Ask the students to choose an event in history that strikes their interest. These types of informative papers can encompass an entire event or a specific person within that event. For example, a paper could focus on the Holocaust or profile Adolf Hitler. If you have been studying about a specific time period in the class, give the students instructions to choose only within that era. If not, give them liberty to choose any historical event they would like to research.
Politics provides a vast number of topics for students to choose from. Likewise, this type of information, while it does not appeal to all students, will provide them with things they need to know as young adults. Have the students profile a certain area of the political realm; for example, ask them to research how congress works. Alternatively, you can have them profile a current major political figure in your area or throughout the world.
Our society supplies plenty of material for an informative paper. An informative paper topic could revolve around researching prevalent issues within your community, such as homelessness or animal rights. Have the student share the facts about these issues and ways that other students can get involved. Alternatively, ask the students to talk to a local business owner and write an informative paper on how the business takes involvement in reaching out to the less fortunate within the community.
Require the students to write about a hobby they enjoy. If a student has a hobby other students may not, like crocheting, have the paper include information about history, tools used and other information about the hobby. Alternatively, if the student takes part in a school sport have that student interview the coach to learn more information about the team. This information can include the those who have coached the team, any professional athletes who played on the team and the championships it has won.