1. Informative Writing

2. Your goals
To inform, aka present
information
To do so in an unbiased
manner
To use resources that
are reliable and
scholarly
To be clear and
organized

3. The Golden Rule: Omitting your
opinion does not give you permission
to be boring

4. Some interesting topics from previous
classes
How the
significance
of zombie
movies has
changed
over the
years;
metaphoric
meaning and
social
significance

5. China: Electronic Recycling & the
Environment

6. Is multi-tasking physically possible?

7. Is addiction a
genetic disease?

8. Purpose
To inform
To raise awareness
To educate

9. Audience

10. Pre-read on your topic
Formulate questions

11. Keep your
focus
narrow!

12. Helpful resources for organizing,
backing up and (sometimes) citing
www.zotero.org
www.evernote.com
www.dropbox.com
www.delicious.com
www.diigo.com

13. Organizing your notes…

14. Using Index Cards or Post-It Notes

16. The
Detailed
Outline

17. Lists and Notes R
e
F f
a l
c e
t c
s t
i
o
n
s

18. Organize Your
Notes to Add
Coherence to
Your Paper
Like ideas
grouped
together.

19. Structure
Introduction paragraph with thesis
statement
Body paragraphs with support
Conclusion with unique and engaging
restatement of thesis

20. Organization can also be logical.
By date or time
By order of importance

21. Spatially
according to how things fit together in physical
space; i.e., where one thing exists in relation
to another
Examples:
The US’s place in the world market
The revitalization of King Street in Lancaster City

22. Categorically
I. Red Wines
A. European
E
By Definition X
Bordeaux
Burgundy
A Chianti
M B. Californian
P Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
L
Zinfandel
By Theme E
II. White Wines
A. European
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Mosel
B. Californian
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Riesling

23. Contextually
By compare and contrast or historical vs.
contemporary
I. Cost of Tuition
A. Two-year
B. Four-year
II. Quality of Education
A. Two-year
B. Four-year
III. Educational Programs
A. Two-year
B. Four-year

24. Support: Use a variety of types

25. Tone
Confident
Academic
Professional

26. Careful of word choices that might
indicate opinion or stance

27. REMINDER:
Keep your
opinion to
yourself!