The main aim of the informative essay is usually to educate and inform the readers about a particular subject matter. Similarly, the informative essay can be written using both formal and informal style, but the overall objective of such essay remains to educate the reader. Additionally, understanding the key traits of how to write an informative essay is crucial for proper organizing of the essay or paper. It should be done in a methodical manner such that the arguments, facts, and perspective of the writer on the subject matter are clearly presented. Informative essay examples can be structured in a variety of ways or patterns that help the reader to get a clear picture of the information being presented. For example, an informative essay can have a structure that focuses mainly on the definition of certain topics to help introduce the readers to the subject matter. Moreover, other patterns include cause-and-effect essay, which allows the writer to establish link between two concepts or variables, while still being able to educate and inform the reader. Similarly, an informative essay can also detail a sequence of steps or events that lead to a particular phenomenon; the compare-and-contrast structure may also be employed to distinguish between two concepts, ideas, or cases. Overall, an informative essay can be shaped in various ways to try and educate or inform, as long as it sticks to the pattern of providing information either directly or through the comparison of two elements.

The first step in writing an informative essay is usually selecting a topic or subject area that the writer needs to inform the reader about. As seen in most informative essay examples, informative essays must be written by competent writers who have sufficient knowledge on the selected topic or those who have access to credible and valid information that can be used to inform and educate the readers. Second, after the topic has been identified, it is necessary to research the chosen subject. This research step is important for gathering crucial points and also understanding how the subject matter is approached. Third, the writer creates an outline for the informative essay, which aids in structuring the thoughts and facts, upon which the writer begins composing the essay, proofreading and editing it once the work is finished.