Understanding Informal Essays
An informal essay, unlike most formal academic essays, puts the writer and maybe even the audience front and center. This type of essay is characterized by a personal tone, conversational style, and the freedom to explore various topics in a less structured format. An informal essay can cover a variety of topics and may overlap with other essay types such as the persuasive essay. How the informal essay is approached will depend on the topic.
Informal Essay Topics
Informal essay topics may be assigned or may be up to the writer. A narrative about some important event in a writer’s life might be the topic for an informal essay. An essay about personal goals is another common topic for informal college-level essay writing. The scope of topics for informal essays is enormous, ranging from examining controversial issues to more creative essays that ask the writer to imagine being president for a term or what historical time period would be interesting to visit. The flexibility in choosing topics allows the writer to explore areas of personal interest and engage the reader with unique perspectives and insights.
Thesis
In an informal essay, a writer is more likely to use something called an implied thesis. With an implied thesis, the writer may not include a single statement that tells the main idea of the essay. However, the essay’s main idea will be apparent to the reader either from the beginning or over the course of reading the essay. Even if the paper does not include a thesis statement, the writer should have a clear idea of the essay’s main idea. It’s possible, of course, that the thesis may only be clear to the writer after completing the first draft. When this happens, subsequent drafts can be made with the implied thesis in mind.
Body
An informal essay shares many characteristics with more formal essays. Paragraphs still must be well-organized and focused. If the essay is an informal argument essay, the writer can rely more on opinion and emotion than fact, but those opinions still must be developed and supported. As with all writing, specific examples to illustrate the writer’s points and concrete rather than abstract language will make for a stronger essay.
For instance, in an informal essay about a memorable trip, the writer could describe specific incidents, dialogues, and feelings experienced during the trip. This makes the essay vivid and engaging. An informal essay about a controversial topic, such as climate change, might include personal reflections, anecdotes, and opinions, along with some factual information to support the writer’s viewpoint.
In some ways, however, an informal essay may differ a great deal from a formal essay. For an informal narrative essay, for example, a writer may use many techniques we associate with fiction, including dialogue. There is scope for greater creativity in an informal essay, and the personality of the writer can shine through. The use of humor, wit, and personal anecdotes can make an informal essay particularly engaging and relatable.
Point of View
In formal essay writing, “I” and “you” are rarely, if ever, used. However, both of these are permissible in informal essay writing. Writers may not only talk about themselves, but they may address readers directly as well. The trick here is to be consistent with the point of view. Writers should avoid beginning a sentence with one point of view and changing halfway through. Here’s an example of a sentence that begins in third person (“a person”) and changes to second person (“you”):
“A person should be careful about reading up on new flight rules before you board a plane.”
Here’s how that sentence could be rewritten so the point of view is consistent:
“You should be careful about reading up on new flight rules before you board a plane.”
The use of personal pronouns can make the essay feel more direct and intimate, helping to establish a connection with the reader. It allows the writer to express personal thoughts and feelings more freely, making the essay more engaging.
Tone
The tone of an informal essay is typically more relaxed and conversational than that of a formal essay. While maintaining clarity and coherence, the writer has the freedom to use a more casual style of writing. This can include colloquial language, humor, and expressions of personal opinion. However, it’s important to strike a balance between informality and professionalism. The essay should still be well-organized and thoughtful, with a clear structure and purpose.
Structuring the Essay
Even though the essay is informal, it should still have a clear structure. Typically, this includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Introduction
The introduction of an informal essay should set the stage for the topic being discussed. It can be more engaging and less rigid than a formal essay introduction. The writer might start with an anecdote, a question, or a personal reflection to draw the reader in. The introduction should provide some context for the topic and hint at the main idea or purpose of the essay.
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point or aspect of the topic. The paragraphs should be well-organized and coherent, with clear topic sentences and supporting details. In an informal essay, the body paragraphs can include personal stories, reflections, and observations. The writer can use a more flexible structure, allowing for digressions and explorations of related ideas.
Conclusion
The conclusion for some types of informal essay may differ a bit from more formal essays. If the informal essay is a narrative essay, in which a story is told about the writer’s life, the conclusion should be less about summing up the main points of the essay and more about putting the story in perspective. The writer should discuss what was learned from the incident and place it in context. This provides a sense of closure and reflection, leaving the reader with a final thought or insight.
Revising and Editing
Even though the essay is informal, it should be polished and free from errors. Revising and editing are crucial steps in the writing process. The writer should review the essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. It’s important to ensure that the essay flows well and that the main idea is clear throughout. Seeking feedback from peers or mentors can provide valuable insights and help improve the essay.
Practical Tips for Writing an Informal Essay
- Choose an Engaging Topic: Select a topic that interests you and that you feel comfortable writing about. Personal stories and reflections often make for engaging informal essays.
- Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your writing. Use a conversational tone and express your thoughts and feelings openly.
- Use Clear and Concrete Language: Avoid abstract language and provide specific examples to illustrate your points. This makes your essay more vivid and engaging.
- Maintain Consistent Point of View: Ensure that you use a consistent point of view throughout the essay. Avoid switching between first, second, and third person.
- Revise and Edit: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Correct any grammatical errors and ensure that your essay flows well.
Conclusion
Writing an informal essay allows the writer to express themselves more freely and engage the reader with a personal tone and conversational style. By choosing an engaging topic, being true to your voice, and maintaining a clear structure, you can create an informal essay that is both enjoyable to write and to read. Whether you are sharing a personal story, reflecting on a significant event, or discussing a controversial issue, the informal essay provides a unique opportunity to connect with your audience on a more personal level.