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Narrative writing tells a story. Though it’s most commonly used in personal essays ("What I Did to Celebrate the Holidays"), this type of writing can also be used for fictional stories, plays, or even a plot summary of a story your child has read or intends to write. This is likely the most frequently used of the four most common types of writing, and students will spend a significant amount of time learning how to write narratives.
Descriptive writing is used in depictions of fictional and non-fictional characters, poetry, parts of book reports, and in various kinds of observational writing.
When your child comes to you for help with a writing assignment, the first thing you probably do is ask what the topic is. But it's also important to find out how the instructor expects the writing to be framed and what techniques or styles are expected to be used in the work. There are four basic types of writing that students will learn as classes become more writing-intensive.
For example, if your child is asked to write about his favorite ride at an amusement park, he might note the name of a roller coaster and what it looks like, as well how the rush of wind in his hair felt as he zipped through the air, what the sound of the ride car clicking up the tracks was like, and so on. In upper grades, a student's descriptive writing should be more subtle and nuanced, using figurative and metaphorical language (It was the cherry on top of a wonderful day.)
4 Types of Writing Kids Learn About
Expository writing is to-the-point and factual. This category of writing includes definitions, instructions, directions, and other basic comparisons and clarifications. Expository writing is devoid of descriptive detail and opinion.
Elaine Hinzey is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and registered dietitian.
Persuasive writing is a more sophisticated type of writing your child will be introduced to around fourth grade. Strong persuasive writing is like a debate played out in written words.
A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay. It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.
Without a clear thesis, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
Example: Signposting This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.
As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.
Step 4: Map your essay’s structure
You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.
Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.
A persuasive essay uses reason to demonstrate that certain ideas are more valid than others in academic writing. The purpose of such an essay is to encourage readers to accept a particular viewpoint or act in a particular way. A persuasive essay must be based on sound logic and must contain factual evidence to support the argument.
The conclusion. The conclusion should restate the main argument and supporting points. After all, the point of a persuasive essay is to convert your readers to your point of view.
Take a stance. What do you think about the issue? What side will you take? Be aware of any prejudices you might have that could color your argument. What resolution will you suggest?
Know your audience. Determine if your audience will agree with your position and why they may not. You must be able to understand both sides of the issue in order to successfully argue your point of view.
Helpful tips for writing a successful persuasive essay
Support your argument. Use hard facts. You can gather these from your research, observations, or personal experiences. But be careful! In order to avoid plagiarism, you must cite your sources. You should always use verifiable statistics. It is important to be able to back up your argument with data. In order to further strengthen the argument in your persuasive essay, try using one or two direct quotes from experts on the topic. Finally, provide meaningful examples to enhance and clearly illustrate your argument.
Thoroughly research your topic. The point of a persuasive essay is to provide detailed and compelling evidence—you should be able to disprove the opposing argument. It will likely be necessary to undertake library-based research in order to accomplish this.
The introduction.The introduction in your persuasive essay should grab the readers' attention and provide background information about your subject. It should end with a clear statement of your thesis.
A persuasive essay uses reason to demonstrate that certain ideas are more valid than others in academic writing. The purpose of such an essay is to encourage readers to accept a particular viewpoint or act in a particular way. A persuasive essay must be based on sound logic and must contain factual evidence to support the argument.
The conclusion. The conclusion should restate the main argument and supporting points. After all, the point of a persuasive essay is to convert your readers to your point of view.
Take a stance. What do you think about the issue? What side will you take? Be aware of any prejudices you might have that could color your argument. What resolution will you suggest?
Know your audience. Determine if your audience will agree with your position and why they may not. You must be able to understand both sides of the issue in order to successfully argue your point of view.
Helpful tips for writing a successful persuasive essay
Support your argument. Use hard facts. You can gather these from your research, observations, or personal experiences. But be careful! In order to avoid plagiarism, you must cite your sources. You should always use verifiable statistics. It is important to be able to back up your argument with data. In order to further strengthen the argument in your persuasive essay, try using one or two direct quotes from experts on the topic. Finally, provide meaningful examples to enhance and clearly illustrate your argument.
Thoroughly research your topic. The point of a persuasive essay is to provide detailed and compelling evidence—you should be able to disprove the opposing argument. It will likely be necessary to undertake library-based research in order to accomplish this.
The introduction.The introduction in your persuasive essay should grab the readers' attention and provide background information about your subject. It should end with a clear statement of your thesis.
Don’t make the mistake of presenting your arguments in the introduction because not only is it misplaced but it won’t give your readers any reason to read further.
After writing an enticing hook, you need to go on to introduce your topic which includes what you’re going to be writing about.
“First impression is the last impression”, they say and rightly so which is why writing an introduction for an argumentative essay is so critical.
- Specific
- Debatable
- Logical
- Crisp
1. No planning
So, here are five tips to keep in mind while writing an introduction for an argumentative essay and begin on a strong note.
Let’s first understand the purpose of the introductory paragraph. The point of the introduction is to introduce the topic while drawing readers in and making them intrigued to know more.
Remember - a thesis statement is meant to be succinct so don’t go beyond two sentences.
From telling a joke and stating a shocking fact to sharing an anecdote and asking a rhetorical question - there are various ways to start your argumentative essay with a bang. The ideal hooks for argumentative essays are those that intrigue the reader and reel them in.