Writing: Types of Composition

What is Narrative Writing?

A narrative essay tells (narrates) a story of an event, incident, experience or something that happened in the past in sequential order. 

Characteristics of a Narrative Essay:

i. A narrative essay must have a title. 

ii. It must start with an engaging introductory paragraph. 

iii. The story involved must be narrated in chronological order. 

iv. It must involve the use of past tense verbs to report the events. 

v. Narrative essay focuses on the connection between past events, people or places and the present 

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is an essay that creates a clear idea or picture of a person, place, scene or thing being described in the mind of the reader. 

Characteristics of a Descriptive Essay: 

i. A descriptive essay gives a detailed picture of a person, place or thing.

ii. It makes use of clear and well-chosen words e.g. adjectives and adverbs are used in describing things. 

iii. Present tense mainly, as you are no longer narrating a story on a past event.

iv. It must include sensory details and figurative language. 

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of composition that tries to convince or persuade the reader to agree with the speaker’s view. 

Characteristics of an Argumentative Essay: 

i. The argument must be formative and persuasive. 

ii. It must be tested and research-based (fact sentences).

iii. One part of the essay must refute or oppose the argument.

iv. Evidence of support reasoning and position must be accurate. 

v. The conclusion is summarized with a forceful insight (offers possible solutions).

What is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a genre of writing that tends to explain, illustrate or clarify something in a way that becomes clearer to readers. 

Characteristics of an Expository Essay: 

i. Expository essay gives detailed information about a specific topic. 

ii. It enlightens the reader on the topic given. 

iii. It helps to teach how something should be done. 

iv. Information is presented fairly and in a non-biased manner, showing both sides of the topic. 

v. It makes use of the third person rather than I or me.