Guide to composition writing
THIS week we put a lid on discussing composition writing. The major weakness shown by learners on composition writing is lack of depth especially in the middle or body of the composition. Remember the body is the main part of the composition and if it is poorly done then the learner will score weak marks. For a better answer learners need to prepare a logical plan. A logical plan consists of subheadings on the subject or topic. For each subheading all the points for possible inclusion in the composition are then listed.
Many learners as stated before loathe the idea of writing a plan in the belief that it is a waste of time. They plunge into writing the essay without giving much attention to its requirements only to get stuck somewhere in the middle, hence produce a disjointed answer. Spend a few minutes planning your composition and you will write your answer faster as everything will be before you. You will not have unnecessary stoppages here and there trying to think what comes next.
Wide reading helps learners come across a variety of worked out examples of composition plans. Learners can go over those and see what is expected of them without necessarily using the given examples in their own work. Compositions come in various types and each type has its own style. The most common and popular type of composition is the narrative. We have dealt with this one before. Many learners are at home when writing narrative essays. A narrative composition tells a story, giving an account of the events or experiences.
The only snag on this type is that learners assume that when writing narrative compositions they just tell the story from the beginning to the end adding no depth to it. Experts, however, say a narrative should not merely give the reader information; it must have a story to tell, and must hold the reader’s interest up to the end. Avoid writing boring stories which will put off the examiner or reader. A chronological approach is the best way to plan a narrative composition.
Learners are not keen on writing descriptive compositions. This is not surprising because most of them have vocabulary restrictions. They have low word power which is not enough to sustain long answers. A descriptive composition presents an organised word picture, but, if you do not have enough word power obviously the answer will be weak. Effective description includes sensory details that convey sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and physical sensation.
Description includes vivid language that brings a subject into focus, figurative language that compares with other projects. Many forms of writing include description. Other forms are purely descriptive. These forms include: a description of a person, place or thing may focus on the physical appearance or the significance of the subject. An observation objectively describes an event that the learner has witnessed.
When choosing a topic for a description, consider people, places, things and experiences that strike you as memorable, important or special. In addition to sensory details that describe the topic exactly as it appears, use figurative language to capture the reader’s interest. Figurative language is not meant to be taken literally; instead, it builds comparisons and helps suggest ways of looking at an object. You may use a simile which compares one thing to another using the word like or as. Examples: as cold as ice, he walked like a drunken person.
A metaphor, another figurative language can be used in descriptions. A metaphor compares two unlike things by setting them up as equals. It describes one object as if it were another. Examples: The lion is the king of the beasts or time is money. Learners can use proverbs as well. A proverb is a short well-known statement that gives practical advice about life. Examples: Look before you leap, one good turn deserves another. All these help improve style of writing and suggesting that learners should use them does not mean to force them into their stories even if they do not apply. Make use of them where they apply. Remember style is the way one writes, or produces a piece of writing, such as a composition using a variety of methods and techniques.
What is the difference between an argumentative composition and a discursive one? An argumentative composition is about showing a strong position to the reader of one side or the other. On the other hand, a discursive composition is focused on presenting a balanced view or objective view of a topic. You need to discuss multiple sides or perspectives and remain neutral. You can then draw conclusions, but, stay mostly to the facts with no opinion.
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