- Reflective Essays: A reflective essay reveals thoughts or reflections on an abstract topic. It can be any of the following four classifications-: Qualities, habits, nature like Fortitude, Bravery, Heroism, Intolerance, Patriotism etc. Domestic, social or political subjects — like Marriage, Wealth, Poverty, Casteism, Dowry etc. Philosophical subjects — like Ethics, Reality, Morality, Right and Wrong etc. Religious or Theological topics — like Secularism, Zorastrianism, Vedanta, Ten Commandments etc.
- Narrative Essays: A narrative essay consists of an account of an event or a series of events. It may deal with Legends, Biographies, Historical stories, Incidents like an accident or a street fight; A Journey or Voyage or Visit; A Story real or imaginary.
- Descriptive Essays: A descriptive essay may describe some Place, Creature, Thing, Plants, Town, Building or Country — like Zoo, Elephant .Banyan Tree;. Delhi, ‘Tajmahal, New Zealand etc.; Aspect or Phenomena of Nature — like Earthquake, Monsoon, Autumn, Floods, Tsunami etc; Manufactured article — like Silk, Automobile, Paper, Locomotive, Aeroplane etc.
- Expository Essays: An expository essay explains the subject of the essay. The subject is related to Occupations, Industries or Institutions — like the Parliament, the Teacher, the Press, the Refinery Complex etc.; Scientific topic —like Aerodynamics, Theory of Evolution, The Black Holes etc; and Literary matter like Tagore’s works, Kalidasa, Merchant of Venice etc.
- Imaginative Essays: In such an essay the writer puts himself in imagination and works out an composition using his power of visualization. The topic can be ‘The autobiography of a Fly’, ‘If I were the Prime minister’ or ‘My story — a comb’ etc. The writer has to imagine as he has no actual experience in the given position.
Some Useful Tips
- Focus.: An essay must focus on the theme of the essay. It should not be just an admixture of information but reflect a definite unity of purpose. Before writing down define the subject clearly in your mind. A broad picture should emerge in your mind like a landscape.
- Order : An essay must follow a logical order and reach a definite conclusion. There should be a unity between the subject and the treatment.
- Format : Visualize an overall framework to bind together all the components of the writing. Use your own imagination. Avoid being stereotyped. Inject some originality to your concept or format.
- Facts : Your essay must contain genuine facts, figures and information to make a rich content. Only flowery languages are not enough. Otherwise it will sound hollow.
- Compactness : Be brief and to the point. A school essay should not be too long although there are no strict rules about the length of the essay. If the length of the essay is prescribed, confirm to the specification.
- Form : The form of an essay should be graceful and dignified. Avoid slangs, colloquial terms and easy constructions like those of primary books. Keep the sentence, simple, direct and natural.
- Language : Don’t use lengthy sentences, complicated expressions and bombastic words. They will make your essay feel like an empty vessel making a loud noise.
- Personal touch : Your essay is a written composition that gives expression to your personal ideas, — thoughts or opinions on a given subject So, it should carry your personal touch, your own stamp. Don’t be afraid of expressing your own views because it is your own essay i.e. attempt. Just keep the sentences simple and grammatically correct.
- Spontaneity : Your essay must not be a photocopy of a standard text of some guide book. It should reflect your own mind and distinct character with a touch of spontaneity. Your essay must have as large element of your originality as possible. Remember that the originality is the flavour of your essay.
- Dig into yourself : Often students panic in face of the challenge to write an essay. Their minds are thrown into confusion as to what to write. You feel lost and hesitant. The task is not as enormous as you imagine. Don’t worry about committing mistakes. Dig into your own mind with confidence. You will be surprised to find how much is there in yourself. Scratch your own mind and visualize what you have to offer in Introduction, Main body and Conclusion. Arrange your thoughts and write.
- Boldness : Don’t be shackled down by false notions and overemphasis on the canons of writing. Awe must not overtake you. Sometimes it is better to forget principles and convention to let your own thoughts off. Give more weight to your own thoughts than to what is taught to you or others say.
- Follow Gandhiji : The beauty of Gandhiji’s writings were in simple language and short sentences. Follow his example and stick to simplicity. Being simple is not easy. It takes some effort. You are required to explain complex issues in a simple and easy to understand languages. Try.
- Smoothness : Your essay should have a smooth flow with even consistency. Avoid sudden twists and turns. Move from one aspect to other in a logical way without any jumps. Remember the tips we gave you in other chapters on writing. Most of them apply in case of essay also-. After all an essay is a collection of paragraphs and short compositions. An essay is a rivulet of a opinion made up by tributaries of thoughts on various aspects of the subject. The rivulet joins the river of thoughts which eventually meets the sea of literature.
- Read, Read and Read: Due to the lack of experience and reading many students feel at sea. They find that they have nothing or very little to say on a given subject for essay.So, read magazines, journals, books and watch informative TV channels. It will store valuable information in your mind. Observe the life and things around. The real life is the true teacher.Discuss various topics which your friends don’t devote all your interaction to the latest movies or new re-mix releases or gossip albums.
