English Essay Writing Manual
There are five basic types of essays:
Story
Writing:
When writing a story always keep in mind to choose the
topic you are most comfortable with no matter how difficult or easy it seems. Don’t
rush to write it but think about the topic in your mind for about 10 minutes.
It’s best if you don’t write the first thing that comes to your mind. Remember
that the examiners will be checking thousands of scripts so a common topic will
easily be more in number and boredom will come over the examiners. Try to think
of presenting your topic in a way others won’t think of. That would impress the
examiners. But if you can’t then write the first thing that comes to your mind
Make paragraphs when you change from a topic to
another. It’s not necessary to have a selected amount of paragraphs (e.g. 3 or
7) but paragraphing makes an essay easier to read. Use a mixture of simple,
compound and complex sentences. Don’t focus too much on any one type but use a
balance of all three. Check your grammar and spelling every time you are done
with a paragraph. This won’t kill time but help you achieve higher marks.
Argumentative Writing:
In an argumentative essay it is important to remember
that you must present both sides of the argument with your best. In the
starting paragraph introduce the topic and say which side you are on. Then the
second paragraph must be entirely about side you are on. The third paragraph
should be what you are against. Both the sides must be presented equally
strongly supporting both sides. Then the conclusion must state which side you
prefer in brief.
Descriptive Writing:
In a descriptive essay you are expected to
describe something that is mentioned in a topic. It can be anything from a person
to a place to even an incident in time or a happening. In a descriptive essay try to put in and
explain every detail as clearly as possible. Use good vocabulary and grammar
and a variation of sentences. Don’t repeat points but explain only a few points
at max 4. The points you choose to explain should have everything related to
them written down. Don’t put in any unnecessary information. A descriptive
essay is meant to be boring so no need for anything interesting to happen. Just
describe and present. That is all required in a descriptive writing.
Factual
Writing:
Factual
writings are one of the hardest topics to write upon. You need to have a clear
knowledge of the topic and everything you mention must be true because that is what the marks depends upon most. In a factual
essay focus on the points you are certain of and avoid the points that you have
some confusion about. Follow general essay rules. Don’t add your opinions.
Narrative Writing:
A narrative
writing is a writing in first person. It is as if you are speaking to the
reader. Keep communications with the reader to a limit (e.g. rhetorical
questions). It can be fictional, factual or even argumentative. It is the
easiest topic to write about. Write sentences like this: “I had travelled far and
wide in search of my long lost family, but alas with no results. What did I
ever do to deserve this?”
Essay Writing Basics:
1. Have a structured format:
beginning, body , climax , conclusion
2. A conclusion should have a link
with the beginning but don’t repeat previously mentioned points
3. Every essay must have a climax
( EXCEPT FACTUAL, ARGUMENTATIVE and NARRATIVE ESSAYS : They can have but it’s
not obligatory)
4. Change paragraphs regardless of
the size when you change from 1 point to another.
5. Use good vocabulary but don’t
fill the essay with complex vocabulary, simple sentences also play a good role.
6. Think of a way to present your
essay as a mean to impress the examiner.
7 Avoid long boring sentences.
(E.g. after reaching home I went to the bathroom then washed my face then
changed and then went down the stairs and out of the door to the park.) Avoid unnecessary wordings. It could be written
like this: After reaching home I freshened up, changed and headed out to the
park.
8. Use of good grammar will grant
easy marks.
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