Composition Writing – JSS1 English Lesson Note (First Term)

Composition writing is the process of writing an essay for a central purpose or idea, with a chosen effect on the reader. The purpose decides the type of essay. The four major types are the narrative, descriptive, argumentative and expository essays. Each type has its own characteristics.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the four major types of composition
• explain how the writer’s purpose decides the type of composition
• list the characteristics of a narrative, a descriptive and an argumentative essay
• explain what an expository essay is and name the areas where it may feature

How do you choose a type of composition?

One of the first steps in composition writing is to determine the type of composition to use. When you write, you usually have a central purpose or idea to communicate to your readers. You also aim to produce some effect on them. This purpose or end determines the type of discourse you will use.

What are the types of composition writing?

Distinguishing between types of essays is simply a matter of determining the writer’s goal. Does the writer want to tell about a personal experience, describe something, explain an issue, or convince the reader to accept a certain viewpoint? The four major types of essays address these purposes.

What is a narrative essay?

A narrative essay relates mainly to a sequence of events. It tells what happened and how it happened, and is often indistinguishable from a short story.

Characteristics of a narrative essay

1. It must have a beginning that is interesting and arresting.
2. It must proceed in a chronological sequence to the end.
3. The use of past tense is highly essential since the narrative involves past events.
4. The narration must be presented in a sequential order.
5. You must avoid verbosity and unnecessary elaboration of a particular incident.

What is a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay requires a writer to describe an object, a person, an animal, an incident or a scene. In a descriptive essay, the writer should show, not tell, through colourful words and sensory details. The best descriptive essays appeal to the reader’s emotions, with a highly evocative result.

Characteristics of a good descriptive essay

• The writer must be orderly in the presentation of facts.
• Clarity of expression is necessary. The use of simple language is required.
• The use of the simple present tense is very common, but the writer is free to use other tenses as the need arises.
• There must be particular emphasis on the objects or things being described. The description must be vivid enough, with good and appropriate vocabulary.
• The use of adjectives is highly indispensable.

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay requires a writer to present a subject with a view to persuading the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view.

Characteristics of a good argumentative essay

• The argument must be convincingly presented.
• There must be clarity of expression, and the ideas presented must not be disjointed.
• ‘Pro’ arguments should be kept separate from ‘con’ arguments.
• The strongest argument, on both the ‘pro’ side and the ‘con’ side, should be left to the last.
• Verbosity should be avoided.

What is an expository essay?

An expository essay requires a writer to write an exposition or explanation of an idea, or of how to do or make something. It is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a topic. The writer explains or defines a topic, using facts, statistics and examples.

Expository writing covers a wide range of essay variations, such as the comparison and contrast essay, the cause and effect essay, and the “how to” or process essay. Because expository essays are based on facts, not personal feelings, writers do not reveal their emotions or write in the first person.

Areas in which an expository essay may feature

1. How mechanics work
2. How things are made
3. How certain processes are carried out
4. Definition of concepts

The explanation must be clear so as not to confuse the reader or audience. It must also contain a vivid explanation of things.

Evaluation

Give a brief explanation of each of the following.

1. Narrative essay
2. Descriptive essay
3. Argumentative essay
4. Expository essay

Assignment

Reading assignment: Types of essay.

Reference: English Language communication skills, pages 103 to 108.