*Writing Workshop: Researching an Agency

Read this sentence from an informative essay. After the Civil War, the amount of counterfeit money in circulation was a big problem for the government. The sources for this fact are an article entitled "Know Your Money" from the US Secret Service website and an encyclopedia article entitled "United States Secret Service" by Michael Ray. How should the sources be listed in a parenthetical citation?

(Know Your Money; Ray)

What rule should a writer keep in mind while doing research for an informative essay?

Avoid sources that are not academic or professional.

Read this excerpt from the body paragraphs of an informative essay. The Secret Service guards government leaders and protects money. The agency also investigates financial crimes. How could this excerpt be improved as the writer revises the essay?

The writer could include more details and factual support.

The language in an informative essay should have a

clear style.

This flow chart shows some of the steps to writing an informative essay. Introduction > Body Paragraphs > Conclusion This flow chart shows the

drafting process.

Read this excerpt from the body paragraphs of an informative essay. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues a warning when a foodborne illness breaks out. The agency informs the public about foods to avoid on their website and in public statements. The FDA also tells consumers what to do if they become sick. Which detail would provide helpful, factual support to this excerpt?

examples of foodborne illnesses

The body paragraphs of an informative essay should

give clear examples, offer supporting details, and cite all sources.

The introduction of an informative essay should

offer a clear statement that describes what the essay will discuss.

This flow chart shows some of the steps to writing an informative essay. Identifying a topic > Researching > Organizing an outline This flow chart shows the

prewriting process.

Read this conclusion from an informative essay. The Secret Service provides an important service in protecting the nation's money as well as the nation's leading government officials. The agency was created so that valuable human and financial resources are safe. This excerpt is an example of a strong conclusion because it

sums up the key points in the essay and presents a final opinion.