ESSAY

WRITING
ETYMOLOGY, DEFINITION AND TYPES
The word essay originates from Latin and it means to
examine, try, test or weigh.
An essay is an attempt to test or examine ones ideas
about a particular subject.
It involves skills like: close reading, analysis,
comparison and contrast, persuasion and exposition.
An essay should be to the point and have clarity of
content.
The main types of essays are: Narrative, Descriptive,
Argumentative and Discursive.
HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY?
Three stages: Pre-writing, writing and Post writing.
1. Pre-writing stage:

Think and brainstorm jot down ideas make an

outline
Outline :
Introduction: state the main point in the paragraph, topic
sentence (Thesis statement)
Body: Support, exemplify and defend your points
Conclusion: restate your points made in the introductory
paragraph.
Check: If all your points have been made, cross-check
and delete repetitions and unnecessary points.
OUTLINE (EXAMPLE: SMART PHONES AND
STUDENTS)

Topic: The harmful effects of smart phones on the

health and academic life of students.
Introductory paragraph: Smart phones pose a
threat not only to the academic achievements of
students but also to their health and general
wellbeing.
Paragraph 1 : Detrimental to their health (effect
of blue light on eyes)
Paragraph 2 : Makes them unable to concentrate
(anecdotal evidence)
Paragraph 3 Can lead to an addiction (studies)

Concluding paragraph: Hence smart phones.

2.WRITING STAGE
Adopt the style appropriate to the kind of essay you need to write.
Begin the essay with a striking statement or a quotation to draw the
attention of your readers.
Be formal and impersonal in your style. Be neutral and avoid a biased
attitude.
Use reliable sources of information (Wikipedia is not a good source!
use books or scholarly articles)
Use connectives and linkers to transition from one paragraph/idea to
another and maintain a proper flow. (Firstly, Secondly, However,
Therefore etc.)
Avoid:
Informal expressions used in everyday speech (arent , cant)
Strong emotional language/ Facts not Feelings (e.g. I hate
Chinese products)
Generalizations , clichs (e.g. All women are weak or early bird
catches the worm)
3.POST-WRITING STAGE
Check:
Editing: Check spellings, grammar, vocabulary, sentence
construction and overall structure.
Topic sentence

Cohesion and flow of your writing.

Revisit the outline and your first draft in the writing

stage and check if all points have been covered.
Refine and make the necessary changes in length, style
or content.
Write the final draft.
DISCURSIVE ESSAY

A discursive essay is a piece of formal writing which

discusses a particular issue, situation or problem.
The purpose of this type of essay is to inform the
readers about the topic from an objective and neutral
perspective.
All related issues are presented in an orderly fashion.

The amount of research required is less compared to

what is needed for an argumentative essay.
All the sides of the argument are expressed without
any bias.
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that

requires the student to investigate a topic; collect,
generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a
position on the topic in a concise manner. One needs to
take a stand on an issue and argue for that position.

Extensive research
Body paragraphs should include evidential support.
(whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal)
The conclusion should not simply restate the thesis, but
readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.
THE END.