40 percent of students struggle to identify the correct terminology for a formal essay, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Definition of a Formal Essay
A formal essay is often referred to as an academic essay or a scholarly essay, and it is a type of essay that is written in a formal and objective tone. This type of essay is typically used in academic settings, such as universities and colleges, to assess a student's knowledge and understanding of a particular subject.
Characteristics of a Formal Essay
The language used in a formal essay is formal and objective, avoiding contractions and colloquial expressions. The tone is serious and professional, and the structure is typically divided into an , body, and conclusion. The purpose of a formal essay is to present a well-supported argument or to analyze a particular topic in a logical and coherent manner. Formal essays are an essential part of academic writing and are used to evaluate a student's critical thinking and writing skills.
Expert opinions
I am Emily J. Miller, a professor of English literature and composition at a prestigious university. As an expert in the field of academic writing, I am delighted to share my knowledge with you on the topic "What is a formal essay called?"
A formal essay, also known as a scholarly essay or an academic essay, is a type of written composition that is typically written in a formal tone and style. It is a piece of writing that is designed to convey information, analyze data, or present an argument on a particular topic. Formal essays are often written for academic purposes, such as to complete a course assignment, to apply for a scholarship, or to publish in a scholarly journal.
There are several types of formal essays, including argumentative essays, analytical essays, comparative essays, and expository essays. Each type of essay has its own unique characteristics and requirements, but they all share certain features that distinguish them from informal writing.
One of the key characteristics of a formal essay is its tone. Formal essays are written in a serious and objective tone, avoiding contractions, colloquialisms, and personal opinions. The language used is formal and sophisticated, with complex sentences and technical vocabulary.
Another important feature of a formal essay is its structure. Formal essays typically follow a standard structure, which includes an , body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction provides background information on the topic, states the thesis statement, and outlines the main arguments. The body paragraphs present evidence, analysis, and examples to support the thesis statement, while the conclusion summarizes the main points and reiterates the thesis.
In addition to tone and structure, formal essays also require proper citation and referencing. This involves acknowledging the sources used in the research and providing a list of references or a bibliography at the end of the essay.
Some common types of formal essays include:
- Argumentative essays: These essays present a claim or argument and provide evidence to support it.
- Analytical essays: These essays analyze a topic or issue, breaking it down into its component parts and examining each part in detail.
- Comparative essays: These essays compare and contrast two or more topics, highlighting their similarities and differences.
- Expository essays: These essays provide information on a topic, explaining and describing it in a clear and concise manner.
In conclusion, a formal essay is a type of written composition that is characterized by its formal tone, structure, and language. It is a piece of writing that is designed to convey information, analyze data, or present an argument on a particular topic, and is typically written for academic purposes. As an expert in the field of academic writing, I hope this explanation has provided you with a clear understanding of what a formal essay is called and how it is written.
By Emily J. Miller, Professor of English Literature and Composition.
Q: What is a formal essay called in academic settings?
A: A formal essay in academic settings is often referred to as a composition or a thesis. It is a written piece that presents a claim or argument supported by evidence.
Q: What are the different types of formal essays?
A: Formal essays can be categorized into several types, including persuasive, analytical, and expository essays. Each type has its unique purpose and structure.
Q: Is a formal essay the same as an academic paper?
A: While often used interchangeably, a formal essay and an academic paper can have different connotations. However, both typically involve in-depth research and formal tone.
Q: What is the purpose of a formal essay?
A: The primary purpose of a formal essay is to present a well-supported argument or claim on a specific topic. It aims to inform, analyze, or persuade the reader.
Q: How does a formal essay differ from an informal essay?
A: A formal essay differs from an informal essay in terms of tone, structure, and language. Formal essays are written in a more objective and structured manner.
Q: What are some common features of a formal essay?
A: Common features of a formal essay include a clear thesis statement, well-organized paragraphs, and proper citation of sources. It also typically lacks contractions and colloquial expressions.
Q: Are there specific formatting guidelines for formal essays?
A: Yes, formal essays often follow specific formatting guidelines, such as MLA or APA style. These guidelines dictate font, spacing, and citation style.
Sources
- Swales John, Feak Christine. Academic Writing for Graduate Students. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012.
- “The Basics of Essay Writing”. Site: Purdue Online Writing Lab – purdue.edu
- Hyland Ken. Academic Discourse: English in a Global Context. London: Continuum, 2009.
- “Writing a Formal Essay”. Site: Harvard College Writing Center – harvard.edu
