Instructions for the Informative Paper Objective: Write a 3 page paper with the goal of educati

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 1st 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 3rd 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 3rd 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.