Page 108 - DENG201_ENGLISH_II

English - II

Notes The Body of an essay contains all the relevant information about the topic under discussion.
Arguments, for and against a topic, different viewpoints, pros and cons of an issue form the Body
of the essay.
In the Conclusion, the discussion started in the Body of the essay is rounded up. The concluding
paragraph caps the discussion with a conclusive statement which is the result of well-reasoned
arguments put forward in the Body.
2. Being precise and to the point brings about clarity which is the hallmark of a good essay. This can
be done, if the points are noted down before the actual composition of the essay. These points
should then be developed into thoughts.
3. It is necessary that there should be a logical development of the arguments. Each paragraph should
be related to the other by logic. A well-reasoned essay is like a clear picture which leaves an
impact on the reader.
4. Examples, illustrations and data should be used to support the arguments. If the arguments are
not substantiated, then they, may appear as subjective ideas. Furthermore, the writer of an essay
is expected to be aware of the relevant data and information about a given topic. Therefore, if an
essay is to reflect the writer’s knowledge of events and developments in a particular field, it ought
to contain all the relevant facts and figures.
5. Use of appropriate words is the criterion of a good essay. Choosing difficult and high sounding
words for their own sake is not advisable. Exact meaning can be conveyed by the right words.
However, English not being our mother tongue, at times, the writer may not be able to think of an
appropriate word. In that case, a simple substitute should be used. Short sentences should be
preferred to long ones. The emphasis should be on conveying the point only.
6. Single-sentence-paragraphs should not be written. Grammar and punctuation should be kept in
mind. Slang and colloquial words should be avoided. One should ensure objectivity and avoid
using extreme ideas and opinions. If the subject can be treated impersonally, then the use of ‘I’
should be avoided. There should be no numbering of the paragraphs and no headings should be
used in the Body of the essay.

7.1 Types of Essays

1. Descriptive Essays require precise knowledge on the part of the writer. Essays on Scientific,
Educational, Political, Economic and Current topics should contain relevant facts and figures.
2. Biographical Essays involve knowledge of the major events in the life of the person whose biography
is being described. In addition to that, the essay should mention the qualities or character of the
‘hero’, his achievements, his struggles and his principles.
3. Narrative Essays can be presented in the form of a story. Chronological arrangement of events is
needed to write such essays. Also the narration should be made as interesting as possible by
making use of episodes which fit in the context of the narrative.
4. Reflective Essays require deep thinking on the part of the writer. These essays are abstract in nature
and demand imagination and capacity to express ideas in concrete terms.
5. Idiomatic Essays need elaboration of an idiom. While writing an idiomatic essay, care should be
taken to understand the meaning of the idiom, otherwise the whole essay will be wrong.

7.2. Modal of Essays

1. Impact of Science on Man

To the primitive man, the earth was like a platter. He did not dare to venture to places unknown to
him, lest he should fall off the edges. The sun, the moon and the stars amazed him. These heavenly
bodies were held in great reverence. He was helpless and at the mercy of nature. Hence, he worshipped
its forces. The invention of the wheel and the discovery of fire were the achievements of primitive
man. The initiation into the scientific arena was ‘a small step for man, but a giant leap for mankind’.

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