An Introduction to Informal Writing: Informal vs. Formal

What is an informal essay? An informal essay is written for enjoyment. The overall writing style is relaxed, and there is less emphasis on a rigid structure. An informal essay shares the personality of the writer. A formal essay is written with a direct purpose (to persuade, to inform, to compare etc.) and follows a very strict format. A formal essay is written in third person narrative and does not share the writer’s personality. BOTH Informal and formal essays must have a thesis statement!

Purpose of Informal Writing Before beginning your informal essay, consider your purpose. Will you write a: Persuasive (convince your reader of your opinions)*** Expressive (share your thoughts or ideas) OR Reflective (describe your past experiences) Essay? *Remember, informal essays must entertain!

Structure of the Informal Essay The informal essay should use the ‘introduction, body and conclusion’ structure, yet does not follow the 5 paragraph rule. The introduction should open with a bang! Use literary devices to make the opening catchy and original. The thesis statement will appear somewhere in the introduction. The body of the essay should be casual and focused on content, not format. Include examples and details. The conclusion should be powerful. Use literary devices to conclude your ideas in a meaningful way. Readers should not read final remarks, they should feel them!

Writing Techniques Point of View- The informal essay is written in first person narrative, therefore it is ok to use words like “personally”, “I feel”, “I believe” and address the reader directly. Paragraphs- are used to separate ideas, yet they should be short paragraphs. Literary/ Rhetorical Devices- Metaphors, personal anecdotes, clichés, quotes, etc. should be used to add interest to the writing and to convey the writer’s personality. Informal essays are subjective not objective and should sound like the writer is talking to the reader.

Tone and Language of Informal Essays Casual and conversation-like Personal and subjective May be amusing, ironic, thoughtful, angry or serious Language- Straight forward and easy to read. Every day common words should be used. As well, it is ok to use: Slang (cheesy, bonkers, cool) Colloquialisms (gonna, wanna) Contractions (they’re, wasn’t)

Supporting Opinions Each opinion must have factual supports These include examples and quotations Citations must be included In-Text Citations for a film. For example, Kale is confined to his suburban home (Caruso 2007). Jefferies says “Why would a man leave his apartment three times on a rainy night with a suitcase and come back three times? ” (Hitchcock 1954). Cite examples and direct quotation

Remember, informal writing is meant to be enjoyable for both the writer and the reader!