The Informative Essay

The Informative Essay,[object Object],ENG 111,[object Object]

Informative Writing,[object Object],The genre demands that the writer anticipate any possible misunderstandings on the reader’s part,[object Object],Newspapers, textbooks, etc.,[object Object],Sometimes we even assume we are reading informative writing when in fact we are reading persuasive writing.,[object Object],Much of what we usually call “research” writing in college is informative. ,[object Object],Though informative writing usually requires hypothesizing, analysis, and interpretation, it strives to remain objective and logical, avoiding direct appeals to the audience.,[object Object]

Elements of Informative Writing,[object Object],[object Object]

It often includes facts about real people and events.

The information is usually presented in a straightforward way.

The events are often presented in the order in which they happened (chronologically).

It may be organized by topics and sometimes includes headers.

It may include diagrams, photographs, maps, graphs or illustrations to hope the reader understand the subject better.

The factual information can be checked by referring to other sources.*Modified www.opencourtresources.com/.../Level5_U4L4_LiteraryGenre_ExpositoryText.doc,[object Object]

The Process Essay:A Type of Informative Essay,[object Object],PROCESS is about HOW something happens,[object Object],It’s about listing the steps of an event.,[object Object],Steps can be given as bullet points or as a simple list – do this – do that – do that.,[object Object],However, a list is NOT an essay; therefore, a process ESSAY explains: ,[object Object], – why the steps need to happen, ,[object Object], – the order in which they need to happen, ,[object Object], – the way they need to be done,[object Object]

Two Types of Process Essays,[object Object],• “How to do Something” – Instructional,[object Object], – Reader could duplicate if so desires,[object Object], – How to embalm a corpse,[object Object], – How to write an essay,[object Object],• “How Something Happens” - Informational,[object Object], – Usually things too big or too small to be ,[object Object], duplicated by the reader,[object Object], – How a star is formed,[object Object], – How O2 and H2 combine to form water,[object Object]

The Writer Must…,[object Object],be able to IDENTIFY the steps, and ,[object Object],be able to EXPLAIN the steps. ,[object Object]

Thoughts,[object Object],• Do you know how to read?,[object Object],• Do you know how to walk?,[object Object],• Can you identify or explain the steps required to read or walk?,[object Object],• Writer must pay attention to the process,[object Object],• Allow the reader to understand the process,[object Object]

• This is an ESSAY, not just instructions,[object Object],• Recipes are instructions, not essays,[object Object],• Do you know why you add each ingredient?,[object Object],• Do you know why they are done in that order?,[object Object],• Can you explain the process or just tell us the steps?,[object Object],• The more complete the explanation, the more the audience will trust the process,[object Object]

• There should be a reason WHY we are doing THIS process, not another version,[object Object],– Quality,[object Object],– Price,[object Object],– Speed,[object Object],- etc.,[object Object],• Different purposes will cause writer to explain steps differently,[object Object],• Emphasize the steps that specifically reinforce your purpose,[object Object]

• Author should identify potential problems or easily made mistakes,[object Object],• You are not there to answer questions, so you have to anticipate them,[object Object],• The more questions you anticipate, the more authoritative you appear,[object Object],• Anybody can repeat orders, but only somebody who’s done the process understands what can go wrong,[object Object]

What to consider when writing a process essay…,[object Object],A process paper either tells the reader how to do something or describes how something is done. As you write your process essay, consider the following:,[object Object],[object Object]

The Informative Essay

The Informative Essay

Recomendados

Más contenido relacionado

La actualidad más candente

La actualidad más candente(20)

Similar a The Informative Essay

Similar a The Informative Essay(20)

Más de Tara Van Geons

Más de Tara Van Geons(6)

The Informative Essay