DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

Descriptive writing provides an illustration of people ,events, situations,places, thoughts and feelings.
Description provides sensory information that makes writing come alive. It expresses an experience that
the reader can actively participate in by using imagination.

It provides literary texture to a story. A writer shows the reader through the sense of sight, hearing,
smell, taste and touch, as well as through emotional feelings.

Steps to writing an effective descriptive essay

Select a subject

If one is writing about a place, he/she should go there and take notes on the sights and sounds.This will
enable the reader to paint a picture of the place by using their senses.

Select and organize dominant details

Select only the details that support your thesis statement.

Use descriptive words

Use descriptive adjectives eg: the aroma of freshly brewed coffee

Structure of a Descriptive Essay

Introduction

It introduces the object, event or place of description.

The middle sentences provide the background.

The thesis statement explains why the object, place or event is important to the writer.

Body

Most of the description is in the body paragraphs.

Adjectives and adverbs make the experience more vivid.

Comparisons, such as similes, make the writing more familiar and expressive.

Conclusion

It gratefully ends the essay.

It gives the writer's final opinion about the description.

EXPOSITORY WRITING
It teaches, reveals, informs or amplifies the reader's understanding through a carefully crafted mix of
key points and critical support.

It describes, explains or investigate an idea, reason or steps in order to inform or illuminate a particular
subject for the reader.

Characteristics of Expository essays

They have a specific topic about which the topic is written.

They have an effective introduction and conclusion.

They have a thesis statement that tells the writer's opinion.

They have a clear logical organization that supports the thesis statement.

They have effective transition to link details, ideas and paragraphs.

FORMS OF EXPOSITORY ESSAYS

Compare and contrast Essays

They provide details about similarities and differences between two or more aspects of a topic.

Eg; If you are asked to write an essay asking if E-learning is better than classroom leaning, you can
identify the similar aspects between the two and then discuss and elucidate the differences.

Problem-solution essays

They identify a problem and explain one or more ways to solve it.

Eg; Traffic congestion is a major problem facing urban areas.

Identify the cause of the problem and ways of solving it

Persuasion Essays

They convince the readers to agree with the writer's opinion eg;Dress codes are a good idea for
universities

Cause and effect Essays

They trace the results of an event and the reasons why the event occurred.

Eg;The causes of World War Three and how the world changed after the event

Structure of Expository essays

Introduction

It describes the event or situation your essay will explore.

It includes a thesis statement.

Body

Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence.

It shows supporting details and examples for the thesis statement.

Conclusion

It contains the restatement of the thesis.

Write a closing sentence.

REPORT WRITING

A report is a structured written presentation developed as a response to a specific purpose, aim or

request. The purpose of a report is to give an account of something, to offer a solution ea problem or to
answer a question (Curtin University of Technology , 2004).

Types of Reports

A)FORMAL REPORT

It is the collection and interpretation of data and information . It is complex and used at an official level .
It is often a written account of a major project.

Eg;new technologies, the advisability of launching a new project line, results of a study or an
experiment.

Types of Formal Report

Informational reports -They present results so that readers can understand a particular problem or
situation

They may present results on the status of current research on a project , or present the results of a
questionnaire or research.

Analytical reports- They present results, analyse those results and draw conclusions based on those
results.

Recommendation reports -They present the results and conclusions that support the recommendations.

B)INFORMAL REPORT
Their functions is to inform, analyse and recommend.

They take the form of a memo, letter.

It is more controversial in tone and deals with everyday problems and issues inside the organization.

Types of informal reports

Progress report

Sales activity report

Literature review

C) ACCIDENT REPORT

It defines complete description of an accident.It describes the location and the loss occurred.

D) NARRATIVE REPORT

It follows a sequential manner of description.

Format of a report

Title Page-It includes the title of the report . It should give a clear indication of the subject matter, the
author's name, module and date.

Acknowledgements- Recognize any help received while collecting information for the report eg: fellow
students, staff

Contents page - It is a clear and well-formated list of all the sections and subsections of the report.

Abstract -A summary of the major points, conclusions, recommendations should be written to give an
overview of the report.

Introduction- Explain the problem and show the reader why the report is being made.

Body -Analyse and interpret your results drawing from the information collected, explaining it's
significance. Outline any problems encountered.

Conclusions and recommendations -This draws together the main issues. The significance and relevance
of study is discussed in this section.

References -Give full details of all the sources to which you have made reference within the text.

PERSUASIVE WRITING
Persuasive writing is a type of writing that aims to convince the reader to take a specific action or to
adopt a particular point of view. The writer’s goal is to present an argument in a compelling and
persuasive way that will make the reader see things from their perspective.

It uses logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than the other

When planning a persuasive essay one should follow these steps:

Choose your position -Decide which issue or problem you will write about. Clearly define the issue and
offer the solutions.

Analyze your audience- Consider who your intended readers will be and what views they may hold on
the issue.

Research your topic - One may interview experts on the topic or go to the library.

Develop logical and ethical arguments- Avoid emotional rhetoric.

STRUCTURE OF A PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Introduction

It contains the title, an eye-catching opening, the topic sentence and a thesis statement.

Body

Transitions are used to link the words together.

The writer supports his ideas in the body in each paragraph.

Conclusion

Restate the thesis statement using different vocabulary.

Summarize the most important facts that support your thesis.

An example of a persuasive essay is .:

Why physical fitness is important

Many people are not inclined to participate in physical fitness.They live a lifestyle where they are not
physically fit . I believe that physical fitness is essential for human beings as it improves both their
physical and mental well-being.

NARRATIVE WRITING
NARRATIVE WRITING

Narrative writing is a type of writing that tells a story. The writer’s goal is to engage the reader and to
create an emotional connection with the characters and events being described. Narrative writing is
commonly found in fiction, memoirs, and personal essays.

Steps to follow when writing a narrative essay

Organize your thoughts (brainstorm)

Research your topic.

Develop a thesis statement - this contains the claim and supporting details that sustain it.

Write the introduction- Define the topic, concept or literary theme.

Write the body of the essay -This is the most detailed part. It involves addressing each supporting detail
in a separate fully-developed paragraph.

Write the conclusion -It allows one to reiterate and summarize the main points of the essay.

INFORMATIONAL WRITING

In informational writing, the writer accurately shares information with the reader. The writer's purpose
is to increase the reader's knowledge, to better understand a procedure or process or a concept.

The writer selects and uses relevant examples , facts and details from their own knowledge and from the
sources provided.

A good informational essay should:

Have a clear introduction

State the topic clearly,precisely and thoughtfully.

Conclude effectively.

Use precise language

Show control over conventions

STRUCTURE OF AN INFORMATIONAL ESSAY

Introduction

Define the topic eg; what smoking alcoholism is

Provide short background information on alcoholism eg;how people adopt this addiction to alcohol and
the reasons to become addicted eg: environment factors, stress, peer pressure, anger or frustration.
Create a thesis statement eg:the effects of alcoholism on an individual and the community at large.

Body

Identify the health risks of heavy drinking eg:liver cirrhosis, heart diseases, brain and nerve damage.

Identify the effects of an alcoholic person on the community

Provide ways to quit drinking eg: rehabilitation centers

Conclusion

Reiterate the thesis statement. Eg the relationship between health risks and alcoholism.

Recapitulate the significance of the research on the outcomes of alcoholism.

Provide a warning to the future generations if they continue with alcoholism.eg;If the youth does not
quit excessive drinking in the near future, it might result in...

ACADEMIC WRITING

MAIN PARTS OF AN ACADEMIC ESSAY

Title Page- It includes the essay's title, the name of the student and the instructor's name . It also
includes the date

Introduction -Provide any necessary background information or definition of any terms.

Provide a brief overview of your essay's main points.

Have a thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs -Each paragraph should have a topic sentence, which introduces the paragraph's main
idea.

The topic sentence should be supported by points, details and explanations.

Conclusion -Bring together your essay's main points and emphasize the strength of the thesis
statement.

Show the significance of your findings.

End with a strong, memorable concluding statement (s).

Janka (24) bought a pregnancy test and now is waiting for the results, which makes
her nervous. One second may change her whole life, and she could become the mother of an
unwanted child. To avoid this stressful situation, it was only necessary to have used a 43-
year-old method of birth control – the birth control pill – once a day. It has been taken by
approximately 80% of American women today (Okie, 2002), and its effectiveness is over
99% if used correctly (Planned Parenthood, 2003). However, some women still fear that
taking the birth control pill could harm their health. In fact, the pill’s composition provides
advantages to women, including prevention of ovarian cancer. There is also no connection
between the pill and breast cancer, and its usage is possible while breastfeeding too. Although
there are a few disadvantages to its use, the birth control pill is safe for women.
Birth control pills contain nothing harmful to women’s health. This oral contraception
is divided into two groups. First are combination pills including estrogen and progestin
(synthetic progesterone), and second are progestin-only-pills. Women’s ovaries produce both
estrogen and progesterone (Planned Parenthood, 2003). The pill thus contains the same
hormones that women’s bodies already have. According to the National Cancer Institute
(2003), estrogen is a hormone which makes the uterus more active when a women’s body
becomes sexually mature. It also makes the endometrium (the uterus walls) thicker at the
beginning of the menstrual cycle. Then, the endometrium is ready to accept a fertilized egg
with the help of progesterone, which is made in the second part of the menstrual cycle. The
pill, however, gives women the right amount of these hormones so that they cannot get
pregnant. Planned Parenthood (2003) explained that estrogen in combination pills stops the
ovaries from producing eggs, while progestin-only pills “thicken cervical mucus” to stop the
fertilization of eggs (Basics section, para. 2). These supplemental hormones “fool the body
into acting as if it's pregnant” (Alice! Health Promotion Program, 1998). They do not damage

the body; they just make it act in a different way. So, the contents of this oral contraceptive may be seen
as safe

References

Alice! Health Promotion Program. (1998, July 14). How do birth control pills work?
Retrieved August 20, 2004, from Health Services at Columbia University Web site:
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0663.html
Greenfield, M. (2004a, August 18). Myths and truths about birth control pills. Retrieved
August 20, 2004, from Dr. Spock Web site: http://www.drspock.com/article
/0,1510,5324,00.html
Greenfield, M. (2004b, August 19). Postpartum birth control options. Retrieved August 20,
2004, from Dr. Spock Web site: http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5696,00.html
National Cancer Institute. (2003, November 3). Cancer facts: Oral contraceptives and cancer
risk [fact sheet]. Retrieved August 15, 2004, from http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact
/3_13.htm
Okie, S. (2002, June 27). Study: Birth control pills not linked to breast cancer. The

Washington Post, p. A1. Retrieved from National Newspapers database.

Oral contraceptives with higher levels of progestin protect against ovarian cancer, study

suggests. (2002, January 2). Science Daily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily

.com/releases/2002/01/020102074449.htm
Planned Parenthood. (2003, November). You and the pill. Retrieved August 15, 2004, from
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/YOU_AND_PILL.HTM
Sears, W. (n.d.). Oral contraceptives while breastfeeding. Retrieved August 15, 2004, from
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T028700.asp

WORKS CITED

Carroll, Lee Ann. Rehearsing New Roles: How College Students Develop as
Writers. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP, 2002. Print.
Thaiss, Chris and Terry Zawacki. Engaged Writers & Dynamic Disciplines:
Research on the Academic Writing Life. Portsmouth: Boynton/Cook, 2006.