Definition and Examples of Formal Essays
Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms
- An Introduction to Punctuation
- Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
- M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
- B.A., English, State University of New York
In composition studies , a formal essay is a short, relatively impersonal composition in prose . Also known as an impersonal essay or a Baconian essay (after the writings of England's first major essayist , Francis Bacon ).
In contrast to the familiar or personal essay , the formal essay is typically used for the discussion of ideas. Its rhetorical purpose is generally to inform or persuade.
"The technique of the formal essay," says William Harmon, "is now practically identical with that of all factual or theoretical prose in which literary effect is secondary" ( A Handbook to Literature , 2011).
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Examples and Observations
- "' Formal' essays were introduced in England by [Francis] Bacon , who adopted Montaigne's term. Here the style is objective, compressed, aphoristic , wholly serious. . . . In modern times, the formal essay has become more diversified in subject matter, style , and length until it is better known by such names as article , dissertation, or thesis, and factual presentation rather than style or literary effect has become the basic aim." (L. H. Hornstein, G. D. Percy, and C. S. Brown, The Reader's Companion to World Literature , 2nd ed. Signet, 2002)
- A Blurred Distinction Between Formal Essays and Informal Essays "Francis Bacon and his followers had a more impersonal, magisterial, law-giving, and didactic manner than the skeptical Montaigne. But they should not be viewed as opposites; the distinction between formal and informal essay can be overdone, and most great essayists have crossed the line frequently. The difference is one of degree. [William] Hazlitt was essentially a personal essayist , though he wrote theater and art criticism; Matthew Arnold and John Ruskin were essentially formal essayists , though they may have tried a personal essay once in a while. Personality creeps into the most impersonal of writers: it is difficult to read Bacon on friendship or having children , for instance, without suspecting he is talking about autobiographical matters. Dr. Johnson was probably more a moral essayist than a personal one, though his work has such an individual, idiosyncratic stamp that I have persuaded myself to place him in the personal camp. George Orwell seems split fifty-fifty, an essay hermaphrodite who always kept one eye on the subjective and one on the political. . . . "The Victorian era saw a turn toward the formal essay , the so-called essay of ideas written by [Thomas] Carlyle, Ruskin, [Matthew] Arnold, Macaulay, Pater. Between Lamb and Beerbohm there was scarcely an English personal essay, with the exception of those by Robert Louis Stevenson and Thomas De Quincey . . . ." (Phillip Lopate, Introduction to The Art of the Personal Essay . Anchor, 1994)
- Voice in the Impersonal Essay "[E]ven when 'I' plays no part in the language of an essay, a firm sense of personality can warm the voice of the impersonal essay narrator . When we read Dr. [Samuel] Johnson and Edmund Wilson and Lionel Trilling , for instance, we feel that we know them as fully developed characters in their own essays, regardless of their not referring personally to themselves." (Phillip Lopate, "Writing Personal Essays: On the Necessity of Turning Oneself Into a Character." Writing Creative Nonfiction , ed. by Carolyn ForchĂŠ and Philip Gerard. Writer's Digest Books, 2001)
- Crafting the Impersonal "I" "Unlike the exploratory 'self' of Montaigne, Francis Bacon's impersonal 'I' appears already to have arrived. Even in the comparatively expansive third edition of the Essays , Bacon provides few explicit hints as to either the character of the textual voice or the role of the expected reader. . . . [T]he absence of a felt 'self' on the page is a deliberate rhetorical effect: the effort to efface voice in the 'impersonal' essay is a way of evoking a distant but authoritative persona . . . . In the formal essay , invisibility must be forged." (Richard Nordquist, "Voices of the Modern Essay." University of Georgia, 1991)
- Justification (Typesetting and Composition)
- Learn How to Use Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches
- Periodical Essay Definition and Examples
- The Essay: History and Definition
- Vernacular (Language)
- Definition and Examples of Humorous Essays
- Definition Examples of Collage Essays
- What Is a Critique in Composition?
- What Is a Colloquialism?
- Oration (Classical Rhetoric)
- Word Class in English Grammar
- What Is a Natural Language?
- Writer's Notebook
- Eulogy Examples and Definition
- What Is Colloquial Style or Language?
- Formally and Formerly
- Literary Terms
- Definition & Examples
- When & How to Write an Essay
I. What is an Essay?
An essay is a form of writing in paragraph form that uses informal language, although it can be written formally. Essays may be written in first-person point of view (I, ours, mine), but third-person (people, he, she) is preferable in most academic essays. Essays do not require research as most academic reports and papers do; however, they should cite any literary works that are used within the paper.
When thinking of essays, we normally think of the five-paragraph essay: Paragraph 1 is the introduction, paragraphs 2-4 are the body covering three main ideas, and paragraph 5 is the conclusion. Sixth and seventh graders may start out with three paragraph essays in order to learn the concepts. However, essays may be longer than five paragraphs. Essays are easier and quicker to read than books, so are a preferred way to express ideas and concepts when bringing them to public attention.
II. Examples of Essays
Many of our most famous Americans have written essays. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson wrote essays about being good citizens and concepts to build the new United States. In the pre-Civil War days of the 1800s, people such as:
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (an author) wrote essays on self-improvement
- Susan B. Anthony wrote on womenâs right to vote
- Frederick Douglass wrote on the issue of African Americansâ future in the U.S.
Through each era of American history, well-known figures in areas such as politics, literature, the arts, business, etc., voiced their opinions through short and long essays.
The ultimate persuasive essay that most students learn about and read in social studies is the âDeclaration of Independenceâ by Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Other founding fathers edited and critiqued it, but he drafted the first version. He builds a strong argument by stating his premise (claim) then proceeds to give the evidence in a straightforward manner before coming to his logical conclusion.
III. Types of Essays
A. expository.
Essays written to explore and explain ideas are called expository essays (they expose truths). These will be more formal types of essays usually written in third person, to be more objective. There are many forms, each one having its own organizational pattern. Â Cause/Effect essays explain the reason (cause) for something that happens after (effect). Definition essays define an idea or concept. Compare/ Contrast essays will look at two items and show how they are similar (compare) and different (contrast).
b. Persuasive
An argumentative paper presents an idea or concept with the intention of attempting to change a readerâs mind or actions . These may be written in second person, using âyouâ in order to speak to the reader. This is called a persuasive essay. There will be a premise (claim) followed by evidence to show why you should believe the claim.
c. Narrative
Narrative means story, so narrative essays will illustrate and describe an event of some kind to tell a story. Most times, they will be written in first person. The writer will use descriptive terms, and may have paragraphs that tell a beginning, middle, and end in place of the five paragraphs with introduction, body, and conclusion. However, if there is a lesson to be learned, a five-paragraph may be used to ensure the lesson is shown.
d. Descriptive
The goal of a descriptive essay is to vividly describe an event, item, place, memory, etc. This essay may be written in any point of view, depending on whatâs being described. There is a lot of freedom of language in descriptive essays, which can include figurative language, as well.
IV. The Importance of Essays
Essays are an important piece of literature that can be used in a variety of situations. Theyâre a flexible type of writing, which makes them useful in many settings . History can be traced and understood through essays from theorists, leaders, artists of various arts, and regular citizens of countries throughout the world and time. For students, learning to write essays is also important because as they leave school and enter college and/or the work force, it is vital for them to be able to express themselves well.
V. Examples of Essays in Literature
Sir Francis Bacon was a leading philosopher who influenced the colonies in the 1600s. Many of Americaâs founding fathers also favored his philosophies toward government. Bacon wrote an essay titled âOf Nobilityâ in 1601 , in which he defines the concept of nobility in relation to people and government. The following is the introduction of his definition essay. Note the use of âweâ for his point of view, which includes his readers while still sounding rather formal.
 âWe will speak of nobility, first as a portion of an estate, then as a condition of particular persons. A monarchy, where there is no nobility at all, is ever a pure and absolute tyranny; as that of the Turks. For nobility attempers sovereignty, and draws the eyes of the people, somewhat aside from the line royal. But for democracies, they need it not; and they are commonly more quiet, and less subject to sedition, than where there are stirps of nobles. For men’s eyes are upon the business, and not upon the persons; or if upon the persons, it is for the business’ sake, as fittest, and not for flags and pedigree. We see the Switzers last well, notwithstanding their diversity of religion, and of cantons. For utility is their bond, and not respects. The united provinces of the Low Countries, in their government, excel; for where there is an equality, the consultations are more indifferent, and the payments and tributes, more cheerful. A great and potent nobility, addeth majesty to a monarch, but diminisheth power; and putteth life and spirit into the people, but presseth their fortune. It is well, when nobles are not too great for sovereignty nor for justice; and yet maintained in that height, as the insolency of inferiors may be broken upon them, before it come on too fast upon the majesty of kings. A numerous nobility causeth poverty, and inconvenience in a state; for it is a surcharge of expense; and besides, it being of necessity, that many of the nobility fall, in time, to be weak in fortune, it maketh a kind of disproportion, between honor and means.â
A popular modern day essayist is Barbara Kingsolver. Her book, âSmall Wonders,â is full of essays describing her thoughts and experiences both at home and around the world. Her intention with her essays is to make her readers think about various social issues, mainly concerning the environment and how people treat each other. The link below is to an essay in which a child in an Iranian village she visited had disappeared. The boy was found three days later in a bearâs cave, alive and well, protected by a mother bear. She uses a narrative essay to tell her story.
VI. Examples of Essays in Pop Culture
Many rap songs are basically mini essays, expressing outrage and sorrow over social issues today, just as the 1960s had a lot of anti-war and peace songs that told stories and described social problems of that time. Any good song writer will pay attention to current events and express ideas in a creative way.
A well-known essay written in 1997 by Mary Schmich, a columnist with the Chicago Tribune, was made into a popular video on MTV by Baz Luhrmann. Schmichâs thesis is to wear sunscreen, but she adds strong advice with supporting details throughout the body of her essay, reverting to her thesis in the conclusion.
![formal essay literature definition Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sTJ7AzBIJoI/0.jpg)
VII. Related Terms
Research paper.
Research papers follow the same basic format of an essay. They have an introductory paragraph, the body, and a conclusion. However, research papers have strict guidelines regarding a title page, header, sub-headers within the paper, citations throughout and in a bibliography page, the size and type of font, and margins. The purpose of a research paper is to explore an area by looking at previous research. Some research papers may include additional studies by the author, which would then be compared to previous research. The point of view is an objective third-person. No opinion is allowed. Any claims must be backed up with research.
VIII. Conclusion
Students dread hearing that they are going to write an essay, but essays are one of the easiest and most relaxed types of writing they will learn. Mastering the essay will make research papers much easier, since they have the same basic structure. Many historical events can be better understood through essays written by people involved in those times. The continuation of essays in todayâs times will allow future historians to understand how our new world of technology and information impacted us.
List of Terms
- Alliteration
- Amplification
- Anachronism
- Anthropomorphism
- Antonomasia
- APA Citation
- Aposiopesis
- Autobiography
- Bildungsroman
- Characterization
- Circumlocution
- Cliffhanger
- Comic Relief
- Connotation
- Deus ex machina
- Deuteragonist
- Doppelganger
- Double Entendre
- Dramatic irony
- Equivocation
- Extended Metaphor
- Figures of Speech
- Flash-forward
- Foreshadowing
- Intertextuality
- Juxtaposition
- Literary Device
- Malapropism
- Onomatopoeia
- Parallelism
- Pathetic Fallacy
- Personification
- Point of View
- Polysyndeton
- Protagonist
- Red Herring
- Rhetorical Device
- Rhetorical Question
- Science Fiction
- Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
- Synesthesia
- Turning Point
- Understatement
- Urban Legend
- Verisimilitude
- Essay Guide
- Cite This Website
Literary Devices
Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of essay, common examples of essay, significance of essay in literature.
Many famous writers and thinkers have also written numerous examples of essays. For instance, the treatises of the philosophers Plutarch, Cicero, and Seneca are all early forms of essay writing. Essay writing might seem dull to school children, but in fact the form has become extremely popular, often converging with a type of writing called âcreative non-fiction.â Authors are able to explore complex concepts through anecdote, evidence, and exploration. An author may want to persuade his or her audience to accept a central idea, or simply describe what he or she has experienced. Below you will find examples of essays from famous writers.
Examples of Essay in Literature
Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was an essayist and poet who was a part of the Transcendentalist movement and who believed strongly in the importance of individualism and self-reliance. The above essay example, in fact, is titled âSelf-Reliance,â and encourages human beings to trust themselves and strike out on their own.
Yet, because he was so small, and so simple a form of the energy that was rolling in at the open window and driving its way through so many narrow and intricate corridors in my own brain and in those of other human beings, there was something marvelous as well as pathetic about him. It was as if someone had taken a tiny bead of pure life and decking it as lightly as possible with down and feathers, had set it dancing and zig-zagging to show us the true nature of life. Thus displayed one could not get over the strangeness of it. One is apt to forget all about life, seeing it humped and bossed and garnished and cumbered so that it has to move with the greatest circumspection and dignity. Again, the thought of all that life might have been had he been born in any other shape caused one to view his simple activities with a kind of pity.
Here was I, the white man with his gun, standing in front of the unarmed native crowd â seemingly the leading actor of the piece; but in reality I was only an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the will of those yellow faces behind. I perceived in this moment that when the white man turns tyrant it is his own freedom that he destroys. He becomes a sort of hollow, posing dummy, the conventionalized figure of a sahib. For it is the condition of his rule that he shall spend his life in trying to impress the ânativesâ, and so in every crisis he has got to do what the ânativesâ expect of him. He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it. I had got to shoot the elephant. I had committed myself to doing it when I sent for the rifle. A sahib has got to act like a sahib; he has got to appear resolute, to know his own mind and do definite things. To come all that way, rifle in hand, with two thousand people marching at my heels, and then to trail feebly away, having done nothing â no, that was impossible. The crowd would laugh at me. And my whole life, every white manâs life in the East, was one long struggle not to be laughed at.
George Orwellâs marvelous essay âShooting an Elephantâ tells the story of when he was a police officer in Lower Burma and was asked to deal with an elephant wandering through a market. Orwell brilliantly extrapolates his role in shooting and killing the animal to the effects of Imperialism and the British Empire.
Not that itâs profound, but Iâm struck, amid the pigâs screams and wheezes, by the fact that these agricultural pros do not see their stock as pets or friends. They are just in the agribusiness of weight and meat. They are unconnected, even at the fairâs self-consciously special occasion of connection. And why not?âeven at the fair their products continue to drool and smell and scream, and the work goes on. I can imagine what they think of us, cooing at the swine: we fairgoers donât have to deal with the business of breeding and feeding our meat; our meat simply materializes at the corn-dog stand, allowing us to separate our healthy appetites from fur and screams and rolling eyes. We tourists get to indulge our tender animal-rights feelings with our tummies full of bacon. I donât know how keen these sullen farmersâ sense of irony is, but mineâs been honed East Coast keen, and I feel like a bit of an ass in the Swine Barn.
(âTicket to the Fairâ by David Foster Wallace)
Test Your Knowledge of Essay
3. Which of the following statements is true? A. Essays are found in many intellectual magazines. B. Essays are only used in school settings. C. Essays are always boring. [spoiler title=âAnswer to Question #3âł] Answer: A is the correct answer.[/spoiler]
Definition of Essay
Types of essay, examples of essay in literature, example #1: the sacred grove of oshogbo (by jeffrey tayler).
âAs I passed through the gates I heard a squeaky voice . A diminutive middle-aged man came out from behind the trees â the caretaker. He worked a toothbrush-sized stick around in his mouth, digging into the crevices between algaeâd stubs of teeth. He was barefoot; he wore a blue batik shirt known as a buba, baggy purple trousers, and an embroidered skullcap. I asked him if he would show me around the shrine. Motioning me to follow, he spat out the results of his stick work and set off down the trail.â
Example #2: Of Love (By Francis Bacon)
âIt is impossible to love, and be wise ⌠Love is a child of folly. ⌠Love is ever rewarded either with the reciprocal, or with an inward and secret contempt. You may observe that amongst all the great and worthy personsâŚthere is not one that hath been transported to the mad degree of love: which shows that great spirits and great business do keep out this weak passionâŚThat he had preferred Helena, quitted the gifts of Juno and Pallas. For whosoever esteemeth too much of amorous affection quitted both riches and wisdom.â
Example #3: The Autobiography of a Kettle (By John Russell)
â I am afraid I do not attract attention, and yet there is not a single home in which I could done without. I am only a small, black kettle but I have much to interest me, for something new happens to me every day. The kitchen is not always a cheerful place in which to live, but still I find plenty of excitement there, and I am quite happy and contented with my lot âŚâ
Function of Essay
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How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example
If youâre a student, youâve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career.âŻ
Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide you through the process. This article will:
- explain what a formal essay is;
- show how to write it step by step;
- provide you with an essay sample.âŻ
đ Formal Essay Definition
- â How to Write
- âď¸ Writing Rules
- đĽď¸ Essay Format
- đ Sample Paper
đ References
A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it’s necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.
What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?
Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (also known as personal .) They differ in terms of style and context. You can choose one of the formats depending on the situation and the type of paper you need to write.
Don’t know how to tell the difference between them? Well, here are some key characteristics of these essay types:
Characteristics | Informal essay | Formal essay |
---|---|---|
Usually, the purpose of an informal essay is to share opinions or to entertain the reader. | A formal essay aims to critically analyze facts, details, and ideas to prove a point.⯠| |
Addresses the reader directly and uses 1st-person pronouns. | Uses 3rd-person pronouns and doesn’t address the reader. | |
Expresses the writerâs thoughts and opinions and tends to be more subjective. | Strives to be objective and uses arguments to support its ideas. | |
Doesn’t have to be as structured as a formal essay. | Should be well-structured and logical. | |
The thesis may be stated in any part of the work or not explicitly stated at all. | The thesis is clearly stated and located in the essay’s first paragraph. | |
Uses everyday language, slang, 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns such as “I,” “you,” and “me.” | Uses jargon and avoids using slang and 1st- or 2nd-person pronouns. |
As you can see, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.
Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.
â How to Write a Formal Essay
Traditionally, a formal essay itâs composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.
Formal Essay Introduction
The introduction is what your essay starts with. Its primary goal is to catch the reader’s attention with a hook, briefly introduce the topic, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.
Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:
âď¸ | It should be related to the topic and give the reader an overall idea of the paper. |
âď¸ | Itâs good to start your introduction with a quotation, an interesting fact, or a statistic. |
â | Try not to make the introduction too far-fetched or in-your-face. |
â | Avoid using questions in an introduction of a formal essay. |
If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .
Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.
Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:
Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.
Formal Essay Body
The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.
To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:
- after all,âŻ
- for instance,âŻ
- on the one/other hand,âŻ
- initially,âŻ
- as a result.
How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion
Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.
The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.
If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .
âď¸ Formal Writing Rules
Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:âŻâŻ
Dos of formal writing
- Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
- Use punctuation correctly. Here are some of the things to watch out for:Â Avoid exclamation marks;Â Use dashes for insertions;Â Use colons with enumerations;Â If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
- Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
- Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.
Don’ts of formal writing
- Avoid using pronouns.⯠With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes wordy. It also makes the author seem less sure of their ideas. If you want to use personal pronouns, try substituting them with words like “the reader,” “viewers,” or “one.”
- Avoid using slang expressions and nonstandard diction. Slang words in a formal essay will make it less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, itâs best to avoid those expressions and use proper Standard English.
- Avoid informal tone. âŻWhen you write a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use when you casually talk to friends. A formal tone suggests that the author is serious about the topic and respects the audience.
- Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are hard to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and concise.
Contractions in Formal Writing
A contraction is usually a combination of two words into one, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so it’s best to stick to the full variant.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when working with direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are used in the original. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .
What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay
Another common mistake students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. This mistake can make the essay overly informal and lead to misinterpretations of the text.
How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with the following words:
- individuals,
You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:
đĽď¸ Formal Essay Format
Now that we’ve discussed formal essay writing in detail, it’s time to look at the formatting. A formal essay is usually written in MLA or APA formats. If youâre asked to write a paper in one of these formats, you may find the guidelines below helpful:
MLA | APA | |
---|---|---|
Write your name, the instructor’s name, your class, and the date in the upper left corner of the 1st page. Make the title centered and place it after the heading information in the same font as the rest of your paper. | Create a separate . Make your title centered and written in boldface. Add your name, instructor’s name, school affiliation, and date. | |
Write your last name and the number of each page in the upper right corner. | Write the number of each page in the upper right corner. | |
Use 12-point Times New Roman font. | ||
Make your essay double-spaced without extra spacing between the paragraphs. | ||
Add a 1-inch margin on each side of the page. | ||
Make the 1st line of each paragraph indented 1/5 inch. | ||
Line up your text flush against the left margin.⯠|
đ Formal Essay Example
Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:
Title | Adverse effects of sponsorship in the sports industry |
---|---|
Sponsorship plays a significant role in the sports industry these days. Many sports associations, football leagues, and clubs are entering partnerships with famous brands. However, it does not mean that all sponsorship has a good impact. This essay argues that a questionable sponsorship may undermine the image of a sport or a team and adversely influence the viewers. | |
Important sports events such as FIFA or The Olympic Games are sponsored by brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Cadbury’s, and Budweiser. These are also brands that promote unhealthy lifestyles and foods that lack nutritional value and have high levels of salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Such kind of sponsorship aims to obtain a favorable change in the attitude toward the brand itself by connecting it with sport and a healthy lifestyle. | |
While alcohol and junk food brands link themselves to sports bodies and active lifestyles, their main targets are children and sports fans. The growing popularity of products high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, including potato chips, sugary drinks, and confectionary, results in them being not simply a treat but a daily staple for many people. It creates various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. | |
Finally, an association with a widely criticized brand is likely to damage the reputation of a team or even a sport itself (Crompton, 2014). People tend to expect their favorite teams to partner with fair, responsible sponsors. If the partnership is questionable, the fans may think that the sports body compromised their virtue for profit. | |
To sum up, some kinds of sponsorship, such as alcohol or junk food, may use the sport’s image to attract more people and increase sales. It leads to the excessive consumption of sponsored products by children and teenagers and causes various health issues. It is also likely to affect the public image of a sports body. |
For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .
Formal Essay Topics
- Stress management techniques
- The effects of coffeeÂ
- Negative effects of technology on children
- Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports
- Different types of friends
- Same-sex marriages in the United States
- Are early marriages harmful or beneficial?
- How do nutrition and hydration improve athletesâ performance?Â
- Is polygamy morally acceptable?
- Different features of sports business
- What characterizes friendship in the age of media?
- Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean
- How does society treat single parents?
- How does the uninvolved parenting style affect childâs future well-being?
- The role of family relationships in Odyssey
- Financial concepts in sport finance
- Main features of a strong marriage
- The importance of media coverage for sport teams
- Reasons why students choose to get internship
- The role of stadiums in the sports industry
- The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis
- Characteristics of childrenâs sports
- Crucial factors affecting health fitnessÂ
- How is technology used in hotel management?
- Structure and operational context of Four Seasons
- What are the main qualities of a true friend?
- Different websites that promote rental properties
- The imperative aspects of tourism
- Importance of hotel trainingÂ
- What factors determine adolescentsâ adjustment after they experience parental divorce?Â
- How does tobacco use affect the human body?
- The importance of language and world view for communication
- What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient?
- The scientific approach of sports economics
- How does divorce affect children?
- Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison
- How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle?Â
- How to be an effective counselor
- Various types of restaurants in Ireland
- Carolina Dogâs characteristics
- Comparison of Monzameonâs The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere
- Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families
- How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ?
- In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed?Â
- Is bad parenting a healthcare problem?Â
- Why student-athletes should benefit from sports
- Mind-body awareness and its health benefits
- Can punishment boost academic performance?
- Techniques to teach students swimming
- Issues faced by the sports licensing field
Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!
Further reading:
- How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
- What Is a Discourse Analysis Essay: Example & Guide
- How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
- How to Write a PrĂŠcis: Definition, Guide, & ExamplesâŻ
â Formal Essay FAQs
Itâs best not to use pronouns such as “I,” “my,” “we,” “our,” etc., in a formal essay since it give the paper an informal tone and the text becomes wordy. It also makes the writer seem less sure about their ideas.
Itâs better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.
The formal and informal essays differ in style and context. While a formal essay is a piece of well-structured writing that tries to convince the reader by providing arguments, an informal essay has no set structure. It reflects the author’s personal thoughts or opinions.
Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means itâs used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.
Itâs best to avoid using 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns,âŻslang expressions, nonstandard diction, and contractions in a formal essay. They are primarily used in daily speech and are considered inappropriate in academic writing.âŻ
- Point of View in Academic Writing: St. Louis Community College
- Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
- Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona Global Campus
- How to Improve Your Academic Writing: University of York
- Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing: University of California, Berkeley
- Academic Writing Style: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: University of Southern California
- Formal and Informal Style: Northern Illinois University
- Formal Writing: Davenport University: LibGuides
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- University of Wollongong - Essays
- Purdue University - Purdue Online Writing Lab - Essay Writing
- Pressbooks Create - The Writing Textbook - Essay Basics
- Humanities LibreTexts - Types of Essays
- BCcampus Open Publishing - Fraser Valley India's Writing for Success for LMS - The Structure of a Persuasive Essay
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- University of Babylon - What is an Essay?
- essay - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
essay , an analytic , interpretative, or critical literary composition usually much shorter and less systematic and formal than a dissertation or thesis and usually dealing with its subject from a limited and often personal point of view.
Some early treatisesâsuch as those of Cicero on the pleasantness of old age or on the art of âdivination,â Seneca on anger or clemency , and Plutarch on the passing of oraclesâpresage to a certain degree the form and tone of the essay, but not until the late 16th century was the flexible and deliberately nonchalant and versatile form of the essay perfected by the French writer Michel de Montaigne . Choosing the name essai to emphasize that his compositions were attempts or endeavours, a groping toward the expression of his personal thoughts and experiences, Montaigne used the essay as a means of self-discovery. His Essais , published in their final form in 1588, are still considered among the finest of their kind. Later writers who most nearly recall the charm of Montaigne include, in England, Robert Burton , though his whimsicality is more erudite , Sir Thomas Browne , and Laurence Sterne , and in France, with more self-consciousness and pose, AndrĂŠ Gide and Jean Cocteau .
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At the beginning of the 17th century, social manners, the cultivation of politeness, and the training of an accomplished gentleman became the theme of many essayists. This theme was first exploited by the Italian Baldassare Castiglione in his Il libro del cortegiano (1528; The Book of the Courtier ). The influence of the essay and of genres allied to it, such as maxims, portraits, and sketches, proved second to none in molding the behavior of the cultured classes, first in Italy, then in France, and, through French influence, in most of Europe in the 17th century. Among those who pursued this theme was the 17th-century Spanish Jesuit Baltasar GraciĂĄn in his essays on the art of worldly wisdom.
Keener political awareness in the 18th century, the age of Enlightenment , made the essay an all-important vehicle for the criticism of society and religion. Because of its flexibility, its brevity , and its potential both for ambiguity and for allusions to current events and conditions, it was an ideal tool for philosophical reformers. The Federalist Papers in America and the tracts of the French Revolutionaries are among the countless examples of attempts during this period to improve the human condition through the essay.
The genre also became the favoured tool of traditionalists of the 18th and 19th centuries, such as Edmund Burke and Samuel Taylor Coleridge , who looked to the short, provocative essay as the most potent means of educating the masses. Essays such as Paul Elmer Moreâs long series of Shelburne Essays (published between 1904 and 1935), T.S. Eliot âs After Strange Gods (1934) and Notes Towards the Definition of Culture (1948), and others that attempted to reinterpret and redefine culture , established the genre as the most fitting to express the genteel tradition at odds with the democracy of the new world.
Whereas in several countries the essay became the chosen vehicle of literary and social criticism, in other countries the genre became semipolitical, earnestly nationalistic, and often polemical, playful, or bitter. Essayists such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Willa Cather wrote with grace on several lighter subjects, and many writersâincluding Virginia Woolf , Edmund Wilson , and Charles du Bos âmastered the essay as a form of literary criticism .
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Formal Essays
Formal essay generator.
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Within the activities that you have to deal with in your entire life, there are certain instances where you will be required to write an essay . This is the reason why you have to be knowledgeable on how to construct different kinds of essays so you can easily create a particular one when necessary. One type of essay that is usually asked by entities to be written is a formal essay. A formal essay is commonly associated with academic essay examples  and other educational writing activities. However, the usage of a formal essay is not limited to that as it can be used in professional researchers, business transactions, and other corporate undertakings.
It is essential for a formal essay to inform its audience about a particular matter. More so, it should be composed of details that can persuade the readers to believe what the writer is saying. Refer to the downloadable samples of formal essays that are available in this post so you can have references and guides if you have been tasked to create this specific essay and is unaware of what to do.
Formal Student Profile Essay Sample
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Formal Essay Sample Guide
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Components of a Formal Essay Introduction
Compared to how a descriptive essay  can be deemed appealing, one of the things that you always have to give focus on when creating a formal essay is the introduction that you will use. First impressions play a vital role in how your target readers will create their perception of your writing. Just as how the physical appearance of people tend to be the factor that can affect your first impression about them, the introduction of your essay can also be the means on how your formal essay can be perceived and initially judged.
You need to create a formal essay introduction that is outstanding. It needs to get the attention of your readers in a way that is not overwhelming. You need to consider different factors when doing your introduction so you can ensure that your formal essay can have a good start. Here are some of the components of a formal essay introduction that you need to be aware of:
- Statistics or research results either coming from the government or reliable non-profit organizations
- Hard hitting questions that are relevant to your topic discussion
- Famous quotations from people whose life works are related to what you will be talking about
- Use another sentence to provide information about your topic. Your readers need to have a basic background information about what they can expect with regards the content of your formal essay. This should contain details that can be helpful in providing your readers an idea of why it is relevant for them to continue reading your written output. One sentence is enough as your presentation only requires a few words to be done. Again, focus on the main information that you would like to talk about so that your readers will not be misled regarding the content of your formal essay.
- Lastly, incorporate your thesis statement in your introduction. It will be best if you will end your introduction with a thesis statement. This is for the reason that it can represent the main idea of your essay. If you will be able to present the major purpose of your essay and the actual point of discussion, then it will be easier for you to connect with your readers. The initial impact that your introduction can provide can say a lot about how you can direct the attention of your prospective audience. With a strong thesis statement, your formal essay is sure to be off to a good start.
Simple Formal Essay Sample
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Formal Presentation Essay Sample
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How to Create a Formal Essay
Since a formal essay should always be based on factual information, it tends to be more objective, precise and direct to the point compared to other essays. With this, formatting a formal essay requires in-depth knowledge about the topic as well as about the proper format or content flow that should be used to cohesively put together important information. Here is how you can easily format the information that you would like to present in a formal essay may it be a college essay  or a professional/corporate requirement:
- Create an introduction which can provide the topic of your discussion. We have already given you an idea on how you can formulate an effective introduction. It all boils down to how you will incorporate these ideas to your actual writing. Your introduction may not give a lot of details when compared to the body of you essay but it certainly can convince your readers to continue reading which can make your work more usable and relevant.
- Each paragraph should contain a subtopic that is related to your discussion. This can make your discussion more organized.
- Ensure that your body will have factual details that can support your topic or subject. You have to make sure that the information that you will give to your readers are real so your essay will be deemed credible.
- Always create a body that conveys ideas related to the thesis statement that you have created. With each topic statement, the connection of both your resources and relevant opinions should be evident.
- Make a conclusion that can summarize the entire essay. Â If you want to create an efficient essay conclusion, it is suggested for you to restate your thesis statement. This can remind your readers of the discussion that you just had in your essay’s body. Also, it will allow them to connect the purpose of the essay to what you have actually come up with. Your conclusion should also summarize all your main points so you can fully present your stand with regards the subject that you talked about.
Creating the format of your formal essay is easy. However, you have to make sure that your objective for writing the essay is realized. Think of the things that you need to discuss so you can put them in their proper places. Organization within the writing procedures can help you to be more focused on what to discuss first and what to give importance and focus on.
Sample Formal Essay Structure
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Formal Essay Example
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How to Make Your Formal Essay Outstanding Through Proper Language Selection
Writing an essay is not just about its thought, content, and format. Aside from these major factors of essay writing, you also have to be keen when selecting the language to use. May it be in the educational and professional field, using the appropriate language when writing your formal essay can affect the entirety of the document.
You need to make sure that the language that you will use is formal and business-like. This is not only used for writing a formal essay as it can also apply to comparative essay  creation and other writing activities. The language that you will incorporate into your essay can make your formal essay stand out if you will be aware of these items:
- Choose to use words that are formal in nature. Formal vocabulary can help your sentences, phrases, and paragraphs to be structured in a way that it will look more fitting as an academic document.
- As much as possible, veer away from using a first person standpoint. Always be reminded that your main task is to highlight and support your thesis statement. Both nouns and pronouns that are in the first person can actually make your essay less credible as it will sound like what you are stating are baseless or just your own opinion.
- Use words that can formally support your statements. It is essential for your language to have a precise interpretation of your essay and its tone. Being able to do this can help your formal essay to be more put together
- Use a language that is relevant to the needs of your target readers. Avoid slang, jargon, and colloquial terms which may not possibly be understood by your readers. You need to create a proper connection with your readers which is the reason why your language is very important to be considered.
Readers, though interested in the topic that you are writing about, can be offended or feel disinterested if they will find that your language is not appropriate for a particular discussion or written transaction. Hence, you need to be responsible enough as a writer when it comes to choosing your language.
Sample Formal Essay Format
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Extended Formal Essay Guide
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Guidelines in Writing a Formal Essay
Just like any other kinds of essays, there are no strict rules that are irreplaceable. The way that you create a formal essay will always vary from situation to situation. Within the entirety of your formal essay writing, it is for sure that you might commit common essay mistakes . Listed below are some of the guidelines that you may incorporate into your writing so that your formal essay can look as professional as possible:
- Do not use redundant phrases. Repeating topics or content theme can make your formal essay boring. Repetitive statements can also irritate or bore your readers.
- Use samples of formal essays as your writing guides. If you have no idea on how to create a formal essay, it will be easier for you to create one if you are guided by downloadable samples. Having a reference when doing your own formal essay can help you become more efficient in the entire writing process.
- If samples are not enough to guide you, have the freedom to use templates. There are some templates that already contain a formal essay content. Make sure that you will remove these as all you need from the template is the guideline on how to format the document. More so, refer to the instructions that are given to you so you can incorporate it in the format that you will use.
Formal Essay Rubric Sample
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Formal Literary Essay Sample
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A standardized and comprehensive formal essay is very appealing to readers. Hence, always be consistent with your discussion and the presentation flow that you will follow. Your formal essay can represent your style as a writer which is the main reason why you always have to incorporate credible language, forms, and materials in your writing. Being able to immerse yourself in writing a formal essay in the most effective manner can help you grow as a writer. This will enable you to acquire new skills and develop new opportunities for academic or professional growth.
If you are already prepared to write a formal essay, make use of our samples as well as the tips that we have provided in this post. Review your formal essay before submitting it so you can correct grammatical errors and other mistakes. Writing a formal essay should not be a burden to you. Enjoy the process and learn from everything that you will go through. Once you already get the gist of writing this type of essay, it will be very easy for you to repeat the process for your next writing activities.
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Text prompt
- Instructive
- Professional
Write a Formal Essay on the significance of Shakespeare's works in modern literature.
Discuss the ethical implications of genetic engineering in a Formal Essay.
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Writing Definitions
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A formal definition is based upon a concise, logical pattern that includes as much information as it can within a minimum amount of space. The primary reason to include definitions in your writing is to avoid misunderstanding with your audience. A formal definition consists of three parts:
- The term (word or phrase) to be defined
- The class of object or concept to which the term belongs
- The differentiating characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class
For example:
- Water ( term ) is a liquid ( class ) made up of molecules of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 2 to 1 ( differentiating characteristics ).
- Comic books ( term ) are sequential and narrative publications ( class ) consisting of illustrations, captions, dialogue balloons, and often focus on super-powered heroes ( differentiating characteristics ).
- Astronomy ( term ) is a branch of scientific study ( class ) primarily concerned with celestial objects inside and outside of the earth's atmosphere ( differentiating characteristics ).
Although these examples should illustrate the manner in which the three parts work together, they are not the most realistic cases. Most readers will already be quite familiar with the concepts of water, comic books, and astronomy. For this reason, it is important to know when and why you should include definitions in your writing.
When to Use Definitions
"Stellar Wobble is a measurable variation of speed wherein a star's velocity is shifted by the gravitational pull of a foreign body."
"Throughout this essay, the term classic gaming will refer specifically to playing video games produced for the Atari, the original Nintendo Entertainment System, and any systems in-between." Note: not everyone may define "classic gaming" within this same time span; therefore, it is important to define your terms
"Pagan can be traced back to Roman military slang for an incompetent soldier. In this sense, Christians who consider themselves soldiers of Christ are using the term not only to suggest a person's secular status but also their lack of bravery.'
Additional Tips for Writing Definitions
- Avoid defining with "X is when" and "X is where" statements. These introductory adverb phrases should be avoided. Define a noun with a noun, a verb with a verb, and so forth.
"Rhyming poetry consists of lines that contain end rhymes." Better: "Rhyming poetry is an artform consisting of lines whose final words consistently contain identical, final stressed vowel sounds."
- Define a word in simple and familiar terms. Your definition of an unfamiliar word should not lead your audience towards looking up more words in order to understand your definition.
- Keep the class portion of your definition small but adequate. It should be large enough to include all members of the term you are defining but no larger. Avoid adding personal details to definitions. Although you may think the story about your Grandfather will perfectly encapsulate the concept of stinginess, your audience may fail to relate. Offering personal definitions may only increase the likeliness of misinterpretation that you are trying to avoid.
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Understanding The Difference Between Formal and Informal Language in Writing
A good writer knows when to use formal or informal language in their writing. Weâll go over the difference between the two and provide examples.
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Quick Summary of Formal and Informal Language
- The main difference between formal and informal language in writing is that formal language is more rigid and less personal, whereas informal language is more easygoing and adaptive.
- Deciding on using formal or informal language depends on what youâre writing and who youâre writing it for:
- Formal language is usually reserved for professional and academic settings, while informal writing is used for more casual settings, like friendly text messages and creative writing.
- There are many differences found in formal and informal writing. One of them is that contractions shouldnât be used in formal writing, but are acceptable in informal writing .
- Vocabulary is another major difference between formal and informal language.
Formal vs. Informal Language
Effective writing has a lot to do with not only what you write but also how you write it. The type of language you useâ formal or informal âmust suit your audience and setting.
If you want your message to resonate, then it wouldnât be a good idea to use colloquialisms in formal settings. Similarly, you shouldnât use rigid language when youâre writing about something light, playful, or funny.
But what exactly is the difference between formal and informal language in writing? Thatâs what weâll be covering in this blog. Weâll also provide helpful examples so you can better recognize the difference.
Plus, weâll show you a paraphrasing tool thatâll ensure your text is pristine, regardless of what youâre writing.
Letâs begin!
What Is The Difference Between Formal and Informal Language?
Compared to formal language, informal language is considered more casual. Informal language also evolves much more rapidly than formal language. While new words or phrases can be introduced to informal language seemingly overnight (e.g., GOAT referring to the greatest of all time) , these changes can take years in formal language (e.g., you replacing thou, thee, and thy ).
But there are also more notable differences between formal and informal language. Weâll give some examples below.
1. Contractions
It is advised to avoid contractions (shortened versions of words) in formal language, but theyâre acceptable in informal language.
Unfortunately, the team could not replicate the results. (Formal)
Unfortunately, the team couldnât replicate the results. ( Informal)
2. Colloquial Phrases/Slang
Formal language is also marked by an absence of colloquial phrases and slang (words or phrases that are common only in everyday speech), but are typically used in informal language.
Everyone was disappointed . (Formal)
Everyone was bummed . ( Informal)
3. First-Person Pronouns
Generally, first-person pronouns (like I and we ) are avoided when writing with formal language. However, itâs accepted (and expected) in informal language.
The students were asked to fill out the questionnaire. (Formal)
Informal: We asked the students to fill out the questionnaire. ( Informal)
4. Phrasal Verbs
When using formal language in your writing, it is also recommended to replace phrasal verbs (proper verbs that are followed by one or more prepositions and act as a single verb).
It was something the protestors could endure . (Formal)
It was something the protestors could put up with . ( Informal)
5. Grammar Rules
When writing for formal settings, it is recommended to follow all grammar rules, even those that are considered trivial. In informal settings, some grammar rules can be ignored. For example, in informal settings, itâs okay to use who in place of whom . However, always using who in place of whom is not recommended when writing with formal language.
Whom do I have to speak to? (Formal)
Who do I have to speak to? ( Informal)
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6. Vocabulary Choice
Formal language tends to use longer, more complex vocabulary. Sometimes it is not recommended to use this type of vocabulary with informal language (depending on what youâre writing) because it can confuse or distract your audience.
They needed assistance while recovering from the outcomes of the hurricane. (Formal)
They needed help while recovering from the effects of the hurricane. ( Informal)
Whether youâre writing in a professional or academic setting or a casual and creative one, LanguageTool can provide stronger vocabulary optionsâall you have to do is double-click on the word. This multilingual spelling and grammar checker can also detect different types of errors, whether you choose to write in formal or informal language.
Deciding When To Use Formal and Informal Language
Remember that choosing when to use formal or informal language in your writing depends on what youâre writing and who your audience is. However, you should also be mindful of the fact that formal and informal language is a spectrum, and some types of writing can fall in between these categories. Regardless of what type of language youâre using in your writing, keep these differences in mind to guarantee the most effective writing possible.
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Extended Essay: Formal vs. Informal Writing
- Extended Essay- The Basics
- Step 1. Choose a Subject
- Step 2. Educate yourself!
- Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
- Identify Keywords
- Do Background Reading
- Define Your Topic
- Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
- Step 5. Draft a Research Question
- Step 6. Create a Timeline
- Find Articles
- Find Primary Sources
- Get Help from Experts
- Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
- Databases and Websites by Subject Area
- Create an Annotated Bibliography
- Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
- Chicago Citation Syle
- MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
- Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
- Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
- Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
- Conducting Secondary Research
- Conducting Primary Research
- Formal vs. Informal Writing
- Presentation Requirements
- Evaluating Your Work
Differences Between Informal and Formal Essays
When writing your extended essay you should use language that is formal and academic in tone. The chart below gives you some idea of the differences between informal and formal essays. See the box below for examples of the differences in tone in informal and formal essays written on identical topics. A PDF of this chart, and the examples below, is in the box to the right , along with a list of tips for avoiding colloquial writing.
Informal essay (sometimes also called personal or familiar essay) | ||
---|---|---|
Author’s viewpoint | Usually uses first-person pronoun; directly addresses the reader. | Usually uses third-person pronoun. |
Subject/content: Sources of evidence | Frequently drawn from life of the student and everyday events. | More commonly drawn from shared historical events or literature or other forms of knowledge. |
Tone | Frequently more personal and subjective; may be ironic, amusing, thoughtful, angry or serious; conversational and casual. | Tends to be removed from the subject and appears to be objective; tends to hold emotions in check and express concerns through strong arguments and powerful rhetorical devices. |
Structure | Appears to be more loosely structured. | Follows a structure that focuses on the development of one clear argument at a time to support a clearly stated thesis. |
Location of the research purpose/question
| May appear anywhere in the essay; may not be explicitly stated. | Stated explicitly, generally located in the first or second paragraph of the essay. |
Vocabulary | Everyday words; slang and colloquialisms; contractions; uses “you” and “I”. | Technical words according to subject; no slang or contractions; avoids “you” and “I” (the use of “I” in the introduction and conclusion of an essay is permitted but in the body of the essay is best avoided in order to maintain an academic tone). |
Purpose | Entertainment; gentle reflection. | Presentation of facts and ideas with critical evaluation, arguing a point and analyzing in detail. |
Examples of Informal and Formal Tone in Essay Writing
The following examples highlight the differences between formal and informal tone.
Language B - English
Informal: I decided to write an extended essay on how hip-hop works as protest of the lower classes because I think the music is cool and really gets people dancing, inspiring those people who wouldn’t normally think there’s any point in being against anything to listen to the message. Being an enthusiastic hip-hop dancer myself, I really wanted to find out some more about this. |
Formal: This extended essay on how the lyrics of hip-hop developed as a form of protest against a society segregating the working classes is based on the premise of the music having a distinct and energizing rhythm that really inspires people thereby reaching out to audiences who wouldn’t normally believe in protest, let alone speak out in public. Thus, the music becomes a vehicle for words of protest that can and indeed have changed the world. My own experience with dancing hip-hop at a relatively advanced and skilled level fuelled my desire to research this topic in more depth. |
Informal: Biology has always been a passion of mine. Ever since I was searching for frogspawn in my grandparent’s pond as a four-year-old and annoying my mum with a battery of jam jars on the window sill in which I was trying to raise tadpoles I have been fascinated with observing nature in detail. Even in English, reading Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney, I found myself thinking up an experiment to do with dragonflies and bluebottles. I have a fish tank at home with three different sorts of fish. I’ve noticed that they all respond differently when I feed them. I’m wondering what else is different in their behavior so, in this extended essay, I’m going to find out how they react to light. |
Formal:
This extended essay is focused on investigating the phototaxic responses of three different species of fish that occupy different areas of an aquarium: danios ( ), which group near the surface of the water, black skirt tetra ( ), which swim in the middle of the tank, and kuhli loach ( ), which swim near the bottom of the tank. It is anticipated that they will respond differently to light according to their niche within the tank. The outcome of my investigation could inform the feeding strategy used for different fish as well as highlight the adaptive nature of toxic response in fish. In addition, this essay may help to inspire some fellow students to view their fish with new interest, and consider their own strategies in populating a fish tank.
|
Informal: When I go into a supermarket there is always gentle background music playing, although in the clothes shops I like it is always loud pop music. At breakfast my dad likes to listen to Rossini string sonatas, while my little brother has heavy metal on his iPod and will head-bang his way through a bowl of cornflakes. My extended essay is trying to research why people rely on certain types of music to influence their mood and how music is used in this way for advertising. I am not sure if there is a connection and whether the music does affect, for example, people’s shopping habits, but it will be interesting to try to find out, especially to see if different peoples’ brains are wired differently when it comes to music. |
Formal:
This extended essay intends to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between music listened to and the mood of individuals. Additionally, it will seek to explore whether this relationship is used in advertising to encourage people to spend money. |
- Formal vs. Informal Writing A chart giving the differences between informal and formal essays in seven areas (author's viewpoint; subject/content (sources of evidence); tone; structure; location of the research question; vocabulary; and purpose. Also included are examples comparing informal and formal writing for essays in English, biology, and psychology.
- How to Avoid Colloquial (Informal) Writing While it may be acceptable in friendly e-mails and chat rooms, excessive colloquialism is a major pitfall that lowers the quality of formal written text. Here are some steps/tips that you can follow to help improve your overall writing.
- << Previous: Plagiarism
- Next: Presentation Requirements >>
- Last Updated: Aug 18, 2024 2:36 PM
- URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee
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Can formal essays be considered as a literature in strict sense?
Francis Bacon wrote formal essays and Joseph Addison wrote periodical essays. (Periodical essays refers to essays that are written to be published in a periodical publication.)
The style of periodical essays is different from that of the formal essays of Bacon and Montaigne, which are almost philosophical. In Bacon the style is close-knit and aphoristic to match the concentration of thought. The journalistic essays are written in loose-knit, easy-paced and discursive style. Addressed to ordinary people, a periodical essay attempts a synthesis of experience, and allows of digression into whatever by-paths seem to answer the writerâs mood. On the other hand, formal essays are generally meant to be for professionals even though they consider the normal topics.
As the main aim of formal essays is to present oneâs own thoughts on something as opposed to narration, can they be considered as part of literature?
- definition-of-literature
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- 1 Iâm voting to close this question because the question has an answer in our Help section: literature.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic , which specifically says we define "essays" as on-topic. Otherwise it becomes opinion-based. – verbose Commented Feb 14, 2021 at 1:53
- I agree â questions of the form "is X literature?" are worthless, the answer is always "if you define 'literature' so as to include X, then yes, otherwise no" – Gareth Rees Commented Feb 14, 2021 at 10:35
The short answer to this question is, "Yes, they can. It simply depends on how we define literature."
Cuddon defines literature as follows:
A vague terms which usually denotes works which belong to the major genres: epic, drama, lyric, novel, short story, ode.
Further down he adds:
However, there are many works which cannot be classified in the main literary genres which nevertheless may be regarded as literature by virtue of the excellence of their writing, their originality and their general aesthetic and artistic merits.
He then goes on to list works such as Aristotle's Poetics , Descartes's Discourse on Method , Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire , Darwin's On the Origin of Species and Lytton Strachey's Queen Victoria .
What Cuddon does not mention that the concept of literature changed around the beginning of the 19th century. In Chapter 2 of Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction points out that
Prior to 1800 literature and analogous terms in other European languages meant 'writings' or 'book knowledge'. (...) And works that today are studied as literature in English or Latin classes in schools and universities were once treated not as a special kind of writing but as fine examples of the use of language and rhetoric. (...) Students were not asked to interpret them, as we now interpret literary works, seeking to explain what they are 'really about'. On the contrary, students memorized them, studied their grammar, identified their rhetorical figures and their structures or procedures of argument.
Based on this approach to literature, it would be perfectly normal to study the essays of Montaigne, Bacon and even Addison in what we now call a literature class, even though they don't fit the definition of literature given by Cuddon at the start of this answer. That definition reflects a concept of literature that originated in early 19th-century romanticism and that is restricted to imaginative writing. Culler cites Madame de StaĂŤl's On Literature Considered in Its Relations with Social Institutions , published in 1800, as an influential source of this conception, even though its roots go back to late-18th-century German romantics. [1] Based on this more restrictive definition of literature, essays would not be considered literature.
Baldick mentions an even more restrictive definition:
Even more restrictive has been the academic concentration upon poetry, drama, and fiction.
However, he immediately adds:
Until the mid-20th century, many kinds of non-fictional writingâin philosophy, history, biography, criticism, topography, science, and politicsâwere counted as literature; implicit in this broader usage is a definition of literature as that body of works whichâfor whatever reasonâdeserve to be preserved as part of the current reproduction of meanings within a given culture (unlike yesterday's newspaper, which belongs in the disposable category of ephemera). This seems more tenable than the later attempts to divide literatureâas creative, imaginative, fictional, or non-practicalâfrom factual writings or practically effective works of propaganda, rhetoric, or didactic writing.
The above definitions of literature attempt to use inherent characteristics as criteria for inclusion or exclusion but can't get around the observation that this is not always consistent with what we treat as literature (see e.g. Baldick's "works which ... deserve to be preserved ..."). As I discussed in a related answer , the definition of literature is something like the definition of "weed": weed is not a biological category, it is just a range of unrelated plants that we don't want in our gardens or our agricultural fields. So the question boils down to the following: Whether essays are literature or not depends on what types of text a specific culture treats as literature during a specific era . What we treat as literature has varied over time. During my school and university education, the essay has always been of secondary importance.
References:
- Baldick, Chris: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms . Second edition. Oxford University Press, 2001.
- Cuddon, J. A.: The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory . Third edition. Penguin 1992.
- Culler, Jonathan: Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction . Oxford University Press, 1997.
[1] It would be an interesting question whether Germaine de StaĂŤl was influenced by those German romantics before 1800. During her exile she lived in Germany for some time and "travelled on to Berlin, where she made the acquaintance of August Schlegel who was lecturing there on literature", but that was after 1800.
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Informal Vs. Formal Writing: What’s The Difference?
- What Is Formal Writing?
- What Is Informal Writing?
- Formal Vs. Informal Writing
- Formal Example
- Informal Example
As a writer, youâre faced with a lot of choices related to your writing: how long should your essay be ? Who should be addressed in a cover letter ? What is a thesis statement ? But thereâs one question that also applies to every composition: how do you distinguish writing that’s informal vs. formal? Â
Thatâs right. Whether a piece is informal or formal will influence everything down to the smallest comma and period. But what, exactly, is the difference between formal and informal writing? When do you use one over the other? Are they really that different? If you are wondering the answers to those questions, then read on as we explore the many different features between formal and informal writing.Â
What is formal writing ?
First, you should know that it is the intended readers that will determine if a writer should use formal writing or informal writing . Generally, formal writing is defined as writing targeted toward an audience that a person doesnât personally know. Typically, formal writing is used when a person wants their writing to be viewed as professional, polite, authoritative, or some combination thereof. For this reason, formal writing is often used in professional settings. For example, formal writing is often the form of writing used in research and academic papers, corporate memos and emails, press releases, and job applications.Â
What is informal writing ?
Informal writing is the inverse of formal writing . In a manner of speaking, informal writing is the T-shirt-and-jeans counterpart to formal writingâs dress coat and pants. In general, informal writing is defined as writing targeted toward an audience that the writer knows personally or with whom the writer wants to establish a friendly tone. Informal writing may include inside jokes, slang, abbreviations, and local colloquialisms .Â
As you might expect, informal writing is common in casual settings such as social media and in texting between friends. However, you will often see informal writing used in other situations, such as in literature or in lighthearted feature stories in newspapers and magazines.Â
Formal vs. informal writing
There are many differences between formal and informal writing. We will cover a large number of them here, but this list wonât be exhaustive. Still, you should have a good idea how formal and informal writing differ after looking at these different features.
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
In almost all cases, formal writing adheres to the proper rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation . Informal writing, on the other hand, may not. A person may not intentionally break the rules of grammar in informal writing, but they know that a reader is unlikely to care about errors or nonstandard sentence structure.Â
- Formal writing: The writing was clear but had several mistakes; you should revise and redraft the article.
- Informal writing: The writing was clear, but had alot of mistakes⌠u should revise and redraft the article. Â
Formal writing doesn’t always have to follow stuffy, antiquated rules. Check out 5 formulaic writing rules you can explore breaking.
Sentence length
Generally speaking, formal writing often uses long, complex sentences that are connected using transitions. Informal writing often includes shorter sentences that may abruptly move from topic to topic.Â
- Formal writing: Surprise inspections will be performed on a regular basis as determined by the acting supervisor, who has the authority to request them as needed. Furthermore, employees should be prepared to submit their work for review in a timely fashion.Â
- Informal writing: I love my new sweater! Thank you!! Where do you want to meet for lunch?
Vocabulary and tone
Typically, formal writing has a serious tone and uses a sophisticated vocabulary that often includes large, complex words. Additionally, formal writing often uses technical terms that match the topic being discussed. For example, a medical text using formal writing will often use the term tibia rather than shinbone or a similar term. Informal writing will often instead have a lighter tone that uses simpler, commonly used words.
- Formal writing: The research team expeditiously and meticulously analyzed the findings in order to identify the origin of the Staphylococcus infection. Â
- Informal writing: We were out back chopping down some trees when Mom called.
Third person vs. first person/second person
In general, formal writing is usually written from the third person . Formal writing typically avoids using first- or second-person pronouns such as I, me, we, us, and you . By contrast, informal writing often uses first-, second-, and third-person perspectives while making frequent use of personal pronouns. Because of this difference, formal writing is also more likely to use the passive voice in order to avoid using a first- or second-person perspective.
- Formal writing: The data were gathered by using sorting algorithms.Â
- Informal writing: I used sorting algorithms to gather the data.Â
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Word choice
In general, formal writing will most likely avoid using many of the words or phrases that our dictionary has tagged as being informal. This includes terms such as wanna , gotta , gonna , ânuff , kerfuffle, cept, âMerica, thingamajig , and many other examples of informal language. Relatedly, phrasal verbs are also often typically not used in formal writing . Formal writing will also typically avoid using slang, euphemisms , colloquialisms, expletives, vulgarities, nonstandard abbreviations, jargon , and online acronyms. Â
- Formal writing: Gregory wanted to remove the items from the box, but it was sealed tightly. Being unable to find scissors, he admitted defeat and ate a sandwich.Â
- Informal writing: Greg was dying to get the stuff outta the box, but the box was like it ainât happening bro lol. He couldnât find the damn scissors, so he said the hell with it and bounced to go scarf a hoagie.
Interjections
Typically, interjections are not used in formal writing . Going further, exclamation points usually donât appear very often in formal writing. Both interjections and exclamation points are used in informal writing.Â
- Formal writing: The mixture violently erupted, catching bystanders unaware.Â
- Informal writing: The stuff exploded! Wow!Â
Contractions
Typically, contractions are avoided in formal writing , and the words are instead spelled out. In informal writing, contractions are commonly used.Â
 Examples:Â
- Formal writing: The team would have purchased extra materials, but the store was not open.Â
- Informal writing: The team wouldâve purchased extra materials, but the store wasnât open.Â
Objectivity
In general, formal writing is usually written objectively . In most cases, writers attempt to avoid stating subjective thoughts or presenting personal opinions in the main text of formal writing. When presenting arguments in formal writing, writers often calmly present their side backed by supporting evidence and trustworthy sources . Informal writing can include (strongly worded) personal opinions, emotional appeals, and inflammatory language presented without evidence or supporting facts.Â
- Formal writing: As the evidence clearly shows, the director severely miscalculated production costs when initially presenting the filmâs budget.
- Informal writing: The incompetent buffoon who claims to be a professional director blew the budget so badly that the studio should fire him as soon as possible.Â
Formal writing often entails referencing or researching what others have written. Check out these tips to avoid plagiarism.
Example of formal writing
The following excerpt shows an example of formal writing that was used in a statement released by American president Joe Biden:
Love is love, and Americans should have the right to marry the person they love. Todayâs bipartisan vote brings the United States one step closer to protecting that right in law. The Respect for Marriage Act will ensure that LGBTQI+ couples and interracial couples are respected and protected equally under federal law, and provide more certainty to these families since the Supreme Courtâs decision in Dobbs . I want to thank the Members of Congress whose leadership has sent a strong message that Republicans and Democrats can work together to secure the fundamental right of Americans to marry the person they love. I urge Congress to quickly send this bill to my desk where I will promptly sign it into law.
Example of informal writing
The following example of informal writing is a review of the movie Fight Club by a user of the aggregator website Metacritic: Â
Best movie of all time. Period. Seen it more than 28 times. Its a bible of what we have to learn. I say you are not your clothes. You are not the brands u wear, even when u think they re part of ur personality. Comb your hair. I ll tell everyone here the end of the movie, but that its not what this movie is about. First rule of fight club is… you do not talk about fight club. And if u havent seen this film then you are a hollow shell. Become human again and start by watching this lesson.
Explore the resources we've created for you to help up your writing game, all in one place.
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Synonym of the day
Definition Essay
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Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips
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Published on: Oct 9, 2020
Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024
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Interesting Definition Essay Topics for Students
Definition Essay Outline - Format & Guide
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Many students struggle with writing definition essays due to a lack of clarity and precision in their explanations.
This obstructs them from effectively conveying the essence of the terms or concepts they are tasked with defining. Consequently, the essays may lack coherence, leaving readers confused and preventing them from grasping the intended meaning.
But donât worry!
In this guide, we will delve into effective techniques and step-by-step approaches to help students craft an engaging definition essay.
Continue reading to learn the correct formation of a definition essay.
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What is a Definition Essay?
Just as the name suggests, a definition essay defines and explains a term or a concept. Unlike a narrative essay, the purpose of writing this essay is only to inform the readers.
Writing this essay type can be deceivingly tricky. Some terms, concepts, and objects have concrete definitions when explained. In contrast others are solely based on the writerâÂÂs understanding and point of view.
A definition essay requires a writer to use different approaches when discussing a term. These approaches are the following:
- Denotation - It is when you provide a literal or academic definition of the term.
- Connotation - It is when the writer provides an implied meaning or definition of the term.
- Enumeration - For this approach, a list is employed to define a term or a concept.
- Analogy - It is a technique in which something is defined by implementing a comparison.
- Negation - It is when you define a term by stating what it is not.
A single or combination of approaches can be used in the essay.Â
Definition Essay Types
There are several types of definition essays that you may be asked to write, depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment.Â
In this section, we will discuss some of the most common types of definition essays.
Descriptive Definition EssayÂ
This type of essay provides a detailed description of a term or concept, emphasizing its key features and characteristics.Â
The goal of a descriptive definition essay is to help readers understand the term or concept in a more profound way.
Stipulative Definition EssayÂ
In a stipulative definition essay, the writer provides a unique definition of a term or concept. This type of essay is often used in academic settings to define a term in a particular field of study.Â
The goal of a stipulative definition essay is to provide a precise and clear definition that is specific to the context of the essay.
Analytical Definition EssayÂ
This compare and contrast essay type involves analyzing a term or concept in-depth. Breaking it down into its component parts, and examining how they relate to each other.Â
The goal of an analytical definition essay is to provide a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the term or concept being discussed.
Persuasive Definition EssayÂ
A persuasive definition essay is an argumentative essay that aims to persuade readers to accept a particular definition of a term or concept.
The writer presents their argument for the definition and uses evidence and examples to support their position.
Explanatory Definition EssayÂ
An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay . It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader.Â
The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.
Extended Definition EssayÂ
An extended definition essay goes beyond the definition of a word or concept and provides a more in-depth analysis and explanation.Â
The goal of an extended definition essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a term, concept, or idea. This includes its history, origins, and cultural significance.Â
How to Write a Definition Essay?
Writing a definition essay is simple if you know the correct procedure. This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution.
The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively:
Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions have abstract concepts that require a writer to explore deeper. Moreover, make sure that different people perceive the term selected differently.Â
Once you have a word to draft your definition essay for, read the dictionary. These academic definitions are important as you can use them to compare your understanding with the official concept.
Drafting a definition essay is about stating the dictionary meaning and your explanation of the concept. So the writer needs to have some information about the term.
In addition to this, when exploring the term, make sure to check the termâÂÂs origin. The history of the word can make you discuss it in a better way.
Coming up with an exciting title for your essay is important. The essay topic will be the first thing that your readers will witness, so it should be catchy.
Creatively draft an essay topic that reflects meaning. In addition to this, the usage of the term in the title should be correctly done. The readers should get an idea of what the essay is about and what to expect from the document.
Now that you have a topic in hand, it is time to gather some relevant information. A definition essay is more than a mere explanation of the term. It represents the writerâÂÂs perception of the chosen term and the topic.
So having only personal opinions will not be enough to defend your point. Deeply research and gather information by consulting credible sources.
The gathered information needs to be organized to be understandable. The raw data needs to be arranged to give a structure to the content.
Here's a generic outline for a definition essay:
Provide an that grabs the reader's attention and introduces the term or concept you will be defining. that clearly defines the term or concept and previews the main points of the essay. , , or that will help the reader better understand the term or concept. to clarify the scope of your definition. or of the term or concept you are defining in detail. to illustrate your points. by differentiating your term or concept from similar terms or concepts. to illustrate the differences. of the term or concept. between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. , or to support your points. VII. Conclusion you have defined. that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. |
Are you searching for an in-depth guide on crafting a well-structured definition essay?Check out this definition essay outline blog!
6. Write the First Draft
Drafting each section correctly is a daunting task. Understanding what or what not to include in these sections requires a writer to choose wisely.
The start of your essay matters a lot. If it is on point and attractive, the readers will want to read the text. As the first part of the essay is the introduction , it is considered the first impression of your essay.
To write your definition essay introduction effectively, include the following information:
- Start your essay with a catchy hook statement that is related to the topic and the term chosen.
- State the generally known definition of the term. If the word chosen has multiple interpretations, select the most common one.
- Provide background information precisely. Determine the origin of the term and other relevant information.
- Shed light on the other unconventional concepts and definitions related to the term.
- Decide on the side or stance you want to pick in your essay and develop a thesis statement .
After briefly introducing the topic, fully explain the concept in the body section . Provide all the details and evidence that will support the thesis statement. To draft this section professionally, add the following information:
- A detailed explanation of the history of the term.
- Analysis of the dictionary meaning and usage of the term.
- A comparison and reflection of personal understanding and the researched data on the concept.
Once all the details are shared, give closure to your discussion. The last paragraph of the definition essay is the conclusion . The writer provides insight into the topic as a conclusion.
The concluding paragraphs include the following material:
- Summary of the important points.
- Restated thesis statement.
- A final verdict on the topic.
7. Proofread and Edit
Although the writing process ends with the concluding paragraph, there is an additional step. It is important to proofread the essay once you are done writing. Proofread and revise your document a couple of times to make sure everything is perfect.
Before submitting your assignment, make edits, and fix all mistakes and errors.
If you want to learn more about how to write a definition essay, here is a video guide for you!
Definition Essay StructureÂ
The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of any other academic essay. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.Â
However, the focus of a definition essay is on defining and explaining a particular term or concept.Â
In this section, we will discuss the structure of a definition essay in detail.
IntroductionÂ
Get the idea of writing an introduction for a definition essay with this example:
"Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be a hero?" |
Body Paragraphs
Here is an example of how to craft your definition essay body paragraph:
Heroes are individuals who demonstrate courage, selflessness, and a commitment to helping others. They often risk their own safety to protect others or achieve a noble goal. |
Types of the Term/ConceptÂ
If applicable, the writer may want to include a section that discusses the different types or categories of the term or concept being defined.Â
This section should explain the similarities and differences between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate the points.
This section could explore the different categories of heroes, such as those who are recognized for their bravery in the face of danger, those who inspire others through their deeds, or those who make a difference in their communities through volunteering. |
Examples of the Term/Concept in ActionÂ
The writer should also include real-life examples of the term or concept being defined in action.Â
This will help the reader better understand the term or concept in context and how it is used in everyday life.
This could include stories of individuals who risked their lives to save others, such as firefighters who rushed into the Twin Towers on 9/11 or civilians who pulled people from a burning car. |
ConclusionÂ
This example will help you writing a conclusion fo you essay:
Heroes are defined by their courage, selflessness, and commitment to helping others. There are many different types of heroes, but they all share these key features. |
Definition Essay Examples
It is important to go through some examples and samples before writing an essay. This is to understand the writing process and structure of the assigned task well.
Following are some examples of definition essays to give our students a better idea of the concept.Â
Understanding the Definition Essay
Definition Essay Example
Definition Essay About Friendship
Definition Essay About Love
Family Definition Essay
Success Definition Essay
Beauty Definition Essay
Definition Essay Topics
Selecting the right topic is challenging for other essay types. However, picking a suitable theme for a definition essay is equally tricky yet important. Pick an interesting subject to ensure maximum readership.
If you are facing writerâÂÂs block, here is a list of some great definition essay topics for your help. Choose from the list below and draft a compelling essay.
- Authenticity
- Sustainability
- Mindfulness
Here are some more extended definition essay topics:
- Social media addiction
- Ethical implications of gene editing
- Personalized learning in the digital age
- Ecosystem services
- Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation
- Sustainable fashion
- Gender equality in the workplace
- Financial literacy and its impact on personal finance
- Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
- Welfare state and social safety nets
Need more topics? Check out this definition essay topics blog!
Definition Essay Writing Tips
Knowing the correct writing procedure is not enough if you are not aware of the essayâÂÂs small technicalities. To help students write a definition essay effortlessly, expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some simple tips.
These easy tips will make your assignment writing phase easy.
- Choose an exciting yet informative topic for your essay.
- When selecting the word, concept, or term for your essay, make sure you have the knowledge.
- When consulting a dictionary for the definition, provide proper referencing as there are many choices available.
- To make the essay informative and credible, always provide the origin and history of the term.
- Highlight different meanings and interpretations of the term.
- Discuss the transitions and evolution in the meaning of the term in any.
- Provide your perspective and point of view on the chosen term.
Following these tips will guarantee you better grades in your academics.
By following the step-by-step approach explained in this guide, you will acquire the skills to craft an outstanding essay.Â
Struggling with the thought, " write my college essay for m e"? Look no further.
Our dedicated definition essay writing service is here to craft the perfect essay that meets your academic needs.
For an extra edge, explore our AI essay writer , a tool designed to refine your essays to perfection.Â
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How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples
Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.
An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.
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Table of contents
Organizing your material, presentation of the outline, examples of essay outlines, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay outlines.
At the stage where youâre writing an essay outline, your ideas are probably still not fully formed. You should know your topic  and have already done some preliminary research to find relevant sources , but now you need to shape your ideas into a structured argument.
Creating categories
Look over any information, quotes and ideas youâve noted down from your research and consider the central point you want to make in the essayâthis will be the basis of your thesis statement . Once you have an idea of your overall argument, you can begin to organize your material in a way that serves that argument.
Try to arrange your material into categories related to different aspects of your argument. If youâre writing about a literary text, you might group your ideas into themes; in a history essay, it might be several key trends or turning points from the period youâre discussing.
Three main themes or subjects is a common structure for essays. Depending on the length of the essay, you could split the themes into three body paragraphs, or three longer sections with several paragraphs covering each theme.
As you create the outline, look critically at your categories and points: Are any of them irrelevant or redundant? Make sure every topic you cover is clearly related to your thesis statement.
Order of information
When you have your material organized into several categories, consider what order they should appear in.
Your essay will always begin and end with an introduction and conclusion , but the organization of the body is up to you.
Consider these questions to order your material:
- Is there an obvious starting point for your argument?
- Is there one subject that provides an easy transition into another?
- Do some points need to be set up by discussing other points first?
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Within each paragraph, youâll discuss a single idea related to your overall topic or argument, using several points of evidence or analysis to do so.
In your outline, you present these points as a few short numbered sentences or phrases.They can be split into sub-points when more detail is needed.
The template below shows how you might structure an outline for a five-paragraph essay.
- Thesis statement
- First piece of evidence
- Second piece of evidence
- Summary/synthesis
- Importance of topic
- Strong closing statement
You can choose whether to write your outline in full sentences or short phrases. Be consistent in your choice; donât randomly write some points as full sentences and others as short phrases.
Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay.
Argumentative essay outline
This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internetâs impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.
Its body is split into three paragraphs, each presenting arguments about a different aspect of the internetâs effects on education.
- Importance of the internet
- Concerns about internet use
- Thesis statement: Internet use a net positive
- Data exploring this effect
- Analysis indicating it is overstated
- Studentsâ reading levels over time
- Why this data is questionable
- Video media
- Interactive media
- Speed and simplicity of online research
- Questions about reliability (transitioning into next topic)
- Evidence indicating its ubiquity
- Claims that it discourages engagement with academic writing
- Evidence that Wikipedia warns students not to cite it
- Argument that it introduces students to citation
- Summary of key points
- Value of digital education for students
- Need for optimism to embrace advantages of the internet
Expository essay outline
This is the outline for an expository essay describing how the invention of the printing press affected life and politics in Europe.
The paragraphs are still summarized in short phrases here, but individual points are described with full sentences.
- Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages.
- Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press.
- Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
- Discuss the very high levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe.
- Describe how literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites.
- Indicate how this discouraged political and religious change.
- Describe the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
- Show the implications of the new technology for book production.
- Describe the rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible.
- Link to the Reformation.
- Discuss the trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing pressâs invention.
- Describe Lutherâs own translation of the Bible during the Reformation.
- Sketch out the large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics.
- Summarize the history described.
- Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period.
Literary analysis essay outline
The literary analysis essay outlined below discusses the role of theater in Jane Austenâs novel Mansfield Park .
The body of the essay is divided into three different themes, each of which is explored through examples from the book.
- Describe the theatricality of Austenâs works
- Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
- Introduce the research question : How does Austen use theater to express the charactersâ morality in Mansfield Park ?
- Discuss Austenâs depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
- Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
- Introduce Austenâs use of stage directionâlike details during dialogue
- Explore how these are deployed to show the charactersâ self-absorption
- Discuss Austenâs description of Maria and Juliaâs relationship as polite but affectionless
- Compare Mrs. Norrisâs self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
- Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
- Answer the research question
- Indicate areas for further study
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
- Ad hominem fallacy
- Post hoc fallacy
- Appeal to authority fallacy
- False cause fallacy
- Sunk cost fallacy
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You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.
Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . Itâs a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.
If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If youâre not sure, ask your supervisor.
When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.
You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, itâs okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why youâre doing so.
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COMMENTS
In composition studies, a formal essay is a short, relatively impersonal composition in prose. Also known as an impersonal essay or a Baconian essay (after the writings of England's first major essayist, Francis Bacon ). In contrast to the familiar or personal essay, the formal essay is typically used for the discussion of ideas.
An essay is a form of writing in paragraph form that uses informal language, although it can be written formally. Essays may be written in first-person point of view (I, ours, mine), but third-person (people, he, she) is preferable in most academic essays. Essays do not require research as most academic reports and papers do; however, they ...
An essay (ES-ey) is a nonfiction composition that explores a concept, argument, idea, or opinion from the personal perspective of the writer. Essays are usually a few pages, but they can also be book-length. Unlike other forms of nonfiction writing, like textbooks or biographies, an essay doesn't inherently require research. Literary essayists are conveying ideas in a more informal way.
Definition of Essay. An essay is a short piece writing, either formal or informal, which expresses the author's argument about a particular subject. A formal essay has a serious purpose and highly structured organization, while an informal essay may contain humor, personal recollections and anecdotes, and any sort of organization or form ...
A formal essay is a form of objective essay writing. Expository writing is used to explain or inform the reader on a particular topic. ... Definition of Formal Essay.
Definition of Essay. Essay is derived from the French word essayer, which means "to attempt," or "to try."An essay is a short form of literary composition based on a single subject matter, and often gives the personal opinion of the author. A famous English essayist, Aldous Huxley defines essays as, "a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything.
đ Formal Essay Definition . A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it's necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.
essay, an analytic, interpretative, or critical literary composition usually much shorter and less systematic and formal than a dissertation or thesis and usually dealing with its subject from a limited and often personal point of view.. Some early treatisesâsuch as those of Cicero on the pleasantness of old age or on the art of "divination," Seneca on anger or clemency, and Plutarch on ...
The definition of formal writing, or formal style, is the style used when an individual is writing a text for an audience that they do not know personally. This style of writing is best suited for ...
An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays. Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and ...
Here are some of the components of a formal essay introduction that you need to be aware of: Most formal essay introductions start with hook sentence/s. One to two paragraphs is/are enough to provide a strong impact. Your hook sentence/s should contain interesting statement examples that can ignite the curiosity of your expected readers.
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in universities and scholarly publications. You'll encounter it in journal articles and books on academic topics, and you'll be expected to write your essays, research papers, and dissertation in academic style. Academic writing follows the same writing process as other types of texts, but ...
"Writing" is usually understood as the expression of thought. This book redefines "writing" as the thought process itself. Writing is not what you do with thought. Writing is thinking. Better living through interpretation: that's the promise of academic writing, which is a foundational course in most schools because it's a
Table of contents. Step 1: Reading the text and identifying literary devices. Step 2: Coming up with a thesis. Step 3: Writing a title and introduction. Step 4: Writing the body of the essay. Step 5: Writing a conclusion. Other interesting articles.
A formal definition is based upon a concise, logical pattern that includes as much information as it can within a minimum amount of space. The primary reason to include definitions in your writing is to avoid misunderstanding with your audience. A formal definition consists of three parts: The term (word or phrase) to be defined
Quick Summary of Formal and Informal Language. The main difference between formal and informal language in writing is that formal language is more rigid and less personal, whereas informal language is more easygoing and adaptive.; Deciding on using formal or informal language depends on what you're writing and who you're writing it for: ; Formal language is usually reserved for ...
Formal vs. Informal Writing. Usually uses first-person pronoun; directly addresses the reader. Usually uses third-person pronoun. Frequently drawn from life of the student and everyday events. More commonly drawn from shared historical events or literature or other forms of knowledge.
The journalistic essays are written in loose-knit, easy-paced and discursive style. Addressed to ordinary people, a periodical essay attempts a synthesis of experience, and allows of digression into whatever by-paths seem to answer the writer's mood. On the other hand, formal essays are generally meant to be for professionals even though they ...
We break down some key elements of how to write for a formal and an informal audience, with examples of formal vs. informal writing along the way.
Three methods of logical organization used in a formal essay include reasons, causes, and examples. False. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like An essay is expository if it sets forth or explains some information., An essay is a piece of prose literature that explains something.
This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution. The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively: Select an Abstract Term. Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions ...
An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate assignment before you ...
A formal essay is expected to follow a specific structure, though the structure depends on what type of formal essay the author is writing. The most common type of essay follows the five-paragraph ...
The dataset complements existing studies on research ethics in peace and conflict studies, which mainly focus on ethics in practice, by describing the state of procedural ethics - or the process of seeking formal approval for human subject research (Guillemin and Gillam, 2004).