Informal Essay Writing Tips

Definition of Informal Essay

An informal essay is a type of personal and conversational writing. It is informal in some ways. It basically expresses the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of the author. The manner and way of putting these expressions to paper are relaxed and casual. Also, it is characterized by its friendly and informal tone, often resembling a conversation between the writer and the reader.

Here are some of the major differences between formal and informal essays.

Differences Between Formal and Informal Essays

Formal Essay	Informal Essay
Follows a structured format with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.	May not follow a specific structure, often more flexible in organization.
Typically written in third-person point of view.	Often written in first or second person point of view.
Uses formal language and avoids contractions, slang, and colloquial expressions.	May use casual language, contractions, slang, and colloquial expressions.
Focuses on presenting a thesis statement and supporting it with evidence and logical arguments.	May present personal opinions, anecdotes, and experiences.
Requires proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, following standard rules of writing.	Tolerates more relaxed grammar, spelling, and punctuation, allowing for a conversational tone.
Utilizes a formal tone and avoids personal pronouns and emotions.	Can incorporate a conversational and personal tone, including emotions and personal pronouns.
Supports claims with academic or scholar”ly sources, providing citations and references.	May use personal observations or examples without the need for extensive citations.
Typically used in academic or professional settings, such as research papers, reports, or business writing.	Often found in personal blogs, opinion pieces, creative writing, or casual communication.

Types of Informal Essays

Type of Informal Essay	Explanation of Informality
Personal Essay	Focuses on the author’s personal experiences, reflections, and observations.
	Provides insights into the author’s thoughts, emotions, and worldview.
	Often includes anecdotes, storytelling, and self-disclosure.
Reflective Essay	Explores a specific topic or event and reflects on its significance.
	Examines the author’s thoughts, feelings, and lessons learned from the experience.
	Offers personal insights and connections to broader themes or concepts.
Narrative Essay	Tells a captivating story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
	Engages the reader through descriptive language, character development, and plot.
	May be based on personal experiences, real events, or fictional narratives.
Descriptive Essay	Creates vivid and detailed descriptions of people, places, objects, or experiences.
	Appeals to the reader’s senses through sensory language and imagery.
	Provides a sensory and immersive experience for the reader.
Humorous Essay	Utilizes humor, wit, and satire to entertain and amuse the reader.
	Relies on comedic elements such as irony, sarcasm, and wordplay.
	May address everyday situations, cultural observations, or social commentary in a lighthearted manner.
Informal Argumentative Essay	Presents the author’s opinion or viewpoint on a particular issue or topic.
	Supports the argument with personal anecdotes, examples, and logical reasoning.
	Engages the reader in a friendly and conversational debate or discussion.
Travel Essay	Chronicles the author’s travel experiences, adventures, and encounters.
	Captures the essence of different cultures, destinations, and landscapes.
	Combines personal observations, impressions, and travel tips.
Opinion Essay	Expresses the author’s opinion on a specific subject or current event.
	Provides arguments, reasons, and evidence to support the author’s viewpoint.
	Encourages critical thinking and stimulates discussion.
Literary Essay	Analyzes a piece of literature, such as a book, poem, or short story.
	Explores themes, symbolism, characters, and literary techniques.
	Combines personal interpretation with insights from literary criticism.
Review Essay	Evaluates and provides a critique of a book, movie, play, or other forms of media.
	Offers a subjective opinion on the work’s quality, relevance, and impact.
	Provides a balance of analysis, summary, and personal reaction.

Note: These types of informal essays are not mutually exclusive, and an essay can exhibit characteristics of multiple types depending on its content and purpose.

List of Key Words/Elements/Parts Used in Informal Essay

1. Personal voice: The essay reflects the author’s unique perspective, thoughts, and opinions.
2. Anecdotes: Short personal stories or examples that help illustrate a point or convey a message.
3. Reflection: The author reflects on personal experiences, events, or ideas and offers insights or lessons learned.
4. Informal tone: The essay is written in a conversational, relaxed, and non-academic style.
5. Storytelling: Narrative elements are employed to engage the reader and convey the author’s message.
6. Humor: The use of wit, irony, sarcasm, or comedic elements to entertain the reader.
7. Subjectivity: The essay is subjective and based on the author’s personal experiences, emotions, and opinions.
8. Informal language: Colloquial expressions, everyday language, and casual vocabulary are used.
9. Conversational style: The essay is written in a manner that resembles a friendly conversation with the reader.
10. Personal examples: The author incorporates personal anecdotes, stories, or real-life examples to support their ideas.
11. Emotional appeal: The author may evoke emotions in the reader by sharing personal feelings and experiences.
12. Observations: The essay includes observations about the world, society, or specific situations.
13. Reflection on broader themes: The author connects personal experiences to larger ideas, concepts, or societal issues.
14. Informal structure: The essay may not follow a strict formal structure but can have a more fluid organization.
15. Engagement with the reader: The author aims to establish a connection with the reader through direct address or questions.
16. Personal growth or transformation: The essay may explore personal growth, self-discovery, or transformative experiences.
17. Opinions and arguments: The author presents their opinions or arguments on a topic or issue.
18. Inclusion of dialogue: Dialogue or direct quotations may be used to bring conversations or interactions to life.
19. Intimate tone: The essay creates a sense of intimacy or familiarity between the author and the reader.
20. Concluding thoughts: The essay typically ends with a reflection, summary, or takeaway message.

Outlines of Informal Essay

Note: The table provides a general outline of the structure of an informal essay. However, keep in mind that the specific structure may vary depending on the topic, purpose, and personal style of the writer.

Example Outline of Informal Essay

Title: “The Joys of Exploring Nature: A Personal Journey”

Outlines:

Main Point	Details
1. Introduction	– Engaging opening: Sharing a vivid childhood memory of exploring the outdoors.
	– Thesis statement: Expressing the author’s love for nature and the transformative impact it has had on their life.
2. Personal Connection	– Sharing personal experiences and adventures in nature.
	– Reflecting on the feelings of awe, peace, and inspiration experienced in natural settings.
3. Embracing the Outdoors	– Discussing the benefits of spending time in nature, such as improved well-being and mental clarity.
	– Exploring various outdoor activities and their positive impact on physical health.
4. Lessons from Nature	– Sharing life lessons learned from observing and interacting with the natural world.
	– Reflecting on the resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness found in nature and how it relates to personal growth.
5. Finding Solace in Nature	– Exploring the role of nature as a source of solace and rejuvenation in times of stress and uncertainty.
	– Sharing personal anecdotes of finding peace and tranquility in natural environments.
6. The Beauty of Biodiversity	– Discussing the importance of biodiversity and the wonders of flora and fauna.
	– Highlighting the need for environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
7. Nature’s Inspirations	– Exploring how nature fuels creativity and serves as a muse for artists, writers, and thinkers.
	– Sharing personal experiences of finding inspiration in natural landscapes and elements.
8. Connecting with Others	– Discussing the sense of community and camaraderie fostered through outdoor activities and shared love for nature.
	– Sharing stories of forming meaningful connections with others through nature-related experiences.
9. Conclusion	– Summarizing the joys and benefits of exploring nature.
	– Reiterating the transformative impact of nature on personal well-being, growth, and inspiration.
	– Encouraging the reader to embrace and cherish the natural world around them.

This table can serve as an outline for your essay, helping you organize your thoughts and ensure that each main point and detail is adequately covered.

Suggested Readings

1. Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
2. Lunsford, Andrea A. The St. Martin’s Handbook. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
3. Strunk, William, Jr., and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
4. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2014.
5. Williams, Joseph M. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. 5th ed., Pearson, 2014.
6. Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018.