Key Takeaways
- The informative essay explains a topic using provided source material in 30 minutes.
- Unlike argumentative essays, informative essays present information objectively without taking a position.
- Organize information logically using patterns like chronological, compare/contrast, or cause/effect.
- Integrate source material through summary, paraphrase, and selective direct quotes.
- Focus on clarity and coherence—help the reader understand the topic, not persuade them.
Informative/Explanatory Essay Writing
Quick Answer: The Praxis Core informative essay gives you 30 minutes to explain a topic using provided sources. Unlike argumentative essays, you present information objectively without taking a position. Focus on clear organization, effective source integration, and helping the reader understand the topic.
The informative/explanatory essay is the second of two essays on the Writing subtest. You will be given source material (typically 2 brief passages) and must explain the topic to an audience unfamiliar with it.
Informative Essay Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Task | Explain a topic using provided sources |
| Sources | Usually 2 short passages provided |
| Scoring | 1-6 holistic scale |
| Goal | Clearly inform readers about a topic |
Key Differences: Argumentative vs. Informative
| Element | Argumentative Essay | Informative Essay |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Persuade the reader | Inform the reader |
| Position | Takes and defends a stance | Remains neutral/objective |
| Evidence use | Supports your argument | Explains the topic |
| Tone | Persuasive | Neutral, educational |
| Counterarguments | Addresses opposition | Presents all relevant information equally |
| Sources | Not provided | Provided (must use them) |
Essay Structure
Recommended Format
| Section | Purpose | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduce topic + Thesis | Engage reader, define topic, state what you will explain |
| Body 1 | First main aspect | Topic sentence + information from sources + explanation |
| Body 2 | Second main aspect | Topic sentence + information from sources + explanation |
| Body 3 | Third main aspect (optional) | Additional information or synthesis |
| Conclusion | Summary + Significance | Summarize key points, explain importance |
Informative Thesis Statements
An informative thesis announces what you will explain—it does NOT state an opinion.
Thesis Comparison
| Argumentative Thesis | Informative Thesis |
|---|---|
| Schools should adopt four-day weeks because they reduce costs and improve attendance. | The four-day school week model involves restructuring academic schedules, and districts that have implemented it report both advantages and challenges. |
| Renewable energy is better than fossil fuels for the environment. | Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power differ from fossil fuels in their environmental impact, cost structures, and implementation requirements. |
Informative Thesis Formula
[Topic] + [Main aspects you will explain]
Examples
| Topic | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Benefits of reading | Reading provides multiple benefits including vocabulary development, improved concentration, and stress reduction, as demonstrated by recent research. |
| How plants photosynthesize | Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen through a series of chemical reactions. |
Organizational Patterns
Choose the pattern that best fits your topic and sources.
| Pattern | When to Use | Signal Words |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological/Sequence | Explaining a process or history | first, then, next, finally, subsequently |
| Compare/Contrast | Examining similarities and differences | similarly, in contrast, however, on the other hand |
| Cause/Effect | Explaining why something happens | because, as a result, consequently, therefore |
| Problem/Solution | Describing an issue and responses | the problem, one solution, an alternative approach |
| Classification | Breaking topic into categories | one type, another category, the first group |
Using Source Material
You MUST use the provided sources. Here's how to integrate them effectively.
Source Integration Methods
| Method | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct quote | Exact wording is important or memorable | According to Source 1, "renewable energy jobs grew by 11% in 2024." |
| Paraphrase | Restate ideas in your own words | The first source indicates that employment in the renewable sector has increased significantly. |
| Summary | Condense main points | Source 2 outlines three main challenges facing renewable energy adoption. |
Attribution Phrases
| For Neutral Attribution | Examples |
|---|---|
| Introducing information | According to Source 1..., The passage states..., Source 2 explains that... |
| Adding information | The source also notes..., Additionally, the passage indicates... |
| Citing data | As shown in Source 1..., The statistics in Source 2 reveal... |
Balancing Sources
- Use both/all provided sources
- Don't rely too heavily on one source
- Connect information between sources when possible
- Always make clear which source you're referencing
Sample Informative Essay Prompt
Prompt: The following passages discuss the practice of mindfulness in educational settings. Using information from both passages, write an essay explaining what mindfulness is, how it is being implemented in schools, and what effects have been observed.
Source 1: [Brief passage about definition and types of mindfulness practices]
Source 2: [Brief passage about school implementations and research findings]
Sample Thesis
"Mindfulness, a practice involving focused attention and present-moment awareness, is increasingly being incorporated into school curricula through various techniques, and research suggests both benefits and limitations of these programs."
Scoring Rubric Summary
| Score | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 6 (Outstanding) | Clear explanation; effective use of sources; excellent organization; coherent throughout; few errors |
| 5 (Strong) | Clear explanation with good source integration; logical organization; minor errors don't impede understanding |
| 4 (Adequate) | Clear topic with reasonable source use; generally organized; some development; noticeable errors but meaning clear |
| 3 (Limited) | Topic addressed but weak source integration; organization issues; limited development; errors interfere with meaning |
| 2 (Weak) | Unclear explanation or minimal source use; poor organization; undeveloped; frequent errors impede understanding |
| 1 (Deficient) | No clear explanation; sources ignored; incoherent; pervasive errors |
Time Management Strategy
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| Minutes 1-5 | Read sources carefully, identify key information, note which source says what |
| Minutes 5-7 | Create brief outline organizing information from sources |
| Minutes 7-25 | Write essay (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion) |
| Minutes 25-30 | Review and edit for errors; verify source attribution |
Common Informative Essay Mistakes
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Taking a position | Remain neutral; present information, don't argue |
| Ignoring sources | Use both sources; cite them clearly |
| Copying sources verbatim | Paraphrase most information; use quotes sparingly |
| No clear organization | Follow a logical pattern; use transitions |
| Not explaining | Don't just list facts—help the reader understand |
| Forgetting attribution | Always indicate which source information comes from |
Maintaining Objectivity
Language to Avoid (Argumentative)
| Instead of... | Use... |
|---|---|
| "Schools should implement mindfulness" | "Some schools have implemented mindfulness" |
| "The research proves that..." | "The research suggests that..." |
| "Obviously, mindfulness works" | "Studies indicate mindfulness may have benefits" |
| "Critics are wrong about..." | "Some researchers have raised concerns about..." |
Neutral Reporting Verbs
| Verb Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| For facts | states, reports, indicates, shows |
| For claims | suggests, asserts, argues, claims |
| For data | reveals, demonstrates, illustrates |
| For uncertainty | may, might, could, appears to |
Synthesis: Connecting Sources
High-scoring essays don't just report from each source separately—they connect information.
Synthesis Examples
| Instead of... | Try... |
|---|---|
| "Source 1 says X. Source 2 says Y." | "While Source 1 focuses on X, Source 2 extends this by explaining Y." |
| Treating sources as completely separate | "Both sources agree that..., but they differ in..." |
| Only using one source per paragraph | "According to Source 1... Source 2 provides additional evidence that..." |
Which thesis statement is MOST appropriate for an informative/explanatory essay?
When writing an informative essay using provided sources, which approach is BEST?
An informative essay prompt asks you to explain the causes and effects of deforestation using two provided passages. Which organizational pattern would be MOST effective?
Which sentence demonstrates appropriate neutral language for an informative essay about climate change?