papers from our team of experienced writers. You can even do math homework of any degree of complexity using our paper writing platform!

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What Are Some Informative Essay Topics?

What are good informative essay topics, related articles.

•    
• Informal Essay

The informal essay is written mainly for enjoyment. This is not to say that it cannot be informative or persuasive; however, it is less a formal statement than a relaxed expression of opinion, observation, humor or pleasure. A good informal essay has a relaxed style but retains a strong structure, though that structure may be less rigid than in a formal paper.

The informal essay tends to be more personal than the formal, even though both may express subjective opinions. In a formal essay the writer is a silent presence behind the words, while in an informal essay the writer is speaking directly to the reader in a conversational style. If you are writing informally, try to maintain a sense of your own personality. Do not worry about sounding academic, but avoid sloppiness.

The essay, which follows is an opinion piece that was written for The Globe and Mail. The style is therefore journalistic but aimed at a fairly sophisticated readership. Paragraphs are short, as is normal in a newspaper with its narrow columns, and the tone is more conversational than would be appropriate for a formal essay. Notice the clear statement of the thesis, the concrete illustrations in the body of the essay, and the way the conclusion leads to a more general statement of what is perhaps to come in the future. It is included here both because it is a good example of the essay form and because it explores the kind of problem you will come up against as you try to punctuate your essays correctly.

The essay topics of the informal essay type are not limited to any specific subject, you can write your informal essay on any topic. For example, here are some popular essay topics to give you an idea:

• The Best Journey of My Life
• The Point in My Life Where I Would Start Over
• The Perfect Woman, Marriage and Divorce
• My Religion
• The Celebrities Give Us Bad Examples
• Reincarnation
• The “Delights” of Our School Cafeteria

You should be well familiar with the informal essay topic you choose. Also, you have to consider the interests of your readers. You should show your personality and the attitude in your informal essay.

Useful links

• 5-paragraph Essay
• Admission Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Classification Essay
• Comparison Essay
• Critical Essay
• Deductive Essay
• Definition Essay
• Exploratory Essay
• Expository Essay
• Literature Essay
• Narrative Essay
• Personal Essay
• Persuasive Essay
• Research Essay
• Response Essay
• Scholarship Essay

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How to write an informal essay

• April 6, 2022

An informal essay is quite different from other types of essays . In an informal essay, you’re writing as if you are talking to a friend. You do not need to engage in a strict  academic writing process , but you should still avoid sloppiness.

• In a formal essay, you expresses your ideas quietly behind the words.
• In an informal essay, you talk to the reader in a conversational manner.

Formal and informal essays

In order to understand the difference between a formal and informal essay more clearly, let’s look at the table below.

Now that we know the general rules and definitions of an informal essay, let’s continue with the steps to write a great one.

Choose an informal essay topic

This is generally the first step of any essay writing process unless you are pre-assigned a topic already. An informal essay gives you a great opportunity in this step; you can write an informal essay on almost any topic . Here are some tips for you.

Informal essay topic tips

• Choose a topic you have knowledge and are excited about.
• Find inspiration from your own personal experiences.​
• Just think about what you like to talk about the most, and you have your topic. ​

When choosing a topic:

Put the list away for an hour after you’ve created it. Return to it later. Most probably, one topic will stand out to you more. Then, you can write about that topic. For this how-to guide, we are choosing the topic “ why I stopped eating meat ”.

Create an outline

An informal essay does not need to follow a strict structure . However, it should still be coherent. Therefore, your outline does not need to be strict either. Just create one to help organize your thoughts.

Example of an informal essay outline

• Thesis statement
• Referring to reader
• Address to the reader
• Concluding sentence

Informal essay outline best practices

• Remember you still need to do research while writing an informal essay.
• Put together your research results in your outline so that your writing process becomes way easier. ​
• Make sure to detail each part of the essay before writing, so you can write much faster.​

Write an introduction

Now, you start the actual writing process. In the introduction of an informal essay, you can basically follow the traditional introduction guide . 

Informal essay introduction example

Informal essay introduction best practices.

Before writing an introduction, you must first create an idea, identify a purpose, and collect information for the project.  The introduction also should contain a thesis statement .

Remember this type of essay is characterized by the inclusion of the writer’s viewpoint on the chosen topic , so be sure to declare your stance clearly.

Write the body paragraphs

Informal essay paragraphs example, tips for informal essay paragraphs.

• You can write the main body of your essay using cliches, idioms, and even jargon. Don't forget every paragraph needs a topic sentence .
• This is not a particularly academic type of paper; therefore, avoid sentences that are too long and complicated.​
• To create a connection with the reader, it’s important to use a relaxed tone, transition words , and transition sentences . ​
• Simple, quick, readable sentences and the use of various intonations will provide the essay with the necessary emotional context.​
• This is a basic rule: write in a language that your professor can comprehend. That is to say, even if this is an informal assignment, it should still be readable.​

Important tip

Write a conclusion.

In the conclusion paragraph , you will need to summarize your main points and make a clear final comment.

Informal essay conclusion example

Informal essay conclusion tips.

• Don’t make your conclusion repetitive.
• Just quickly list the key points of conversation to leave a lasting impact on the reader. ​
• You want them to remember and think about what you’re saying. ​

5-Paragraph Informal Essay Example

Game of Thrones: A World of Fantasy and Intrigue

Introduction

Body paragraphs, key takeaways.

• An informal essay is a type of essay that is written in a conversational style and often includes personal anecdotes and opinions.
• To write an informal essay, you should choose a topic that you are passionate about and write in a voice that is natural and engaging.
• Begin your essay with a clear introduction that hooks the reader and provides context for your topic.
• Use personal anecdotes, humor, and other storytelling techniques to illustrate your points and engage the reader.
• End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and provides a final reflection on your topic.

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How to Write an Informal Essay

An informal essay can be about a wide range of topics, from the deeply personal to the outwardly political. “Informal” doesn’t mean that it can’t also be informative or persuasive. It merely refers to the style in which the essay is written: in first-person and without necessarily having to adhere to the traditional five-paragraph structure.

Your writing style in your informal essay should also be “informal”. Using slang and colloquialisms is generally permitted in this type of essay (though make sure you use good judgement and refrain from offensive or explicit language). A conversational tone, as though you were explaining something to a friend, is about the right tone for an informal essay. In fact, in this type of essay, it’s generally best to steer clear of overly academic writing. You want to make the subject as accessible to the average person as possible.

If your teacher has assigned you to write an informal essay, they may not give you very many guidelines besides a word count. In case you’re lost on how to write this type of essay, here are some tips on how to choose a topic, how to structure your essay and other ways to write your informal essay successfully.

• Step 1 - Read Some Informal Essays It can be really helpful to read some examples of informal essays before attempting to write your own. Reading someone else’s essay can help you see how they use language in a less formal way and how they present their topic on a more personal level. Contemporary writers such as Pico Ayer, Anne Lamott and Juno Diaz are masters of the informal essay. Often times popular magazines will contain informal essays on a variety of topics. Read and observe how other writers express themselves through this less formal style. Take notes on qualities or techniques you might like to include in your essay. For example , if someone used a lot of slang, but in a way that made the essay more personable and more alive, you might want to try it in your essay if it feels natural and appropriate.
• Why There Is a RIGHT Way to Hang the Toilet Roll
• Why I’m a Vegan
• What Happened When I Started Going to Church
• How I Learned to Respect My Step-Mother
• Why I Love Soccer (or any other sport or activity)
• What I Learned From Traveling Abroad
• Why I Voted for X Candidate
• Lessons From My Grandmother
• Why I Abstain From Drinking
• Why I Believe in Reincarnation
• What I Learned From My First Job
• How I Plan to Save the Planet

• Introduction - Share some of the difficulties of being a vegan but that you still choose to be one.
• First Supporting Paragraph - Strongest reason why you’re a vegan (health reasons) and some statistics or research on it.
• Second Supporting Paragraph - Second strongest reasons why you’re a vegan (against animal cruelty)- and how that extends to things beyond just not eating animal products but also not using cosmetics tested on animals and not wearing clothing made from animal products
• Third Supporting Paragraph - How being a vegan affects your lifestyle, your relationships with friends, family and significant others. What are the challenges you face?
• Conclusion - Why you still choose to be vegan and how you see more and more people opting for a vegan lifestyle (quote some statistics) making it easier for vegans to choose veganism.

This above is merely a suggested outline. Your informal essay might have more or less paragraphs, depending on how you choose to structure it.

• Step 4 - Write Your Essay Now is the time for you to fill in that outline. Note that as you start to write, if one of the subjects in your outline isn’t working, don’t hesitate to change it. For example, if your second paragraph about animals isn’t really a topic you care that much or know that much about, then don’t hesitate to switch it for something else. Maybe you might want to include something about how many natural resources raising cattle uses and how environmentally destructive it is and how eating no-meat foods produces less environmental harm. As you write, if one of your topics just doesn’t feel right to you, you’ll be able to tell if the writing doesn’t flow as well as in the other paragraphs. Writing an informal essay still requires the reader to follow the logic of your thoughts, so help them along by using transition words. Transition words are like sign posts that tell the reader what to expect next. Word like “similarly”, “additionally” and “furthermore” signal that you’re about to present more evidence to support an idea. Words like “on the other hand”, “unlike…” and “conversely” signal that you’re about to present evidence to the contrary. Words like “first”, “second” or “next” give order to your thoughts. Remember to use informal language. Don’t get too technical or too stuffy. If you find yourself going down that road as you write, pause and think about how you would express the same idea in a conversation with a friend. Then write that down.
• Check for tone - The main thing you’re looking for is tone. If your tone is too formal, then you’ll need to go back and edit. Examples: Too formal The digestive peptides required to process meat can cause free radicals to reproduce in the human body, a phenomena that fails to occur when digesting vegetables. Just right When it comes down to it, digesting meat just puts too much strain on our bodies and can lead to health problems like the formation of free radicals, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These types of problems just don’t occur that often with vegans.
• Peer edit - It would be great if you could show your essay to a friend and ask them how easy your essay was to understand, if it sounds conversational or if it’s too academic.
• Be flexible - Think about if you need to add something or take something away. Remember that informal essays don’t need to follow the five-paragraph essay structure so if your essay would be made better by adding another paragraph or taking one away, then by all means, do it.

Anyone can write a successful informal essay. Things like reading other informal essays, making lists for possible topics, choosing the best topic for you, making an outline, writing using informal language and the occasional transition word and editing for tone and structure can help earn you a top score on your informal essay. Good luck and Happy Writing!

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Extended Essay: Formal vs. Informal Writing

• Extended Essay- The Basics
• Step 1. Choose a Subject
• Step 2. Educate yourself!
• Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
• Identify Keywords
• Do Background Reading
• Define Your Topic
• Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
• Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Step 6. Create a Timeline
• Find Articles
• Find Primary Sources
• Get Help from Experts
• Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
• Databases and Websites by Subject Area
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
• Chicago Citation Syle
• MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
• Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
• Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
• Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
• Conducting Secondary Research
• Conducting Primary Research
• Formal vs. Informal Writing
• Presentation Requirements
• Evaluating Your Work

Differences Between Informal and Formal Essays

When writing your extended essay you should use language that is formal and academic in tone.  The chart below gives you some idea of the differences between informal and formal essays. See the box below for examples of the differences in tone in informal and formal essays written on identical topics. A PDF of this chart, and the examples below, is in the box to the right , along with a list of tips for avoiding colloquial writing.

Examples of Informal and Formal Tone in Essay Writing

The following examples highlight the differences between formal and informal tone.

Language B - English

• Formal vs. Informal Writing A chart giving the differences between informal and formal essays in seven areas (author's viewpoint; subject/content (sources of evidence); tone; structure; location of the research question; vocabulary; and purpose. Also included are examples comparing informal and formal writing for essays in English, biology, and psychology.
• How to Avoid Colloquial (Informal) Writing While it may be acceptable in friendly e-mails and chat rooms, excessive colloquialism is a major pitfall that lowers the quality of formal written text. Here are some steps/tips that you can follow to help improve your overall writing.
• << Previous: Plagiarism
• Next: Presentation Requirements >>
• Last Updated: Apr 12, 2024 2:56 PM
• URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

How to Write an Informal Essay With a Perfect Plan

Today, we are going to talk about the type of essay that differs greatly from other types of papers. It may be a surprise for you, but an informal essay is written usually for enjoyment. This doesn’t mean that this type of essay cannot be informative or persuasive, but it is less formal than a relaxed expression of the opinion, observation, or research. A good informal essay may have a relaxed style, but it has a strong structure, though this structure can be less strict than a formal essay has. An informal essay has a tendency to be more personal than a formal one, though both can express subjective opinions. In a formal essay, a writer is silently presenting his or her thoughts behind the words; at the same time, in an informal essay, the author is connected with the reader in a conversational style.

How to Write an Informal Essay to Interest Readers

Before we are talking about how to write this type of paper, we should understand what is informal writing. Don’t worry if you are not sure what is an informal essay, as many students try to find the answer to this question. Informal writing is writing where you should reveal your ability to write informally and express your own point of view on an issue. If you write informally, try to express your own personality in the essay. Don’t worry about writing in academic style, but avoid sloppiness. Find an example of informal essay below and look through it to get a more detailed understanding of the requirements this assignment has. Our experienced team of writers is ready to assist you with academic tasks – just say, “ write my college essays “, and we’ll deliver exceptional results.

Many students may ask, “what is the difference between formal and informal essay?” The difference is in the style of writing or in how we use words to say what we want to say. Different situations require different ways of using words. The way we write in the academic or scientific purposes differs a lot from the way we write to a friend or a close person. Proper writing of the informal essay is to understand the features of the genre. Observance of the basic principles and recommendations on writing will create an interesting essay.

Get to know how to start an informal essay and what are the main stages of writing.

Steps for Writing an Informal Essay

• Select the topic. You have a great opportunity to select any topic for your paper. An informal way of writing provides a great chance to write about whatever you want. Choose a topic that will be really interesting to you. The presence of a certain narrow topic that contains the problem and prompts the reader to thinking is a great choice. If there is no list of informal writing topics among which you can choose one, and only a general direction is given, then you need to take into account which audience the essay is written for. Variants can be different: your classmates and a teacher, the commission, the literary community, the employer. If the essay is written for handing in to the teacher, then it is necessary to consider what qualities will be evaluated. Proceeding from this, the topic should be chosen in such a way that it would be possible to show those abilities that the examiner is waiting for from the author: originality, the ability to logically construct sentences, literacy, professional qualities, etc. When choosing the topic for writing an essay from the proposed list, you should choose one which you have particular knowledge in.
• Write an informal outline for essay. This part of a paper is important, because with an informal essay outline, your writing will be much easier. An outline is like a plan with which you will not forget to include all main points in your paper. It often happens that a person who has enough eloquence and the ability to express his/her thoughts on paper, has difficulty in starting the essay. Thinking about the introduction can take quite a long time, which greatly darkens the process of creative work. If you don’t know how to start an informal essay, ensure that you know what idea you want to communicate. Before you start writing an introduction, you need to formulate an idea, define a goal, and find sources of information for the work. It is important not to focus on the introductory part too long. Write an introduction including a thesis statement. Remember that the essay is distinguished precisely by the presence of the author’s view of the existing problem, his or her relation to the world, speech , and thinking.
• Write the main body of your essay using cliches, colloquialisms, and even jargon, as the format of this paper allows you to write in this way. It is necessary to avoid complicated formulations or too long sentences. It is important to follow a laid-back style to establish contact with the reader. It is important not to overdo it, however, turning the essay into a substandard text full of slang. The correct emotional color of the text will be given by short, simple, understandable sentences, and the use of different intonations in sentences. Include a detailed analysis of the problem. Your own point of view needs to be argued on the basis of factual material.
• Write a conclusion. Summarize everything that you have said before in your paper.
• Remember relative brevity of writing. There are no restrictions on the number of pages, but the informal essay is usually small in volume. An informal paper has a free construction. The informal essay has a way of presentation that does not fit into any definite framework. The construction obeys its own logic, which the author adheres to, trying to consider the problem from different angles.
• Proofread and edit your paper. Ask your friend to do it in order to find and correct more mistakes.

Informal Essay Sample

The following example of informal essay writing was created by dissertation writing services to help you handle your own paper. As this type of paper is not formal, you can find personal observations, opinions, or points of view. Use this informal essay sample as a collection of guidelines. The main thing is that this example is written in a relaxed manner, but it adheres to a particular structure. Short informal essay examples usually include the personal contact, and not the academic writing flow. You can find a subjective opinion in this type of paper, so you should write in this way as well. Our example of informal essay will help you understand how to write your own informal paper in order to get a high grade.

Click the images to see their full size.

Useful Tips for Informal Essay Writing

• Keep in mind that informal essays can be written in the first person, so using “I think that…” “In my opinion…” and “I believe…” are welcome.
• Sentences of your essay should not be too long, especially in the case of run-on sentences. At the same time – they should not be too short. Varying your sentence lengths is a good practice.
• Reread your essay at the end of your writing process. Ask yourself whether the tone is too formal or too informal. Make all necessary changes if needed.
• Add personality to your essay! Don’t know what it means? Well, an informal essay gives you a chance to personalize your writing, using words and phrases which are used only by you. In this way, you will have a unique piece of writing on a particular topic. Be creative!
• All statements that you include in your paper should be clear and realistic.
• Despite the free composition, the informal essay must have internal unity, with consistency of the author’s statements expressing his or her opinion.
• The author does not insist on his/her point of view, but uses a method as if inviting the reader to think about and discuss it.

Typical Mistakes for Writing an Informal Essay

• The absence of links between the substantive parts of the essay: introduction and conclusion, and the main part of the essay with the conclusion.
• Having proportionality of parts of the essay which should not be equal in length. The introduction and conclusion in the aggregate should be no more than one-third of the entire work. The main part is two-thirds.
• Inability to strictly follow the theme of writing in the course of reasoning.
• Inability to compositionally structure an essay in accordance with the theme and the main idea.
• Vast amounts of unnecessary information in the introduction and conclusion. However, too short and too unreasonable a conclusion is also inappropriate. It must really summarize and sum up all the work. The absence of a conclusion is a serious logical mistake. The conclusion must be meaningful in accordance with the introduction, topic, and main body of the essay.
• Absence of a problem in the introduction (this is the topic itself) and the formulation of a key thesis, which will be proved there.
• Indistinct formulation of theses, making it difficult to integrate them into the logical structure of the work. If there are several theses, then there should not be a contradiction between the theses formulated in different parts of the paper.
• Weak arguments. They are such if they do not prove or confirm, unconvincingly or superficially, the thesis.
• Unreasonable repetitions of the same thoughts.
• Errors in the division of the text into paragraphs and even the complete absence of paragraphs.
• Inability to operate with abstract concepts.
• The non-distinction between the concepts “example” and “argument,” and inability to formulate a micro-output, on the basis of an example, correlated with the thesis put forward.

Now you know what is an informative essay and how to write it correctly. You may also be interested in our guide about gender-sensitive language or informal report topics to complete your perfect paper.

You will also find more informative essay samples below.

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How to write an Informal Essay: All you Need to know

Formal and Informal Essay Writing

The two main writing styles are formal and informal. Professional writing needs a formal tone, whereas if the writing is casual you need to use an informal tone. There are also instances you can use both styles. Before using any of the tones you need to read the instructions.

The instructions might state whether to use a formal or informal tone. 

As a student, you have to take the instructions seriously, to avoid using the wrong writing style. It is crucial for your essay writing especially when aiming for a good grade.

You cannot afford to use the wrong tone. If your essay writing assignment needs you to sound professional, then use a formal tone. However, if it is suitable to personalize your essay, ensure you are conversational in your writing.

Formal vs Informal Essays in writing

Choosing the right language for your essay writing can be a challenge. That can be the case if you are unsure of the right tone to use. It is a problem that several students tend to struggle with. Choosing between formal and informal tone when it matters.

The two writing tones are different and are ideal for specific types of essays.

Every essay comes with a list of instructions. The instructions will depict whether to use an informal or formal writing style. You are free to choose the tone that suits you perfectly, where the instructions do not state which tone to use.

But you must note that formal writing is ideal if you want to sound professional. You can use it in writing a professional essay that requires you to cite sources and provide references.

Informal writing is perfect for conversational or personal essays. For instance, you are writing a college application essay where you intend to express yourself, then be casual. You have to let the admissions board know more about you. So, you have to tell your story. And that is why you need to adopt an informal tone.

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What is an informal essay?

An informal essay is a short piece of writing written as a response or reflection on something or as a personal statement. Informal essays are usually used to reflect on ideas, feelings, experiences, and thoughts.

If you are writing an informal essay to apply for a position, the same rules apply: it needs to be well-researched and include specific examples.

How to Write an Informal Essay

1. brainstorm.

Brainstorming is a way of getting ideas. Basically, it’s a technique for generating ideas when you have no idea what to write about. It’s also a way of breaking the ice when you meet someone for the first time. Here are some tips for brainstorming:

• Write down as many ideas as you can think of in one sitting. Don’t stop writing until your brain is exhausted or you run out of space on your paper, and it looks like this:
• Write down whatever comes into your head, even if it seems crazy or stupid. Writing things down helps them become clearer in your mind and gives them more structure to make sense when they are written down later.
• Write everything down! Refrain from judging yourself harshly if some ideas don’t seem good enough. Keep going until you run out of space or until all the ideas feel too silly or weird to add to the list without making everyone feel uncomfortable at work tomorrow morning, which might happen.

2. Create an Outline

An outline is a kind of roadmap for your paper. It helps you see where you are going and how long it will take. An outline also enables you to focus on what you want to say and ensure that it is all there in one place.

Think about your topic and the different points you want to make. Then, create a simple outline of those points.

It can be a bulleted or numbered list, but it’s better if it’s both. The idea is that you’ll use this outline as a basis for writing your essay.

3. Construct a Thesis Statement

You can defend it in your conclusion, and it should be clear, concise, and specific. You may write a paragraph describing the thesis statement or develop it further; then, you will use this as the foundation for your argument development and final body paragraphs.

4. Write an Introduction

Your introduction also sets up any themes or arguments that might be used throughout the essay. If you want to talk about writing rules that apply to everyone, then this is the place to do it!

5. Write Body Paragraphs

Now that you have your outline, you can start writing! Write one paragraph at a time — don’t try to do too much at once, or you’ll run out of steam before you’re finished. Use your outline to help guide you through each step of the process.

6. Write Conclusion

You can now summarize your points in this section. You should not introduce any new ideas at this point. Just emphasize what you have been discussing in the main body.

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Instances to Use Formal Language in an Essay

Essay writing is not a task you need to approach without reading instructions. You need to know which tone you must use. If you ignore the instructions, you might use the wrong writing style. And that will cost you that grade you are yearning for.

Formal language is ideal for professional writing. A professional essay requires the use of researched knowledge. You have to embrace the use of references or citations. For such an essay you need to sound professional. That is why you must use formal language.

Characteristics of Formal Writing

1. use third person          .

In formal writing, you ought to use the third person. Know the different personal pronouns for an essay . In this connection, you will use words such as her, his, theirs, and they.

You must avoid writing in a first person tone. Formal language brings some sense of seriousness to your essay. It shows that you did sufficient research before writing your essay. And for that reason, sounding professional will be a great idea.

2. Structured Essay 

With formal writing, you have no otherwise but to structure your essay. You need to have the introduction, body, and conclusion. Such a structure allows you to put your ideas together so that they flow seamlessly.

Besides, you can write longer sentences and paragraphs to give your points more clarity.

3. Objective in Approach

As a writer who intends to use formal language, you must take up an objective approach. You need to state your points and support them using arguments. But there is a catch. You should not use an emotional tone.

Do not use exclamations marks or ellipsis, unless you are citing a source.

4. Use Full Words

Lastly, with formal writing, you must use full words. You should not use contractions. Your essay needs to sound professional. Therefore, do not try to simplify it with abbreviations and contractions.

Do not give the tutor a hard time figuring out the meaning of the abbreviations or contractions present in your essay.

Instances to Use Informal Language In An Essay 

If you aim to personalize an essay, then using informal language is the right approach. It allows you to write in first person. You can tell your story to the admissions board; hence they will get to know more about it.

Such a language will be ideal when writing your college application essay.

If you want to write something casual, you can use informal language. Usually, there is no structure that you have to follow. So, you are free to write down your thoughts on a particular topic. It does save on time since you will be giving your opinion.

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Characteristics of Informal Writing

1. colloquial terms.

Informal writing has provisions for using slang, broken syntax, asides, and figures of speech. It gives you too much freedom in your essay writing.

You can take a simple approach to your essay writing. That means you can use shorter paragraphs and sentences.

2. Abbreviations and Contractions

Informal language allows you to use contractions and abbreviations. It is a chance that formal writing might not offer you. But with informal writing, you can use the short form of words.

But just ensure you do not overuse the abbreviations and contractions. Some of the short words can complicate your essay to a point that the reader or tutor may not understand your message.

3. Show Emotion and Empathy

It is easier to show emotion and empathy using informal language than being formal. So, if you want to write an essay where emotions are high, then use informal language.

You can easily describe an empathetic scene that the reader of the essay will easily feel.

How to Combine Formal and Informal tones in Essay Writing

Essay writing is an undertaking that requires you to be attentive and careful. Be sure of which writing style suits the essay writing task at hand. You can either learn that from the instructions or guidance from your tutor.

You can opt for a formal or informal writing style. But also, there are times whereby you can use both formal and informal tones.

If you are writing a professional essay then you must use formal writing. Where the essay needs to be conversational or casual, you can use an informal writing style.

You can also use both tones if the instructions on the essay do not specify which tone to use. At that juncture, you are free to combine both styles of writing.

An essay that needs to sound casual and professional will require you to use both tones.

For since if you have to incorporate direct speech or quotes in your professional essay, you have to use both formal and informal tone. However, ensure you use them with care so that you do not distort your message.

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Conclusion  

A professional essay requires the use of a formal tone. You need to write in the third person. Besides, you must ensure you stay away from using contractions and abbreviations.

Since it is an essay that needs citation and references, you must ensure you write words in full and use longer sentences. The aim is to provide your points and support them to ensure clarity.

On the other hand, informal writing is more casual. You must sound conversational. And that is why you need to write in a personal tone to express your emotions.

You do not have to write long sentences, since casual writing requires a simple structure. Also, you can use both formal and informal tones without interfering with the flow of your ideas in the essay.

When not handling complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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• Informal Essay

How to Write a Good Informal Essay

Are you tired with formal academic writings that require to speak like machines? If so, then our today’s article is written specially for you. We are going to speak about informal essay – the most creative and relaxed writing in high-school and college. To say the truth – it is pretty difficult to explain how to write a good informal essay since this writing tends to be more personal then any other. There are a lot of views how to do an informal essay, though there are no specific rules. You are free to write your thoughts on any topic or even about something you have seen yesterday (an event or story). Writing informal essay you should try to be open minded and show your personality to the readers. How can it be reached? Our writing tips will help you in creating a good informal essay.

Step One: The most popular essay topics

Usually professors do not assign certain topics for informal essay and students chose them themselves. What topic is good enough for this writing? Very often students write informal essay like a fictional story. You should not be honest, it can be never-happened story but your feelings and views should present your actual personality. You are free to write your story in the first, second or third person.

Here are some ideas for your informal essay topic:

• What is your religion?
• The day I will never forget
• Something that makes me different
• The journey of my life
• My priorities
• What would I changed if I could?

These topics have really deep importance and they are able to show your personality. Use them or close to them topics for writing your own informal essay.

Step Two: How to write?

The best way to reach a good contact with your readers – is to relax and let your real thoughts lie down on a paper. Write in relaxed and casual manner – let the readers see that you really write your thoughts and views on your subject. Speak with your reader! We would recommend you to write your essay in conversational tone, asking your reader the questions and giving your personal point of view on them. Speak directly to the reader and share your thoughts with him. Writing an informal essay this way – you will reach the best contact and confidence, that is so important in this type of essay. Your professor will appreciate your outspoken and open minded.

Step Three: Structure your essay

The absence of strictly defined rules does not mean the absence of structure. Your informal essay should still has a strong thesis statement that presents the main idea of your writing. Think beforehand about the point you would wish to deliver to your readers and state it in a beautiful manner. Entertain your readers with unusual introduction. Try to be consistent and do not change your mind during the one paragraph. Make sure your thoughts go logically and everything makes sense (at least for you).

Finally we would say you to relax and just enjoy this writing – it is the best way to create something worthy. Edit and proofread your informal essay before submitting.

How to Write a Good:

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• Discussion essay
• Exploratory essay
• Expository essay
• Informal essay
• Narrative essay
• Personal essay
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Informal essay writing guide + 10 great topics.

Most students like writing an informal essay much more than any other kind of paper. The main reason is that this type of essay provides you with the freedom to choose the topic you are interested in, use the informal style of writing, and reveal your personality. First, you may think that you can write the way you like without following any rules. Unfortunately, it is not so. There is a particular structure you should stick to complete a high-quality informal essay.

Before you get started, you are recommended to check whether you have a clear picture of what an informal essay is. Check the helpful guide to writing essays in an informal style, which differs much from the academic style you got used to.

What is an Informal Essay: Clear Picture of It

A clear understanding of the informal essay meaning will help you to create a valuable piece of writing. You are unlikely to write good without a clear picture of what you are writing about and what your purpose is. That's why it is wise to check the informal essay definition before you start working on your paper. An informal essay is an expression of the writer's standpoint in an informal manner, which implies the use of colloquialisms, jargon, simple conversational language. Using the first person is one of the distinctive features of this paper.

You can choose any topic you want to attract the reader's attention to. Keep in mind that it should be interesting for both you and your target audience. This kind of essay allows demonstrating your own personal character to the full extent. Do you wonder how to do this the right way? If you want to reveal your personality through the informal essay, you are recommended to brainstorm ideas on how to express your way of thinking and the attitude toward the world with the help of words.

Formal and Informal Essay: What Is the Difference?

Even if you have written neither a formal nor an informal essay, you will easily guess that they have certain differences in their writing styles. You will succeed in essay writing of any of the types mentioned above only after you clarify which peculiarities and distinctive features they have. So, let's have a look at the difference between formal and informal essay.

The key difference is that compared to the formal writing style, where conversational phrases are forbidden, the same word expressions in the informal style are even appreciated. You shouldn't think hard how to express your thought. The best way to compose a worthy informal essay is to let your ideas flow freely.

Forget about complex long sentences when crafting an informal essay. Instead of difficult constructions, you are expected to use simple, clear and concise sentences. It is obvious that an informal essay shouldn't contain any scientific terms. To cut a long story short, you should imagine that you are talking to a friend and sharing your personal point of view on the specific issue, brainstorming problem solutions aloud organizing ideas in an understandable way.

How to Start an Informal Essay: Effective Ways to Hook the Reader

Wondering how to start an informal essay? The beginning of any paper should be attractive for the reader if you want him/her to hold on reading. First of all, you should identify who your reader is. There are not so many variants to use. Your target audience can be either your teacher and classmates or your employer. Why is it so important to determine the target audience? Only having a clear picture of who your reader is, you will be able to write the introduction that will catch the reader's attention. When writing the essay introduction, you need to brainstorm ideas on how to present the chosen topic in the best way.

The most effective way is to start telling a story that is connected with the topic of your informal essay. Share your own experience. You will succeed if you manage to make it so bright and vivid that the reader associates himself/herself with the author. The task is to hook the reader from the very first words, which is possible if you interact with the target audience.

According to the informal essay format, the next part is the main body, where you intend to highlight the key points of the topic, including analysis, and provide arguments, if necessary, depending on the topic. Finally, summarize everything in the strong conclusion, which shouldn't be longer than one paragraph.

10 Informal Essay Topics: Pick the Best One

Choosing the right topic is of the utmost importance because only being passionate about the topic you will be able to catch the reader's attention. Give preference to the topic you are familiar with and which can remind of some personal experiences. Do you experience difficulties with the selection of an issue? Check the list of the most interesting informal essay topics below and choose the one that can help you to demonstrate your knowledge and writing skills.

• What is your attitude towards bullying at school?
• What does God mean to you?
• Do you think that vegans lead the healthy way of life?
• Inequality between men and women in the modern society.
• What is your understanding of harmony inside and outside you.
• Are there perfect people or does everyone have certain bad traits of character?
• Is it good to have idols?
• Do you agree that people who read much manipulate those who watch TV a lot?
• Which problems require the instant solution in the world?
• What is betrayal in your opinion?

Informal Essay Outline: How to Plan Your Thoughts?

An informal outline for an essay is a must as for any other kind of paper. That is due to the fact that having a detailed plan, you won't miss anything important when having a flow of thoughts. To have a clear picture of how to craft it the right way, check the example below:

The essay outline on the topic “ Money can't buy you love .”

• Introduction (A short paragraph where you agree with the topic idea and explain what you are going to talk about).
• The Main Body:
• Money is power, but love is the most powerful thing in the world.
• You can't buy sincere love even being a millionaire.
• An example from your personal experience serving an argument.
• Conclusion ( Summarize the main ideas).

Remember that an informal piece of writing should also be logical and clear to the reader. Help the reader to plunge into your own world of thoughts, dreams, and feelings, and you will definitely craft an essay that will be evaluated highly!

Informational Writing Prompts: 50 Ideas to Get You Started

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 2, 2023

Categories Writing , Journaling

If you’re looking for a way to improve your writing skills, informational writing prompts are a great place to start. Informational writing is a type of writing that provides readers with information on a specific topic. It can be used to explain how something works, describe a process, or provide readers with new information.

Understanding informational writing is important because it helps you communicate ideas and information effectively. The key to writing effective informational pieces is to do your research. This means finding reliable sources and using them to support your writing. When you use sources, it’s important to cite them properly to avoid plagiarism.

Informational writing prompts can help you practice your writing skills and develop your ability to research and organize information. There are many different types of informational writing, including essays, reports, and articles. Each type has its own unique characteristics, but they all share the goal of providing readers with information.

Key Takeaways

• Informational writing is a type of writing that provides readers with information on a specific topic.
• Doing research is important when writing informational pieces to ensure that the information you provide is accurate and reliable.
• Informational writing prompts can help you practice your writing skills and develop your ability to research and organize information.

99 Informational Writing Prompts

Here are 99 informational writing prompts:

1. Explain the process of photosynthesis.

2. Write a biography of an important historical figure.

3. Explain how clouds form.

4. Describe how a bicycle works.

5. Explain the water cycle.

6. Write about the history of your town or city.

7. Describe how chocolate is made.

8. Explain how flowers grow from seeds.

9. Write about a scientific discovery or invention.

10. Explain how to play a sport or game.

11. Describe the life cycle of an animal.

12. Write about an important current event.

13. Explain how to cook something.

14. Describe how mountains are formed.

15. Explain how an engine works.

16. Write about a planet in our solar system.

17. Describe how weather forecasting works.

18. Explain the process of digestion.

19. Write about an influential artist or musician.

20. Describe how electricity is generated.

21. Explain how planes are able to fly.

22. Write about the effects of pollution.

23. Describe how paper is manufactured.

24. Explain how our bodies fight illness and disease.

25. Write about an important historical event.

26. Describe how musical instruments produce sound.

27. Explain how eclipses occur.

28. Write about an influential civil rights leader.

29. Describe how money is made at the U.S. Mint.

30. Explain how quizzing.chat works.

31. Write about an interesting animal species.

32. Describe how trains operate.

33. Explain the causes of weather phenomena like tornadoes and hurricanes.

34. Write about how computers work.

35. Describe how electricity is distributed from power plants to homes.

36. Explain how the internet functions.

37. Write about the history of a sport or hobby.

38. Describe how bridges are engineered and constructed.

39. Explain how vaccines help prevent disease.

40. Write about an important invention that changed history.

41. Describe how forensic scientists analyze evidence from a crime scene.

42. Explain how volcanoes erupt.

43. Write about an influential activist or social movement.

44. Describe how rockets are launched into space.

45. Explain how earthquakes occur.

46. Write about the benefits of recycling.

47. Describe how telephone and mobile networks operate.

48. Explain how plants reproduce.

49. Write about the history of an art form like painting or dance.

50. Describe how grocery stores receive and display merchandise.

51. Explain how WiFi networks provide internet access.

52. Write about how early explorers charted lands and seas.

53. Describe how clocks and watches measure time.

54. Explain how crystals form.

55. Write about the construction of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

56. Describe how mail is collected, sorted, and delivered.

57. Explain how the earth rotates on its axis.

58. Write about how photography has evolved over time.

59. Describe how bread is made from grain.

60. Explain how trees grow so tall.

61. Write about how animals adapt to their environments.

62. Describe how musical instruments have changed over time.

63. Explain how ice cream is made.

64. Write about the history of space exploration.

65. Describe how rivers shape the land.

66. Explain how plants get energy from the sun.

67. Write about an influential leader in your field.

68. Describe how dams are constructed.

69. Explain how bees make honey.

70. Write about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise.

71. Describe how rollercoasters use gravity and momentum.

72. Explain how spiders spin webs.

73. Write about the history of your school or workplace.

74. Describe how waves are formed in the ocean.

75. Explain how muscles grow stronger with exercise.

76. Write about a famous speech or influential piece of writing.

77. Describe how musical instruments are designed and built.

78. Explain how snakes move by slithering.

79. Write about how technology has changed communication.

80. Describe how journalists research and write the news.

81. Explain how plants turn sunlight into food.

82. Write about how animals care for their young.

83. Describe how glaciers move and shape the landscape.

84. Explain how clouds produce precipitation.

85. Write about an important historical milestone like the first moon landing.

86. Describe how colors mix to create new shades and hues.

87. Explain how birds fly and migrate long distances.

88. Write about how early sailing ships navigated across oceans.

89. Describe how pianos and guitars make different sounds.

90. Explain how lightning forms during thunderstorms.

91. Write about an influential book or poem.

92. Describe how circadian rhythms regulate sleep cycles.

93. Explain how morse code allows communication through coded signals.

94. Write about the construction of famous monuments like the Statue of Liberty.

95. Describe how tornadoes form and the damage they can cause.

96. Explain how batteries store and discharge electricity.

97. Write about how the human heart pumps blood through the circulatory system.

98. Describe how rainbows form after rainfall.

99. Explain how the tides are influenced by the moon’s gravitational pull.

Understanding Informational Writing

If you’re looking to improve your writing skills, informational writing is a great place to start. Informational writing is a type of writing that is used to explain or inform the reader about a particular topic or subject. It is a way to share knowledge, ideas, and information with others.

When writing informationally, it’s important to use clear and concise language that is easy to understand. This means avoiding complex words and technical jargon unless it is necessary to convey the information accurately. The goal is to communicate the information in a way that is accessible to the reader.

One way to make your informational writing more effective is to use text features. Text features are elements of a text that help to organize and present information. Examples of text features include headings, subheadings, bullet points, and tables. Using text features can help to make your writing more visually appealing and easier to read.

Another important aspect of informational writing is understanding the audience. When writing informationally, it’s important to consider who your audience is and what they already know about the topic. This can help you to tailor your writing to their level of understanding and avoid using information that may be too basic or too advanced.

Overall, informational writing is an important skill to have in today’s world. Whether you’re writing a report for work or sharing information online, being able to communicate effectively through writing is essential. By understanding the basics of informational writing and practicing your skills, you can become a more effective writer and communicator.

The Importance of Research

When it comes to informational writing, research is a crucial step. Without proper research, your writing may lack credibility and accuracy. In this section, we will discuss the importance of research and two sub-sections, Finding Reliable Sources and Fact-Checking.

Finding Reliable Sources

Finding reliable sources is the foundation of good research. You want to ensure that the sources you use are trustworthy and provide accurate information. When searching for sources, consider the following:

• Look for sources from reputable organizations or individuals.
• Check the author’s credentials and background.
• Consider the date of publication. Is the information still relevant?
• Look for sources that provide evidence to support their claims.

By taking the time to find reliable sources, you can ensure that your writing is accurate and trustworthy.

Fact-Checking

Even when you have found reliable sources, it’s important to fact-check the information you use. This means verifying the accuracy of the information and ensuring that it is supported by evidence. Here are some tips for fact-checking:

• Cross-reference information with other sources.
• Look for inconsistencies or contradictions in the information.
• Consider the bias of the source and how it may affect the information presented.
• Use fact-checking tools and resources to verify information.

By fact-checking your writing, you can ensure that your information is accurate and credible.

In conclusion, research is a crucial step in informational writing. By finding reliable sources and fact-checking your information, you can ensure that your writing is accurate, trustworthy, and credible.

Types of Informational Writing

When it comes to informational writing, there are several different types to consider. Each type has its own unique characteristics and serves a specific purpose. In this section, we will explore three of the most common types of informational writing: Informational Essay, Narrative Writing, and Debate.

Informational Essay

An informational essay is a type of writing that aims to inform the reader about a particular topic. These essays typically provide factual information about a subject, and they may be written in a formal or informal style. Informational essays can cover a wide range of topics, from history and science to current events and social issues.

When writing an informational essay, it is important to use reliable sources and provide accurate information. You should also organize your essay in a clear and logical manner, using headings and subheadings to break up the text and make it easier to read. Additionally, you may want to include charts, graphs, or other visual aids to help illustrate your points.

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is a type of informational writing that tells a story. These stories can be true or fictional, and they may be written in first or third person. Narrative writing is often used to convey information in a more engaging and interesting way than traditional informational writing.

When writing a narrative, it is important to use descriptive language and vivid imagery to bring the story to life. You should also consider the pacing of your story, using dialogue and action to keep the reader engaged. Additionally, you may want to include a moral or lesson at the end of your narrative to help reinforce the information you are trying to convey.

Debate is a type of informational writing that presents arguments for and against a particular topic. These arguments may be written in a formal or informal style, and they may be presented in a structured or unstructured format. The goal of a debate is to convince the reader to take a particular stance on the topic being discussed.

When writing a debate, it is important to consider both sides of the argument and provide evidence to support your position. You should also anticipate counterarguments and address them in your writing. Additionally, you may want to use persuasive language and rhetorical devices to make your argument more compelling.

In conclusion, there are several different types of informational writing, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. Whether you are writing an informational essay, a narrative, or a debate, it is important to use clear and concise language, provide accurate information, and engage your reader in a meaningful way.

Informational Writing Prompts

If you’re looking for a way to help your child or student improve their writing skills, informational writing prompts are a great place to start. These prompts encourage students to research and write about a variety of topics, from their favorite animals to their daily routines.

Prompts for Elementary School

For younger students, prompts that focus on their personal experiences and interests can be a great way to introduce them to informational writing. Here are a few examples of prompts that are perfect for elementary school students:

• Describe your favorite animal and its characteristics.
• Write about a family member’s occupation and what they do.
• Explain your typical school day and what you learn.
• Look around the room and find something blue. Describe the object and how it’s used.
• What makes someone a hero? Write about a person you consider a hero.

Prompts for 2nd Grade

In second grade, students are starting to develop their writing skills and can handle prompts that require a bit more research and critical thinking. Here are a few prompts that are perfect for second grade students:

• Write about a famous person from history and their accomplishments.
• Research a country and write about its culture, food, and traditions.
• Explain how to make your favorite food or snack.
• Describe a favorite hobby or activity and why you enjoy it.
• Write about a place you’ve visited and what you learned.

Prompts for 4th Grade

By fourth grade, students should be able to write longer, more detailed pieces of informational writing. These prompts are designed to challenge students and encourage them to think critically about the world around them:

• Research a current event and write about why it’s important.
• Write about a scientific concept or process, such as photosynthesis or the water cycle.
• Explain how to solve a math problem or complete a science experiment.
• Research a historical event or figure and write about its significance.
• Write about a social issue, such as bullying or homelessness, and what can be done to address it.

No matter what grade level you’re teaching, informational writing prompts can be a valuable tool for helping students develop their writing skills. By providing clear, engaging prompts that encourage research and critical thinking, you can help your students become confident, knowledgeable writers.

Incorporating Topics into Informational Writing

When it comes to informational writing, choosing a topic is the first and most important step. It is essential to choose a topic that interests you and that you have some knowledge about. In this section, we will explore how to incorporate different topics into your informational writing.

Writing about Sports

Sports are a popular topic for informational writing. You can write about the rules of a particular sport, the history of a sport, or the athletes who play the sport. You can also write about the benefits of playing sports, such as improved physical fitness and teamwork skills. When writing about sports, it is important to use clear and concise language and to provide accurate information.

Writing about Technology

Technology is a vast and ever-changing topic, making it a great choice for informational writing. You can write about the latest innovations in technology, the history of technology, or the impact of technology on society. When writing about technology, it is important to use technical terms correctly and to explain them in a way that is easy to understand for the reader.

Writing about History

History is a fascinating topic for informational writing. You can write about a particular period in history, a historical event, or a famous historical figure. When writing about history, it is important to provide accurate information and to explain the significance of the topic.

Writing about Environment

The environment is an important and timely topic for informational writing. You can write about environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, or deforestation. You can also write about ways to protect the environment, such as recycling or using renewable energy sources. When writing about the environment, it is important to use clear and concise language and to provide accurate information.

Incorporating different topics into your informational writing can make your writing more interesting and engaging for the reader. By choosing a topic that interests you and using clear and concise language, you can create a piece of writing that is informative and enjoyable to read.

Writing about Personal Experiences

Writing about personal experiences can be a great way to explore your thoughts and feelings and to share your unique perspective with others. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

Your Favorite Holiday

Think about your favorite holiday and what makes it special to you. Is it the traditions, the food, the music, or something else entirely? Write about your favorite holiday and why it means so much to you.

Your Favorite Game

Whether it’s a board game, a video game, or a sport, everyone has a favorite game. Write about your favorite game and why it is so enjoyable for you.

Adopting a Pet

Adopting a pet can be a life-changing experience. Write about your experience adopting a pet and how it has impacted your life.

Writing about Health and Wellness

When it comes to writing about health and wellness, there are many topics to explore. Writing about these topics can help you understand and reflect on your own health habits, as well as share valuable information with others. In this section, we will cover three sub-sections: Healthy Diet, Exercise, and Mental Health.

Healthy Diet

Writing about a healthy diet can be a great way to reflect on your own eating habits and learn more about nutrition. Some writing prompts to consider include:

• What are your favorite healthy meals or snacks?
• What are some healthy foods that you have tried recently?
• How do you plan your meals for the week?
• What are some healthy substitutions you can make in your favorite recipes?

When writing about a healthy diet, it’s important to focus on balanced meals that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims about the benefits of specific foods or diets.

Writing about exercise can help you reflect on your own physical activity habits and explore different types of workouts. Some writing prompts to consider include:

• What is your favorite way to exercise?
• How do you stay motivated to exercise regularly?
• What are some new types of workouts you would like to try?
• How do you fit exercise into your busy schedule?

When writing about exercise, it’s important to emphasize the importance of regular physical activity for overall health and well-being. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims about the benefits of specific types of exercise or workouts.

Mental Health

Writing about mental health can help you reflect on your own emotional well-being and explore different ways to manage stress and anxiety. Some writing prompts to consider include:

• What are some strategies you use to manage stress?
• What are some activities that help you relax and unwind?
• How do you prioritize self-care in your daily routine?
• What are some resources you turn to when you need support?

When writing about mental health, it’s important to emphasize the importance of seeking professional help when needed and avoiding stigmatizing language. Encourage readers to prioritize their mental health and seek support when necessary.

Overall, writing about health and wellness can be a valuable way to reflect on your own habits and share information with others. By using neutral, clear language and avoiding exaggerated or false claims, you can create informative and helpful content that encourages readers to prioritize their health.

Writing about Social Issues

When it comes to informational writing prompts, social issues are a great topic to explore. Writing about social issues can help you develop your critical thinking skills and become more aware of the world around you. In this section, we will explore two common social issues: bullying and the cost of college.

Bullying is a serious problem that affects many people. If you are interested in writing about bullying, you might want to consider the following topics:

• The different types of bullying (verbal, physical, cyberbullying)
• The effects of bullying on the victim
• The reasons why people bully others
• Ways to prevent bullying

When writing about bullying, it is important to be sensitive to the topic and avoid making exaggerated or false claims. You should also consider including statistics or personal stories to make your writing more impactful.

Cost of College

The cost of college is another important social issue that affects many people. If you are interested in writing about the cost of college, you might want to consider the following topics:

• The rising cost of tuition and fees
• The impact of student loan debt on graduates
• The reasons why college is so expensive
• Ways to make college more affordable

When writing about the cost of college, it is important to be knowledgeable about the topic and avoid making exaggerated or false claims. You should also consider including statistics or personal stories to make your writing more impactful.

Overall, writing about social issues can be a great way to develop your writing skills and become more aware of the world around you. By exploring topics like bullying and the cost of college, you can gain a deeper understanding of the issues that affect people every day.

Practical Applications of Informational Writing

Informational writing is a valuable skill that can be applied in many practical ways. Whether you are writing directions for a recipe or explaining the ins and outs of a particular occupation, informational writing is an effective way to communicate information clearly and concisely.

Writing Directions

One practical application of informational writing is writing directions. Whether you are writing a recipe, explaining how to assemble a piece of furniture, or providing instructions for a science experiment, writing clear and concise directions is essential. When writing directions, it is important to use clear and specific language, break down complex tasks into smaller steps, and use bullet points or numbered lists to make the information easier to follow.

Writing about Occupations

Another practical application of informational writing is writing about occupations. This type of writing can be used to provide information about a particular job, including the skills and knowledge required, the typical duties and responsibilities, and the education and training needed to pursue the career. When writing about occupations, it is important to research the job thoroughly, interview people who work in the field, and use clear and concise language to convey the information.

Overall, informational writing is a practical and valuable skill that can be applied in many different contexts. Whether you are writing directions, explaining a complex concept, or providing information about a particular occupation, the key is to use clear and concise language, break down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks, and use formatting and other tools to make the information easier to read and understand.

Improving Your Informational Writing Skills

If you want to improve your informational writing skills, you have come to the right place. Whether you are a student or an adult, there are plenty of ways to enhance your writing abilities and create engaging content that is informative and student-friendly.

Know Your Audience

One of the most important aspects of informational writing is understanding your audience. You need to know who you are writing for and what they want to learn. For example, if you are writing for a middle school audience, you may want to use simpler language and provide more examples to help them understand the topic.

Use Clear and Concise Language

When writing informational pieces, it is important to use clear and concise language. Avoid using complicated words and phrases that your readers may not understand. Instead, use simple language that is easy to read and comprehend.

Provide Relevant Examples

Including relevant examples is a great way to help your readers understand the topic you are writing about. Use real-life examples or scenarios to illustrate your points and make your content more engaging.

Use Formatting to Your Advantage

Formatting can make a big difference in how your content is received. Use bullet points, tables, and headings to organize your content and make it easier to read. Bold important information to make it stand out and use a consistent font and size throughout your piece.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, the best way to improve your informational writing skills is to practice. Write regularly and seek feedback from others to help you improve. The more you write, the better you will become.

By following these tips, you can improve your informational writing skills and create content that is informative, engaging, and student-friendly.

Common Core Standards for Informational Writing

If you’re looking to improve your informational writing skills, it’s important to understand the Common Core State Standards for Writing. These standards were developed to ensure that students have the necessary writing skills to succeed in college and in their careers.

The Common Core State Standards for Writing include three types of writing: argumentative, informative/explanatory, and narrative. Informational writing, also known as informative/explanatory writing, is a type of writing that aims to convey information to the reader.

According to the Common Core Standards, informative/explanatory writing should be organized in a clear and logical manner, using appropriate facts and details to support the main idea. The writing should also use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to convey the information effectively.

In addition, the Common Core Standards require that informative/explanatory writing should be adapted to the audience and purpose of the writing. This means that the writing should be appropriate for the intended audience, and should be written with a clear purpose in mind.

To meet the Common Core Standards for informative/explanatory writing, students should be able to:

• Introduce a topic clearly and provide a general observation or statement about the topic.
• Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
• Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to convey information.
• Use appropriate transitions to clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
• Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the information presented.

By following these guidelines, you can improve your informational writing skills and meet the Common Core Standards for Writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of informational writing prompts for middle school students.

Some examples of informational writing prompts for middle school students include writing about a current event or news story, explaining the process of how something works, or researching and writing about a historical figure or event.

What are the key components of effective informational writing prompts?

Effective informational writing prompts should be clear, concise, and relevant to the students’ interests and experiences. They should also provide a clear purpose and audience for the writing, and include specific criteria for success.

How can teachers differentiate informational writing prompts for students of different grade levels?

Teachers can differentiate informational writing prompts by adjusting the complexity of the topic, the required research or sources, and the expectations for the final product. They can also provide different levels of support, such as graphic organizers or sentence starters, based on the needs of individual students.

What are some creative ways to engage students with informational writing prompts?

Some creative ways to engage students with informational writing prompts include using multimedia sources such as videos or podcasts, incorporating student choice in topic selection, and connecting the writing to real-world issues or events. Teachers can also provide opportunities for students to share and discuss their writing with peers.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating informational writing prompts?

Common mistakes to avoid when creating informational writing prompts include using vague or overly broad topics, failing to provide clear criteria for success, and neglecting to consider the students’ interests and experiences. It is also important to avoid bias or stereotypes in the topic or sources provided.

How can informational writing prompts help students develop critical thinking skills?

Informational writing prompts require students to research and analyze information, evaluate sources, and synthesize ideas into a coherent written product. By engaging in this process, students develop critical thinking skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and analysis.

Informal Essays

What is an Informal Essay

The informal essay is written specifically for enjoyment. This isn't always to say that it can't be informative or persuasive; however, it's miles less a proper declaration than a at ease expression of opinion, observation, humor or delight. an amazing informal essay has a cozy style but retains a strong shape, though that structure may be less rigid than in a proper paper.

How to Write an Infomral Essay

The informal essay tends to be greater non-public than the formal, despite the fact that both might also express subjective critiques. In a formal essay the writer is a silent presence in the back of the phrases, while in an casual essay the writer is talking without delay to the reader in a conversational style. if you are writing informally, attempt to hold a feel of your personal personality. don't worry about sounding instructional, but keep away from sloppiness.

The essay, which follows is an opinion piece that was written for The Globe and Mail. The fashion is consequently journalistic but aimed toward a reasonably sophisticated readership. Paragraphs are brief, as is regular in a newspaper with its slender columns, and the tone is greater conversational than would be suitable for a proper essay. word the clear announcement of the thesis, the concrete illustrations in the body of the essay, and the manner the conclusion leads to a extra widespread statement of what's possibly to come in the future. it's far blanketed right here each because it is a great example of the essay shape and because it explores the sort of trouble you will arise against as you try and punctuate your essays effectively.

Informal Essay Topics

The essay subjects of the casual essay kind aren't restricted to any precise difficulty, you could write your informal essay on any subject matter. for instance, right here are some famous essay topics to present you an concept. You need to be nicely familiar with the informal essay topic you pick out. additionally, you need to do not forget the pursuits of your readers. You need to display your personality and the mind-set for your casual essay.

• A particular period of architecture
• Advances in education
• All about a favorite radio show
• All about your favorite vacation spot
• America’s fastest growing cities
• Ballroom dancing
• Basic economic principles
• Best locales in Switzerland
• Best travel destinations
• Branches of the military
• Breeds of dogs
• Causes and effects of air pollution
• Causes and effects of water pollution
• Causes and harmful effects of deforestation
• Causes of cancer
• Causes of Diabetes
• Causes of global warming
• Censorship in history
• Cheapest vacation spots in the world
• Chinese food
• Civil War generals
• Competitive horseback riding
• Computer viruses
• Cruise vacations
• Deep sea fish
• Democracy: the best form of government
• Description of life in another country
• Different types of cancers
• Dream interpretation
• Drinking problems
• Drug problems
• Effects of environmental degradation
• Effects of global warming
• Electric cars
• Evolution of the English language
• Evolution of video games
• Evolution of voting laws
• Exotic pets
• Famous advertising campaigns
• Famous diplomats
• Famous speeches
• Foreign TV shows
• Former child stars
• Fringe known political parties
• Fundamental rights of an individual
• Historical events that occurred on your speech day
• History of a favorite product brand
• Holiday destinations in France
• How a computer works
• How nuclear power works
• How roads are built
• How to change your car’s oil
• How to deal with social evils?
• How to drive a stick-shift
• How to fight against child abuse?
• How to find cheap airline tickets
• How to get good grades
• How to knit a scarf
• How to make a website
• How to make pizza
• How to organize a closet
• How to pick a bottle of wine
• How to play chess
• How to read a map
• How to shoot a basketball
• How to survive a job interview
• How to swing a golfclub
• How to take care of health in summer?
• How to weave a basket
• How to write a resume
• Impact of media on society
• Importance of a balanced diet for good health
• Importance of personal hygiene
• Importance of recycling of waste materials
• Importance of vitamins and minerals
• Interesting cultures
• Internet dating
• Key phrases in a foreign language
• Lesser known Presidents
• Life in the future
• Local folklore
• Measures to keep surroundings clean
• National Parks
• Natural disasters
• Near death experiences
• Nursing homes
• Origins of superstitions
• Picking a name for your children
• Places to visit in India
• Professional baseball stadiums
• Psychological profiling
• Raising pet snakes
• Real life vampires
• Roadside attractions
• Sales tactics
• Saving money on your income taxes
• Schools of painting
• Serial killers
• Seven wonders of the world
• Social evils in underdeveloped countries
• Sports card collecting
• The biography of your favorite actor
• The history of comic books
• The history of the Bible
• The history of your hometown
• The latest discoveries in astronomy
• The Miss America Pageant
• The newspaper business
• The story of how your school was founded
• The three branches of US government
• Things to take along while traveling
• Treatment for different types of cancers
• Trends in the stock market
• Types of cheese
• Types of poetry
• Types of tropical fish
• US territories
• Ways of preventing air pollution
• Ways of preventing water pollution
• Why is education essential for children?
• Working in the fast food industry
• World War II heroes
• Young billionaires
• Nasıl Yazılır
• Global Warming
• Oprah Winfrey
• Vegetarianism
• Domestic Violence
• Computer Viruses
• Using the Surprising-Reversal Strategy
• the Great Depression
• Teenage Pregnancy
• the Holocaust
• Texting and Driving
• Shakespeare
• Snowboarding
• Skateboarding
• Photography
• Procrastination
• Prostitution
• Plastic Surgery
• Peer Pressure
• Organ Donation
• Childhood Obesity
• Michael Jordan
• Martin Luther King
• Michael Jackson
• Puppy Mills
• Abraham Lincoln
• Serial Killers
• Illegal Immigration
• Immigration
• Interior Design
• Human Trafficking
• Hybrid Cars
• Homosexuality
• Health Care
• Graphic Design
• Gun Control
• Energy Drinks
• Eating Healthy
• Drug Addiction
• Down Syndrome
• Drunk Driving
• Death Penalty
• Cell Phones
• Cyber Bullying
• Bipolar Disorder
• Breast Cancer
• Black Holes
• Alzheimer’s

Informal Example Essays

More Informal Example Essays

English Composition Essay Topics

67 Causal Essay Topics to Consider

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• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

A causal essay is much like a cause-and-effect essay , but there may be a subtle difference in the minds of some instructors who use the term "causal essay" for complex topics and "cause-and-effect essay" for smaller or more straightforward papers.

However, both terms describe essentially the same type of essay and the goal of each is the same: to come up with a list of events or factors (causes) that bring about a certain outcome (effect). The key question in such an essay is, "How or why did something happen?" It is important to make a clear connection between each cause and the ultimate effect.

Potential Causes

The most common problem students face in writing the causal essay is running out of "causes" to talk about. It is helpful to sketch out an outline before you begin writing the first draft of your outline. Your essay should include a strong introduction , good transition statements , and a well-crafted conclusion.

Topics to Consider

You can use a topic from this list, or use the list as inspiration for your own idea.

• What conditions and events led to the Great Depression ?
• What prompts a change in fashion trends?
• Why do some people fear the dark?
• How did some dinosaurs leave footprints?
• What causes criminal behavior?
• What causes people to rebel against authority?
• What conditions lead to powerful hurricanes?
• What developments led to regional accents in the United States?
• Why do good students become truant?
• What causes war?
• What factors can lead to birth defects?
• How are car insurance rates determined?
• What factors can lead to obesity?
• What can cause evolution to occur?
• Why does unemployment rise?
• Why do some people develop multiple personalities?
• How does the structure of the Earth change over time?
• What factors can cause bulimia nervosa?
• What makes a marriage fail?
• What developments and conditions led to the Declaration of Independence ?
• What led to the decline of the automobile industry?
• What factors led to the decline of the Roman Empire?
• How did the Grand Canyon form?
• Why did enslavement replace indentured servitude in the American colonies ?
• How has popular music been affected by technology?
• How has racial tolerance changed over time?
• What led to the dot-com bubble burst?
• What causes the stock market to fall?
• How does scarring occur?
• How does soap work?
• What causes a surge in nationalism?
• Why do some bridges collapse?
• Why was Abraham Lincoln assassinated ?
• How did we get the various versions of the Bible?
• What factors led to unionization?
• How does a tsunami form?
• What events and factors led to women's suffrage?
• Why did electric cars fail initially?
• How do animals become extinct?
• Why are some tornadoes more destructive than others?
• What factors led to the end of feudalism?
• What led to the " Martian Panic " in the 1930s?
• How did medicine change in the 19th century?
• How does gene therapy work?
• What factors can lead to famine?
• What factors led to the rise of democratic governments in the 18th century?
• How did baseball become a national pastime in the United States?
• What was the impact of Jim Crow laws on Black citizens in the United States?
• What factors led to the growth of imperialism?
• Why did the Salem witch trials take place?
• How did Adolf Hitler come to power?
• What can cause damage to your credit?
• How did the conservationism start?
• How did World War I start?
• How do germs spread and cause illness?
• How do people lose weight?
• How does road salt prevent accidents?
• What makes some tires grip better than others?
• What makes a computer run slowly?
• How does a car work?
• How has the news industry changed over time?
• What created Beatlemania ?
• How did organized crime develop?
• What caused the obesity epidemic?
• How did grammar rules develop in the English language?
• Where do political parties come from?
• How did the Civil Rights movement begin?
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How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career. 

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Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide you through the process. This article will:

• explain what a formal essay is;
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👔 Formal Essay Definition

• ✅ How to Write
• ✍️ Writing Rules
• 🖥️ Essay Format
• 📑 Sample Paper

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A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it’s necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (also known as personal .) They differ in terms of style and context. You can choose one of the formats depending on the situation and the type of paper you need to write.

Don’t know how to tell the difference between them? Well, here are some key characteristics of these essay types:

As you can see, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.

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Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Traditionally, a formal essay it’s composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.

Formal Essay Introduction

The introduction is what your essay starts with. Its primary goal is to catch the reader’s attention with a hook, briefly introduce the topic, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.

Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:

If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .

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Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.

Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:

Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.

Formal Essay Body

The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.

To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:

• after all, 
• for instance, 
• on the one/other hand, 
• initially, 
• as a result.

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.

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The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.

If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:  

Dos of formal writing

• Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
• Use punctuation correctly. Here are some of the things to watch out for: Avoid exclamation marks; Use dashes for insertions; Use colons with enumerations; If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
• Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
• Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.

Don’ts of formal writing

• Avoid using pronouns.  With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes wordy. It also makes the author seem less sure of their ideas. If you want to use personal pronouns, try substituting them with words like “the reader,” “viewers,” or “one.”
• Avoid using slang expressions and nonstandard diction. Slang words in a formal essay will make it less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid those expressions and use proper Standard English.
• Avoid informal tone.  When you write a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use when you casually talk to friends. A formal tone suggests that the author is serious about the topic and respects the audience.
• Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are hard to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and concise.

Contractions in Formal Writing

A contraction is usually a combination of two words into one, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so it’s best to stick to the full variant.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when working with direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are used in the original. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Another common mistake students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. This mistake can make the essay overly informal and lead to misinterpretations of the text.

How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with the following words:

• individuals,

You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

Now that we’ve discussed formal essay writing in detail, it’s time to look at the formatting. A formal essay is usually written in MLA or APA formats. If you’re asked to write a paper in one of these formats, you may find the guidelines below helpful:

📑 Formal Essay Example

Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:

For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .

Formal Essay Topics

• Stress management techniques  
• The effects of coffee  
• Negative effects of technology on children 
• Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports  
• Different types of friends  
• Same-sex marriages in the United States  
• Are early marriages harmful or beneficial? 
• How do nutrition and hydration improve athletes’ performance? 
• Is polygamy morally acceptable? 
• Different features of sports business  
• What characterizes friendship in the age of media ? 
• Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean  
• How does society treat single parents ? 
• How does the uninvolved parenting style affect child’s future well-being? 
• The role of family relationships in Odyssey  
• Financial concepts in sport finance  
• Main features of a strong marriage  
• The importance of media coverage for sport teams 
• Reasons why students choose to get internship  
• The role of stadiums in the sports industry 
• The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis  
• Characteristics of children’s sports  
• Crucial factors affecting health fitness  
• How is technology used in hotel management ? 
• Structure and operational context of Four Seasons  
• What are the main qualities of a true friend?  
• Different websites that promote rental properties 
• The imperative aspects of tourism  
• Importance of hotel training  
• What factors determine adolescents’ adjustment after they experience parental divorce ? 
• How does tobacco use affect the human body?  
• The importance of language and world view for communication 
• What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient? 
• The scientific approach of sports economics  
• How does divorce affect children? 
• Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison  
• How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle? 
• How to be an effective counselor  
• Various types of restaurants in Ireland  
• Carolina Dog’s characteristics 
• Comparison of Monzameon’s The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere  
• Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families  
• How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ? 
• In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed? 
• Is bad parenting a healthcare problem? 
• Why student-athletes should benefit from sports  
• Mind-body awareness and its health benefits 
• Can punishment boost academic performance? 
• Techniques to teach students swimming  
• Issues faced by the sports licensing field 

Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!

Further reading:

• How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
• What Is a Discourse Analysis Essay: Example & Guide
• How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
• How to Write a Précis: Definition, Guide, & Examples 

❓ Formal Essay FAQs

It’s best not to use pronouns such as “I,” “my,” “we,” “our,” etc., in a formal essay since it give the paper an informal tone and the text becomes wordy. It also makes the writer seem less sure about their ideas.

It’s better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.

The formal and informal essays differ in style and context. While a formal essay is a piece of well-structured writing that tries to convince the reader by providing arguments, an informal essay has no set structure. It reflects the author’s personal thoughts or opinions.

Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.

It’s best to avoid using 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns, slang expressions, nonstandard diction, and contractions in a formal essay. They are primarily used in daily speech and are considered inappropriate in academic writing. 

• Point of View in Academic Writing: St. Louis Community College
• Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
• Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona Global Campus
• How to Improve Your Academic Writing: University of York
• Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing: University of California, Berkeley
• Academic Writing Style: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: University of Southern California
• Formal and Informal Style: Northern Illinois University
• Formal Writing: Davenport University: LibGuides
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Common App announces 2024–2025 Common App essay prompts

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We are happy to announce that the Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2024–2025.

Our decision to keep these prompts unchanged is supported by past research showing that overall satisfaction with the prompts exceeded 95% across our constituent groups - students, counselors, advisors, teachers, and member colleges. Moving forward, we want to learn more about who is choosing certain prompts to see if there are any noteworthy differences among student populations and incorporate feedback into future decisions.

While some schools are beginning discussions with juniors and transfer students about college options, it's important to clarify that this doesn't mean students need to start writing their essays right away. By releasing the prompts early, we hope to give students ample time for reflection and brainstorming. As you guide students with their planning, feel free to use our Common App Ready essay writing resource, available in both English and Spanish .

For students who wish to start exploring the application process, creating a Common App account before August 1 ensures that all their responses, including their personal essays, will be retained through account rollover .

Below is the full set of essay prompts for 2024–2025.

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

We will retain the optional community disruption question within the Writing section. Over the next year, we'll consult with our member, counselor, and student advisory committees to ensure we gather diverse perspectives and make informed decisions.

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Democracy Dies Behind Paywalls

The case for making journalism free—at least during the 2024 election

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Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (NOA) using AI narration.

How many times has it happened? You’re on your computer, searching for a particular article, a hard-to-find fact, or a story you vaguely remember, and just when you seem to have discovered the exact right thing, a paywall descends. “$1 for Six Months.” “Save 40% on Year 1.” “Here’s Your Premium Digital Offer.” “Already a subscriber?” Hmm, no.

Now you’re faced with that old dilemma: to pay or not to pay. (Yes, you may face this very dilemma reading this story in The Atlantic .) And it’s not even that simple. It’s a monthly or yearly subscription—“Cancel at any time.” Is this article or story or fact important enough for you to pay?

Or do you tell yourself—as the overwhelming number of people do—that you’ll just keep searching and see if you can find it somewhere else for free?

According to the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, more than 75 percent of America’s leading newspapers, magazines, and journals are behind online paywalls. And how do American news consumers react to that? Almost 80 percent of Americans steer around those paywalls and seek out a free option.

Paywalls create a two-tiered system: credible, fact-based information for people who are willing to pay for it, and murkier, less-reliable information for everyone else. Simply put, paywalls get in the way of informing the public, which is the mission of journalism. And they get in the way of the public being informed, which is the foundation  of democracy. It is a terrible time for the press to be failing at reaching people, during an election in which democracy is on the line. There’s a simple, temporary solution: Publications should suspend their paywalls for all 2024 election coverage and all information that is beneficial to voters. Democracy does not die in darkness—it dies behind paywalls.

The problem is not just that professionally produced news is behind a wall; the problem is that paywalls increase the proportion of free and easily available stories that are actually filled with misinformation and disinformation. Way back in 1995 (think America Online), the UCLA professor Eugene Volokh predicted that the rise of “cheap speech”—free internet content—would not only democratize mass media by allowing new voices, but also increase the proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories, which would then destabilize mass media.

Paul Barrett, the deputy director of the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights and one of the premier scholars on mis- and disinformation, told me he knows of no research on the relationship between paywalls and misinformation. “But it stands to reason,” he said, “that if people seeking news are blocked by the paywalls that are increasingly common on serious professional journalism websites, many of those people are going to turn to less reliable sites where they’re more likely to encounter mis- and disinformation.”

In the pre-internet days, information wasn’t free—it just felt that way. Newsstands were everywhere, and you could buy a paper for a quarter. But that paper wasn’t just for you: After you read it at the coffee shop or on the train, you left it there for the next guy. The same was true for magazines. When I was the editor of Time , the publisher estimated that the “pass-along rate” of every issue was 10 to 15—that is, each magazine we sent out was read not only by the subscriber, but by 10 to 15 other people. In 1992, daily newspapers claimed a combined circulation of some 60 million; by 2022, while the nation had grown, that figure had fallen to 21 million. People want information to be free—and instantly available on their phone.

Barrett is aware that news organizations need revenue, and that almost a third of all U.S. newspapers have stopped publishing over the previous two decades. “It’s understandable that traditional news-gathering businesses are desperate for subscription revenue,” he told me, “but they may be inadvertently boosting the fortunes of fake news operations motivated by an appetite for clicks or an ideological agenda—or a combination of the two.”

Digital-news consumers can be divided into three categories: a small, elite group that pays hundreds to thousands of dollars a year for high-end subscriptions; a slightly larger group of people with one to three news subscriptions; and the roughly 80 percent of Americans who will not or cannot pay for information. Some significant percentage of this latter category are what scholars call “passive” news consumers—people who do not seek out information, but wait for it to come to them, whether from their social feeds, from friends, or from a TV in an airport. Putting reliable information behind paywalls increases the likelihood that passive news consumers will receive bad information.

In the short history of social media, the paywall was an early hurdle to getting good information; now there are newer and more perilous problems. The Wall Street Journal instituted a “hard paywall” in 1996. The Financial Times formally launched one in 2002. Other publications experimented with them, including The New York Times , which established its subscription plan and paywall in 2011. In 2000, I was the editor of Time.com, Time magazine’s website, when these experiments were going on. The axiom then was that “must have” publications like The Wall Street Journal could get away with charging for content, while “nice to have” publications like Time could not. Journalists were told that “information wants to be free.” But the truth was simpler: People wanted free information, and we gave it to them. And they got used to it.

Of course, publications need to cover their costs, and journalists need to be paid. Traditionally, publications had three lines of revenue: subscriptions, advertising, and newsstand sales. Newsstand sales have mostly disappeared. The internet should have been a virtual newsstand, but buying individual issues or articles is almost impossible. The failure to institute a frictionless mechanism for micropayments to purchase news was one of the greatest missteps in the early days of the web. Some publications would still be smart to try it.

I’d argue that paywalls are part of the reason Americans’ trust in media is at an all-time low. Less than a third of Americans in a recent Gallup poll say they have “a fair amount” or a “a great deal” of trust that the news is fair and accurate. A large percentage of these Americans see media as being biased. Well, part of the reason they think media are biased is that most fair, accurate, and unbiased news sits behind a wall. The free stuff needn’t be fair or accurate or unbiased. Disinformationists, conspiracy theorists, and Russian and Chinese troll farms don’t employ fact-checkers and libel lawyers and copy editors.

Part of the problem with the current, free news environment is that the platform companies, which are the largest distributors of free news, have deprioritized news. Meta has long had an uncomfortable relationship with news on Facebook. In the past year, according to CNN, Meta has changed its algorithm in a way that has cost some news outlets 30 to 40 percent of their traffic (and others more). Threads, Meta’s answer to X, is “not going to do anything to encourage” news and politics on the platform, says Adam Mosseri, the executive who oversees it. “My take is, from a platforms’ perspective, any incremental engagement or revenue [news] might drive is not at all worth the scrutiny, negativity (let’s be honest), or integrity risks that come along with them.” The platform companies are not in the news business; they are in the engagement business. News is less engaging than, say, dance shorts or chocolate-chip-cookie recipes—or eye-catching conspiracy theories.

As the platforms have diminished news, they have also weakened their integrity and content-moderation teams, which enforce community standards or terms of service. No major platform permits false advertising, child pornography, hate speech, or speech that leads to violence; the integrity and moderation teams take down such content. A recent paper from Barrett’s team at the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights argues that the greatest tech-related threat in 2024 is not artificial intelligence or foreign election interference, but something more mundane: the retreat from content moderation and the hollowing-out of trust-and-safety units and election-integrity teams. The increase in bad information on the free web puts an even greater burden on fact-based news reporting.

Now AI-created clickbait is also a growing threat. Generative AI’s ability to model, scrape, and even plagiarize real news—and then tailor it to users—is extraordinary. AI clickbait mills, posing as legitimate journalistic organizations, are churning out content that rips off real news and reporting. These plagiarism mills are receiving funding because, well, they’re cheap and profitable. For now, Google’s rankings don’t appear to make a distinction between a news article written by a human being and one written by an AI chatbot. They can, and they should.

The best way to address these challenges is for newsrooms to remove or suspend their paywalls for stories related to the 2024 election. I am mindful of the irony of putting this plea behind The Atlantic ’s own paywall, but that’s exactly where the argument should be made. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably paid to support journalism that you think matters in the world. Don’t you want it to be available to others, too, especially those who would not otherwise get to see it?

Emergencies and natural disasters have long prompted papers to suspend their paywalls. When Hurricane Irene hit the New York metropolitan area in 2011, The New York Times made all storm-related coverage freely available. “We are aware of our obligations to our audience and to the public at large when there is a big story that directly impacts such a large portion of people,” a New York Times editor said at the time. In some ways, this creates a philosophical inconsistency. The paywall says, This content is valuable and you have to pay for it . Suspending the paywall in a crisis says, This content is so valuable that you don’t have to pay for it . Similarly, when the coronavirus hit, The Atlantic made its COVID coverage—and its COVID Tracking Project—freely available to all.

During the pandemic, some publications found that suspending their paywall had an effect they had not anticipated: It increased subscriptions. The Seattle Times , the paper of record in a city that was an early epicenter of coronavirus, put all of its COVID-related content outside the paywall and then saw, according to its senior vice president of marketing, Kati Erwert, “a very significant increase in digital subscriptions”—two to three times its previous daily averages. The Philadelphia Inquirer put its COVID content outside its paywall in the spring of 2020 as a public service. And then, according to the paper’s director of special projects, Evan Benn, it saw a “higher than usual number of digital subscription sign-ups.”

The Tampa Bay Times , The Denver Post , and The St. Paul Pioneer Press , in Minnesota, all experienced similar increases, as did papers operated by the Tribune Publishing Company, including the Chicago Tribune and the Hartford Courant . The new subscribers were readers who appreciated the content and the reporting and wanted to support the paper’s efforts, and to make the coverage free for others to read, too.

Good journalism isn’t cheap, but outlets can find creative ways to pay for their reporting on the election. They can enlist foundations or other sponsors to underwrite their work. They can turn to readers who are willing to subscribe, renew their subscriptions, or make added donations to subsidize important coverage during a crucial election. And they can take advantage of the broader audience that unpaywalled stories can reach, using it to generate more advertising revenue—and even more civic-minded subscribers.

The reason papers suspend their paywall in times of crisis is because they understand that the basic and primary mission of the press is to inform and educate the public. This idea goes back to the country’s Founders. The press was protected by the First Amendment so it could provide the information that voters need in a democracy. “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press,” Thomas Jefferson wrote, “and that cannot be limited without being lost.” Every journalist understands this. There is no story with a larger impact than an election in which the survival of democracy is on the ballot.

I believe it was a mistake to give away journalism for free in the 1990s. Information is not and never has been free. I devoutly believe that news organizations need to survive and figure out a revenue model that allows them to do so. But the most important mission of a news organization is to provide the public with information that allows citizens to make the best decisions in a constitutional democracy. Our government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, and that consent is arrived at through the free flow of information—reliable, fact-based information. To that end, news organizations should put their election content in front of their paywall. The Constitution protects the press so that the press can protect constitutional democracy. Now the press must fulfill its end of the bargain.

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How Pew Research Center will report on generations moving forward

Journalists, researchers and the public often look at society through the lens of generation, using terms like Millennial or Gen Z to describe groups of similarly aged people. This approach can help readers see themselves in the data and assess where we are and where we’re headed as a country.

Pew Research Center has been at the forefront of generational research over the years, telling the story of Millennials as they came of age politically and as they moved more firmly into adult life . In recent years, we’ve also been eager to learn about Gen Z as the leading edge of this generation moves into adulthood.

But generational research has become a crowded arena. The field has been flooded with content that’s often sold as research but is more like clickbait or marketing mythology. There’s also been a growing chorus of criticism about generational research and generational labels in particular.

Recently, as we were preparing to embark on a major research project related to Gen Z, we decided to take a step back and consider how we can study generations in a way that aligns with our values of accuracy, rigor and providing a foundation of facts that enriches the public dialogue.

A typical generation spans 15 to 18 years. As many critics of generational research point out, there is great diversity of thought, experience and behavior within generations.

We set out on a yearlong process of assessing the landscape of generational research. We spoke with experts from outside Pew Research Center, including those who have been publicly critical of our generational analysis, to get their take on the pros and cons of this type of work. We invested in methodological testing to determine whether we could compare findings from our earlier telephone surveys to the online ones we’re conducting now. And we experimented with higher-level statistical analyses that would allow us to isolate the effect of generation.

What emerged from this process was a set of clear guidelines that will help frame our approach going forward. Many of these are principles we’ve always adhered to , but others will require us to change the way we’ve been doing things in recent years.

Here’s a short overview of how we’ll approach generational research in the future:

We’ll only do generational analysis when we have historical data that allows us to compare generations at similar stages of life. When comparing generations, it’s crucial to control for age. In other words, researchers need to look at each generation or age cohort at a similar point in the life cycle. (“Age cohort” is a fancy way of referring to a group of people who were born around the same time.)

When doing this kind of research, the question isn’t whether young adults today are different from middle-aged or older adults today. The question is whether young adults today are different from young adults at some specific point in the past.

To answer this question, it’s necessary to have data that’s been collected over a considerable amount of time – think decades. Standard surveys don’t allow for this type of analysis. We can look at differences across age groups, but we can’t compare age groups over time.

Another complication is that the surveys we conducted 20 or 30 years ago aren’t usually comparable enough to the surveys we’re doing today. Our earlier surveys were done over the phone, and we’ve since transitioned to our nationally representative online survey panel , the American Trends Panel . Our internal testing showed that on many topics, respondents answer questions differently depending on the way they’re being interviewed. So we can’t use most of our surveys from the late 1980s and early 2000s to compare Gen Z with Millennials and Gen Xers at a similar stage of life.

This means that most generational analysis we do will use datasets that have employed similar methodologies over a long period of time, such as surveys from the U.S. Census Bureau. A good example is our 2020 report on Millennial families , which used census data going back to the late 1960s. The report showed that Millennials are marrying and forming families at a much different pace than the generations that came before them.

Even when we have historical data, we will attempt to control for other factors beyond age in making generational comparisons. If we accept that there are real differences across generations, we’re basically saying that people who were born around the same time share certain attitudes or beliefs – and that their views have been influenced by external forces that uniquely shaped them during their formative years. Those forces may have been social changes, economic circumstances, technological advances or political movements.

When we see that younger adults have different views than their older counterparts, it may be driven by their demographic traits rather than the fact that they belong to a particular generation.

The tricky part is isolating those forces from events or circumstances that have affected all age groups, not just one generation. These are often called “period effects.” An example of a period effect is the Watergate scandal, which drove down trust in government among all age groups. Differences in trust across age groups in the wake of Watergate shouldn’t be attributed to the outsize impact that event had on one age group or another, because the change occurred across the board.

Changing demographics also may play a role in patterns that might at first seem like generational differences. We know that the United States has become more racially and ethnically diverse in recent decades, and that race and ethnicity are linked with certain key social and political views. When we see that younger adults have different views than their older counterparts, it may be driven by their demographic traits rather than the fact that they belong to a particular generation.

Controlling for these factors can involve complicated statistical analysis that helps determine whether the differences we see across age groups are indeed due to generation or not. This additional step adds rigor to the process. Unfortunately, it’s often absent from current discussions about Gen Z, Millennials and other generations.

When we can’t do generational analysis, we still see value in looking at differences by age and will do so where it makes sense. Age is one of the most common predictors of differences in attitudes and behaviors. And even if age gaps aren’t rooted in generational differences, they can still be illuminating. They help us understand how people across the age spectrum are responding to key trends, technological breakthroughs and historical events.

Each stage of life comes with a unique set of experiences. Young adults are often at the leading edge of changing attitudes on emerging social trends. Take views on same-sex marriage , for example, or attitudes about gender identity .

Many middle-aged adults, in turn, face the challenge of raising children while also providing care and support to their aging parents. And older adults have their own obstacles and opportunities. All of these stories – rooted in the life cycle, not in generations – are important and compelling, and we can tell them by analyzing our surveys at any given point in time.

When we do have the data to study groups of similarly aged people over time, we won’t always default to using the standard generational definitions and labels. While generational labels are simple and catchy, there are other ways to analyze age cohorts. For example, some observers have suggested grouping people by the decade in which they were born. This would create narrower cohorts in which the members may share more in common. People could also be grouped relative to their age during key historical events (such as the Great Recession or the COVID-19 pandemic) or technological innovations (like the invention of the iPhone).

By choosing not to use the standard generational labels when they’re not appropriate, we can avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or oversimplifying people’s complex lived experiences.

Existing generational definitions also may be too broad and arbitrary to capture differences that exist among narrower cohorts. A typical generation spans 15 to 18 years. As many critics of generational research point out, there is great diversity of thought, experience and behavior within generations. The key is to pick a lens that’s most appropriate for the research question that’s being studied. If we’re looking at political views and how they’ve shifted over time, for example, we might group people together according to the first presidential election in which they were eligible to vote.

With these considerations in mind, our audiences should not expect to see a lot of new research coming out of Pew Research Center that uses the generational lens. We’ll only talk about generations when it adds value, advances important national debates and highlights meaningful societal trends.

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• Generation X
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• Millennials
• Silent Generation

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Who are you the art and science of measuring identity, u.s. centenarian population is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years, older workers are growing in number and earning higher wages, teens, social media and technology 2023, most popular.

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