Instructions for the Informative Paper
Objective: Write a 3 page paper with the goal of educating your reader on a topic of your
choice. This paper will be research intensive, requiring a minimum of 3 sources. At least 1
source must come from the RichmondCC Library through print resources housed in the physical
library space or through the online databases. Ideal topics involve subjects related to
technology or other developing fields. Pick something of interest to you, but be careful with
topics you are already knowledgeable about as this can bias your data gathering and cause
other problems. Avoid topics that are common knowledge or well covered by popular websites
and news sources. The goal of the paper is purely informative and should not be arguing a
point, only communicating data. Arguing will result in significant deductions in your grade.
Be sure to pick a different topic than the one chosen for the intro to research mini essay (but
feel free to use the Science in Context as a source again).
Format: This paper will be written in MLA format using the same guidelines found in the
narrative instructions, with the exception that 1 st person is no longer allowed. This paper will
also incorporate a Works Cited page and the use of in-text citations. The Works Cited page is
where you will give detailed information on where you got the information provided in the
paper. The in-text citations are where you will connect the data provided in the paper to the
sources in the Works Cited page. Any data pulled from a source needs to note in the text where
that information came from. Remember that each source in your Works Cited should be paired
with at least one in-text citation somewhere in the paper. See the textbook or the links below
for more information on the Works Cited and In-text Citations:
Video Link to how to set up a Works Cited Page
Guide to In-Text Citation Basics
Only use 3 rd person when writing this paper.
Introduction: Establish both the subject being explained and the organization a reader can
expect early on in an effective informative piece. Be sure the reader is clearly introduced to
your topic and try to establish a layout for the paper when getting started. For example, “The
best way to understand [insert topic here], is to first look at the history of [the topic], then
review current practices, and finally see where research indicates [the topic] will be in the
future.” Now the reader knows the paper will start by reviewing history, looking at the present,
and then giving data on the future. There are many other approaches beyond chronological
such and comparing/contrasting, writing a process, or simply focusing on defining an idea. The
reader should be clear on the approach you are taking by the end of the informative
introduction.
Body: Follow the organization laid out in the introduction. Use sources to back up your
information. In-text citations can be written in to the sentences or written in as parenthetical
citations at the end of the sentence (but inside the period). While research is important, it is
critical to remember that this is still supposed to be your writing and quotes or writing from
sources should not replace your writing. Quotes are important to use, but do not let them take
up more than 30% of any given paragraph. Using the writing from other sources without
citations or greater than the 30% point can result in your paper being plagiarized, which will get
the paper grade of 0. While plagiarism is often thought of as blatant cheating, it is more often
an accident resulting from not using in-text citations and sources correctly or by using too much
quoted and copy/pasted content in the paper. Please ask me if you are concerned that you are
using too many quotes or not citing work correctly as it is often a simple problem to fix.
Conclusion: Of all the topics to research, you chose this one, and so the conclusion is where
you can discuss the overall importance of the data being presented. Perhaps a new technology
has far reaching implications or a particular process can make a daily activity more efficient for
people. Communicate what makes your topic significant, but avoid argument. Remember to
keep it in 3 rd person.
Why it Matters: Nothing can push a point home more powerfully than supporting it with
clear, unbiased data. Numbers related to the topic are usually the best tools, so try to have
statistics or specific, quantifiable data to show you are communicating facts as opposed to
opinions. While informative certainly works in tandem with argument, it is important to be able
to switch to a purely informative voice so your audience knows you are not trying to convince
them or sell them on something- you are simply communicating facts. This will help you win
over skeptical audiences and establish your credibility as an accurate source of information,
which makes a good jumping point to move in to your argument if that is the goal. Going back
to the job interview example from the narrative, when you are answering those questions, you
can respond with phrases like, “I am a hard worker” or you can give specific data to back that
up: “In my previous job as a sales associate, I realized that if I established a specific routine at
the register I could typically get customers checked out roughly 10 seconds faster. Since the
average check takes about a minute, this resulted in a 16% improvement in checkout speed,
which made a big difference during sales days.”
Furthermore, the research component of this paper should be your standard go-to for any sort
of interview preparation. Never go to a job interview without researching the company in as
much detail as possible ahead of time. Knowing the values and current economic climate of the
organization you are applying to can give you a significant edge in effectively marketing
yourself. This is equally true if you want to develop your own business and connect with
customers. Research and preparation pays huge dividends in the professional world.