Informal Essays
Most students are more familiar with formal essays since they come in the form of academic writing assignments. Formal essays are typically written for specific reasons and have a well-defined structure. However, there are just as many informal essays that students have written without even realizing it. Informal essays are almost the complete opposite of formal essays.
This article highlights an informal essay's features and characteristics and gives guidelines for writing a compelling informal essay. Continue reading to find out more about this genre that you're probably an expert on already.
Informal essay defined
Also known as a familiar essay, an informal essay is generally a non-fiction writing piece with an un-defined structure as an individual's reflection. This essay type tends to be more personal. The writer uses a conversational tone to speak more directly to the reader, unlike in a formal essay where the writer acts as a silent presence behind the words.
You do not have to worry about sounding academic when writing an informal essay. You simply have to exhibit your personality without being sloppy.
Informal essay format
Informal essays do not have a definite format. However, some standard features and characteristics are fairly common among most examples of the genre. These features set them apart from the formal essays, and they include:
- Subject
While formal essays are typically drawn from literature, shared historical events, or other forms of knowledge, informal essays are drawn from the everyday events in the writer's personal life.
- Research question
In formal essays, the research question is clearly stated and positioned in the first or second paragraph. However, in informal essays, the research question may not be explicitly stated, and if it is, it may appear anywhere in the essay.
- Tone
Informal essays use a conversational tone that is more subjective and personal. You should write your essay as if you are talking to a friend. You should make the information in your essay as accessible as possible to the average person by steering clear of the academic writing tone.
The academic writing tone used in formal essays tends to be objective and more removed from the subject. Concerns are explored through powerful rhetorical devices and strong arguments, while emotions are kept in check.
- Vocabulary
Informal writing typically features the use of first and second-person pronouns, contractions, and words and phrases commonly used in everyday conversation. Informal language involving the use of slang and colloquialisms is permitted in this essay type. You must, however, refrain from explicit and offensive language.
- Structure
Formal essays generally follow the highly standardized 5-paragraph essay format. This structure features an introduction, body, and conclusion. Informal essays do not have a definitive structure. They tend to be shorter than formal essays, but there is no restriction on length unless directed by the instructor.
Formal essays typically focus on supporting a clearly stated thesis, in a structure that develops one argument at a time. Writers have no regulations on how to arrange their thoughts. For this reason, informal essays may not have a clear thesis or statement of the writer's purpose or idea.
- Purpose
Formal essays appeal to their audience with the use of strong logical connections and rhetorical devices that grab attention and direct it towards persuasion and information. They rely on presentation and critical evaluation of facts and ideas, arguing and analyzing a point in detail.
Informal essays generally have no definite purpose, but there is always a reason for writing them. Writers can use informal essays to influence readers through stories and ideas. Instead of using rhetorical tricks of the trade to captivate their audience, informal essay writers often rely on the personal connection to an already attentive audience. Their purpose is directed more towards entertainment and general reflection.
Steps for writing an informal essay
1. Read several informal essay examples
To improve your informal essay writing skills, you should read informal essay examples from those who've mastered the craft. Works by contemporary writers and articles in magazines are excellent places to look for various informal essay topics. Research the techniques used by other writers. Take note of the qualities you should incorporate into your essay.
2. Choose your informal essay topic.
With informal essay topics, the sky is the limit. If the instructor has not chosen a topic for you, you can go wild with your selection. Start by thinking about the subjects that interest you or that you are generally very knowledgeable about. Make a list of several evaluation essay topics that come to mind and choose one the most suitable for you.
3. Make an outline
Informal essays do not give you the green light to present sloppy and nonsensical work. You need to outline to better organize the thoughts and ideas you want to cover in the essay. Although an informal essay can have any structure you choose, the standard 5-paragraph format is an excellent place to start.
4. Write your essay
Fill your outline with words. Follow a logical flow of thoughts and use transition words to give your essay some flow. Avoid being too technical and use informal language instead. Although informal, your work should still be based on facts.
Final Thoughts
An informal essay may be given as an assignment in a school or by a psychologist. These essays have numerous applications. Although referred to as informal, your writing style should match the subject and education level. The focus of the essay is more on the events being recounted than on their significance. This makes the genre ideal for testing creative skills.
Before writing an informal essay, you should have a detailed plan detailing the chain of events you plan to tell in your writing.
