ESSAY WRITING

Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

300 – 350 words 350 – 400 words 400 – 450 words

ESSAY TYPES

Grade 10 Grade 11 -12

Narrative, Descriptive & Argumentative Narrative, Descriptive, Discursive,
Argumentative & Reflective

2.1 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.
2.1.1 Features of a narrative essay
● The essay must have a strong story line and be convincing even if it is fiction.
Pay attention to the following:
o Who is your protagonist (main character)?
Is it you or an imaginary person/animal/object you will create?
How old is this character? What does the character look like? What are the character traits?

o What are the protagonist’s intentions/plans?

This is an important part of planning. If your reader understands from the
beginning what your protagonist wants, it is easier for them to identify with the
character.

o What are the events that set your story into motion?
Decide on the sequence of these events and how they will develop.
o What is the UNEXPECTED challenge or obstacle that now prevents your protagonist
from achieving his/her/its plans?
For this to be effective, it must be a credible (believable) obstacle or challenge.
o What is the unusual choice that your protagonist makes at the end?
OR
What is the unexpected turn of events that changes everything?

● 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.
● A narrative essay often has a strong descriptive element as shown below:

In the middle of the night…

The thunder was screaming in a gruesome voice. The rain was pouring like a waterfall onto
the window sill. As usual I was alone – scared.
2.2 Descriptive essay
In a descriptive essay, you are required to describe a person, memory, situation, place,
experience or any object. The essay question will guide you on this. In contrast to other types
of essays, the 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.

Take note of the following as well:

• Use the present or past tense.
• Select your words (diction) carefully to achieve the desired effect.
• Use figurative language.
• Use sensory language (as shown below):
Sensory Language
Language that uses the 5 senses:
▪ Sight
▪ Sound
▪ Taste
▪ Touch
▪ Smell

Example: The acrid smell penetrated my nostrils as I breathed

deeply. The humidity after the rain clung to my skin as I walked to
my crippled car.

Adapted from: https://www.slideshare.net

Sensory language will give the reader an opportunity to engage all five senses in reading your descriptive
essay.

Source: https://www.slideshare.ne
t
2.3 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.

https://www.slideshare.net/b.nicolls/how-to-write-a-reflective-essay

2.3.1 Features of a reflective essay

● 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.

Below follows an example of an introductory paragraph for a reflective essay.

The moment of truth
Everyone has that one moment which changes one’s life. A moment that one wishes had
never happened. A moment that one cannot avoid or escape. The moment of truth.

2.4. 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.

2.4.1 Features of a discursive essay:

● 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 without being condescending.
● You should come to a particular conclusion at the end of the essay.
Use the template below to plan your discursive essay:

Below follows an example of an introductory paragraph for a discursive essay.

Technology has improved our lives
Some people believe that technology has improved our lives, whilst others believe that it has
been detrimental to our livelihoods. However, it is difficult to imagine the world without it; it is a
necessary evil.

2.5. 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.

Features of an argumentative essay

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● 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.

Source: https://www.educacion.audy.mx

Below follows an example of an introductory paragraph for an argumentative essay:

In order to thrive in this competitive world, it is necessary to appreciate the value of
constructive criticism. Do you agree?
People who cannot accept constructive criticism are unable to succeed. They do not get along well
with other people and usually become defensive blaming others for their mistakes.

2.6. Interpretation of Visual Stimuli Texts (Pictures)

A visual stimulus is a picture or an illustration that asks you to write an essay based on what you see
and the emotions that may be evoked. The purpose of the visual stimulus is to get your creative
mind working.

2.6.1 Features
• Your essay can be written in any style (i.e., narrative, descriptive, argumentative,
discursive or reflective) or a variety thereof.
• When responding to an essay with a visual, ask yourself the following questions:
o What can you see in the images provided?
o What stands out in the image?
o What is the focus/main idea of the image?
o What thoughts come to mind?
o What feelings/emotions are evoked?
• Provide a suitable title for your essay.
• It is advisable not to merely describe the image/visual as a literal response to the
essay.
• You must always ensure that there is a link between your content and the
image/visual stimuli.
• Remember to use the Writing Process as a guideline when preparing and presenting
your response.
2.7. Responding to Essay questions using quotations as topics
Quotations/Proverbs:
This refers to a phrase or short piece of writing taken from a longer work of literature, poetry, etc. or
what someone else has said.
● Creative writing quotations from famous writers, leaders or well-known people can
provide a stimulus for writing a creative essay.
• Proverbs are also used as writing prompts. A proverb is a simple, concrete, traditional
saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience.
• Proverbs are often metaphorical/figurative.

2.7.1. Features
• Quotations/Proverbs allow you to tackle the topic provided in any creative way you see fit.
• There must be a link between any quotation provided as an essay writing question and
the contents of their written essay
• Extracts from poems, novels, articles, etc. can be used as a creative writing topic.
These extracts usually focus on a specific theme, idea or issue.
• Sometimes the extract may include more than one idea/issue that is being addressed.
• You must ensure that when responding to an extract as a stimulus for creative writing, the
content must cover all/as many ideas/issues expressed in the extract provided. Failure to
do so will affect the content mark when your essay is assessed.
• When analysing a quotation or proverb, you must consider the following:
o Pay attention to the main idea of the quotation. o Reflect on what
you think the quotation is about.
o Decide on the type of essay can you write linking with the
quotation provided?
Your essay should be based on the quotation, not on the author.

3. EDITING AND PROOFREADING

3.1 Editing is what you start doing immediately after the first draft. It entails re-reading your draft to
determine whether the content, structure, language and style are appropriate and suited for the
purpose.

3.2 Proofreading is the very last step in the writing process. Just because it comes last does not
mean that it is the least important. It entails checking for errors in the text before it is published
or shared. It also includes correcting spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure,
vocabulary, essay structure and so on.
 Email
The email, short for electronic mail, is the transmission of messages/ sharing information via the internet to
a recipient. It is a popular form of communication.
Features
 The form and content of an e-mail is very similar to the writing of formal and informal letters. An
email can be Informal (Personal) or Formal (Business).
 An informal email usually goes to a person you know well, such as a friend or family member.
 A formal email is typically sent to someone you do not know well or to someone who is in
authority, e.g., your teacher/tutor, a public figure, or even a company you are doing business with.

Some of the differences between a formal email and an informal email are indicated in the table
below:

FORMAL EMAIL INFORMAL EMAIL

Formal emails are very similar to formal letters. The Informal emails are very similar to informal
principles that apply to Formal Letters may also be letters.
used for formal emails.

A formal email has a defined structure, with a definite The informal email has a more casual
salutation (the opening part of the email), signature structure, however, please write in
section, opening sentence, and body. paragraph form.

Greetings and closing lines are formal (Good afternoon Greetings and closing lines are more
Mr Sizwe…., Yours informal (Hi ______, thanks, etc.)
sincerely, etc.)
Language used is formal. Avoid using abbreviations, Language used is more informal since the
contractions, slang, emoticons, and other informal person who is being addressed is someone
terminology. that you know well.
Contractions can be used. Here are some
example sentences:
● I haven't seen him. (I have not seen
him.)
● Who's calling? (Who is calling?)
● They're coming. (They are coming.)

Tone and register must be formal. Tone and register can be conversational and
informal

Aspects of an e-mail
From Indicate your email address
To Email address of the recipient
CC (Carbon Copy) – indicates that you This is optional
want to keep them informed but you are not
necessarily looking for a response from
them.
BCC (Bi Carbon Copy) – while it is similar This is optional
to ‘CC-ing’, ‘BCC-ing’ means that no other
recipient will be able to see who has been
‘BCC-ed’.
Date Write the date
Subject Topic
Opening The introduction/purpose or reason for writing the
email
Body Elaborate on the purpose of writing the email

Closing The conclusion

Signature Block This is optional
Attachments This is optional

Writing a Formal Email

Introduction
• The opening of a formal email often requires you to introduce yourself.
o There are certain questions you must ask yourself every time you start a new email:
o To whom am I writing this email?
o Why am I writing this email? o What do I want to tell my recipient?
o What do I want them to do as a result of my email?
 Introduce yourself briefly (long texts often discourage people from reading them), then follow
on with:
o I am writing with regard to… (email subject) o I am writing in
connection with… (email subject) o I am writing with reference
to…
 If you are writing an email to send information, you can start with one of the following
sentences:
o I am writing to let you know…
o I am delighted to tell you… (if you are communicating good
news) o I regret to inform you that… (if you are
communicating bad news)  If you are replying to an email
you received, you can say:
o I am writing in response to… o I am writing in reply to…
o I am writing to thank you for… (if you need to thank the
recipient)

 Body
 The body of a formal email typically elaborates on the purpose of the email.
 Although the body contains detailed information, it is important to write clearly and concisely
in a formal email.
 Remember your reader/recipient is not familiar with you and may not be familiar with your
topic. You do not want your email recipient to misunderstand an important point.

 Closing
 Based on the type of message you are sending, there are various ways to write a closing
statement/conclusion before ending the email, such as: o I look forward to hearing from you
soon.
o Thank you in advance… o For further information, please do
not hesitate to contact me.
o Please let me know if you have any questions.
 The most common ways to end an email are:
o Best regards o Kind regards
o Yours faithfully (if you began the email with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
because you do not know the name of the recipient)
o Yours sincerely (if you began the email with ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms
+ surname) o Regards
 Style
 Make sure you break up the text into approximately three or four paragraphs. This will enable
the reader to quickly see the key points.
 Keep your tone professional. Think carefully about your word choice in an email and how
someone else could read them.
 Avoid negativity, sarcasm and adjectives that can cause you to sound overly emotional.
 Slang should be avoided.
 Avoid using sms language: E.g. "u" for "you," or "wanna" instead of "want to."

A Sample of Formal Email Writing Format

To: emodise@gmail.com
CC: fhanif@gmail.com
BCC: snailpace@yahoo.com
Subject: Resignation Letter

Dear Sir
Please accept this mail as a notice that I am resigning from my position as hotel manager. As per
company policy, I have to give a month’s notice before resigning. I hope you will get a good
replacement for me within this time period.

I really appreciate the opportunities that were given to me. It has been an enriching experience to be
associated with professionals of such high calibre. During my five year stay at Sun City Cabanas, I
have progressed from the position of a filing clerk to that of a hotel manager. I have now been offered
a higher position in London which was difficult to turn down.

………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………
……………………………………………………………………………

Kindly advise on the administrative processes that need to be taken care of during the course of my
final month with the company………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………

I would like to wish you and the company all the best in the future.

Yours faithfully
E. Modise
(Hotel manager)