An Introduction to Informal Writing Informal vs Formal
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An Introduction to Informal Writing: Informal vs. Formal
What is an informal essay? �An informal essay is written for enjoyment. The overall writing style is relaxed, and there is less emphasis on a rigid structure. An informal essay shares the personality of the writer. �A formal essay is written with a direct purpose (to persuade, to inform, to compare etc. ) and follows a very strict format. A formal essay is written in third person narrative and does not share the writer’s personality. �BOTH Informal and formal essays must have a thesis statement!
Purpose of Informal Writing Before beginning your informal essay, consider your purpose. Will you write a: �Persuasive (convince your reader of your opinions) �Expressive (share your thoughts or ideas) OR �Reflective (describe your past experiences) Essay? *Remember, informal essays must entertain!
Informal Writing Subjects �Focus on writing about personal topics. �Topics may include:
Structure of the Informal Essay The informal essay should use the introduction, body and conclusion structure. �The introduction should open with a bang! Use literary devices to make the opening catchy and original. The thesis statement will appear somewhere in the introduction. �The body of the essay should be casual and focused on content, not format. Include examples and details. �The conclusion should be powerful. Use literary devices to conclude your ideas in a meaningful way. Readers should not read final remarks, they should feel them!
Writing Techniques �Point of View- The informal essay is written in first person narrative, therefore it is ok to use words like “personally”, “I feel”, “I believe” and address the reader directly. �Paragraphs- are used to separate ideas, yet they should be short paragraphs. �Literary/ Rhetorical Devices- Metaphors, personal anecdotes, clichés, quotes, etc. should be used to add interest to the writing and to convey the writer’s personality. Informal essays are subjective not objective!
Tone and Language � Tone- Casual and conversation-like Personal and subjective May be amusing, ironic, thoughtful, angry or serious � Language- Straight forward and easy to read. Every day common words should be used, as well, it is ok to use Slang (cheesy, bonkers, cool) Colloquialisms (gonna, wanna) Contractions (they’re, wasn’t)