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Composition An Introduction

ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES

Date : 28/01/2023

Author Information

Jeffrey

Uploaded by : Jeffrey
Uploaded on : 28/01/2023
Subject : English

The term COMPOSITION according to Wikipedia comes from the Latin ; com "with" and ponere "place".

As part of our BASIC PRINCIPLES series I am developing the importance of distinction between classification within ESSAY/PROJECT (extended essay). This article is in part an extension of my earlier articles on EXAM TECHNIQUE (essay questions) and WRITING FOR ASSESSMENT.

I am going to briefly describe and illustrate the 4 basic modes of COMPOSITION, These are identified as : NARRATIVE, DEscri ptIVE, EXPLAINATION, DISCUSSION &;;;; ARGUMENT.

Some essays are hard to classify and often combined rather like the distinction between the types of natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) or according to Isaac Newton the "natural philosophies.
1. THE NARRATIVE : from the term narratology - the study of narratives and the effect on human perception. A narrative essay according to Wikipedia recounts something that has happened.

FOR EXAMPLE "a day in the life" or "tell the story of a play or film you have seen".

Examples of narration include, anecdote, autobiography, biography, novel.

A good narrative should have a logical sequence of events with some emphasis on time, you should select the main thread of events. One should aim at simplicity and avoid using words like `then` and `next`. NARRATIVE writing frequently uses TOOLS developed for DEscri ptIVE writing.

2. THE DEscri ptIVE : descri ptive writing is an attempt to recreate, invent, or describe an event so the reader can "picture" what is being described (analogy, simile, metaphor).

Examples include journal writing and poetry.

Check out Bertrand Russell`s philosophy of language particularly epistemology (the theory of knowledge).

2 important mental processes necessary are 1, careful observation and 2. selection of detail.

A basic distinction between 2 types of DEscri ptIVE writing are : OBJECTIVE : that is descri ptive without a view point. SUBJECTIVE : where writing includes your personal perception.

Examples include : journal writing and poetry.

3. EXPLIANATION or EXPOSITION : The purpose of this type of writing is to give information via instruction and directions, also presenting of ideas. ;;

CONSIDER your target audience.

Descri ption can be either PERSONAL (1st person) that is linked to your own experiences or DIRECTIONAL (2nd person) when an explanation consists of advice or directions. Finally we can consider IMPERSONAL (3rd person) when the writer does not wish to associate personally with an explanation for example OFFICIAL STATEMENTS.

Examples of exposition include BUSINESS LETTERS, REPORTS, "how to essays" that is instructions, news articles, personal letters and wills. We can also include academic and technical communications such as exam papers, text books, user guides etc.

DISCUSSION &;; ARGUEMENT

According to Wikipedia an argument is a statement or group of statements called premises intended to determine the degree of truth or acceptability of another statement called a conclusion.

The ability to discuss a theme is of value, it is often the case in examination that the student is asked to discuss a controversial subject. Sometimes the topic for discussion is given as a quotation (e.g `The surest way to loose happiness is to pursue it`).

Plan in advance, know your conclusions before you begin your answer (see my article on exam technique).

Be sure to avoid a one sided argument, keep your argument balanced and avoid prejudice. Discussing a for and against case is not always prudent, maintain impartiality.

I can be contacted through tutorhunt for exercises in practice for more formal assessment (English language tests) in all modes of composition. For those specialising or seeking advice on business communications my next articles will consider business letter writing, business report writing, technique and protocol.

SOURCES : Wikipedia, English for general certificate - G.E

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