Composition - key features of different types of essays

Key Features of Speech Writing

• Direct address: speaking to the audience directly, using inclusive language to engage them
• Rhetorical questions: using language to persuade, provoke thought, and elicit a response
• Triadic phrasing: using three examples in a row, e.g., "we have been bullied, harassed, and intimidated for far too long"
• Emotive language: using metaphors, similes, personification, stirring language, and perceptively chosen images to convey passion and engagement
• Repetition: repeating a phrase for effect, e.g., using anaphora to emphasize a point

Additional Techniques

• Anecdote: using a small personal story to connect with the audience and prove a point
• Undermining opposing views: imagining and addressing concerns of those who disagree
• Exaggeration: Going over the top, or using hyperbole in your writing. This might include using superlatives

Different Types of Speeches

Rally Speech

• Mention the crowd and supporters
• Mention the location, e.g., government buildings or main city street
• Speech should be stirring, rousing, and persuasive

Public Speaking Competition

• Mention the topic being spoken about
• Acknowledge competitors and usually no teammates
• Express gratitude for reaching the final stage

Debate

• Two teams: proposition (agreeing with the statement) and opposition (disagreeing)
• Greet the audience, other team, chairperson, adjudicators, and time-keeper
• Thank the teacher (if in a classroom debate)

Radio Talk

• Mention the radio station
• Provide a phone or text line for listeners to contact
• Mention upcoming programs or events

Online Broadcast

• Thank listeners for logging on
• Provide practical tips, e.g., muting microphones or switching off cameras
• Keep the tone realistic

Podcast

• Refer frequently to listeners
• Encourage liking and subscribing to the podcast
• Mention sponsors (if applicable)
• Be aware of the number of presenters (one or two)

Key Features of a Short Story

• A short story is a complete and self-contained narrative.
• The plot should match the question being asked.
• Focus on one or two main characters to maintain control and brevity.
• Keep the time-frame short to maintain a concise narrative.
• Avoid sub-plots to keep the action brief and focused.
• Consistency is key: stay in the same verb tense and narrative voice (first or third person) throughout.
• Use descriptions and details to create and enhance the atmosphere.

Using Dialogue in a Short Story

• Use double quotation marks to set off dialogue from the rest of the narrative.
• Punctuation goes inside the last quotation mark.
• Vary verb use to add tone and interest to dialogue (e.g., "cried", "whispered", "mumbled begrudgingly").
• Start a new line for each new speaker.
• When the same speaker continues, stay on the same line.

Key Features of a Personal Essay

• A personal essay is a detailed account of specific experiences with reflections on the insights gained from them.
• Features of a good personal essay include honesty, reflection, and engagement.

Importance of Honesty

• Pick a question and topic you are genuinely interested in to ensure your essay is honest and engaging.
• Don't try to write about something you are not interested in, as it will be noticeable.

Reflection in a Personal Essay

• Merely telling a story is not enough; you need to open up to the reader and consider what your feelings might mean.
• Being reflective means trying to understand your feelings, but it's okay not to have all the answers.

Engagement in a Personal Essay

• Every person is interesting in their own way, and honesty and details make an essay more engaging.
• Don't lie or exaggerate, as it will sound disingenuous and impersonal.

Planning a Personal Essay

• Plan your answer in advance to ensure a systematic approach.
• Break down the topic into sections, including description, reflection, and overcoming challenges.

Structure of a Personal Essay

• Describe the experience: when it occurred, how it manifested itself, and specific examples.
• Reflect on your feelings and what they might mean.
• Describe how you overcame the challenge, including obstacles and setbacks.
• Reflect again on the journey and how you feel now.

Summary of a Personal Essay

• The main sentiment of a personal essay should be one of reflection, looking at the journey and how you feel at the end.

Discursive Essay

• A type of essay that involves writing on a broader topic.
• May require a personal touch, as indicated by the term "personal discursive" essay.
• In a personal discursive essay, the writer is expected to share their personal feelings and opinions on a universal topic.
• The writer's personality, thoughts, and beliefs should be showcased in the essay.

Essay Structure

• Introduction should be based on the writer's own conclusion on the topic.
• Consider all sides of the argument in a logical and clear manner.
• Anecdotes can be used to support a point, but they should not be the primary evidence.

Key Characteristics

• Involves exploring different ideas associated with the topic.
• Requires a balanced and nuanced discussion of the topic.

Discursive Essay

• A type of essay that involves writing on a broader topic.
• May require a personal touch, as indicated by the term "personal discursive" essay.
• In a personal discursive essay, the writer is expected to share their personal feelings and opinions on a universal topic.
• The writer's personality, thoughts, and beliefs should be showcased in the essay.

Essay Structure

• Introduction should be based on the writer's own conclusion on the topic.
• Consider all sides of the argument in a logical and clear manner.
• Anecdotes can be used to support a point, but they should not be the primary evidence.

Key Characteristics

• Involves exploring different ideas associated with the topic.
• Requires a balanced and nuanced discussion of the topic.

Articles

• Always use a title to introduce the article
• Includes a sub-heading that sets the tone and indicates the content
• Has a by-line to identify the author
• Ends with a sign-off
• Tailored to the target audience and possibly references other sections of the publication
• May require a specific tone, such as serious or light-hearted

Descriptive Essay

• Focuses on vivid, clear descriptions of a place or time
• Does not require a plot or storyline
• Aims to engage the senses by describing sights and sounds
• Utilises various stylistic features, including:
  • Assonance
  • Alliteration
  • Sibilance
  • Imagery
  • Onomatopoeia
  • Personification
  • Varied vocabulary to create a rich and immersive experience