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Essay Writing Formats Explained

The document provides guidelines for various types of essays including narrative, descriptive, reflective, discursive, and argumentative essays, each with specific characteristics and writing techniques. It also outlines formats for friendly letters, magazine articles, dialogues, interviews, and obituaries, emphasizing the importance of tone, style, and structure. Each section highlights the need for clarity, engagement, and the effective use of language to convey the intended message.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
232 views6 pages

Essay Writing Formats Explained

The document provides guidelines for various types of essays including narrative, descriptive, reflective, discursive, and argumentative essays, each with specific characteristics and writing techniques. It also outlines formats for friendly letters, magazine articles, dialogues, interviews, and obituaries, emphasizing the importance of tone, style, and structure. Each section highlights the need for clarity, engagement, and the effective use of language to convey the intended message.

Uploaded by

viljoenshene2009
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1.1.

1 Narrative essay
A narrative essay tells a story or tells of a past event. It does not
have to be a true story, or based on your life/experience. It can be
written from any perspective.
• A narrative essay is usually written in the past tense.
• The introductory paragraph should capture the reader’s
attention.
• An unusually interesting ending gives a story the final touch.
• The reader’s interest must be maintained until the end. The
style, rhetorical devices and action must ensure sustained
interest.
• A successful narrative vividly highlights sensory details such
as sight, sound, taste, smell and tactile sensations.

1.2.1 Descriptive essay


In a descriptive essay, you are required to describe a person,
memory, situation, place, experience or any object. A descriptive
essay allows you to use many figures of speech and descriptors
such as adjectives and adverbs, thus allowing you to give a vivid,
memorable and powerful image of what you are describing.
• Use present or past tense.
• Select your words carefully to achieve the desired effect.
• Use figurative language (metaphors/simile/personification,
etc.)
• Use sensory language – focus on describing for the 5 senses
(sight, sound, taste, touch, smell).

Page 1 of 6
1.3.1 Reflective essay
In a reflective essay the writer contemplates an idea and gives his
or her emotional reactions and feelings. The writer could, for
example, reflect on dreams or aspirations. It presents a set of
thoughts and ideas about a topic, with no particular attempt to
argue for or against anything.
• A reflective essay is personal and/or subjective.
• Feelings and emotions play a major role.
• A substantial part of the essay may be descriptive. These
descriptions should be vivid and aim to recreate the
recollections or feelings expressed by the writer.
• The ideas, thoughts or feelings expressed should reveal
sincerity and personal involvement usually on something the
writer feels strongly about.
• When writing your essay, keep in mind that you should focus
on the deeper reflection of yourself or your experience.
• Focus on your inner emotions rather than on the event itself.
• You must use an appropriate tone.
• You can conclude by stating what you have learnt from this
experience.

1.4.1 Discursive essay


A discursive essay is objective and aims to give a balanced view of
both sides of an argument. The writer considers various aspects of
the topic under discussion and presents opposing views impartially.
The writer may come to a particular conclusion at the end of the
essay but the arguments for and against must be well balanced and
clearly analysed in the course of the essay. (PEEL method!)
• You should reflect on both sides of the argument in an
impartial manner (without taking sides).
• You must be rational and objective in presenting your
viewpoints.
• Your viewpoints should be well substantiated.
• Your tone should be unemotional and convincing.
• You should come to a particular conclusion at the end of the
essay.

Page 2 of 6
1.5.1 Argumentative essay
In an argumentative essay, you must have a specific opinion or
viewpoint and argue to defend or motivate your position. Your
opinion should be clear throughout. This is a subjective essay in
which you try to convince the reader to share your point of view.
• An argumentative essay is subjective and strong opinions are
expressed.
• The essay should start with your view of the topic in an
original and striking way.
• You should focus on points for OR against a statement.
• You should give a range of arguments to support and
substantiate your view.
• You should use a variety of rhetorical devices and persuasive
techniques.
• Use emotive language in a polite manner.
• Your conclusion should be strong, clear and convincing.

Page 3 of 6
2.1.1 Friendly Letter
Street
Suburb
Town
Postal Code
Date
Dear ….
(xxx)
Content: You may have up to three paragraphs depending on the
topic of your letter and the recipient (the person you are writing
to). Your register, tone and style can be informal.
(xxx)
Yours sincerely / Kind regards / Best wishes
Name

2.1.2 Magazine and Newspaper Article


A magazine or newspaper article is written to inform, persuade or
entertain. The style and tone of an article is determined by purpose,
audience and the issue being addressed. For example, an article
written for a school magazine will differ from an article written for a
local newspaper or magazine.
• It must be written in two columns.
• The heading must be attractive and interesting.
• The style should be lively, neutral or informal.
• The reader must be addressed directly.
• It can be descriptive and figurative, appealing to the
imagination of the readers.
• Names, places, times, positions and any other necessary
details should be included in the article.
• Ideas should be divided into clear paragraphs.
• The article should stimulate interest and keep the reader
absorbed.

Page 4 of 6
2.1.3 Dialogue and Interview
A dialogue is a conversation between two people. It is a record of
the exchanges as they occur, directly from the speaker’s point of
view. An interview is similar to a dialogue. The major difference is
that, in an interview the one speaker probes the other by asking
questions whereas in a dialogue the speakers engage in a
conversation.
• Write the names of the characters on the left side of the
page. (Avoid using ‘You’/ ‘Me’ to replace actual names of
characters).
• Use a colon after the name of the character who is speaking.
• Use a new line to indicate each new speaker.
• Avoid using long greetings and introductions – respond to the
question.
• Stage directions must be given in brackets before the words
are spoken.
• Provide a scenario before you start writing your dialogue.
• The dialogue that is written, should be composed in such a
way that it appears to be spontaneous and natural, and a
free-flowing conversation.

2.1.4 Obituary
An obituary is defined as a formal announcement (notice) of the
passing on of someone known by the audience. It also outlines the
cause of death as well as the funeral arrangements. When someone
dies, people like to remember them and how they lived. It tells us
about all their achievements, when and where they were born and
grew up, where they lived and how and when they died.
Example on next page

Page 5 of 6
Page 6 of 6

Common questions

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Rhetorical devices play a critical role in enhancing the persuasiveness and memorability of an argumentative essay by adding depth to the argument and appealing to the reader's emotions and logic. They can be used to emphasize points, engage the audience, and make the argument more compelling. For example, metaphors and analogies help clarify complex ideas, while repetition can strengthen key points. While employing these devices, a writer should ensure they are relevant and do not overshadow the logic and clarity of the argument. They must enhance the argument without distracting from factual or logical coherence .

A narrative essay tells a story, often with a defined plot and characters, and is typically written in the past tense with the aim of maintaining the reader's interest through a cohesive storyline and an interesting ending . In contrast, a descriptive essay focuses on vividly describing an object, person, or event with sensory details, allowing for the use of many figures of speech and descriptors to create a powerful image. It can be written in either present or past tense and aims to evoke a specific image or emotion in the reader .

Impartiality in presenting arguments in a discursive essay ensures a balanced view, enhancing credibility and encouraging the reader to consider multiple perspectives before forming their opinion. To achieve impartiality, writers should thoroughly research and present evidence for all sides of an argument, avoid emotionally charged language, and use a structured format such as the PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to objectively analyze each standpoint. It's also effective to equally allocate word count to opposing views without showing bias or leaning towards a preferred argument until arriving at a supported conclusion .

When writing an emotional reflective essay, a writer should balance emotional expression with rational analysis to create a compelling and insightful narrative. Emotional components should primarily convey the writer's inner feelings and experiences, showcasing personal growth and introspection. These should be intertwined with rational components, where the writer reflects on the reasons behind these emotions and the implications of their insights. This balance allows the essay to be introspective while also providing valuable lessons or broader understanding that can resonate with readers, ensuring that the essay maintains coherence and depth .

Personal reflection in a reflective essay allows the writer to connect deeply with the subject, presenting thoughts and emotions that contribute to a nuanced understanding of the experience. This inward reflection encourages self-awareness and facilitates personal growth, which is expressed by focusing on personal insights rather than recounting events. The structure of a reflective essay typically involves an introduction of the experience or idea being reflected upon, followed by a detailed exploration of personal reactions and thoughts, and concluding with the lessons learned or insights gained, reinforcing personal development .

A reflective essay is personal and subjective, focusing on the writer's internal thoughts, emotions, and reflections on an experience or idea. It often includes vivid descriptions to express personal involvement, sincerity, and emotional reactions, with a conclusion that reflects on what the writer has learned . Conversely, a discursive essay is objective and aims to present a balanced view of an argument, analyzing various aspects impartially without expressing personal bias. The writer is not involved emotionally and instead focuses on a rational and well-substantiated presentation of viewpoints from different sides .

A writer should begin an argumentative essay with a clear and striking expression of their opinion to immediately engage the reader. They should present a series of well-substantiated arguments supporting their viewpoint, utilizing a variety of rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques such as emotive language, anecdotes, or expert testimony to reinforce their position. It's crucial to address potential counterarguments and refute them convincingly. The conclusion should be strong and summarizing, reinforcing the author's stance in a clear and decisive manner .

In writing, a dialogue is characterized by a spontaneous, natural flow of conversation between two characters, often capturing the immediacy and dynamism of a real-life exchange . In contrast, an interview is a structured interaction where one participant asks questions to elicit thoughtful responses from the other, probing deeper into specific topics . These stylistic elements affect the reader's perception by providing a sense of authenticity and immediacy in a dialogue, while an interview offers depth and insight into the interviewee's thoughts and expertise, often resulting in a more focused and informative exchange.

The tone and style of a magazine article are influenced by the purpose, audience, and subject matter. Magazine articles may have a lively, neutral, or informal style tailored to entertain or engage specific audiences, while a newspaper article could maintain a more formal and informative tone suitable for a broader public audience . Differences arise from the publication's target demographic, the type of content being communicated, and whether it aims to inform, persuade, or entertain .

Using sensory details in narrative and descriptive essays enhances the vividness of the depiction, making the scenes more engaging and immersive for the reader. In narrative essays, sensory details help create a more believable and relatable story by bringing events to life through sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures . In descriptive essays, employing sensory language enables the writer to paint a compelling and powerful image, making the described object, place, or event more memorable and resonant with the audience .

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