sided: the conclusion clearly states where the writer stands and why.
• Show a specific opinion or viewpoint and argue to defend or motivate a position.
• Sustain the view clearly throughout. • Try to convince the reader to share your point of view subjectively.
• Start with your view of the topic in an original and striking way.
• Give a range of arguments to support and substantiate your view.
• Focus on points for OR against a statement. • Express subjective and strong opinions. • Use a variety of rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques.
• Use emotive language. • Conclude with a strong, clear and convincing statement reflecting your opinion.
Discursive essay Discursive essays tend to be more balanced, and present various sides of a particular argument. The structure is careful and clearly planned; the tendency is towards objectivity, but the writer can be personal. While you could use emotive language, the best arguments here are won because they make good, reasonable sense. The conclusion leaves the reader in no doubt as to where the writer
stands. • Aim to give an objective and balanced view of both sides of an argument.
• Consider various aspects of the topic under discussion.
• Present opposing views impartially. • Balance the arguments for and against. • Writing must be clear, rational and objective. • Make well-reasoned and well-supported statements.
• Use an unemotional and convincing tone without being condescending.
• Conclude with an indication of your particular opinion.
Reflective essay Reflective essays present the writer’s views, ideas, thoughts and feelings on a particular topic, usually something they feel strongly about. It tends to be personal rather than subjective; it needs a careful
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structure, but does not have to present a clear conclusion. Nor does it have to present a balanced discussion, although it might. It can be witty or serious.
• Contemplate an idea. • Give emotional reactions and feelings. • Reflect subjectivity where feelings and emotions play a major role.
• Aim to recreate your memories or feelings in the reader.
• Express ideas, thoughts or feelings revealing sincerity and personal involvement.
Expository essay (for enrichment) • Communicate ideas or information in a logical way.
• Explain ideas or give facts in a systematic way. • Research ideas and support with facts and figures.
• Clarify any unfamiliar concepts. • Organise logically and take the reader from the known to the unknown.
• Write generally in the present tense.
Transactional texts Word count:
Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9
Longer transactional texts
120–140 words
Shorter texts 80–90 words
140–160 words
90–100 words
160–180 words
100–110 words
Official/formal letter While the writing of friendly/informal letter has largely been replaced by electronic media, e.g. email, fax and sms, among others, you should still
be able to write informal and formal letters. • Practise different kinds of formal letters, e.g. a letter of application, a letter to the editor of a newspaper, a letter of complaint, etc.
• Adhere to different requirements of formal letters such as style and structure.
• Write in direct and simple language. • Remember that the intended audience should
understand what is communicated for the results/ response to be positive.
• Writing should be clear and straightforward, concise and logical.
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