Informational Writing

What Is Informational Writing?#

Informational writing is writing that teaches the reader about a real topic. The goal is NOT to tell a story — it is to share facts and information. Think about books you have read that teach you about animals, space, weather, or history. Those are examples of informational texts!

What Makes Good Informational Writing?#

Good informational writing has three key parts:

1. A clear topic — You write about ONE main thing. For example: penguins, volcanoes, or how plants grow.

2. True facts — All the information in your writing must be real and accurate. You get your facts from books, encyclopedias, or trusted classroom materials.

3. Clear organization — The information is arranged so it is easy to understand. There is a beginning, a middle with details, and an ending.

Types of Informational Writing#

You might write:

• A short report about an animal or a place
• A how-to piece that explains how to do something step by step
• An all-about book on a topic you love

Choosing a Topic#

The first step in informational writing is choosing your topic. Pick something you are curious about or already know a little about. Good topics for Grade 2 include: butterflies, rainforests, dinosaurs, the solar system, how bread is made, or your favorite sport.

Research: Finding Your Facts#

Once you have a topic, you need to find facts. You can:

• Read books about your topic in your classroom or library
• Look at encyclopedias made for kids
• Use information your teacher gives you

As you research, write down interesting facts on small cards or sticky notes. Use your own words — do not just copy sentences word for word.

Informational writing is a wonderful way to share what you know and teach others something new. Becoming a good informational writer will help you throughout school and beyond!