INFORMATIVE WRITING

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 5

4-6
Instructional Pages ▶ page 6
Activity Page ▶ pages 7 – 12
Practice Page ▶ pages 13 – 16
GRADE Homework Page
Answer Key
▶
▶
pages 17 - 20
Follows page
Approximate Grade Level: 4-6
Objectives: The students will be able to
successfully write a five paragraph informative
essay which clearly provides factual information
and/or explanations about an expository topic.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a
topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A
Introduce a topic clearly and group related
information in paragraphs and sections; include
formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and
multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete
details, quotations, or other information and
examples related to the topic.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a
topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.A
Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general
observation and focus, and group related
information logically; include formatting (e.g.,
headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful
to aiding comprehension.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete
details, quotations, or other information and
examples related to the topic.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.C
Link ideas within and across categories of
information using words, phrases, and clauses
(e.g., in contrast, especially).
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific
vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a
topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information
through the selection, organization, and analysis
of relevant content.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.A
Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and
information, using strategies such as definition,
classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/
effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics
(e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful
to aiding comprehension.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.B
Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions,
concrete details, quotations, or other information
and examples.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.C
Use appropriate transitions to clarify the
relationships among ideas and concepts.
LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific
vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
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 Classroom Procedure:
1. Ask students some questions that relate to informative
essay topics. For example, “What is your favorite thing to
learn about in science? Who is your favorite actor? What
is the coolest time period you have ever learned about in
history? What one topic in science or history do you want
to learn more about? Do you have a favorite animal? How
many of you have been on a vacation to another state
or country?” Listen to responses. Say, “All the answers
you gave provided great topics for an informational essay.
2. Ask students if they can describe an informational essay,
or if they’ve ever written one. Listen to response. Clarify
or explain that the purpose of an informative essay,
sometimes called an expository essay, is to provide factual
information about a certain topic. It has to be a nonfiction
topic, such as a place, person, species, historical event,
or scientific topic.
3. Pick a topic that you think you students will be familiar with,
such a local animal, or a topic recently studied in history
or science. As a class, brainstorm facts that relate to the
topic and write them on the board or chart paper- make
sure you do not include opinions.
4. Group facts into categories by rewriting them into at least
three clusters. Add more facts if needed. For example, if
you chose an animal, information could be grouped into
appearance, habitat, and fun facts.
5. Explain that when writing informative essays, you begin
with an introduction to your topic where you state the
information you will include, then talk about three main
areas of information, and end with a conclusion. EAch of
the areas receive one paragraph, creating a five paragraph
essay.
6. Discuss what a good opening statement and closing
statement would be for the topic your organizing on the
board. This will be a very rough outline of how an expository
or informational essay looks.
Class Sessions (45 minutes): 3-5 class
sessions, depending on ability level of students
and amount of time allowed for student
discussion, research, drafting, etc.
Teaching Materials/Worksheets: Medicinal
Plants essay, other informative essays if
desired, chart paper or poster board, computers,
books, and resources for research, markers,
whiteboard, dry erase markers, copies of
informative sample essay, included content,
Activity pages (2), Practice page , Homework
page
Student Supplies: Handouts, paper, writing
utensils, access to research materials online
or in print.
Prepare Ahead of Time: Make copies of
handouts and sample essay. Make sure
there are highlighters and lined note paper or
notebooks for students.
Options for Lesson: Students will complete
the warm up activity as a whole class, then
use class discussion and collaboration to read
and discuss the sample informative/expository
essay. Students will independently complete a
topic quick writing list and then share ideas as
a group. Through direct instruction and class
participation, complete the anchor chart that
teaches expository/informative writing steps.
Students will work in partners to complete an
activity sheet using the given informative essay.
Students will work independently to complete
the second activity page, and students should
then have time to research in class on their
given topic. Two or more class periods should be
devoted to research, writing, editing, and revising
the students’ essays. They can peer edit between
drafts. The practice page and homework can
be assigned to complete individually after the
second day.
*Lessons are aligned to meet the education objectives and goals of
most states. For more information on your state objectives, contact
your local Board of Education or Department of Education in your state.
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7. Hand out copies of the sample informational essay. Read a teacher’s copy aloud as students follow
along. After reading, have students identify: the topic the three main areas of information discussed in
the essay have the students describe how the author provided information regarding her topic.
8. Create an anchor chart that covers the steps of writing an informative or expository paper. Use the
acronym INFORM.
Include an opening paragraph that tells the topic.
Name facts in the body of your essay.Follow the facts with supporting details.
Organize your writing with transition words.
Refer to the topic and include key vocabulary.
Make a closing paragraph related to your topic.
9. Further create a step-by-step outline for students that will work with any topic.It may be helpful to color code
the steps for students. The following is one option of color-coding, but feel free to use any combination
you wish, or skip color-coding if it isn’t practical for your students. (This is my own and available for use.)
Paragraph 1:
Topic Sentence (Main Idea for your paper)

Example Sentence #1 (Subtopic) Paragraph 4: Example Paragraph #3

Example Sentence #2 (Subtopic) Topic Sentence Example #3 (from the
Introduction)
Example Sentence #3 (Subtopic)
3 Examples that prove your Topic Sentence
Concluding Sentence that repeats the Main
Idea Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #3
Paragraph 2: Example #1 Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Topic Sentence Example #1 (from the Topic Sentence (Main Idea for your paper)
Introduction)
Example Sentence #1 (Subtopic)
3 Examples sentences that prove your Topic
Example Sentence #2 (Subtopic)
Sentence
Example Sentence #3 (Subtopic)
Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #1
Concluding Sentence that repeats the Main Idea
Paragraph 3: Example Paragraph #2
Topic Sentence Example # 2 (from the
Introduction)
10. Tell students they will write their own
3 Examples that prove your Topic Sentence informative/expository essays after they
practice identifying key essay features.
Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #2

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11. Have students re-read and actively read the Medicinal Plants essay and complete the first activity sheet
12. Students should be given time to pick a topic and find facts and supporting details for their chosen topic.
13. Students will individually work on formatting and planning their essay using graphic organizers and
guidelines on the second activity page.
14. Students will research and complete the rough draft of their expository/informative essay. If students are
not familiar with navigating online research, tips for finding reliable sources can be found here: http://
eduscapes.com/tap/topic32.htm.
15. Students will peer edit essays before teacher-student conferences about the piece. Tips for successful peer
editing/ peer conferencing can be found at: http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2014/10/07/5-
peer-conferencing-strategies-that-actually-work15. Students can complete final draft and present to
the class or small groups (at the discretion of the teacher).

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 Teacher Notes
Nonfiction reading makes up an increasing majority of the material for intermediate and upper grades. Students
will be called upon to explain and inform about topics they’ve read and researched throughout the majority of
professions. Being able to clearly and accurately inform and communicate through writing is a valuable skill
that students will need in many areas of their lives. Preparing students with tools for successfully navigating
this type of writing will have a long lasting effect, and will provide useful tools for other types of writing. In
particular, the ability to research and find facts to support their persuasive, research, and opinion writing when
necessary. Gathering and summarizing key information will also be a powerful tool for academic reading and
writing throughout upper grades and higher education.

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 Medicinal Plants
By Mary Culler
Could the cure for some of the world’s worst diseases be growing right under our noses? Many medical
researchers and scientists believe there are plants that have healing properties, helping everything from little
colds to life-threatening leukemia. More proof is needed to convince all doctors that they should recommend
using medicinal plants for treatment. Even if research proves that specific plants can help cure diseases,
obtaining them may pose a whole new set of problems. The topic of medicinal plants has caused much
hope, and much concern, in the healthcare community. New treatments for diseases, whether plant-based
or pharmaceutical, must be explored.
There are many medicinal plants that can help treat a variety of illnesses. For centuries, there were few
doctors and even fewer types of medication. People learned that there were plants and herbs that could heal
them. For example, relatively common plants such as goldenseal, echinacea, and sage are said to help colds,
sore throats, reduce inflammation in the body, and boost the immune system. There are other rare plants
that grow in the Amazon Rainforest that are still being investigated. A few of these plants, such as Cat’s Claw
and Lapacho are believed to fight cancer! Another tropical plant, Madagascar Periwinkle, has been proven
to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia. Teams of researchers and scientist have tried to bring rare plants out of
the Amazon and other tropical regions to cultivate them for medical treatment and research over the years.
Before a medication can be prescribed, proof is needed that it will truly help a patient. All medicines,
whether plant or chemical based, go through years of research and clinical studies. In the case of plants,
extra caution is needed. While there are many plants that help, there are many that can harm. At this time,
medicinal plants are widely thought of as complementary treatment, not a cure, but still helpful. Studies needed
to prove that a plant can cure diseases on its own are not conclusive enough for most doctors. Some doctors
feel there is no merit at all in using the plants. Such doctors argue that accessing rare medicinal plants is too
costly and impractical, that it is better to continue to rely on other medication.
While dozens of common medicinal plants are easily cultivated in America and Europe, there are very
rare plants only grown in remote tropical regions. Attempts to get them to grow in other locations has not
proved completely successful. Since rare plants are so difficult to reach, it makes finding them a dangerous
and expensive option. Environmentally, removing plants and sending teams into the rainforest can damage
ecosystems. Finally, once a plant is harvested, making sure its medicinal properties stay in tact until reaching
the patient is an uncertain science.
As you can see, medicinal plants can assist in treatment of many diseases. They may hold cures to
diseases that modern medicine has not yet found. More studies are needed to provide certain proof of their
value. Sceptics in the medical community will have to be convinced of medicinal plants’ value before thinking
of them as valid treatment options. Time and the medical community will tell if it worth pursuing a somewhat
risky and uncertain process in order to discover just how much medicinal plants can benefit mankind. All we
know for sure is that there are many wonders in the plant world which may hold curative properties, waiting
to be explored.

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 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Understanding an Informative Essay

Actively read a copy of the Medicinal Plants informative essay you have already read in class.
Highlight the following:
The topic sentence
The three main areas of information discussed in the essay
The topic sentence in each paragraph that relates to the introduction paragraph
The restatement of the information in the conclusion. Answer the following questions in complete sentences:

1. After reading Medicinal Plants, what is the main topic? Cite the evidence from the essay that proves this.
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

2. What are the three main areas of information that are discussed in this essay? Cite evidence from the
essay that proves this. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

3. List one supporting detail which supports the information discussed in the second paragraph. _______
__________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________

4. Did the author use support each example with additional details? List one example from the
essay.___________________________________________________________________

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 Activity Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________
(may vary)
Activity Page 1: Understanding an Informative Essay
Actively read a copy of the Medicinal Plants informative essay you have already read in class. Highlight the
following:
The topic sentence
The three main areas of information discussed in the essay
The topic sentence in each paragraph that relates to the introduction paragraph
The restatement of the information in the conclusion. Answer the following questions in complete sentences:
(Wording and examples will vary.)
1. After reading Medicinal Plants, what is the main topic? Cite the evidence from the essay that proves
this. The topic is medicinal plants. I know this because the author stated, “Many medical researchers and
scientists believe there are plants that have healing properties, helping everything from little colds to life-
threatening leukemia.”
2. What are the three main areas of information that are discussed in this essay? Cite evidence from the
essay that proves this. The three main areas are types of plants, proving plants can heal, and the risks of
obtaining rare medicinal plants. I know this to be true because those are the three areas mentioned in the
introductory paragraph.
3. List one supporting detail which supports the information discussed in the second paragraph. The
author is talking about the types of medicinal plants and what they cure. She used the detail that Madagascar
Periwinkle can cure a type of leukemia.
4. Did the author use support each example with additional details? List one example from the essay. Yes,
the author used detail sentences for each example. For example, when talking about convincing doctors to
use medicinal plants, the author explained that testing has proved to be inconclusive in some cases.

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 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Plan Your Informative Essay

Directions: Use one of the topics that you brainstormed in class. Plan out your essay in the boxes on the
right by using the guidelines and clue words on the left.

Introduction-Hook your audience with

a question or bold statement. Introduce
your your topic clearly. State three
examples or areas you will discuss. End
with a transition sentence that leads to
your first example.

Discuss example/area 1- Include at

least three supporting details or facts to
support the reason. Only use facts, not
opinions.
Tip: Consider words that are highly
specific to your topic. End with a
transition sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

Discuss example/area 2 Include at

least three supporting details or facts to
support the reason. Only use facts, not
opinions.
Tip: Consider words that are highly
specific to your topic. End with a
transition sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

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 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Discuss example/area 3 Include at

least three supporting details or facts to
support the reason. Only use facts, not
opinions.
Tip: Consider words that are highly
specific to your topic. End with a
transition sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

Conclusion- Restate your topic and

the three examples you discussed.
Make sure you find a way to reword the
information slightly so it is not a direct
restatement. Make sure that you end
with a strong concluding sentence that
closes your essay.

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 Activity Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________
(may vary)
Activity Page Two: Plan Your Informative Essay
Directions: Use one of the topics that you brainstormed in class. Plan out your essay in the boxes on the
right by using the guidelines and clue words on the left.

Introduction-Hook your
audience with a question or
bold statement. Introduce
your your topic clearly.
State three examples or
areas you will discuss.
End with a transition
sentence that leads to your
first example.
Answers will vary, but should include a strong topic sentence. Three
sentences should discuss examples or areas relating to the topic. A
transition sentence should be used to move to the next paragraph.

Discuss example/area State the first area/example listed in the introduction paragraph. Look
1- Include at least three for three factual supporting detail sentences. Use a transition sentence
supporting details or facts to move to the next paragraph. Look for strong, precise language with
to support the reason. Only keywords that relate to the topic.
use facts, not opinions.
Tip: Consider words that
are highly specific to your
topic. End with a transition
sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

Discuss example/area State the second area/example listed in the introduction paragraph. Look
2 Include at least three for three factual supporting detail sentences. Use a transition sentence
supporting details or facts to move to the next paragraph. Look for strong, precise language with
to support the reason. Only keywords that relate to the topic.
use facts, not opinions.
Tip: Consider words that
are highly specific to your
topic. End with a transition
sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

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 Activity Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________
(may vary)

Discuss example/area State the third area/example listed in the introduction paragraph. Look
3 Include at least three for three factual supporting detail sentences. Use a transition sentence
supporting details or facts to move to the next paragraph. Look for strong, precise language with
to support the reason. Only keywords that relate to the topic.
use facts, not opinions.
Tip: Consider words that
are highly specific to your
topic. End with a transition
sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

Conclusion- Restate There should be a restatement of the topic. The three areas/examples
your topic and the three discussed should be restated in a reworded format. A final, concluding
examples you discussed. sentence on the topic should be given..
Make sure you find a way
to reword the information
slightly so it is not a direct
restatement. Make sure
that you end with a strong
concluding sentence that
closes your essay.

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 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Writing an Informative Essay

Directions: Select from the topic list below. Once you have selected a topic, plan out your essay in the boxes
on the right by using the guidelines and clue words on the left.
My favorite state/country My favorite animal
My favorite author My favorite sport

Introduction-Hook your audience with

a question or bold statement. Introduce
your your topic clearly. State three
examples or areas you will discuss. End
with a transition sentence that leads to
your first example.

Discuss example/area 1- Include at

least three supporting details or facts to
support the reason. Only use facts, not
opinions.
Tip: Consider words that are highly
specific to your topic. End with a
transition sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

Discuss example/area 2 Include at

least three supporting details or facts to
support the reason. Only use facts, not
opinions.
Tip: Consider words that are highly
specific to your topic. End with a
transition sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

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 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Discuss example/area 3 Include at

least three supporting details or facts to
support the reason. Only use facts, not
opinions.
Tip: Consider words that are highly
specific to your topic. End with a
transition sentence that leads into the
next paragraph.

Conclusion- Restate your topic and

the three examples you discussed.
Make sure you find a way to reword the
information slightly so it is not a direct
restatement. Make sure that you end
with a strong concluding sentence that
closes your essay.

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 Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Practice Page: Writing an Informative Essay

Directions: Select from the topic list below. Once you have selected a topic, plan out your essay in the boxes
on the right by using the guidelines and clue words on the left.
My favorite state/country My favorite animal
My favorite author My favorite sport

Introduction-Hook your audience

with a question or bold statement.
Introduce your your topic clearly.
State three examples or areas
you will discuss.
End with a transition sentence
that leads to your first example.

Answers will vary, but should include a strong topic sentence. Three
sentences should discuss examples or areas relating to the topic. A
transition sentence should be used to move to the next paragraph.

Discuss example/area 1- State the first area/example listed in the introduction paragraph. Look
Include at least three supporting for three factual supporting detail sentences. Use a transition sentence
details or facts to support the to move to the next paragraph. Look for strong, precise language with
reason. Only use facts, not keywords that relate to the topic.
opinions.
Tip: Consider words that are
highly specific to your topic. End
with a transition sentence that
leads into the next paragraph.

Discuss example/area 2 Include State the second area/example listed in the introduction paragraph. Look
at least three supporting details or for three factual supporting detail sentences. Use a transition sentence
facts to support the reason. Only to move to the next paragraph. Look for strong, precise language with
use facts, not opinions. keywords that relate to the topic.
Tip: Consider words that are
highly specific to your topic. End
with a transition sentence that
leads into the next paragraph.

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 Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Discuss example/area 3 Include State the third area/example listed in the introduction paragraph. Look
at least three supporting details or for three factual supporting detail sentences. Use a transition sentence
facts to support the reason. Only to move to the next paragraph. Look for strong, precise language with
use facts, not opinions. keywords that relate to the topic.
Tip: Consider words that are
highly specific to your topic. End
with a transition sentence that
leads into the next paragraph.

Conclusion- Restate your topic There should be a restatement of the topic. The three areas/examples
and the three examples you discussed should be restated in a reworded format. A final, concluding
discussed. Make sure you find sentence on the topic should be given..
a way to reword the information
slightly so it is not a direct
restatement. Make sure that you
end with a strong concluding
sentence that closes your essay.

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 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Informative Essay Practice!

Directions: Put the following steps of writing an informative essay in order by writing the terms on the left
in the correct order on the right.
1. Introduce your topic a.
2. Choose three areas to discuss b.
3. Restate the topic c.
4. Provide supporting details for each area d.
Directions: List the areas/examples in the phrase bank below the topic they best support.

1. Habitat loss is a major contributor to the lives of animals.

2. Some countries are putting carbon footprint laws in place.
3. Air quality in industrial areas is worse than residential areas.
4. Wildlife reserve programs are trying to combat species loss.
5. We lose hundreds of species each year.
6. Air pollution leads to disease.

Endangered Animals Air Pollution

Essay Practice: Choose either of the following topics and create an essay that informs and educates about
your topic on a separate sheet of paper. Make sure you state your topic, provide three areas to discuss,
and include supporting details and facts to support your reasoning. End by restating your topic and areas
discussed.
Topic A: The International Space Station Topic B: Ancient Egypt

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 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Informative Essay Practice!

Directions: Put the following steps of writing an informative essay in order by writing the terms on the left
in the correct order on the right.
1. Introduce your topic a. #1
2. Choose three areas to discuss b. #2
3. Restate the topic c. #4
4. Provide supporting details for each area d.#3
Directions: List the areas/examples in the phrase bank below the topic they best support.

Habitat loss is a major contributor to the lives of animals.

Some countries are putting carbon footprint laws in place.
Air quality in industrial areas is worse than residential areas.
Wildlife reserve programs are trying to combat species loss.
We lose hundreds of species each year.
Air pollution leads to disease.

Endangered Animals Air Pollution

Habitat loss is a major contributor to the lives of
animals.
Wildlife reserve programs are trying to combat
species loss.
We lose hundreds of species each year.
Some countries are putting carbon footprint laws in
place.
Air quality in industrial areas is worse than
residential areas.
Air pollution leads to disease.

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 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Essay Practice: Choose either of the following topics and create an essay that informs and educates about
your topic on a separate sheet of paper. Make sure you state your topic, provide three areas to discuss,
and include supporting details and facts to support your reasoning. End by restating your topic and areas
discussed.
Topic A: The International Space Station Topic B: Ancient Egypt
Answers will vary. In both essays, look for format of
Paragraph 1:
Topic Sentence (Main Idea for your paper)
Example Sentence #1 (Subtopic)
Example Sentence #2 (Subtopic)
Example Sentence #3 (Subtopic)
Concluding Sentence that repeats the Main Idea
Paragraph 2: Example #1
Topic Sentence Example #1 (from the Introduction)
3 Examples sentences that prove your Topic Sentence
Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #1
Paragraph 3: Example Paragraph #2
Topic Sentence Example # 2 (from the Introduction)
3 Examples that prove your Topic Sentence
Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #2
Paragraph 4: Example Paragraph #3
Topic Sentence Example #3 (from the Introduction)
3 Examples that prove your Topic Sentence
Concluding Sentence that repeats Example #3
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Topic Sentence (Main Idea for your paper)

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 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Example Sentence #1 (Subtopic)

Example Sentence #2 (Subtopic)
Example Sentence #3 (Subtopic)
Concluding Sentence that repeats the Main Idea
Depending on the topic chosen, the areas should be related to the topic and include precise and specific
language that includes factual and on-topic information.

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