Page 140 - Grammar Class 08

Essay Writingssay Writingssay Writing
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An essay is a composition on a specific topic, comprising four or more paragraphs where
each paragraph is an expansion of one idea related to the topic.

Essays can be classified in the following five categories:

1. Descriptive Essays: In descriptive essays the writer may describe a person, place,
object or even any memory of special significance. The descriptive essay tries to
communicate a deeper meaning through the description. In a descriptive essay, the
writer should show, not tell, through the use of properly chosen words.

2. Expository Essays: Expository essay is an educative piece of writing that presents a
balanced analysis of a topic. In this, the writer explains or defines a topic, using facts,
statistics and examples. It encompasses a wide range of essay variations such as the
comparison and contrast essay, the cause and effect essay and the process essay.
Because expository essays are based on facts and not personal feelings, writers don’t

reveal their emotions or write in the first person. Yet personal arguments can be
presented in this essay.
3. Narrative Essays: In this type of essay, the writer tells a story about a real life

experience. When writing a narrative essay, writers should try to involve the reader
by making the story as vivid as possible. Narrative essays are usually written in the
first person which helps engage the reader.
4. Reflective Essays: It is the expression of one’s thoughts on some subject. This type of

essay is usually of an abstract nature. It projects habits, convention, qualities, social,
political, domestic, religious and philosophical topics. In treating such themes, one
has to reason and support one’s statements with facts and arguments.

5. Imaginative Essays: In imaginative essays, the writer is supposed to place himself /
herself in an imaginary position and as such he / she is not conditioned by any
physical or material factors.

Practical Hints on Essay Writing.

G The subject matter of your essay should be clearly defined in your mind.
G Write the points related to the subject matter on a piece of paper and divide them

into groups under suitable headings.
G Prepare an outline and arrange the thoughts in a logical order.

G Then prepare the first draft. There should be a proper introduction, body and

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