Think about what you are being asked to write. Identify the purpose and maintain focus.

Informative writing – you are the reporter remaining unbiased, objective, and only presenting facts.

• Give information
• Explain an issue or topic
• Provide straightforward facts with a balanced explanation of the topic

Informative paper outline:

• Introduction: present the topic and main ideas
• Body: as many body paragraphs as necessary to present facts and information
• Conclusion: summarize main points from the body

Persuasive writing – your goal is to persuade the reader to agree with your opinion.

• Often a combination of facts (informative) and personal point of view (persuasive)
• Focus on benefits of your point of view
• Use strong, comparable facts for both sides; never stretch facts to strengthen your argument

Persuasive paper outline:

• Introduction: present the topic and your claim/point of view
• Body: as many body paragraphs as necessary to support your claim/point of view
• Conclusion: summarize main points from the body