Details on The Types of Essays

1) Descriptive Writing
You may be required to describe a person, a place, or an event. An important aspect of descriptive writing is the use of details. Pay close attention to details by using all your 5 senses. Use these questions to help you paint pictures in people's mind when they read your essay.

a) What do you see?
b) What can you hear? (voices, music, etc.)
c) What do you taste?
d) How does that place feel?
e) How do you feel?
f) How do the people of that place feel?
g) What are you thinking?

Some typical questions are as follow:
1. Describe a person who has made a difference in your life.
2. My hero
3. Describe the night market in your town or village.
4. Describe the last day at school.

2) Narrative Writing
You may be required to write a narration of an event or a short story.

Some typical questions are:
1. Write a story beginning with, "Liar, you are a liar..."
2. Write a story ending with, "I shall never forget this day for the rest of my life."
3. An embarrassing experience

3) Argumentative Writing
You may be required to either state your stand on a certain issue (agree or disagree) or to present your point of view, giving reasons or evidence.

Some typical questions are shown below:
1. Extra-curricular activities are a waste of time. Do you agree?
2. The advantages and disadvantages of private tuition.
3. Is television more of an advantage or a disadvantage to children?

4) Reflective Writing
As the word implies, you will have to reflect on the topic and interpret it according to your personal viewpoints or beliefs.

Some typical questions are:
1. If you could make one wish, what would it be, and why?
2. What do you think is an effective teacher?

5) Expository Writing
Expository writing is one that imparts information, instructs the reader on how to do something, explains how something works or analyses a situation.

Some typical questions:
1. How to promote tourism in Malaysia?
2. How to help save the environment?

6) One-word Essay
This essay has only one word as its title. Many students are afraid to attempt this type of question as they can easily write out of point.

Some typical questions:
1. Music
2. Clothes