types of essay o level

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7 Essay Types at the O Level

• Posted By Randall Chew

Hello everyone! I’m Mr Ng Guo Liang, an English Language Curriculum Specialist and Teacher at Lil’ but Mighty.

When I was still teaching in a secondary school, I often had to address many questions — from both parents and students alike — about the different composition or essay types being tested in the O Level examinations; chief amongst which were:

– What composition or essay types will appear in the O Level examinations? – What is the difference between a discursive essay and an argumentative essay? – What is the difference between a recount and narrative essay? – What is the difference between a descriptive and reflective essay?

There were (and are) of course, many other questions pertaining to composition writing for the O Level. The ones above however — those concerned with conceptualising the types of compositions — are the ones I have had to address the most. In this blog post therefore, I will list the various types of compositions that could be tested in the O Level English Language Paper 1, and attempt to very briefly describe each of them.

Before I continue, I must make a disclaimer. This post is not meant to be a comprehensive set of notes or guide detailing and explaining each individual essay type, their features, and nuances. I must make it very clear to my readers that what I write and elaborate on in this post should not be taken as the absolute and definitive word on the various essay types; we should note that different teachers, authors, publishers, and reference materials describe, explain, and conceptualise the various essay types differently (and very possibly with different terminology). That being said, the descriptions I’ll make in this post are meant only as a very brief explanation of the various types of essays so that you can better understand what they generally require students to address in the examination.

Should you wish to enquire about and discuss the individual essay types at a more comprehensive and deeper level than that provided in this post, you can do so with your English teacher in school, or contact us and we shall endeavour to address your queries!

In the O Level examination, the following essay types could be tested:

1. Narrative 2. Personal Recount 3. Descriptive 4. Reflective 5. Discursive 6. Argumentative 7. Two-Part Essays

1. Narrative Essays

Narrative essays, as the name suggests, are essays that narrate a story. Most students reading this post should, by the end of primary school, be familiar with narrative essays as this is perhaps the essay type that they see the most in primary school and in creative writing classes. These essays are generally fictional in nature, and adhere to how narrative stories are developed in terms of their plots (beginning —> build up —> climax —> events that lead to a resolution —> a resolution —> and a coda/conclusion). Although these essays are generally fictional, that is not to say that students cannot use their own experiences to address the question. As long as the experience is relevant to the question, and features a rising plot which leads to a resolution, students are free to use their own experiences to inspire the narrative essay.

Sample questions:

– Freedom. – A challenge. – Write a story about kindness. – ‘It was my proudest moment.’ Write a story based on this.

2. Personal Recount Essays

Similar to a narrative essay, a personal recount essay retells a series of events that should be written in a linear and sequential manner. A personal recount essay is not to be confused with a narrative one. Narratives are often fictional in nature, and generally adhere to a rising plot development structure (most often with a climax and resolution). Personal recounts however, are not fictional in nature, and often relate to an event or experience which is meaningful or memorable to you (in other words, you should have personally experienced or witnessed this event or experience taking place.) Depending on the question asked, it can, of course, include a plot structure with elements similar to a narrative. However, unlike narrative essay writing, it does not require students to adhere strictly to a rising plot structure.

Personal recount essays, by nature of the questions given, typically require students to include an element of reflection. This usually focuses on the impact and significance that an event or experience have on them, and their thoughts, feelings, changing beliefs and attitudes as the series of events unfold. Such reflections should be interspersed and woven in and between the paragraphs of the essay. This is different for narratives, where reflections typically appear in the coda.

– Write about an interesting day out with your family. – Write about a mistake you regret making. – Write about how you conquered one of your fears. – Write about a task which turned out to be more difficult than you initially thought. – Write about a time a great act of kindness took place.

3. Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays contain and emphasise descriptive elements. That is to say, such essays are written to appeal to the five senses, and should create vivid mental images for the reader when it is being read. This genre goes beyond describing physical attributes, but abstract ones as well (e.g. feelings, ideas, or a situation), and often involves reflecting on why something or someone is special or important. Unlike narrative essays, descriptive essays do not require a plot structure or storyline. This essay type most typically require students to write about and describe in detail one of the following topics:

1. An object 2. A person 3. A place 4. An event or incident 5. An experience

– Describe an individual who has had a great influence on you. – Describe a memorable celebration. – Describe your typical day in school. – Describe an object which you hold dear.

4. Reflective Essays

Essays of this genre require the students to reflect on themselves. Despite the reflective element, this is not to be confused with a personal recount. Personal recounts require students to recount and reflect on an event or experience which actually took place. Reflective essays however, are not about an event or experience, but are more about the students themselves.

Reflective essays typically require students to reflect on and make observations about their own personality and character. As such, it is more philosophical and insightful in nature.

Sample Questions:

– What would you consider to be your best and worst qualities? – What is your idea of a perfect day? – What are the type of books you enjoy reading? – Write about some of the things you value most in life.

Expository Essays: Argumentative and Discursive Essays

The next two essay types fall under the category we call ‘expositions’. An expository essay is one that explores and considers in depth the different aspects and perspectives to a particular topic or subject matter. We typically see two types of expository essays appearing in the O Level examination: argumentative and discursive essays.

5. Argumentative Essays

In an argumentative essay, students are typically given an issue, topic, or subject matter on which they are supposed to take a clear stand, and argue for that stand they have taken. This essay type is ‘biased’ in that regard, and the aim of the essay is to persuade the reader, with the strength of their points and arguments, that the stand taken in the essay is the right one.

1. The key features of an effective argumentative essay are: 2. There must be a very clear stand taken on the topic/subject matter given in the question. 3. Points/arguments given are supported by facts, statistics, observations or examples. 4. Points/arguments appeal to logic and emotion. 5. Using a persuasive tone and register. 6. Considering the opposing views and being able to rebut or refute them – this makes an argumentative essay the most persuasive and effective.

–  ‘People can only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly.’ Do you agree (2019 O Level 1) –  Do you agree with the view that students should never engage in part-time work? –  ‘Social media has destroyed communication.’ What is your opinion? –  Who has more problems to deal with — adults or youths?

6. Discursive Essays

Like argumentative essays, a discursive essay focuses on and concerns itself with one particular topic or subject matter. Unlike the argumentative essay however, one is not required to take a stand on the subject matter. Rather than pushing for and validating only one particular perspective, students are required instead to discuss and explore the multiple perspectives regarding the subject matter in an unbiased manner.

What is important to note is that students can state a preference for a particular perspective or viewpoint at the end of the essay, but the tone and register of the essay should not be a persuasive one (i.e. the way the essay is written should not dominantly favour one particular perspective or viewpoint over others). It should be written in a manner which reflects that all the perspectives and viewpoints you discuss in the essay are equally valid (even if you do eventually state a preference for one at the end) — in essence, an effective discursive essay is one that achieves balance .

–  What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media? –  What are the qualities a good leader should have? –  Discuss the implications of making home-based learning a permanent mode of education. –  Discuss your views on discipline.

7. Two-Part Essays

As the name suggests, two-part essays are essays which could comprise features and elements of two different essay types. What you will typically see is a question which explicitly has two distinct and separate parts students would have to address. For instance, the question would not only require students to describe something or someone, but also require them to reflect on that particular thing they are describing in the essay; such that the essay becomes a ‘mixed-genre’ essay.

For two-part essays, students need to ensure that they address both parts of the question, and do not make the common mistake of devoting too much time and too many words to the first half of the question and neglecting the second half of the question.

– Write about a mistake you regret making. What lessons did you learn from it? – Describe an individual who has had a great influence on you. Why is this person so special to you? – Describe an object which you hold dear. Why is this object so important to you? – Write about a time you were misunderstood by others. How did you feel?

This brings us to the end of this blog post. Although there is much more to the respective essay types regarding their features and styles, I hope that I have managed to provide you with brief but lucid explanations that will make it a little easier for you to understand the various essay types that could be tested in the O Level.

Until my next post, and on behalf of the Lil’ but Mighty family, stay happy, stay safe, and stay healthy!

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Mr Ng firmly believes that there is a strong correlation between effort and eventual success, and that finding success in English is something that is attainable by all of his students regardless of their background and starting point. He has a strong love and passion for the language and hopes to inspire that same passion in his students through his lessons. That being said, he looks forward to bringing out the best in his students and guiding them to fulfil the potential they all have.

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Types and Examples of Essays: The Complete List

Essays are concise pieces of writing that present information in a comprehensible, straightforward manner. The traditional structure of an essay begins with an introduction, uses topic sentences, and concludes with a conclusion that restates the thesis.

Table of Contents

Diverse essay types demand different writing abilities, such as the ability to inject the figurative language into a personal essay to make it come to life or to critically analyze a complex issue in an analytical essay in order to find a solution.

The length and format of essays also vary, with some spanning pages and others neatly fitting into just a few paragraphs. Before you are required to write these types of essays, familiarize yourself with them. You will become a skilled essayist once you comprehend how they differ and how they are similar.

In this article, we provide you with a list of the most prevalent essay types.

Types of Essays with Examples

Understanding the different types of essays that make up the majority of your high school, college, and university assignments is a smart place to start when considering how to write one.

Essays can be categorized into a wide variety, but the four main types of essays are argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays. Let us take a detailed look at these four main types of essays with examples.

4 Major Types of Essay with Examples

The four primary methods/ types of essays that are typically required in academic settings are as follows (according to Purdue Online Writing Lab), and the majority of the essays you will ever write in your life will roughly fit into one of these categories:

The majority of the essays you will ever have to write in your existence will come under one of these four categories, which are the norm in academia.

These are four different ways to convey an essay’s idea rather than four unique essay genres. Of the nine conventional rhetorical modes, which also include techniques like classification and process analysis, these four are the most frequently employed.

1. Expository Essays

These are most likely the types of essays you may encounter and the standard essay style needed for exams.

When writing an expository essay, you will go deeper into a subject or issue to develop an idea, analyze supporting data, and then organize an “exposition” on the concept.

Depending on the writer’s objectives, expository essays can take a variety of forms including:

• Descriptive or Definition Essays
• Procedure or “How-To” Essays
• Comparison Essays
• Cause-and-Effect Essays
• Problem/Solution Essays
• Examples of Expository Essays

Watching The Thinderstoem

Over the open ocean, I observed a thunderstorm. Only thick, heavy clouds and a roiling tide could be seen at the start, and everything was quiet. I was standing on my balcony looking out toward the horizon when I heard a quiet thunderclap. The clouds began to shut over the following few minutes and reflected lightning lit up the undulating ocean. The sun was obscured by the thunderheads, casting shadows across the scene. For a very long period, there was calm.

I turned to look up just as the first thunderclap struck clearly. It shone against the sky and the water, and when I blink, I can see its outline in perfectly reversed colors. Thereafter, more. Thunder appeared to be struggling to keep up as it rumbled and stalled. Suddenly, the clouds appeared to be tearing apart, and patches of dazzling blue gleamed above the gloomy water.

I then looked down and observed the waves. Every bolt was met with a brief period of surface-spreading light. I could hear the waves smashing as they became more violent, rising high.

Then the rain started. It deluged the sea and soaked the sand all at once and in sheets. I could only see the lightning as bursts of light since the fog was so thick. The rain was so intense that it drowned out the thunder. Everything was rhythmic light and shadow, quiet and sound, and all five senses were combined into one experience.

It abruptly came to a standstill. The storm broke out. Clouds began to separate like curtains. Still falling, but much more subtly now. With the exception of one signature, it appeared as though there had never been a storm. A nearly ferociously vivid rainbow covered the sky and the lake. The horizon was once again visible.

Click here for an in-depth understanding of exploratory essays and how to write them ?????

2. Argumentative Essays

These essays are comparable to expository essays, but they are typically far more in-depth and support their arguments with well-researched qualitative and quantitative data (acquired via primary or secondary sources). An argumentative essay’s goal is to establish a viewpoint or position on a subject by offering justifications and proof.

An argumentative essay is typically written for a higher-level audience, such as high school or university. This implies that you will have to conduct some research, make some notes, and probably refer to your lecture notes.

• Examples of Argumentative Essays

Having chocolate milk in class?

I disagree that chocolate milk should no longer be served in school cafeterias. Do people believe that chocolate milk's sugar content is unhealthy, according to Chocolate Milk in School Cafeterias? They want to remove it from the dining halls. This is not a smart move.

The options available to children purchasing lunches in the cafeteria are limited. They could be limited to a single main course or veggie. They can then select chocolate milk in place of white milk. They might eat extra potato chips, cookies, donuts, and other junk food if they are unable to make a decision. Many kids just purchase junk food for lunch.

Compared to Coke or Gatorade, chocolate milk is preferable. When bringing a lunch, children must purchase a beverage; instead of purchasing milk, these children might bring a sugary beverage.

Even though chocolate milk contains some sugar, it is still preferable to other beverages. It still has vitamins and minerals, so that's a plus. Although some kids just don't like white milk, I believe it is preferable for youngsters to at least drink some milk than none at all. The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics both say this, and I agree!

For an in-depth understanding of argumentative essays, click here. ??????

3. Descriptive Essays

As the title suggests, the focus of this essay is language in general, specifically adjectives, similes, and metaphors. The goal of these essays is to describe the topic you are requested to write about as vividly as you can. You will need to include an introduction, body, and conclusion, just like in an expository essay.

A descriptive essay, however, differs from other types of writing since it requires you to describe a specific object in great detail. The other types of essays may include description, but they typically require a little more, such as an argument, whereas a descriptive essay only provides a detailed description of something, with the thing being described serving as the main focus rather than an argument.

• Examples of Descriptive Essays

Parents' view of university education in my country

Teenagers in my nation do not work because they are too busy studying. For teenagers, playing the character of a student and a good student is paramount. Making your parents proud is crucial, as is competing for top colleges and employment.

Families and parents believe that it is crucial for kids to study very hard, very long, and without breaks in order to achieve the best grades possible. Only a small percentage of the population in my country can attend university since there are so few open spots.

Therefore, the pupils who perform best in school are the ones who attend universities. The top employment goes to students who attend the best universities. Choosing the right university will allow you to unwind.

It's crucial to make your parents happy. In the 1950s, while our nation was at war, our parents struggled mightily to rise above it. The nation was empty. Like in Japan, parents here put in long hours at work, and pupils here are expected to work hard. The family is honored for their labors. Top marks are crucial, so parents may be proud of their son's diligence.

Click here for more on descriptive essays ?????

4. Narrative Essays|

Again, a narrative essay is a more personal piece of writing where your point of view is made apparent to the reader, contrary to what the title might imply. These articles may take the form of stories or be referred to as “creative non-fiction.” In these essays, the first-person pronoun “I” is frequently used.

Narrative essays, which are frequently the closest thing to works of journalism, must also have a distinct introduction, body, and conclusion that are filled with brief language. You are probably well on your way to being a successful journalist if you are able to write a compelling narrative essay.

• Examples of Narrative Essays

Thinking in a Systems Approach

A child's death is always tragic. Only a few hours after giving birth, one of my sisters lost her first two children, twins. I learned from how my family members handled this incident that even those who were raised with the same ideas and ideals might have very diverse perspectives on the world.

My sibling was delivered early. We weren't shocked to find that her first pregnancy would not proceed to term because she arrived a month early than she should have. However, the fact that the infants would arrive two months early rather than just one upset us.

We had little expectation that they would live a long life because their prospects of survival were slim. My role in the situation was quite limited because I lived several hundred km apart, but I worried and wept with everyone else. The full extent of my sorrow for my sister and the rest of my family did not reach me until a few years later when I saw my sister at a family reunion.

That's when I realized how much hope, disappointment, and grief those two little girls' incredibly brief lives had brought to our family. At that point, I genuinely felt sad for both my sister and myself.

At about the same time, I realized that our collective perspectives on the incident varied. My mother was at one extreme and I was at the other, creating a type of polarization.

I'm a devoted Mormon, as is my mother. We both hold the same beliefs about God, including that we were all in God's presence before coming to Earth, that God has a plan for our salvation, and that if we live righteously, we can return to God. We also hold to the doctrine of foreordination, which holds that God assigns particular individuals to particular jobs on Earth.

I eventually realized that our differences stemmed from what I like to refer to as system orientation. We both practice religion, however, my mother exclusively practices religion, whilst I also practice science. She believes that religion is the only rational and consistent explanation for everything, particularly the loss of a baby.

In my worldview, which integrates religion and science, God may exist, but he need not be in charge of everything. Many events, such as infant deaths, take place within his plan without being specifically mentioned in it. Understanding and respecting my mother's viewpoints as well as my own and feeling better about them are made possible by looking at it in this way.

Click here for an in-depth look at narrative essays ?????

There are 4 main types of essays

The 7 Other Types of Essays

Using one of these four rhetorical devices may be required of you when writing an essay. You might be required to write an argumentative essay on whether or not a new college policy should be implemented.

You would convey your stance by using persuasive writing tactics in your essay, such as by outlining your opinion of the proposed legislation and how it is likely to affect society.

You can better grasp the texts you work with by having a better understanding of the four primary forms of writing. When reading an essay, try to determine the writing style the author is using by focusing on the essay’s structure, tone, vocabulary, and method of presenting the main idea.

Here we analyze the 4 types of essays available:

Personal essays

Your emphasis in a personal essay is on something that has affected you personally. It may be a current issue, a historical occurrence, or a more comprehensive examination of how many situations and events have molded you into the person you are now.

Personal essays frequently use narrative writing strategies. However, depending on the subject matter and thesis of the essay, authors may also use expository or descriptive tactics. Argumentative, comical, and college application essays are just a few examples of different genres of writing that can overlap with personal essays.

Political essays

Some of the most well-known political essays may be familiar to you from what you studied in history class. These essays are works by eminent philosophers from the past and the present that address society and ideal forms of government.

In a political essay, the author discusses the current situation and suggests solutions, occasionally using historical examples of situations or solutions that are analogous to the current one. Political essays typically fall under the categories of informative or persuasive writing.

Compare-and-contrast essays

Essays that compare and contrast two things are probably one of the essay types that students write the most. In this style of essay, the author contrasts and compares two subjects in order to highlight the main distinctions and similarities between them.

The content of compare-and-contrast essays is typically revealed through the similarities the author draws, making them expository writing assignments. When comparisons are used to persuade the reader to adopt a particular perspective, they can also be considered persuasive writing pieces.

College (application) essays

Essays you write in college may not always qualify as college essays. Actually, you’ll write all of your college essays before you enroll in a college unless you later go to graduate school or another type of specialized academic program.

A concise personal essay that emphasizes your personality traits and life experiences that make you the perfect fit for the college to which you are applying is known as a college application essay or personal statement.

Analytical essays

Essays that analyze a topic in-depth focus on its essential elements and draw conclusions after carefully analyzing these elements. An analytical essay regarding a book’s topics or an argumentative essay’s ideas can be required of you. The purpose of analytical essays, which are examples of expository writing, is to present facts by interpreting content.

An analytical essay does not attempt to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. Instead, the author gives a piece of media, such as a short story or movie, and analyzes its theme by going over the various ways it conveys that theme.

Argumentative essays

As the name implies, you argue in an argumentative essay.

You specifically make an argument for or against a certain viewpoint. For instance, your task might be to advocate for or against your school’s rule prohibiting students from enrolling in more than two AP courses annually and to back up your arguments with facts.

You might use statistics showing a correlation between a student’s enrollment in AP courses and their typical AP test results or the amount of homework an AP course requires to support your argument that it’s a good idea.

Argumentative essays that are well-written don’t rely on emotional appeal. Instead, they use evidence—statistics, facts, and logic—to persuade readers of the validity of their ideas. Argumentative essays are typical examples of persuasive writing.

Humorous essays

As the name suggests, this sort of essay aims to make the reader laugh and be entertained. A comical essay could describe an amusing incident in the author’s life or it might be a political essay that makes political commentary through satire. A humorous essay is one that is both entertaining and academic.

Essays that are humorous frequently rely more on tactics used in narrative writing, such as metaphors and descriptive language, than they do on other essay-writing strategies. Hilarious essays frequently take the form of descriptive articles that employ hyperbole, irreverence, or quirky language to communicate a humorous perspective on the subject matter.

We hope by reading to this point, you now know how to write an essay that gets all the accolades and grades you deserve.

What are you waiting for now that you are aware of the various essay types and how to compose them? Start working on your essay right away.

How to Write Expository Essays (and Elements)

How to Write a Compelling Argumentative Essay

How to Write a Descriptive Essay (Types and Tips)

Narrative Essays: Examples and How to Write them

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Types of composition essays tested at o level / g3 english.

by LearningGems.sg | Nov 27, 2023 | 0 comments

1. Introduction | Types of Composition Essays Tested at O Level / G3 English

Unlike the PSLE where students are exposed primarily to writing stories , the O Level / G3 English syllabus at secondary school expects students to be proficient in various text types or text genres. Text types refer to different styles of presenting information, classified based on the intent or purpose of the communicator. O Level / G3 English assesses a range of text types, including personal recounts, descriptive essays, expositions  ( argumentative and discursive essays), reflective essays, as well as hybrid or mixed genres.

2. Text Types Tested at O Level / G3 English Exam Essay Writing

2.1 personal recount.

A personal recount is a storytelling form where writers share real-life experiences they have personally lived through. It involves the chronological retelling of a series of events, adopting a first-person perspective and using past tense. Show not tell is also used to craft a vivid, sensory experience for the reader.

A personal recount also delves into the writer’s emotions, thoughts, and reflections throughout the experience. This introspective element adds depth to the storytelling, allowing readers to connect on a personal level and gain insights into the writer’s perspective. Ultimately, a personal recount is more than just a recollection of events. It is an invitation for readers to join the writer on a journey through his memories and emotions.

Examples of Past Year O Level English Exam Essay Questions:

• ‘As I looked back, I realised I had made the right decision.’ What about a time when you felt like this. [O Level 2023]
• ‘I realised that I was much stronger than I had previously thought.’ Write about a time when you felt like this. [O Level 2022]
• Write about a time when you did something just to impress someone which you later regretted. [O Level 2020]

2.2 Descriptive

A descriptive essay is a literary composition that engages the reader’s senses by vividly portraying a person, place, object, or experience. This form of writing intricately weaves together details that appeal to our five senses – sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch. The primary aim is to create vivid mental images in the reader’s mind, transporting them to the depicted scene or experience.

A descriptive essay does not necessarily require a fixed structure. Instead, it focuses primarily on capturing the essence of the topic through a wide array of descriptive language techniques. Examples of descriptive language techniques include the use of adjectives, adverbs, metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary devices to evoke specific sensory experiences. These descriptions can be organised logically or chronologically, depending on the writer’s intent. The result is a vivid, immersive portrayal that captivates the reader’s imagination.

Descriptive essays in the O Level / G3 English exam also quite commonly come in the form of hybrids .

• What is your idea of a perfect afternoon? Describe what you like to do and how it makes you feel. [O Level 2023]
• Some people enjoy being in a crowded place, while others prefer somewhere quieter with fewer people. Describe your perfect place where you want to relax. [O Level 2022]
• Describe the sights and sounds at a busy shopping mall. Remember to describe some of the people there as well. [O Level 2021]

2.3 Exposition

An expository essay is a type of writing which explains, illustrates, or clarifies a topic such that it becomes clear for the readers. It requires the writer to explain an idea, evaluate evidence, or set forth an argument concerning an idea in a clear and concise manner.

There are two primary sub-types of expository texts: argumentative and discursive.

2.3.1 Argumentative

Argumentative essays are designed to persuade or convince the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. They present a clear argument or thesis, supported by compelling evidence, reasoning, and persuasive language.

The structure of an argumentative essay typically includes an introduction that states the thesis, followed by a presentation of supporting evidence and a conclusion that reinforces the author’s position. It may also provide counter arguments and offer rebuttals to refute these opposing arguments.

• ‘Schools should teach practical skills such as cooking and managing our finances.’ Do you agree? Why or why not? [O Level 2023]
• ‘People today are far too easily persuaded to spend money on things they don’t need.’ Do you agree that advertising has made us wasteful? [O Level 2022]
• ‘A happy person is a healthy person.’ How far would you agree? [O Level 2021]

2.3.2 Discursive

Discursive essays are characterised by their neutral and balanced presentation of information. Unlike an argumentative essay, a discursive piece presents different perspectives on a given topic without necessarily taking a clear stance or arguing for a specific point of view. These texts aim to provide a comprehensive overview by presenting various arguments or ideas related to the subject.

Discursive essays use logical reasoning, evidence, and facts to support each perspective without any criticism or persuasion. They allow readers to develop their own opinions due to its objectivity.

• ‘Young people are changing the world for the better.’ What is your opinion? [O Level 2021]
• ‘People should always tell the truth.’ Do you think there are any situations in which this might not be the best thing to do? Explain your views. [O Level 2017]
• ‘Shoppers have too much choice, from chocolate bars to jeans.’ What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages of having many things to choose from? [O Level 2015]

2.4 Reflective

A reflective essay is a form of writing where the writer examines his thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writers adopt a contemplative and introspective tone, aiming to provide insights into their personal growth, learning, and self-discovery. The structure of a reflective essay typically involves the presentation of an event or experience, an examination of its significance, and a reflection on what was learned or gained from it.

Reflective writing encourages self-awareness and personal development, allowing both the writer and the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the writer’s inner world. This can be a powerful form of self-expression and a means to convey valuable life lessons.

In writing reflective pieces, always aim for a personal voice. Share experiences with a unique personal touch. Aim not only to recount experiences but to infuse them with personal perspectives, emotions, and insights.

• ‘There is no place like home.’ How true is this for you? [O Level 2020]
• Some people like to stand out from the crowd, others just want to be part of it. Which do you prefer and why? [O Level 2018]
• Which person has the greatest influence on your life at the present time, and why? [O Level 2014]

2.5 Hybrid / Mixed Genre

Hybrid essays, also known as mixed genre, are a creative blend of two different text types within a single composition. They combine elements of personal recount, descriptive, reflective, or expository essay to create a versatile piece of writing. The structure of a hybrid text varies depending on the specific blend of text types used. Depending on the question requirements, students may use storytelling to illustrate concepts or mix personal reflections with informative content. There is freedom to adapt and experiment with the structure and style, and there is no right or wrong as long as the question requirements are fulfilled.

In answering hybrid questions in the exam, it is important to ensure that all parts of the question have been addressed in detail. This, however, does not mean that equal weight needs to be given to both parts. Students just need to ensure there is a somewhat even ratio of both parts so as not to lose marks in content.

• Describe the things that you do to relax after you have been very busy. Explain why you find them enjoyable. [O Level 2020]
• Which person has had the most positive impact on your life? Describe this individual’s personality and in what ways he or she has influenced you. [O Level 2019]
• Which modern invention is essential for you and your family and which one could you and your family live without? Explain your views. [O Level 2018]

3. Conclusion | Types of Composition Essays Tested at O Level / G3 English

It is important to be able to identify the correct text type because different genres have different structures and therefore require different approaches in writing. Just as a carpenter selects different tools for specific tasks, understanding text genres allows you as the writer to choose the right approach to tackle various exam questions.

At Learning Gems, our experienced MOE-trained teachers are well-equipped to guide you towards exam success, be it through our weekly online classes or ad hoc booster workshops . Beyond the exams, we also aim to nurture your ability to wield the power of words in your unique way. Join us on this journey of language mastery and self-expression!

Learning Gems is a premium tuition centre that provides quality online English tuition classes to PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students in Singapore. Our teachers are well-versed with the latest MOE syllabus and have taught at various schools in Singapore. Be it the primary or secondary level, we possess the relevant experience and are fully qualified to help your child.

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The Different Genres of O-Level Essays

By WR!TERS@WORK

First things first – what is a genre? When you watch a film or read storybooks, what kind of films do you like to watch? Some people like watching action movies which feature exciting, fast-paced fight scenes and car chases. Others like watching dramas, with plenty of romance and heartbreak. For people who are not faint of heart, they may like watching horror films. Different films will feature different things, as they are of different genres.

There are 7 different genres of O Level Essays – and if you use the earlier film analogy, it means that these essays are of different styles and will require different writing techniques.

The different genres of essays we will discuss in this article today are: (1) narrative essays, (2) descriptive essays, (3) expository essays, (4) discursive essays, (5) argumentative essays, (6) personal reflective essays, and (7) hybrid essays.

1. Narrative Essays

Sample Question: “She cried her heart out.” Write a story that includes the given sentence.

Narrative essays require the student to tell a story from a 3 rd person point of view. You must engage your readers by taking them on a journey, whether it is a real-life or fictional story. Many students have read story books where they follow some characters through a series of events. There are high points and low points in the story, which usually revolves around a central conflict which gets resolved in the end, leading to a happy, sad, or cliff-hanger ending.

2. Descriptive Essays

Sample Question: Describe a scene at your favourite shopping mall.

Descriptive essays require students to use sensory details, adjectives, and figurative language to create a sensory experience. Students must be hyper-aware of all the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with a particular thing or place and know the correct vocabulary to write this well. A good tip is for students to visualise the place, object, or emotion in their minds, noting down every single thing they would feel (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch) to connect with the subject matter on a deeper level. Students aiming to get good at writing descriptive essays should read more examples to broaden their vocabulary.

3. Expository Essays

Sample Question: Write about some of the challenges youths face.

When we watch a movie, exposition is like the voice-over at the beginning of the movie which fills the viewer as to what is actually going on, and provides context for the predicament the characters find themselves in. Similarly, an expository essay provides context using research, evidence, and a logical structure to help readers understand a specific topic like movie-goers need to understand what is happening in a movie to follow the plot. Students should read more expository essays in textbooks, newspapers, and informative blogs to get the evidence needed to write these well, as the substantiation for the points in this essay cannot be made up.

4. Discursive Essays

Sample Question: “The way we dress reveals who we are.” What are your views?

When we engage in discourse, we talk about things. Often, when we discuss something, each person gets to provide their point of view and explain why they feel a certain way. Similarly, in a discursive essay, the aim of the piece of writing is to get readers to see both sides of the argument. When writing discursive essays, students should present the main points and provide supporting evidence for both sides of a statement. To get the hang of writing discursive essays, students should read opinion columns in a newspaper, speeches, and editorials. The student cannot be biased towards one side when writing a discursive essay and should strive for a balanced presentation of their arguments.

5. Argumentative Essays

Sample Question: Exams should be abolished. Do you agree?

When we get into arguments with people (such as perhaps peers or our parents), what we are really trying to do is convince them to see our perspective. We need to provide evidence to convince the other person of the validity of our statement. Similarly, in an argumentative essay, students need to show logical conclusions and good reasoning skills to convince the reader of their points. Usually, there are stronger points and weaker arguments to be made, and smart students will present the strongest arguments first, substantiated by evidence, followed by weaker arguments. Students can also address counter-arguments in a pre-emptive manner after making their arguments in the same paragraph to strengthen their case and make it watertight.

6. Personal Reflective Essays

Sample Question: Which person has the greatest influence on your life presently, and why?

When we do reflections on our own life, we think back and look at our experiences in hindsight. We rationalise that some bad things actually were good things because of the lessons we learned from it, and we appreciate people who have played a positive role because of the effort they put into educating us. We also reminisce on the good parts of our lives and express gratitude for them. In a personal reflective essay, you are telling a story from your own perspective, citing personal experiences, anecdotes, and vivid descriptions. Students should be as authentic as possible and show that they have put some thought into their reflections.

7. Hybrid Essays

Sample Question: Which person has the most positive impact on your life? Describe the individual’s personality and in what ways he or she has influenced you.

The hybrid essay, much like hybrid modes of learning where you learn in a physical classroom and online, involves a mix of two different essay questions. If you look closely at the question, it appears that two different genres of essays are tested, and as such, students must use the writing styles and techniques from these two genres of essays to answer the essay question precisely.

To conclude, the key to writing a great essay is understanding the techniques required for each essay genre so that the student knows how to tackle any question they are asked. Regardless of the type of essay, students will also need to have good grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and sentence structure so as to not lose marks unnecessarily. Students should read various model essays to get the gist of how to write different genres of essays.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. How Do You Write a Good Secondary School Essay?

Firstly, you need a strong introduction which engages the audience. Secondly, you need appropriate content which is balanced on both sides if you are making an argument for and against something. Lastly, your conclusion must be synthesised and weigh the benefits or disadvantages of the essay subject, or provide another viewpoint about the topic.

2. How Do You Structure an English Essay?

Firstly, you need a good hook as an introductory paragraph. Next, the body of content follows, which will answer the essay question provided. Lastly, a strong conclusion which “comes down on one side” is needed.

3. What is a good paragraph starter?

It depends on the essay. For narrative writing, the student can start in media res . For argumentative essays or discursive essays, a thesis statement is needed which outlines the central tenet of your argument.

4. What Should You Not Do In an Essay?

You should not ramble with run-on sentences in an essay. Furthermore, students should always answer the essay question and not address points which are unrelated. Good grammar and vocabulary, along with robust sentence structure, is a must.

5. What Makes a Bad Essay?

A bad essay will not deal with the subject matter it is being asked for. Moreover, a bad essay will fail to drive home the central point, be it a good plot, or arguments posed on either side based on the essay topic. Moreover, a bad essay will contain many grammatical errors, spelling errors, and will have a limited range of vocabulary.

6. What is the Hardest Part of an Essay?

Planning the essay is the hardest part of the essay. Students need to figure out what content to put in the essay and how it is structured, as well as the examples to bolster their argument.

7. What are the Common Essay Writing Mistakes?

Firstly, not reading and answering the question is a cardinal mistake made by many students. Students should write the essay which is being asked of them instead of writing the essay they want to write, whether it is based on another model essay they have encountered in the past or a question the student thinks is easier to answer than the real essay question.

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• English Composition

English Compositions: Best Writing Guide for O-Level

• April 27, 2021
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Table of Contents

Writing English Compositions can be a fairly easy task if you remember the Golden Rules. 

You have to know the different types of composition genres and what is required for each one of them. Once you are able to identify with each one, practice every week and the English Composition exams will be an easy hurdle to cross.

Make sure that you find out about these genres and practices early enough so that you can have a good headstart in your practice.

Select Your English Composition Genre

Selecting the correct genre for English Composition is of prime importance.

Whether it is argumentative or descriptive, knowing the difference and choosing one accordingly can make all the difference.

First, identify the genre of the essay question. Is it asking you to choose a side? Or is it simply about recounting something that goes on in your society? The former is argumentative and the latter is reflective.

Looking out for the type of essay you are more suited for will be the first step in writing an essay. English Composition. As soon as you have made a selection, move on to thinking about the content. Actually, content planning is a fairly straightforward task.

The first step is to organise your facts in point form. All you need would be 4 points in writing an expository or reflective essay. You will need 3 pros and 1-2 rebuttals for an argumentative essay. Once you have defined what you want to say in English Composition, the rest is easy.

Unlike a narrative and reflective essay, you will need evidence to back up your points. The more current your evidence, the better it will be for you. You may start with the most important point first and support it with evidence from a media source or observation. The evidence has to be clear, relevant and accurately written. 

For reflective and narrative essays, anecdotal or story form of writing is the norm. Writing clearly is just as important but you will need to think of a strong plot. The plot, which will be explained in the later chapters, has to be watertight. The resolution should offer a way out of the difficulty for the main character or protagonist. There should also be a moral or sense of value being imparted at the end.

The narrative or reflective essay will only help a student to score well in English Composition if both an imaginative plot and value of the lesson learnt is written clearly. If the story is flat and boring, the composition fails to make its mark. So, choosing the correct genre for your English Composition exam is very important.

Every English Composition is accompanied by a guided practice with answers, notes and vocabulary guide. If you follow the steps outlined for every practice, you will be sure to excel in your writing.

Important Tips For Writing Descriptive Essays

1. what is descriptive.

It is the observation of people, places or circumstances and padding it with one’s personalised style of describing it.

2. How do you start writing a descriptive essay?

Examine the keywords and zoom in on the main word or phrase.

3. How to write the Descriptive Introduction?

The Introduction is the most important paragraph as it tells the marker if you have understood the question or not.

Always start by mentioning the location or the time. If not, start with the most personal feeling you have about the subject or happening. 

Elaborate slightly on the effect and a general truth or some words of wisdom regarding it. Keep it brief.

Then lastly, write about how you managed to balance it in your life. This will prepare you to write on the good and bad effects of the object or event you are going to describe.

This also means you will not run out of content in English Composition.

Narrative Writing Techniques

How to write a good story.

Writing a good story entails 3 main features:

• A good protagonist (the main character)
• A protagonist who has a problem which is unusual and intriguing
• A suspenseful climax

Reflective Essay Techniques

These essays reflect a personal experience through which one gains insight and depth in one of the areas in one’s life. One of the most important aspects of a reflective essay is the mature tone and the value it imparts at the end in English Composition. 

A reflective essay is essentially about telling a story which delves deep into the story teller’s experience to provide insight into the values. The extent to which the values are affected and the extent to which the storyteller tells the tale by revealing his deepest psyche is up to him/ her. Every story is told from a different angle and every tale has a truth.

A reflective essay should start by describing the experience and then go on to reflect on the value of the experience.

Value of the experience

English Composition Techniques for Writing Argumentative Essays

An argumentative essay relies on 5 main factors:

• The thesis statement
• The cons (rebuttal)
• The conclusion

You need a good hook to start the essay. The hook should be the first sentence which shows that you have understood the question and it should reflect the way you have interpreted the question. 

A good hook should grab the attention of the reader. For example, if the question is about whether people should eat organic food, a hook could be as follows:

Turn your back to pesticide ridden vegetables and fruits packed with chemical sprays and welcome naturally grown food. 

This is a good hook in English Composition and grabs the reader’s attention straightaway.

The first step is to analyse the question carefully and understand what is required. All argumentative questions ask for a clear stand so you have to decide which side you are on. What is the best way to decide your stand?

It does not really matter whether you believe in the side you are taking though if you do so, it will help.

What really matters is that you decide to write on the side which has more points. This will depend on the current information available in the media, your reading depth and your ability to link it to the question. 

The thesis statement is very important as it tells the examiner what you feel about the essay. It should reflect your stand on the English Composition topic. Do you agree or disagree? You may say that you agree to a large extent. This leaves you with the flexibility to mention the opposite side in your rebuttal.

For example, if your English Composition essay is about why it is beneficial for people to eat organic food, you will need to think of 3 pros to support your argument. 

• The first Pro is the first point in favour of the side you have. So, the argument will begin as, “People will benefit from eating organic food as it is grown without pesticide or chemicals. They will derive the full nutritional benefits of the type of food which is grown. 
• The second Pro will be the next point to support your argument. People who eat organic food have remarked on feeling and looking more healthy. Longer lifespan and better energy levels are a result.
• Organic food is also supposed to help people to resist diseases like cancer. Cancer sufferers have also turned to organic food in an attempt to turn their lives back to a more healthy state.

Cons (Rebuttal)

The next step is to think of the cons or the rebuttal in English Composition. You may need one good rebuttal or two. The rebuttal should be a fresh point which opposes the pros mentioned earlier.                                         

• Organic food tends to be expensive and most people will find it hard to afford it.
• There is no scientific evidence which states that organic food makes a big difference from food which is grown without pesticides. If one washes vegetables carefully, the chemical coating can be removed.

The Rebuttal should be clear and accurate. If there is only one rebuttal, make sure that the evidence is accurate and up to date.

Organic food tends to be expensive and most people will find it hard to afford it. They tend to be priced at nearly ten dollars or more for a small bunch of vegetables. For families who cook a sizable portion on a daily basis, this cannot be an economical choice. Most families will opt for a cheaper option and turn to feed their families. Many people will prefer to buy vegetables and fruits which are grown with pesticides. They may feel that the health risks are minimal. A bag of organic apples costs nearly ten dollars whereas the chemically treated bag of apples may cost only a fraction of it. Cost always plays a large deciding factor for the consumer. 

This rebuttal or con has a point and evidence to support it. The paragraph has many details to highlight the point so another rebuttal may not be necessary. 

Hybrid Essay Writing Techniques

Hybrid essays are a mixture of expository, argumentative and descriptive. It could even be part narrative and part descriptive.

The subject matter could range from an expository topic such as pollution and one could be asked to give one’s opinion based on one’s views of society. So, this will be an expository essay with a descriptive content. Hybrid essays invite one to write with a personal viewpoint so a subjective treatment of a topic which is purely factual is the result.

The Expository and Narrative Hybrid

Eg. Write about your view of how a person should conduct his day to day living if he wanted to save the environment.

This topic invites personal views. So, a narrative version is possible. However, the subject is about saving the environment so there are facts involved.

You will have to write about an average person who should be more conscientious about society by recycling. An average person should not waste food, electricity or water. He should throw his paper and plastic in bins provided for that use. He should think about the future generations. What sort of world will the children of our future inherit? This trend of thought should occupy his mind. 

The Expository part:

Tells the examiner about the factual side of the English Composition essay.

“Saving the environment” means how to contribute to a greener world or efforts to preserve what we have. There are many points which can be raised about recycling, saving energy and using energy saving devices.

The Narrative part:

Tells the examiner the personal side to the English Composition essay. The part about “how a person should conduct his day to day living” can be seen from an anecdotal point of view.

The Argumentative and Descriptive Hybrid

The question is posed with reference to a topic about one’s community for instance.

The hybrid topic does not discuss world topics or factual topics but will ask you to write something rather different.

For instance, you may be asked if there is any value in playing traditional games and how much does it mean to you.

Or, it could be asking you your opinion on the performing arts and why you consider it important for yourself.

Though you may have to defend your view, there is an emphasis on your own story, your own life. You may have to explain your desire for the arts, your need to perform due to your passion. Then there will be a brief anecdote about your stint in the performing arts.

Or you may choose to write about your peers and how they view the performing arts. Why did you decide to learn that skill? If it was playing the cello, why did you choose it? What is the value in it?

How do people see you when you play it? Do they become enriched when they hear you play? Is this the value?

When you answer these questions in English Composition, you will be able to blend both the argumentative and descriptive portions of the essay.

The argumentative part: 

This is where you take a stand. Why is it important? So, you list out the reasons. This may be just for yourself or for your family.

The descriptive part:

This is where you become more introspective. You discuss your own desire for the performing arts. How it resonates within you. Your personal feelings. Does it make you happy? Which part? When you perform or rehearse? Or is it when it is over? 

Reflective or Narrative and Expository

Reflective and Narrative require you to tell a story with your own personal recount. You may write in an anecdotal style about a particular activity and what happened to you. There could be an interesting encounter or something you learnt which is relevant to the English Composition topic.

The expository portion will require you to write in a more objective way. You will need to be more concise and set forth an argument or point of view which examines the question.

Reflective and Argumentative

Reflective: A personal point of view is needed.

Eg. I feel that women should not serve in the national service as it may be too tough for them to handle. There are many of my fellow female students who find it difficult to do the marathon run. We barely manage to make it as we find it painful due to cramps.

Argumentative: Where it involves others.

Eg. Women may be an untapped resource for a country like Singapore where we have limited manpower.

This is the complete writing guide for writing excellent English Compositions for the O-levels. The next step is for you to get started with practising each genre till you reach your goal. 

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Four types of essay explained

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You may have heard of the four essay types before: discursive, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive. It’s important to know exactly what type of essay your assignment falls into – even before you start the planning and research. The essay type affects how you structure your essay, your writing style, the tone, the techniques you use, and how you use evidence. This is especially important at school or university: a narrative essay just won’t score many marks if it was meant to be persuasive (no, not even if your short story then wins the Nobel Prize for Literature😉).

As frustrating as it might be to keep remembering genres and styles, you can at least take comfort in the fact that this prepares you for the real world. Yes – that’s right – real life. So many careers involve some sort of writing, and it’s important that anything you do meets the expectations of the reader or audience. In the business world, a sales pitch is going to be persuasive. This style, however, would be inappropriate in a feasibility study, or cost analysis. Although there are some rules that underpin all types of writing, each of the four main essay types has its own special requirements to impress their audiences: a client, a casual reader, or even your examiner.

Expository essays

An expository essay is less intimidating than it sounds. Essentially, you are presenting a balanced argument. This could be the typical academic essay, testing your understanding of a particular topic on your course, or it could be on a broader issue.

The word ‘balanced’ is key here: even if you have strong beliefs on the topic, you should take care you don’t appear biased. In fact, it’s best to avoid personal opinion, or using personal pronouns altogether.

Define, and break it down

Your topic should be defined as precisely as possible. For example, if there is any terminology in your title or topic which could be interpreted in different ways, you should make it clear exactly what you mean. It can also help if you define the scope of your expository essay, if it is based on a subject area – for example, if you are limiting it to a particular historical period or geographical area. This should help to divide your topic up into more manageable areas. This can often help to produce a very clear and manageable plan, with one topic per paragraph or section.

Back up, and analyse

Evidence is essential. And no, we don’t mean “8 out of 10 writers make up their statistics”. This type of essay probably requires the most reading and research beforehand: the more you know, the more able you are to judge between different pieces of evidence in order to reach your conclusion. You should also take care to use appropriate referencing. Not only will this follow your institution’s rules about acknowledging sources, it also makes your writing look more professional, and more reliable.

Try to avoid simply summarising your sources. It’s true that giving a little context is often useful: for example, the writer’s background, or background information. However, summing it up in your own words doesn’t actually demonstrate any of your skills. The key words are analyse and evaluate, rather than simply describe.

Power it through

An expository essay lead to a strong, yet balanced conclusion. This is often the most challenging part, at least to begin with. Whilst you may have had your own views beforehand, ideally your conclusion should only become clear to you once you have completed the body of the essay. This is where you can articulate your personal opinion, based on the evidence you have considered. Try to make this a balanced, yet strong closing statement – and avoid just summing up what you have just written.

Persuasive essays

Persuasive writing attempts to convince a reader or audience to do something, or to believe something. In the real world, we see this all the time, with adverts trying to make us buy their products, or politicians asking us to vote for them.

In academia, you’re most likely to be persuading your reader to share your belief in something – for example, to take your side in a moral issue.

A clear message

In a persuasive essay, your message to the audience needs to be clear and consistent. While it’s important to consider counterarguments and alternative points of view, this is only in order to prove that they are incorrect – otherwise, this might undermine your own argument. Imagine that this is a debate, and your opponent is going to be responding straight afterwards. Is there anything they could pick out, and use against you?

Meeting the genre

In many ways, persuasive writing is one of the simplest styles. A quick internet search will reveal thousands of lists of persuasive techniques that you can use to make your persuasive essay more effective. These are definitely useful, and many of them are so natural to us that we all know them already: rhetorical questions, lists, emotive language, and so on. Varying sentence lengths? Highly effective. However, you need to ensure that your persuasive essay still demonstrates a good sense of academic depth. The main thing to avoid is what people tend to call “empty rhetoric”, which is essentially what it says on the tin. Deploying all sorts of rhetorical techniques is useless without evidence or details to support your points.

It’s also worth taking a moment to reflect on your tone:

Reader! Would you like to fail your next assignment? How would you feel if you were cast out from your course all because of that one lacklustre essay, your dreams of a successful career shattered forever?

If we’d started this blog like that, you would probably have closed the tab pretty quickly! Or maybe you would have read on because your curiosity was peaked. Technically, it’s a reasonably successful opening to a persuasive piece. We’ve got direct address, rhetorical questions, varied sentence structures, emotive language, and it certainly grabs attention. The tone, however, is completely wrong. It’s too strong – borderline aggressive, in fact. The exaggeration – “cast out”, “dreams shattered” – makes it completely unrealistic. It’s really important, therefore, to judge your tone carefully. Think about your audience beforehand, and consider the kind of style and tone that would engage them most effectively.

Narrative essays

Narrative writing is, essentially, telling a story. This may be fiction, or a narrative of a real-life experience. College application essays, for example, might ask you to write about a memorable experience or a time that challenged you.

Plan, plan, plan!

A good plan is essential to give your narrative essay a sense of structure. There are many resources about narrative plot and structure, and it’s interesting to note how these can be applied to films and plays as well as novels and short stories. You may see lots of technical terms used – climax, tension, resolution, denouement – but these can be interpreted very loosely. A climax, for example, is not always a shocking revelation, or a dramatic escape. The best way to understand them would be to consider how those labels apply to a film you know well, or that latest box set episode.

Keep your plan fairly simple, and try not to aim for too many events. This is particularly important if you are writing to a strict word limit. It’s impossible to cram the content of a novel into a dozen pages, after all. The worst-case scenario is that your writing becomes essentially a list.

Write like a pro

When it comes to writing your narrative essay, try to engage the reader through vocabulary and imagery. Remember, there is always space for some description.

Even if this isn’t a lengthy paragraph, just a few descriptive sentences are enough to set the scene. Narrative voice is also important. Even in a straightforward third-person narrative, for example, you could adapt your voice to delve into the thoughts of your characters. Dialogue can also be really effective… if used sparingly. There’s nothing worse than a narrative essay with long passages of conversation, which rarely advance the plot and may not even be realistic.

Be original

Finally, originality is key. It’s all too easy to reproduce something you’ve already read or watched, even by accident. Just make sure that you’re not proofreading your 3000-word masterpiece and get the sinking feeling that you’ve accidentally rewritten the plot of what you watched on Netflix last weekend!

This also applies to the phrases you use. Avoid clichés – phrases that have become so overused that they have lost all meaning – at the end of the day; as white as snow; like a knife through butter. Similarly, if you are writing in a particular genre, try not to use those phrases which we’ve all heard before: it was a dark and stormy night… If it’s something that you think you’ve seen parodied on The Simpsons, it most likely is something best avoided.

Descriptive essays

A descriptive essay is often the hardest to plan. In a narrative, many people find that they can at least keep going, adding new events to the plan. In descriptive writing, it is all too common to run out of ideas, or produce something that starts well but just seems to tail off. There are several ways you can achieve a sense of structure. This will not only make your work more cohesive overall, but will help you to include more ideas.

Your description could be based on a journey. Even if your description is not first person, you can imagine you are moving around the scene, stopping to capture a particular place each time.

Time passing

We all know how a place seems to transform at sunset, and some of us might even have dragged ourself out of bed early enough to watch the sunrise. The point is that even places we know very well can look – and feel – totally different depending on the time of day. This isn’t just limited to what we can see, but the atmosphere and feelings that are evoked. And, of course, you can use time in so many other ways, in order to create contrasts and give yourself the opportunity to use different types of vocabulary and imagery. Think about contrasting a place in two different seasons, or a tourist hotspot in peak and off-peak times – or even past and present.

An eye for detail

Have you ever looked through the website of a professional photographer? Perhaps one reason their pictures earn money is that, generally, they tend to be a bit different from those on my camera roll for example (fingers in front of the lens, everyone standing at an angle, unexpected motion blurs). What’s remarkable, however, is their eye for detail. A wedding photographer can capture the instant when the couple share a moment of laughter and preserve it forever; someone recording a street scene will instinctively be able to spot that interesting architectural detail, a child’s reflection in a shop window, an elderly man looking on at some construction work.

A great descriptive essay will, like these photographs, evoke realism through subtle detail. Think about exactly what details you can expand and extend – perhaps these might be insignificant at first glance.

A word of warning, however: don’t let it turn into a list, as the reader will quickly get bored.

In summary: Golden rules for any essay

There are some rules that apply no matter what type of essay you are writing.

Remember, spelling and grammar checks won’t pick up everything.

Proofreading

Even if your work is totally accurate, there are still things that you could notice – for example, phrasing that just sounds awkward when read aloud.

Overview vs detail – a reader will struggle to feel engaged without seeing the bigger picture; equally, if you don’t go into sufficient detail, your writing will seem vague and general.

Readability vs showing off – let’s be honest: you’re probably here to find out how to get top marks, and part of that is showing off your skills. However, there’s nothing worse than an essay that’s full of advanced vocabulary and complex sentences, but you simply can’t follow the argument.

Understanding the essay type is your first step towards getting those top grades. Once you know the requirements of each of the four types of essay, you can make sure that you meet them from the very start of the planning process.

Essay exams: how to answer ‘To what extent…’

How to write a master’s essay

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10 English Essay Writing Tips for O-Levels Students

Table of Contents

Introduction

Writing essays in English can be challenging, especially for O-Levels students. However, with the right approach and practice, you can develop effective essay writing skills that will not only help you excel in your exams but also enhance your overall communication abilities. This article provides you with ten valuable tips to improve your English essay writing.

Importance of English Essay Writing

Essay writing is an essential skill for O-Levels students as it helps develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and effective communication. Mastering this skill will not only benefit you academically but also in various professional and personal endeavors.

Understand the Essay Prompt

Before you start writing, thoroughly understand the essay prompt or question. Identify the key requirements, such as the topic, word limit, and any specific instructions. Analyze the prompt to determine what is expected from your essay.

Plan and Organize Your Thoughts

Take some time to brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas throughout the essay. Consider using mind maps or bullet points to visually represent your main points and supporting details.

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your main argument or viewpoint. The thesis statement should provide a roadmap for your essay and guide the reader on what to expect. Make sure it is specific, debatable, and well-supported by your arguments.

Use Clear and Concise Language

When writing your essay, use simple and straightforward language. Avoid using overly complex words or jargon that may confuse the reader. Focus on clarity and precision to effectively convey your ideas.

Structure Your Essay

Divide your essay into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific idea or argument. Start with an engaging introduction that hooks the reader and provides context for your essay. Develop your arguments in the body paragraphs and ensure a smooth transition between each paragraph. Conclude your essay with a concise summary of your main points.

Use Examples and Evidence

Support your arguments with relevant examples, evidence, and quotations. This will make your essay more persuasive and credible. Refer to reputable sources and cite them appropriately to avoid plagiarism.

Proofread and Edit

Always proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Check for sentence structure and ensure proper paragraph formatting. Editing allows you to refine your ideas, improve clarity, and ensure coherence in your writing.

Practice and Seek Feedback

Practice writing essays on various topics to enhance your skills. Ask your teachers, peers, or family members to provide feedback on your essays. Constructive criticism will help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing style.

Mastering English essay writing is a valuable skill for O-Levels students. By following these ten tips, you can improve your essay writing abilities and achieve better results in your exams. Remember to practice regularly, seek feedback, and continually strive for self-improvement.

FAQ Section

FAQ 1: How can I improve my essay writing skills?

To improve your essay writing skills, practice regularly, read extensively, and seek feedback from teachers or peers. Focus on structure, clarity, and supporting your arguments with evidence.

FAQ 2: Are there any useful online resources for essay writing?

Yes, several online resources can help you enhance your essay writing skills. Websites like Purdue OWL, Khan Academy, and Grammarly offer valuable tips, guides, and exercises.

FAQ 3: Should I use complex vocabulary in my essays?

While it’s important to demonstrate a good command of the English language, avoid using complex vocabulary solely for the sake of it. Prioritize clarity and choose words that effectively convey your ideas.

FAQ 4: How long should my essay be?

The length of your essay depends on the specific requirements. Follow the word limit provided by your teacher or exam guidelines. However, focus on quality rather than quantity.

FAQ 5: Can I use personal experiences in my essays?

Yes, incorporating personal experiences can add depth and authenticity to your essays. However, ensure that they are relevant and support your arguments effectively.

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Essay and dissertation writing skills

Planning your essay

Writing your introduction

Structuring your essay

• Writing essays in science subjects
• Brief video guides to support essay planning and writing
• Writing extended essays and dissertations
• Planning your dissertation writing time

Structuring your dissertation

• Top tips for writing longer pieces of work

Advice on planning and writing essays and dissertations

University essays differ from school essays in that they are less concerned with what you know and more concerned with how you construct an argument to answer the question. This means that the starting point for writing a strong essay is to first unpick the question and to then use this to plan your essay before you start putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

A really good starting point for you are these short, downloadable Tips for Successful Essay Writing and Answering the Question resources. Both resources will help you to plan your essay, as well as giving you guidance on how to distinguish between different sorts of essay questions. 

You may find it helpful to watch this seven-minute video on six tips for essay writing which outlines how to interpret essay questions, as well as giving advice on planning and structuring your writing:

Different disciplines will have different expectations for essay structure and you should always refer to your Faculty or Department student handbook or course Canvas site for more specific guidance.

However, broadly speaking, all essays share the following features:

Essays need an introduction to establish and focus the parameters of the discussion that will follow. You may find it helpful to divide the introduction into areas to demonstrate your breadth and engagement with the essay question. You might define specific terms in the introduction to show your engagement with the essay question; for example, ‘This is a large topic which has been variously discussed by many scientists and commentators. The principal tension is between the views of X and Y who define the main issues as…’ Breadth might be demonstrated by showing the range of viewpoints from which the essay question could be considered; for example, ‘A variety of factors including economic, social and political, influence A and B. This essay will focus on the social and economic aspects, with particular emphasis on…..’

Watch this two-minute video to learn more about how to plan and structure an introduction:

The main body of the essay should elaborate on the issues raised in the introduction and develop an argument(s) that answers the question. It should consist of a number of self-contained paragraphs each of which makes a specific point and provides some form of evidence to support the argument being made. Remember that a clear argument requires that each paragraph explicitly relates back to the essay question or the developing argument.

• Conclusion: An essay should end with a conclusion that reiterates the argument in light of the evidence you have provided; you shouldn’t use the conclusion to introduce new information.
• References: You need to include references to the materials you’ve used to write your essay. These might be in the form of footnotes, in-text citations, or a bibliography at the end. Different systems exist for citing references and different disciplines will use various approaches to citation. Ask your tutor which method(s) you should be using for your essay and also consult your Department or Faculty webpages for specific guidance in your discipline. 

Essay writing in science subjects

If you are writing an essay for a science subject you may need to consider additional areas, such as how to present data or diagrams. This five-minute video gives you some advice on how to approach your reading list, planning which information to include in your answer and how to write for your scientific audience – the video is available here:

A PDF providing further guidance on writing science essays for tutorials is available to download.

Short videos to support your essay writing skills

There are many other resources at Oxford that can help support your essay writing skills and if you are short on time, the Oxford Study Skills Centre has produced a number of short (2-minute) videos covering different aspects of essay writing, including:

• Approaching different types of essay questions  
• Structuring your essay  
• Writing an introduction  
• Making use of evidence in your essay writing  
• Writing your conclusion

Extended essays and dissertations

Longer pieces of writing like extended essays and dissertations may seem like quite a challenge from your regular essay writing. The important point is to start with a plan and to focus on what the question is asking. A PDF providing further guidance on planning Humanities and Social Science dissertations is available to download.

Planning your time effectively

Try not to leave the writing until close to your deadline, instead start as soon as you have some ideas to put down onto paper. Your early drafts may never end up in the final work, but the work of committing your ideas to paper helps to formulate not only your ideas, but the method of structuring your writing to read well and conclude firmly.

Although many students and tutors will say that the introduction is often written last, it is a good idea to begin to think about what will go into it early on. For example, the first draft of your introduction should set out your argument, the information you have, and your methods, and it should give a structure to the chapters and sections you will write. Your introduction will probably change as time goes on but it will stand as a guide to your entire extended essay or dissertation and it will help you to keep focused.

The structure of  extended essays or dissertations will vary depending on the question and discipline, but may include some or all of the following:

• The background information to - and context for - your research. This often takes the form of a literature review.
• Explanation of the focus of your work.
• Explanation of the value of this work to scholarship on the topic.
• List of the aims and objectives of the work and also the issues which will not be covered because they are outside its scope.

The main body of your extended essay or dissertation will probably include your methodology, the results of research, and your argument(s) based on your findings.

The conclusion is to summarise the value your research has added to the topic, and any further lines of research you would undertake given more time or resources. 

Tips on writing longer pieces of work

Approaching each chapter of a dissertation as a shorter essay can make the task of writing a dissertation seem less overwhelming. Each chapter will have an introduction, a main body where the argument is developed and substantiated with evidence, and a conclusion to tie things together. Unlike in a regular essay, chapter conclusions may also introduce the chapter that will follow, indicating how the chapters are connected to one another and how the argument will develop through your dissertation.

For further guidance, watch this two-minute video on writing longer pieces of work . 

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Past Years O-Level Essay Questions (English) with Essay Outlines

In this blog post, we have compiled the past years’ O-Level English Essay Questions.  However, looking at these questions is not enough for your child’s revision.  Hence, we have included essay outlines to accompany the essay questions from year 2022 to 2018. 

These essay outlines, (almost 2100 words long), are written by the English curriculum team at Writing Samurai and Grade Solution Learning Centre.  When you download the pdf of these essay outlines, you get to learn how to…

• Breakdown and analyse a question
• Generate main points and examples
• How to formulate counter-arguments
• Come up with ideas for personal recount and reflective essays

Use it as a study resource for your child!

Here’s a video preview of our Past Year’s O-level essay outlines:

So before you go on reading… You might want to download a pdf copy of our Essay Outlines from Year 2018 – 2022! 

Click the blue download button, enter your email, and the pdf file will be delivered to your inbox! (Remember to check spam!) 

• Some people enjoy being in a crowded place, while others prefer somewhere quieter with fewer people. Describe your perfect place when you want to relax.
• “I realised that I was much stronger than I had previously thought.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
• “Young people spend so much time thinking about the future that they forget to enjoy the present.” How far do you agree?
• “People today are far too easily persuaded to spend money on things they don’t need.” Do you agree that advertising has made us wasteful? 
• Describe the sights and sounds of a shopping mall. Remember to describe the people too.
• “I felt I was on top of the world.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
• “Young people are making the world a better place.” What is your opinion.
• “A happy person is a healthy person.” How far do you agree?
• Describe ways to relax after you have been busy. Explain why it is enjoyable for you.
• Write about a time when you did something to impress someone and regretted it.
• Learning how to respond to mistakes is essential for success. What is your opinion?
• “There is no place like home.” Is it true to you?
• Which person has the most positive impact on your life? Describe the individual’s personality and in what ways he or she influenced you. 
• “It was the proudest moment.” Write about a time when you felt like this.
• Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities. What are your views?
• “People can only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly.” Do you agree?
• Describe an event that you looked forward to which turned out to be disappointing. Explain why you were excited about it and why it didn’t live up to your expectations.
• “I had never seen my friend laugh so much!” Write about a time when this happened.
• Some people like to stand out from the crowd; others just want to be part of it. Which do you prefer and why?
• Which modern invention is essential for you and your family and which one could you and your family live without? Explain your views.
• Describe a place that means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
• Write about a time when you caused great disappointment to a person. What did you do about the situation?
• It is often said that people are too concerned with getting things and spending money. What is your opinion?
• People should always tell the truth.’ Do you think there are any situations in which this might not be the best thing to do? Explain your views.
• Describe a childhood toy, or a game you played, which still means a great deal to you. Why is it so important?
• Do you agree that we can learn from the mistakes of others or do we need to learn from our own experiences?
• What are your ambitions for the future? Explain how you plan to achieve them, including any possible difficulties.
• To what extent do you agree with the idea that some teenagers lead an unhealthy lifestyle? Give reasons for your views.
• Describe the possession that matters most to you and explain why you would never be prepared to part with it.
• The world would be a very dull place without music’ What are your views?
• Shoppers have too much choice, from chocolate bars to jeans’ What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages of having many things to choose from?
• Do electronic devices, such as tablets or smart phones, help or hinder students in their studies?
• Describe how you celebrated an important family occasion. Why will this event always remain in your memory?
• Which features of Singapore and its citizens make it a major tourist attraction for people from all over the world?
• Which person has the greatest influence on your life at the present time, and why?
• The best things in life are free’ Write about some of the occasions when you have found this to be true.
• Parents often believe that it is better to be safe than sorry. Do you consider young people to be too protected?
• Describe some of your experiences in food courts and hawker centers. How important are these places in your life as a teenager in Singapore?
• The way we dress reveals who we are’ What are your views?
• What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Why does it mean so much to you?
• Write about an incident you still remember from your early childhood. Why do you think it has remained in your mind so clearly?
• People all over the world are living longer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of their increased life expectancy?
• Describe an annual event which you enjoy and explain why it is so important to you.
• The use of motorcars is the greatest threat to the environment’ Do you agree?
• “It is better never to borrow or lend money” What are your views on this advice?
• Write about an amusing incident on a day out with your family, which still makes you laugh whenever you remember it.
• Should boys and girls be given exactly the same type of education?
• Describe how a religious or national event is celebrated in your country.
• What important lessons in life are learned away from school?
• Write about an occasion when it was necessary to tell the truth whatever the consequences.
• Some people say that the internet does more harm than good. What is your view?
• Describe the location and the main features of your ideal home and explain why you think it would be an ideal place to live.
• In the 21st century, how important is it to be able to read, write and speak English in Singapore?
• I’m bored’ is so often the cry of teenagers today. What could be done about this?
• Write about an occasion when an attempt to help led to unexpected consequences for the helper.
• Write about some of your worries and hopes for the future.
• The delights and frustrations of being a teenager
• Write about an occasion when you just could not stop laughing at an inappropriate moment.
• Television, newspapers and the Internet – which of these do young people prefer as a source of information, and why?
• In your opinion, what kind of voluntary work is worth doing, and why?
• If you were drawing up a set of school rules for a new school, what would they be? Explain which of these you think are the most important
• Nowadays, people live longer than ever before. What problems does this present and how can these problems be dealt with?
• Write about someone who failed to live up to his or her reputation.
• Write about some of the things in your country you value the most and would miss greatly, if you had to live in another country
• Write about a time when your late arrival for a particular meeting or event led to serious trouble.
• What do you think secondary schools can do to ensure the health, well-being and safety of their students?
• Given the limited land available in Singapore, is it wise to set aside some areas as nature reserves?
• Do you feel that you need the long school vacation? How do you occupy your time during the December break, when schools are closed?

See more related articles and information on Writing Samurai:

• How to Write Argumentative Essays For Secondary School
• Top Tips on How to Write Discursive Essays
• Benefits of Secondary English Tuition
• Past O-Level Essays and Questions For Secondary English
• Exam Smart Tips For Language Editing
• Top Exam Tips for Secondary English

Before you leave this page… You might want to download a pdf copy of our Essay Outlines from Year 2018 – 2022! 

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PRIMARY ENGLISH

• Model Compositions
• Situational Writing Tips
• PSLE English Oral Exam Tips
• PSLE Chinese Oral Exam Tips
• 50 Meaningful Proverbs
• Composition Writing
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SECONDARY ENGLISH

• Past Year's O-Level Essays
• Discursive Essay Writing
• Argumentative Essay Writing
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Types of Outlines and Samples

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Alphanumeric Outlines

This is the most common type of outline and usually instantly recognizable to most people. The formatting follows these characters, in this order:

• Roman Numerals
• Capitalized Letters
• Arabic Numerals
• Lowercase Letters

If the outline needs to subdivide beyond these divisions, use Arabic numerals inside parentheses and then lowercase letters inside parentheses. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

The sample PDF in the Media Box above is an example of an outline that a student might create before writing an essay. In order to organize her thoughts and make sure that she has not forgotten any key points that she wants to address, she creates the outline as a framework for her essay.

What is the assignment?

Your instructor asks the class to write an expository (explanatory) essay on the typical steps a high school student would follow in order to apply to college.

What is the purpose of this essay?

To explain the process for applying to college

Who is the intended audience for this essay?

High school students intending to apply to college and their parents

What is the essay's thesis statement?

When applying to college, a student follows a certain process which includes choosing the right schools and preparing the application materials.

Full Sentence Outlines

The full sentence outline format is essentially the same as the Alphanumeric outline. The main difference (as the title suggests) is that full sentences are required at each level of the outline. This outline is most often used when preparing a traditional essay. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

Decimal Outlines

The decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline. The added benefit is a system of decimal notation that clearly shows how every level of the outline relates to the larger whole. Select the "Sample Outlines" PDF in the Media Box above to download the sample of this outline.

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• Example of a great essay | Explanations, tips & tricks

Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks

Published on February 9, 2015 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

This example guides you through the structure of an essay. It shows how to build an effective introduction , focused paragraphs , clear transitions between ideas, and a strong conclusion .

Each paragraph addresses a single central point, introduced by a topic sentence , and each point is directly related to the thesis statement .

As you read, hover over the highlighted parts to learn what they do and why they work.

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Table of contents

Other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay, an appeal to the senses: the development of the braille system in nineteenth-century france.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

In France, debates about how to deal with disability led to the adoption of different strategies over time. While people with temporary difficulties were able to access public welfare, the most common response to people with long-term disabilities, such as hearing or vision loss, was to group them together in institutions (Tombs, 1996). At first, a joint institute for the blind and deaf was created, and although the partnership was motivated more by financial considerations than by the well-being of the residents, the institute aimed to help people develop skills valuable to society (Weygand, 2009). Eventually blind institutions were separated from deaf institutions, and the focus shifted towards education of the blind, as was the case for the Royal Institute for Blind Youth, which Louis Braille attended (Jimenez et al, 2009). The growing acknowledgement of the uniqueness of different disabilities led to more targeted education strategies, fostering an environment in which the benefits of a specifically blind education could be more widely recognized.

Several different systems of tactile reading can be seen as forerunners to the method Louis Braille developed, but these systems were all developed based on the sighted system. The Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris taught the students to read embossed roman letters, a method created by the school’s founder, Valentin Hauy (Jimenez et al., 2009). Reading this way proved to be a rather arduous task, as the letters were difficult to distinguish by touch. The embossed letter method was based on the reading system of sighted people, with minimal adaptation for those with vision loss. As a result, this method did not gain significant success among blind students.

Louis Braille was bound to be influenced by his school’s founder, but the most influential pre-Braille tactile reading system was Charles Barbier’s night writing. A soldier in Napoleon’s army, Barbier developed a system in 1819 that used 12 dots with a five line musical staff (Kersten, 1997). His intention was to develop a system that would allow the military to communicate at night without the need for light (Herron, 2009). The code developed by Barbier was phonetic (Jimenez et al., 2009); in other words, the code was designed for sighted people and was based on the sounds of words, not on an actual alphabet. Barbier discovered that variants of raised dots within a square were the easiest method of reading by touch (Jimenez et al., 2009). This system proved effective for the transmission of short messages between military personnel, but the symbols were too large for the fingertip, greatly reducing the speed at which a message could be read (Herron, 2009). For this reason, it was unsuitable for daily use and was not widely adopted in the blind community.

Nevertheless, Barbier’s military dot system was more efficient than Hauy’s embossed letters, and it provided the framework within which Louis Braille developed his method. Barbier’s system, with its dashes and dots, could form over 4000 combinations (Jimenez et al., 2009). Compared to the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet, this was an absurdly high number. Braille kept the raised dot form, but developed a more manageable system that would reflect the sighted alphabet. He replaced Barbier’s dashes and dots with just six dots in a rectangular configuration (Jimenez et al., 2009). The result was that the blind population in France had a tactile reading system using dots (like Barbier’s) that was based on the structure of the sighted alphabet (like Hauy’s); crucially, this system was the first developed specifically for the purposes of the blind.

While the Braille system gained immediate popularity with the blind students at the Institute in Paris, it had to gain acceptance among the sighted before its adoption throughout France. This support was necessary because sighted teachers and leaders had ultimate control over the propagation of Braille resources. Many of the teachers at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth resisted learning Braille’s system because they found the tactile method of reading difficult to learn (Bullock & Galst, 2009). This resistance was symptomatic of the prevalent attitude that the blind population had to adapt to the sighted world rather than develop their own tools and methods. Over time, however, with the increasing impetus to make social contribution possible for all, teachers began to appreciate the usefulness of Braille’s system (Bullock & Galst, 2009), realizing that access to reading could help improve the productivity and integration of people with vision loss. It took approximately 30 years, but the French government eventually approved the Braille system, and it was established throughout the country (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

Although Blind people remained marginalized throughout the nineteenth century, the Braille system granted them growing opportunities for social participation. Most obviously, Braille allowed people with vision loss to read the same alphabet used by sighted people (Bullock & Galst, 2009), allowing them to participate in certain cultural experiences previously unavailable to them. Written works, such as books and poetry, had previously been inaccessible to the blind population without the aid of a reader, limiting their autonomy. As books began to be distributed in Braille, this barrier was reduced, enabling people with vision loss to access information autonomously. The closing of the gap between the abilities of blind and the sighted contributed to a gradual shift in blind people’s status, lessening the cultural perception of the blind as essentially different and facilitating greater social integration.

The Braille system also had important cultural effects beyond the sphere of written culture. Its invention later led to the development of a music notation system for the blind, although Louis Braille did not develop this system himself (Jimenez, et al., 2009). This development helped remove a cultural obstacle that had been introduced by the popularization of written musical notation in the early 1500s. While music had previously been an arena in which the blind could participate on equal footing, the transition from memory-based performance to notation-based performance meant that blind musicians were no longer able to compete with sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997). As a result, a tactile musical notation system became necessary for professional equality between blind and sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997).

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Bullock, J. D., & Galst, J. M. (2009). The Story of Louis Braille. Archives of Ophthalmology , 127(11), 1532. https://​doi.org/10.1001/​archophthalmol.2009.286.

Herron, M. (2009, May 6). Blind visionary. Retrieved from https://​eandt.theiet.org/​content/​articles/2009/05/​blind-visionary/.

Jiménez, J., Olea, J., Torres, J., Alonso, I., Harder, D., & Fischer, K. (2009). Biography of Louis Braille and Invention of the Braille Alphabet. Survey of Ophthalmology , 54(1), 142–149. https://​doi.org/10.1016/​j.survophthal.2008.10.006.

Kersten, F.G. (1997). The history and development of Braille music methodology. The Bulletin of Historical Research in Music Education , 18(2). Retrieved from https://​www.jstor.org/​stable/40214926.

Mellor, C.M. (2006). Louis Braille: A touch of genius . Boston: National Braille Press.

Tombs, R. (1996). France: 1814-1914 . London: Pearson Education Ltd.

Weygand, Z. (2009). The blind in French society from the Middle Ages to the century of Louis Braille . Stanford: Stanford University Press.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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Bryson, S. (2023, July 23). Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks. Scribbr. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/example-essay-structure/

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Shane finished his master's degree in English literature in 2013 and has been working as a writing tutor and editor since 2009. He began proofreading and editing essays with Scribbr in early summer, 2014.

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O Level English Tuition: Situational Writing Tips and Model Essay

Understanding O Level English Situational Writing 

Situational writing in O Level English requires meticulous attention to crafting text that aligns with the specified context, purpose, and audience, emphasising the use of internationally acceptable English. This task demands precision, challenging students to articulate their thoughts within 250-350 words across various formats like emails, reports, or speeches. It assesses students’ capability to write clearly, effectively, relevantly, and coherently, demonstrating an adept understanding of both written and visual texts at literal, inferential, and evaluative levels. Mastery in situational writing hinges on recognising how language use can fulfil a specific purpose and make a significant impact, underlining the importance of the correct format and tone to engage the intended audience successfully and meet the desired objectives.

O Level English Situational Writing Formats

Understanding the different formats of situational writing is essential for success in O Level English. Each format, whether a letter, email, report, article, essay, or speech, has distinct characteristics that must be adhered to.

Formal and Informal Letter Formats 

Formal letters are characterised by a structured layout, formal salutations, and a polite tone. They communicate with entities like schools, businesses, or local councils. Informal letters, on the other hand, adopt a more casual tone suitable for personal correspondence with friends or family.

Formal Letter:

• Name and address of sender and recipient, and date, are all left-aligned
• Salutation such as “Dear Sir/Madam,”
• Purpose of the letter in the introduction
• Body paragraphs structured with each point
• Formal sign-off such as “Yours sincerely,” followed by full name

Informal Letter:

• Casual opening like “Hi [Name],”
• Conversational tone throughout
• Paragraphs with personal news or information
• Casual sign-off like “Best wishes,” or “Cheers,” followed by first name only

Formal and Informal Email Formats

The format of formal emails should include a clear subject line, a professional salutation, and a closing with the sender’s name and credentials. Informal emails can be more relaxed, using a personal greeting and a simple signature.

Formal Email:

• Subject line that encapsulates the email’s purpose
• Professional greeting
• Introduction stating the email’s intent
• Body that elaborates on the main points with a formal tone
• Formal closing with sender’s full name and position

Informal Email:

• Casual subject line
• Friendly greeting such as “Hey [Name],”
• Relaxed tone with short paragraphs
• Casual sign-off like “Talk soon,” or “Take care,” with first name only

Report Format

A report must have a clear title, subheadings for organisation, and a concise summary of findings or recommendations structured in an easy-to-navigate layout that supports the text’s purpose.

• Title at the top of the page
• Introduction outlining the report’s purpose
• Headings and subheadings to organise information
• Conclusions and recommendations as applicable
• Signature line at the end with the author’s name and position

Article Format

Articles should grab attention with a catchy headline and maintain interest with well-structured arguments and a strong conclusion.

• Catchy headline
• Byline with the writer’s name
• Opening paragraph that summarises the article
• Main body divided into several paragraphs with subheadings
• Concluding statement or call to action

Essay Format

Essays require a clear thesis, body paragraphs supporting the thesis with evidence, and a concluding statement reinforcing the main argument.

• Introduction with a thesis statement
• Main body organised into paragraphs, each supporting the thesis
• Use of evidence and examples to back up points
• Conclusion summarising the argument and reiterating the thesis

Speech Format

Speeches must engage the audience from the greeting, maintain interest with clear points, and conclude with a memorable closing that reinforces the speech’s key message or call to action.

• Greeting and introduction
• Statement of purpose or thesis
• Main points presented clearly with support
• Conclusion summarising key points and a final thought or call to action
• Thank-you and closing

Distinguishing Formal and Informal English O Level Situational Writing Formats

The nuances of situational writing in O Level English hinge on the distinction between formal and informal formats. Whether applying for an internship or writing to a loved one, appropriate tone, vocabulary, and sentence structure is key. Here, we examine these differences to guide students in tailoring their writing to any given scenario.

The tone sets the mood for your writing. Formal writing is serious and respectful, while informal writing is conversational and friendly. Choose a tone that aligns with your intention and your audience’s expectations.

Precision and seriousness characterise formal vocabulary; conversely, informal writing allows for a relaxed, everyday word choice that might include colloquial expressions.

Sentence Structure

Formal writing favours complex sentences and a traditional structure, whereas informal writing often opts for brevity and simplicity.

Personal Pronouns

Formal writing limits the use of personal pronouns to avoid subjectivity, while informal writing uses them liberally to create a personal connection.

Phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs lend a conversational tone to informal writing. In formal contexts, opting for precise verbs can enhance clarity and professionalism.

Passive Voice

The passive voice can lend an objective tone to formal writing; however, active voice makes informal writing direct and engaging.

Tips for Enhancing O Level English Situational Writing Skill

Improving your situational writing skills for O Level English requires deliberate practice and smart strategies. Here are tips to help you refine your writing:

• Understand the  Formats : Familiarise yourself with different writing formats — letters, reports, speeches, and emails. Recognise the conventions for each and practice writing in both formal and informal styles.
• Read and Analyse : Study high-scoring situational writing samples. Note how they address purpose, audience, and context (PAC). Identify effective use of tone, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
• Practice Regularly : Use practice prompts that mimic O Level questions. Set a timer to simulate exam conditions and focus on writing clearly and concisely within the word limit.
• Brainstorming Techniques : Before writing, brainstorm ideas for content. Use mind maps to organise thoughts and ensure you cover all required points in your response.
• Expand Your Vocabulary : Learn new words daily and practice using them in sentences. A rich vocabulary allows for precise expression in both formal and informal writing.
• Seek Feedback : After writing, seek feedback from teachers or peers. Understand your mistakes and learn how to correct them.
• Revise and Rewrite : Don’t be content with your first draft. Revise and rewrite sections to improve clarity and flow. Pay attention to feedback received and implement changes.
• Master PAC : Always consider Purpose, Audience, and Context. Tailor your language and content to suit these elements effectively.
• Stay Updated : Stay aware of current events and general knowledge. This will allow you to use relevant examples in your writing, making your arguments more convincing.
• Use Active Voice : Practice using the active voice to make your writing more direct and dynamic. It’s essential in informal writing and for creating an engaging narrative.
• Avoid Slang and Jargon : While familiar language is good in informal writing, avoid slang and jargon that may confuse the reader or come across as unprofessional.
• Edit Ruthlessly : After writing, edit your work. Check for grammar mistakes and unnecessary wording, and ensure the tone remains consistent throughout.

Common Mistake to Avoid in English O Level Situational Writing

To excel in O Level English situational writing, be aware of common mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Straying From Purpose : Always align your writing with the task’s objective. If you’re to invite someone, your entire piece should revolve around this action without deviation.
• Misjudging the Audience : Know who you’re writing to. Tailoring content to your audience is crucial; failure to do so can disconnect your message and reduce its impact.
• Forgetting Formality : Always maintain politeness and formality when needed. For instance, use “My uncle and I would like to invite you…” instead of “Uncle Tim and me…”
• Inaccuracies in Details : Double-check for factual correctness. An error as minor as the wrong date can cost marks.
• Using Short Forms : Avoid contractions and abbreviations in formal writing. Spell out months and avoid acronyms unless they’re well-known or explained.
• Lacking a Clear Conclusion : End with a clear call to action, especially when the task involves an invitation or request.
• Neglecting Punctuation : Proper punctuation is non-negotiable. Commas, periods, and question marks guide the reader through your text and clarify meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions about O Level English Situational Writing Format

How can i effectively manage my time during the o level english situational writing exam to ensure i complete all tasks within the allotted time.

Effective time management is essential for completing all tasks within the allotted time during your O Level English situational writing exam. Allocate approximately 5 minutes for planning, 35 minutes for writing, and the final 5 minutes for reviewing. Practising timed drills can significantly improve your efficiency and comfort with this time distribution on exam day. For additional guidance and strategies to refine your skills, enrol in our O Level English tuition  today.

Are visual stimuli always provided in situational writing?

Yes, visual stimuli accompany the situational writing task to offer context and direction. Carefully analyse these visuals as they are integral to crafting a response that aligns with the exam’s requirements.

How do I maintain the correct tone in situational writing?

Maintaining the correct tone in situational writing involves identifying the task’s purpose, audience, and context to choose the appropriate tone. For formal writing, use a respectful, professional tone; for informal scenarios, a more relaxed, conversational tone is suitable. Adjust your language accordingly.

Can I use my own words and phrases in situational writing?

Yes, you are expected to do so! Using your own words showcases creativity and language mastery in your situational writing. Ensure your expressions remain relevant to the context, tone, format, and audience. This approach is equally valuable when responding to O Level English essay questions, where expressing ideas uniquely can enhance your engagement with the exam’s requirements.

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World Bank country classifications by income level for 2024-2025

Eric metreau, kathryn elizabeth young, shwetha grace eapen.

The World Bank Group assigns the world’s economies [1]  to four income groups: low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high. The classifications are updated each year on July 1, based on the GNI per capita of the previous calendar year. GNI measures are expressed in United States dollars [2]  using conversion factors derived according to the  Atlas method , which in its current form was introduced in 1989 [3] . The World Bank’s income classification aims to reflect a country’s level of development, drawing on  Atlas GNI per capita  as a broadly available indicator of economic capacity. The classification of countries into income categories has evolved significantly over the period since the late 1980s. In 1987, 30% of reporting countries were classified as low-income and 25% as high-income countries. Jumping to 2023, these overall ratios have shifted down to 12% in the low-income category and up to 40% in the high-income category.  The scale and direction of these shifts, however, varies a great deal between world regions. Here are some regional highlights:

• 100% of South Asian countries were classified as low-income countries in 1987, whereas this share has fallen to just 13% in 2023.
• In the Middle East and North Africa there is a higher share of low-income countries in 2023 (10%) than in 1987, when no countries were classified to this category.
• In Latin America and the Caribbean , the share of high-income countries has climbed from 9% in 1987 to 44% in 2023.
• Europe and Central Asia has a slightly lower share of high-income countries in 2023 (69%) than it did in 1987 (71%).  

These changing compositions are depicted visually in the diagram below, which shows country classifications by region and over time since 1987.  

Classification changes

The updated country income classifications for FY25, based on the GNI per capita of 2023, are available  here .

From a statistical perspective, classifications can change for two reasons:

• Changes to Atlas GNI per capita : In each country, factors such as economic growth, inflation, exchange rates, and population growth can all influence the level of Atlas GNI per capita. Revisions to improve methods and data can also have an impact. Updated data on Atlas GNI per capita for 2023 can be accessed  here .
• Changes to classification thresholds : To keep income classification thresholds fixed in real terms, they are adjusted annually for inflation using the  Special Drawing Rights (SDR) deflator , a weighted average of the GDP deflators of China, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Euro Area. The new thresholds for Atlas GNI per capita (in US$) are as follows:  

The chart below shows the economies moving to new income categories this year:  

This year, three countries—Bulgaria, Palau, and Russia—moved from the upper-middle-income to the high-income category:

• Bulgaria  has been steadily approaching the high-income threshold with modest growth throughout the post-pandemic recovery period, which continued in 2023 as real GDP grew 1.8%, supported by consumption demand.
• Palau  also continued its post-pandemic recovery as GDP returned to previous levels, growing by 0.4% in real terms. With inflation (as measured by the GDP deflator) at 8.1%, nominal GNI increased 10.0%.
• Economic activity in  Russia  was influenced by a large increase in military related activity in 2023, while growth was also boosted by a rebound in trade (+6.8%), the financial sector (+8.7%), and construction (+6.6%). These factors led to increases in both real (3.6%) and nominal (10.9%) GDP, and Russia’s Atlas GNI per capita grew by 11.2%.  

Algeria, Iran, Mongolia, and Ukraine all moved up from the lower-middle-income to the upper-middle-income category this year: 

• While the  Algeria n economy grew 4.1% in 2023, the main reason for the upward reclassification was a comprehensive revision to national accounts statistics undertaken by the Algerian authorities (Office National des Statistiques) to align with current international standards. This realignment resulted in an upward revision to the level of GDP (on average 13.3% higher over the 2018-2022 period) due, for example, to the expansion of investment estimates to include research and development, improved methods for measuring production in public administration, and improved coverage of the non-observed economy.
• Iran ’s economy grew 5.0% in 2023, driven mainly by oil exports and supported by gains in services and manufacturing. GNI jumped 39.5% in nominal terms which, combined with the depreciation of the Iranian rial, resulted in a 17.6% increase of the Atlas GNI per capita.
• Mongolia  continued its recovery after the pandemic, with real GDP increasing 7.0% in 2023. Growth was driven by expansions in mining of 23.4%, along with higher export prices which boosted exports by 53.4%.
• Ukraine ’s upward change in classification resulted from a resumption of economic growth in 2023 (real GDP grew 5.3%, following a drop of 28.8% in 2022) along with a continued decline in population, which has fallen more than 15% since the invasion from Russia began. These factors were further amplified by price increases of domestically produced goods and services to result in a large increase in nominal Atlas GNI per capita of 18.5%. While Ukraine’s economy was significantly impaired by Russia’s invasion, real growth in 2023 was driven by construction activity (24.6%), reflecting a sizable increase in investment spending (52.9%) supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction effort in the wake of ongoing destruction.

West Bank and Gaza was the only country whose classification moved downward this year. The conflict in the Middle East began in October 2023, and while the impact on West Bank and Gaza was limited to the fourth quarter, its scale was nonetheless sufficient to lead to a 9.2% drop in nominal GDP (-5.5% in real terms). Since West Bank and Gaza’s economy was close to the threshold (it entered the upper-middle-income category only last year), these declines brought Atlas GNI per capita back down to the lower-middle-income category.

More information

Detailed information on how the World Bank Group classifies countries is available  here . The  country and lending groups  page provides a complete list of economies classified by income, region, and World Bank lending status and includes links to prior years’ classifications. The classification tables include World Bank member countries, along with all other economies with populations greater than 30,000. These classifications reflect the best available GNI figures for 2023, which may be revised as countries publish improved final estimates. Data for  GNI ,  GNI per capita ,  GDP ,  GDP PPP , and  Population  for 2023 are now available on the World Bank's Open Data Catalog. Note that these are estimates and may be revised. For more information, please contact us at  [email protected] .  

[1]  The term country, used interchangeably with economy, does not imply political independence but refers to any territory for which authorities report separate social or economic statistics. [2]  In countries where dual or multiple exchange rates are in use, the exchange rate used to convert local currency units to US$ is an average of these exchange rates, provided necessary data are available. [3]  For data beginning in reference year 1987. The authors are pleased to acknowledge the essential contributions of our colleagues,  Charles Kouame , and  Tamirat Yacob to the preparation of this piece. Please note: The country classification described here aims to serve analytical purposes and changes have no direct impact on the eligibility for World Bank resources. In the classification used for World Bank operational purposes, a range of additional criteria are considered to determine country eligibility and the terms and conditions of Bank financing. For more information, please see the  IBRD Financial Products web page.

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Tropical Storm Beryl updates: State officials confirm third death from the storm

Two people died in Harris County after trees fell on residences. Beryl is bringing strong winds and heavy rain as it moves northeast through the state.

CenterPoint predicts 1 million customers will have power back by Wednesdsay

CenterPoint Energy expects to restore power to 1 million customers in Texas impacted by Hurricane Beryl by the end of Wednesday, the provider said Monday evening.

The utility said that by 8 p.m. Monday, it had restored power to roughly 285,000 customers — a fraction of the 2.3 million customers who lost power. CenterPoint, which provides power to most residents in Harris and Fort Bend counties, said it began to mobilize restoration crews Monday afternoon as the storm moved out of its service area.

State officials also began to assess the damage wrought by the storm by Monday afternoon.

Beryl had knocked out power for around 2.7 million Texans on Monday, according to PowerOutage.us.

By 7 p.m., the National Hurricane Center discontinued all tropical storm and storm surge warnings. But a public advisory said the storm would continue to produce flooding rains and a risk of tornadoes across parts of East Texas.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said earlier Monday at a news conference that he was confident President Joe Biden would issue an emergency declaration for the region, which he and his colleagues would support.

“The rebuild is going to be significant. There was real damage. But the good news is for Houston, this ain’t our first rodeo,” Cruz said.

— Kayla Guo

A third person has died from the storm, power restoration will take days, state leaders confirm

Efforts to restore power to 2.7 million customers whose service was knocked out by Hurricane Beryl will take multiple days, state officials said Monday evening while warning of persisting danger even as the storm moved on.

“This will be a multi-day restoration effort,” Public Utility Commission of Texas Chair Thomas Gleeson said during a news conference. “I’d ask Texans for their patience as the crews are out there doing their best to try to restore energy across the state.”

Just under 2.7 million Texans did not have power as of early Monday evening, according to PowerOutage.us, with most of those outages among people serviced by CenterPoint Energy — the main electricity provider for most residents in Harris and Fort Bend counties, in addition to dozens of communities across East Texas.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — who is acting as governor while Gov. Greg Abbott is out of the country — warned that more people may experience outages before service is restored, with transmission lines downed by fallen trees. CenterPoint was deploying 11,500 people to help restore power as quickly as possible, Patrick said.

Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said that the department will work with local officials to open cooling centers and shelters as the heat sets in and residents remain without power. First responders were busy moving patients out of nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities.

A third person, a City of Houston employee, has died from drowning in a flooded underpass, Patrick said. Two people were killed in two separate incidents earlier by falling trees as they sheltered in their homes. A fourth death was reported by the Houston Chronicle, however, the Texas Tribune could not confirm the death was related to the storm.

More than 2.7 million electricity customers without power

Hurricane Beryl has knocked out power for more than 2.7 million Texas customers, as of 12:59 p.m. Monday, based on estimates from PowerOutage.us and CenterPoint Energy .

CenterPoint announced at 3:30 p.m. that its crews were beginning the process of restoring power to the 2.26 million Texas customers who lacked electricity. CenterPoint has not yet provided an estimate of when millions of its customers will regain electricity.

“We are mobilizing all of our available resources, as well as mutual assistance resources from other utility companies, to begin the process of quickly and safely restoring power to our customers,” Lynnae Wilson, senior vice president of Electric Business at CenterPoint. “We understand how difficult it is to be without power for any amount of time, especially in the heat. We are laser focused on the important and time-sensitive work that lies ahead.”

CenterPoint will begin publishing estimates for substantial power restorations after assessing the damage.

Outages are most extensive in the Houston area and coastal counties including Matagorda, where Beryl landed as a Category 1 hurricane at approximately 4 a.m., Monday. Significant outages are also in Galveston County, Calhoun County and Jackson County. As the morning progressed, outages extended further inland and into Deep East Texas to areas including Polk, San Jacinto, Montgomery, Grimes and Washington Counties.

Most of the outages are among customers who receive power from CenterPointEnergy. CenterPoint is the main electricity provider for the vast majority of residents in Harris and Fort Bend counties and also provides electricity to dozens of East Texas communities. The provider is not currently providing county-specific numbers on outages.

CenterPoint warned people to stay away from downed wires and to not attempt to remove tree limbs or objects from power lines. Customers are instead advised to report outages and hazardous conditions to their power company or local authorities.

As of noon, about 25,000 AEP Texas customers remained without electricity. Most of those outages were in the upper Corpus Christi area –– a loop starting from Port Lavaca to Bay City to El Campo and to Victoria. AEP crews began restoring power to some of their customers Monday and expect to have more restoration information in the next 24 hours.

For the more than 25,000 customers of Oncor Electric Delivery who were affected by the outages, power restoration will likely happen on a case by case basis, according to Kaiti Blake, a spokesperson for Oncor.

— Pooja Salhotra and Berenice Garcia

Tornadoes pop up in East Texas after Beryl downgraded to a Tropical Storm

After downing trees and power lines across the Greater Houston area, Hurricane Beryl has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, meaning wind speeds have lowered below 75 miles per hour.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to about 60 miles per hour, a 1 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Beryl is headed northeastward at about 14 miles per hour and is expected to increase in speed as it continues to move through East Texas, where some local officials asked residents to shelter in place.

The National Weather Service out of Shreveport is tracking three confirmed tornadoes on radar, two in Texas and the third in Louisiana. The first is south of Joaquin, which is north of Lufkin and near the Louisiana border, the second is north of Timpson, which is also near the border.

Forecasters urged Texans to use caution amid downed power lines and warned that improper generator use can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

On the Texas coastline, a storm surge warning is still in effect north of San Luis Pass to Sabine Pass, an area that includes Galveston Bay. The tropical storm warning was discontinued from Port O’Conner to San Luis Pass.

The Coastal Bend, including areas like Corpus Christi, was spared from the brunt of the storm.

— Pooja Salhotra and Jess Huff

Two people die in separate incidents after Beryl knocks trees onto residences, authorities say

Two people have died and another was injured after Hurricane Beryl downed trees in separate Houston neighborhoods near George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Harris County.

The Atascocita Fire Department responded to a call about a fallen tree at approximately 6:30 a.m., according to Jerry Dilliard, the department’s spokesperson. Two people were at the residence, and one was deceased at the scene. The second person was transported to the hospital and their condition is currently unclear.

“One person was trapped under a ceiling in a part of the house that the tree had fallen on,” Dilliard said.

In an email, Harris County Sheriff’s Office senior deputy Thomas Gilliland confirmed the death, noting that a tree fell on a house and a man was trapped under debris.

“That tragic incident is being worked by our personnel,” Gilliland wrote.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales said on X that the deceased person is a 53-year-old man who was “sitting in a house with family, riding out the storm.”

Gonzales also reported hours later that a tree fell on a residence in the neighborhood of Rustic Canyon Trail in Houston, causing to the death of a 74-year-old woman. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo described the woman as a grandmother who died after a tree fell on her bedroom in the Spring neighborhood.

— Pooja Salhotra and Stephen Simpson

High winds persist into East Texas, prompting requests for residents to shelter in place

High winds have made their way north from the Texas coast into East Texas and counties have begun to ask residents to shelter in place as a way to keep emergency vehicles off the roads as well.

The storm kept up its momentum as a Category 1 hurricane all the way to Interstate 10, surprising meteorologist Matt Lanza at Space City Weather.

“The widespread wind gusts of 75 to 85 mph so far inland was really unnerving,” he wrote in an updated blog post.

Residents of San Jacinto, Liberty, Hardin and Tyler counties have been encouraged to shelter in place, especially to stay off the roads in an effort to also keep emergency vehicles off the road.

News outlets and emergency management teams throughout the region have reported downed power lines and trees throughout the region.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 10 p.m. Monday for counties between Montgomery and Texarkana counties, as well as Northwest and North Central Louisiana and Southern Arkansas. A wind advisory is in effect until Tuesday morning.

— Jess Huff

Storm passes over Lake Livingston Dam, which was inundated with rain in April

In Polk County, which is home to the Lake Livingston Dam, the storm began to peak around 11 a.m. with the worst of it located over the dam, according to Polk County Emergency Management. High winds are still top of mind, even as Beryl has been downgraded to a tropical storm.

The dam, which recently reported potential failures, was releasing 21,175 cubic feet of water per second as of 11 a.m. and the lake level is at 130.93 feet above sea level.

This is significantly less than the several hundred thousand cubic feet of water released in April, when storms required several hundred thousand cubic feet of water per second to be released for multiple days in a row.

The Trinity River Authority, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Authority, initiated a temporary flight restriction over the dam as the authority also began construction to mitigate potential failures early Monday.

Houston officials ask residents to remain off roads as damage assessment begins

Downed tree limbs and power lines, flooded streets, and power outages have Houston officials pleading with residents to stay home.

Houston mayor John Whitmire held a news conference Monday detailing the dire situation the city finds itself in as it took the brunt of Hurricane Beryl.

“We are dealing with a very serious amount of water. Around 10 inches of rain across the city and 90-mile-per-hour winds and hurricane conditions,” Whitmire said. “Please, Houstonians, shelter in place. We are in emergency and rescue mode.”

Whitmire said over 700,000 Houston electricity customers are currently without power, and the region’s two major airports are not open. However, city officials should better understand the situation now that the storm is moving away.

“We are experiencing the dirty side of a dirty storm,” Whitmire said.

The storm's sustained winds were still at 70 miles per hour as it moved from the Gulf Coast into the Houston area. The National Hurricane Center said that up to 10 inches of rain could fall in some places — and some isolated areas of the state may receive 15 inches. Some areas of Houston have already received nearly 10 inches of rainfall, according to data from the Harris County Flood Control District. On Monday morning, local officials in the Houston area said the storm had downed trees and caused street flooding. At least two people died when trees fell onto their residences.

In Rosenberg, a city 35 miles southwest of Houston, a downed tree hit a high water rescue vehicle returning from a rescue, police said on X . Officials there also urged residents to stay off roadways.

Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Pena underscored the strain on resources due to the high demand for high-water rescues and live wire calls. These are currently the primary service requests, consuming a significant portion of their resources, and they have already helped eight people in high-water rescues.

“Earlier today, we saw a video of a high-water rescue , and you can see how resource-intensive those call types are. We can’t keep using those resources. Please be cautious and heed the warnings,” Pena said.

— Stephen Simpson, Pooja Salhotra and Emily Foxhall

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from generators during power outages

When electrical power is knocked out after a hurricane, carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly used gas-powered generators is especially dangerous. The odorless, colorless gas is called an “invisible killer.” Early symptoms can include headache, dizziness, weakness and nausea, similar to the flu. To stay safe, experts recommend never connecting a generator directly to your home’s wiring, ensuring it's properly grounded, and always operate it outdoors away from windows and vents.

— Alejandra Martinez

Refineries begin reporting storm-related air pollution

Some refineries along the Texas coast have shut down due to Hurricane Beryl and are self-reporting instances of “unintentional” emissions.

In one instance, Freeport LNG, a large natural gas terminal on the coast of Brazoria County, reported releases of over 8,000 pounds of unplanned air pollution on Sunday. Pollutants included ethylene , a chemical with a faint sweet and musky odor, that can cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, and lightheadedness if people are exposed to it in large amounts overtime.

In their report to the state, the company wrote the facility was proactively shutting down before the hurricane winds caused power outages.

“[The shutdown] resulted in a subsequent unavoidable venting,” the report said.

Flaring, a process for burning unwanted gas to relieve pressure or clear pipes, usually happens before or during extreme weather events, said Luke Metzger, executive director of the nonprofit Environment Texas.

The Marathon Galveston Bay Refinery in Texas City, along the Houston Ship Channel, tweeted the facility was flaring Monday morning due to a brief power disruption during the storm. No report has been submitted to the state yet.

Metzger said Beryl’s pollution events are low compared to Hurricane Harvey’s 8.3 million pounds of air pollution reported to the state, but suspects more facilities will submit reports after the storm’s passing.

“I was surprised looking at the pollution reports that there has been relatively little pollution reported,” Metzger said. “That’s either good news because the storm had less of an impact [on refineries] or facilities [operators] have learned their lesson.”

What should I do after a hurricane hits?

Stay away from flood waters and damaged power lines. Don’t enter damaged buildings. Take photos and document damages to your home or property. Residents are also encouraged to document their storm damages and losses through a state-run online survey to help state officials understand the extent of the damages.

Organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and local volunteer organizations can help you find food, shelter and supplies, as well as even assist you with clean-up efforts.

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May 30, 2024

Government and community resources may be available to help with recovery. Disaster declarations from the governor and president may free up federal funds for recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency . People cannot receive disaster aid and insurance assistance for the same damages, so insured Texans should file claims through their existing policies before applying for FEMA assistance.

— Maria Probert Hermosillo and Pooja Salhotra

Beryl makes landfall in Texas as Category 1 hurricane

Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda around 4 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 Hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm strengthened through Sunday evening and had maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour when it came ashore. A 5 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center warned about life-threatening storm surge and inland flooding Monday.

Hundreds of thousands of Texans are without power , including many in coastline counties such as Brazoria and Matagorda, according to PowerOutage.us. The full scope of the storm's damage is not yet clear — and it could cause more Monday as it moves northeast through the state.

The hurricane center said the coast was experiencing life-threatening storm surge. It also warned of flash floods throughout the southeastern portion of the state as the storm continues moving inland, bringing five to 10 inches of rain to some areas — or up to 15 inches in some isolated places.

Category 1 storms primarily damage unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees. They can also do extensive damage to electricity lines and cause power outages that last several days.

— Pooja Salhotra

Disclosure: CenterPoint Energy has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here .

Maria Probert Hermosillo , Berenice Garcia and Emily Foxhall contributed to this report.

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Information about the authors

Pooja Salhotra

General assignment reporter.

[email protected]

@PoojaSalhotra

Stephen Simpson

Mental health reporter.

[email protected]

@Steve55Simpson

Alejandra Martinez

Environmental reporter.

[email protected]

@alereports

East Texas Reporter

[email protected]

@JessHuff16

[email protected]

Contributors

Maria Probert Hermosillo

Berenice Garcia

Rio grande valley reporter.

[email protected]

@berenice__g

Emily Foxhall

Climate reporter.

[email protected]

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies , including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

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9 Low Magnesium Symptoms: Short-Term and Mild or Long-Term

Subtle symptoms such as fatigue may delay diagnosis

• Lack of Early Symptoms
• Symptoms Over Time
• Getting Enough Magnesium
• Testing for Magnesium
• Risks if Untreated
• Too Much Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral vital for regulating your heart rhythm; muscle, nerve, and brain functions; and energy levels. Low magnesium can occur when you don't get enough magnesium in your diet, your body doesn't absorb it well, or you excrete too much.

People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and alcohol use disorders, as well as older adults are at higher risk of deficiency. While you may not have symptoms initially, early symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Poor appetite

This article reviews low magnesium symptoms, how they progress over time, the daily requirements of magnesium, how to know if you are getting enough, and what to do if you need more magnesium.

Westend61 / Getty Images

Low Magnesium May Not Immediately Cause Symptoms

An adult body stores about 25 grams (g) of magnesium—60% in your bones and 40% in your cells. Less than 1% of magnesium in the body stays in the serum (liquid portion of the blood).

Low magnesium may not cause symptoms initially because your bloodstream borrows excess magnesium from your cells or bones. Your body can perform vital functions until the cells and bones run out of extra magnesium. Symptoms arise when there is nothing left to tap into.

Low Magnesium Symptoms That May Occur Over Time

The timing and severity of symptoms depend on the degree and rate of magnesium depletion. You or a healthcare provider may overlook a magnesium deficiency, delaying a diagnosis because of subtle symptoms like fatigue. Here are some examples of low magnesium symptoms:

• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle spasms
• Mood or personality changes 
• Abnormal heartbeat

Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin D, and Calcium

Magnesium, potassium , vitamin D, and calcium have a complex interconnection. Your body needs stable levels of each to function properly. For example:  

• Magnesium helps regulate potassium. 
• Magnesium helps turn vitamin D into its usable form.
• Vitamin D helps with magnesium absorption (from food). 
• Vitamin D and magnesium help control the parathyroid hormone (PTH). 
• Low vitamin D causes PTH levels to rise, which can cause you to lose too much magnesium in the urine.
• Severe magnesium deficiency can lead to low calcium levels.  

Am I Getting Enough Magnesium?

Studies show that about 50% of the U.S. population does not get enough magnesium in their diet. This may be because they do not eat enough foods containing magnesium or because minerals such as magnesium have been depleted in the soil or by food processing.  

Daily Recommended Amounts of Magnesium for Adults

The daily recommended magnesium intake for adults is between 310 and 320 milligrams (mg) daily for adult females and 400 and 420 mg for adult males. Postmenopausal people should continue to aim for 320 mg per day. Levels vary slightly for pregnant and lactating people as follows.

• Age 14–18: 400 mg per day
• Age 19–30: 350 mg per day
• Age 31 and older: 360 mg per day

Lactating :

• Age 14–18: 360 mg per day
• Age 19–30: 310 mg per day
• Age 31 and older: 320 mg per day

Can You Test for Low Magnesium on Your Own?

At-home vitamin-deficiency tests are available. The self-tests typically involve a finger-prick blood test where you can collect a sample at home and send it to the distributor's lab for analysis. You usually get results a few days after the lab receives the sample. 

Sharing the results with a healthcare provider is vital because magnesium levels within the normal range do not necessarily mean you have enough magnesium. These tests do not provide information about magnesium stores in the body.  

The same applies to a serum magnesium blood test ordered by a healthcare provider. Expected values vary between laboratories but are typically around 1.5 to 2.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Symptoms usually occur when serum magnesium levels fall below 1.2 mg/dL.  

But having symptoms or having a magnesium level at the lower end of the normal range could indicate a possible deficiency. The provider may order other, more specialized tests, including the following:

• Red blood cell (RBC) magnesium test : This test reflects magnesium in the cells, not just the blood.  
• 24-hour urine test : This test measures how much magnesium your kidneys excrete.
• Ionized magnesium : This test measures free, unbound magnesium ions in the blood. A serum test measures both bound and free magnesium ions and is more common for those who are critically ill.
• Magnesium loading test : In this test, a healthcare provider gives you intravenous or oral magnesium and watches how you absorb and excrete it. 
• Hair mineral analysis : This test evaluates mineral deficiencies and heavy metal toxicity in the hair.

Risks of Untreated Symptoms of Low Magnesium 

Left untreated, low magnesium levels can lead to the onset or worsening of the following health conditions:

• Heart rhythm disturbances
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Osteoporosis
• Type 2 diabetes 
• Coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Kidney stones
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• Mental health disorders

Low Magnesium May Be a Sign of Preeclampsia in Pregnant People

It’s also important to note that low magnesium levels in pregnant people may be a sign of preeclampsia or eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).

What to Do With a Magnesium Deficiency 

Depending on your level of magnesium deficiency, underlying health conditions, and the medications you take, your healthcare provider may recommend dietary changes or supplementation.

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes may involve increasing magnesium-rich foods and limiting sugar, saturated fat, sodium, and alcohol.

While this is not an exhaustive list, magnesium-rich foods include:

Some health conditions and medicines can increase your risk of low magnesium by:

• Decreasing your appetite
• Causing poor magnesium absorption 
• Increasing magnesium excretion (peeing or pooping it out)  

For example, older adults, critically ill people, and those with alcohol use disorder, gastrointestinal problems, and diabetes are at higher risk of deficiency. Examples of health conditions and medications that can contribute to lower magnesium levels include:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., celiac disease , cystic fibrosis , diarrhea , inflammatory bowel disease )
• Diabetes and other endocrine or metabolic disorders
• Kidney disease
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Some medications (e.g., diuretics , proton pump inhibitors , certain antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy drugs)

This means that dietary changes or supplements may not fix low magnesium, especially if you have an underlying condition or take a medication causing the deficiency. 

Magnesium Supplementation

Magnesium supplements come in various forms such as magnesium oxide, citrate, and chloride. Some types may be more appropriate for your condition and are better absorbed by the body than others.

If you need oral magnesium supplements, follow a healthcare provider's guidance regarding the type, dosage and the amount. Even though magnesium supplements are natural, they can cause side effects or interact with other medications or supplements. 

It is possible to take too much magnesium. Also, medications such as antacids and laxatives contain a significant amount of magnesium and can cause your daily dosage to be too high.

Pros and Cons of Supplements

Oral magnesium supplements are helpful for those who don’t get enough of the mineral in their diet. Many people take them at night as they make some people sleepy. Common side effects include stomach cramps and diarrhea. While the research is not extensive, some people use topical (on the skin) magnesium instead of oral supplements to reduce the risk of stomach upset.

If your healthcare providers need to increase your magnesium levels quickly, they will offer it to you intravenously (IV) in a hospital setting. For example, providers commonly give IV magnesium to pregnant people with preeclampsia to lower their blood pressure.  

Symptoms of Too Much Magnesium 

Getting too much magnesium from food is unlikely unless a health condition prevents your kidneys from flushing it out of the body. But extremely high doses of magnesium (more than 5,000 mg/day) can be toxic and cause the following:

• Low blood pressure or low heart rate
• Muscle weakness 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Facial flushing (redness)
• Urinary retention (not able to pee)
• Paralysis (with very high levels)
• Cardiac arrest

Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps your body function. Low levels may not cause symptoms initially as the body borrows stored magnesium cells. But, eventually, you may experience fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, muscle spasms, mood changes, tingling, stiffness, insomnia, or an abnormal heartbeat.

Most people get enough magnesium in their diet. But, some people may need supplementation. Taking too much magnesium can also cause stomach upset or magnesium toxicity, so always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium .

DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH, Wilson W. Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis . Open Heart 2018;5:e000668. doi:10.1136/openhrt-2017-000668

AAA Ismail, Y Ismail, AA Ismail. Chronic magnesium deficiency and human disease; Time for reappraisal? . QJM: An International Journal of Medicine . 2018;111(11):759–763. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcx186

Ahmed F, Mohammed A. Magnesium: the forgotten electrolyte—a review on hypomagnesemia . Med Sci . 2019;7(4):56. doi:10.3390/medsci7040056

Al Alawi AM, Majoni SW, Falhammar H. Magnesium and human health: perspectives and research directions . International Journal of Endocrinology . 2018;2018:1-17. doi:10.1155/2018/9041694 

Mori S, Tomita T, Fujimura K, et al. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on the effect of magnesium oxide in patients with chronic constipation .  J Neurogastroenterol Motil . 2019;25(4):563-575. doi:10.5056/jnm18194

Singh A, Kaur R, Dass B, et al. Tingles, tetany, and electrolyte derangements . Cureus . 2020;12(4):e7854. doi:10.7759/cureus.7854

Arab A, Rafie N, Amani R, Shirani F. The role of magnesium in sleep health: A systematic review of available literature . Biol Trace Elem Res . 2023;201(1):121-128. doi: 10.1007/s12011-022-03162-1

MedlinePlus. Fluid and electrolyte balance .

Razzaque, M. S. Magnesium: Are we consuming enough ? Nutrients . 2018; 10 (12). doi:10.3390/nu10121863

MedlinePlus. Magnesium blood levels .

National Institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium - Health professional fact sheet .

By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Jones is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with more than two decades of healthcare experience.

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To Serve His Country, President Biden Should Leave the Race

By The Editorial Board

The editorial board is a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values . It is separate from the newsroom.

President Biden has repeatedly and rightfully described the stakes in this November’s presidential election as nothing less than the future of American democracy.

Donald Trump has proved himself to be a significant jeopardy to that democracy — an erratic and self-interested figure unworthy of the public trust. He systematically attempted to undermine the integrity of elections. His supporters have described, publicly, a 2025 agenda that would give him the power to carry out the most extreme of his promises and threats. If he is returned to office, he has vowed to be a different kind of president, unrestrained by the checks on power built into the American political system.

Mr. Biden has said that he is the candidate with the best chance of taking on this threat of tyranny and defeating it. His argument rests largely on the fact that he beat Mr. Trump in 2020. That is no longer a sufficient rationale for why Mr. Biden should be the Democratic nominee this year.

At Thursday’s debate, the president needed to convince the American public that he was equal to the formidable demands of the office he is seeking to hold for another term. Voters, however, cannot be expected to ignore what was instead plain to see: Mr. Biden is not the man he was four years ago.

The president appeared on Thursday night as the shadow of a great public servant. He struggled to explain what he would accomplish in a second term. He struggled to respond to Mr. Trump’s provocations. He struggled to hold Mr. Trump accountable for his lies, his failures and his chilling plans. More than once, he struggled to make it to the end of a sentence.

Mr. Biden has been an admirable president. Under his leadership, the nation has prospered and begun to address a range of long-term challenges, and the wounds ripped open by Mr. Trump have begun to heal. But the greatest public service Mr. Biden can now perform is to announce that he will not continue to run for re-election.

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