Essays (Grade 10 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Essays
Planning, drafting, and editing
When you write an essay for your exam, your teacher or examiner wants to see that you've put time and thought into your work. A well-written essay shows that you've revised and refined your ideas, not just written down the first thing that came to mind.
Start with a plan
Before you begin writing your essay, you should organise your thoughts using one of these planning methods:
Planning Methods:
- Mind-map: A visual diagram with your main topic in the centre and related ideas branching out
- Spider diagram: Similar to a mind-map, with legs connecting different points
- Paragraph plan: A numbered list showing what each paragraph will discuss
Planning helps you structure your ideas properly and ensures your essay flows logically from one point to the next. When planning, ask yourself: "How will my essay unfold?" Think carefully about the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of your topic.
Write a first draft
Your first attempt at writing the essay is called your draft. This is where you get your ideas down on paper. Don't worry if it's not perfect yet.
After writing your draft:
- Check your grammar, spelling, and structure (paragraphs)
- Edit your work using a different coloured pen or pencil (this makes it easy to see what changes you've made)
- Clearly indicate which version is your first draft and which is your final version
Exam tip: In your exam, you won't have much time for multiple drafts, but you should still spend a few minutes planning and save time at the end to proofread and make corrections.
Register (tone and style)
Register refers to the level of formality in your writing. For essays, you must always use formal language. This means:
- Avoiding slang words (words used in casual conversation)
- Avoiding contractions (shortened forms like "don't" or "can't")
- Using proper grammar and sentence structure
Examples of poor vs improved writing
| Incorrect (slang & informal) | Correct (formal & structured) |
|---|---|
| I and my tjomies checked out the chicks at the local joint. | My friends and I watched the girls at the local shop. |
| She was so hot and I fell inluv. | She was very attractive, and I fell in love. |
Notice how the correct versions use complete words, proper grammar, and respectful language. This is the standard expected in formal essay writing.
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Correct use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation is essential for clear communication. These elements help your reader understand exactly what you mean.
Paragraphing is crucial
Never write your essay as one large block of text. Correct paragraphing shows that you can organise your thoughts into separate ideas. Each paragraph should focus on one main point.
Use proper punctuation
Punctuation marks (full stops, commas, apostrophes, etc.) help avoid confusion. They show where sentences end, where pauses occur, and how ideas relate to each other.
Common grammar mistakes
Here are some errors that students often make, along with examples of how to correct them:
| Grammar mistake | Example (incorrect) | Corrected version |
|---|---|---|
| Comma-splice error (joining sentences incorrectly with a comma) | He was putting it all on the field, his heart, his soul and his love for school. | He was putting it all on the field—his heart, his soul, and his love for school. |
| Dangling participle (misplaced phrase) | Speeding down the hallway the door to his Maths class came into view. | As Jabu was speeding down the hallway, the door to his Maths class came into view. |
| Errors of concord (subject-verb agreement) | The class of learners are going on an excursion next Friday. | The class of learners is going on an excursion next Friday. |
| Tense errors | She walk to school every day. | She walks to school every day. |
Memory aid: When checking your work, read each sentence separately to make sure the subject and verb agree, and that you're using the correct tense consistently.
Language usage and style
The language you choose affects how professional and clear your writing appears. Here are important guidelines:
Avoid inappropriate language
Never use:
- Profanity (swear words)
- Slang (casual, informal words)
- Informal phrases such as "kinda", "like", or "really"
These reduce the quality of your writing and will cost you marks.
Code-switching
Code-switching means using another language within your English writing. If you do this, you must clearly explain the meaning.
Example of Code-Switching:
"Eish! He was caught and there was no way out. It was déjà vu (a situation that feels like it has happened before)."
However, it's usually better to stick to English throughout your essay.
Use idiomatic expressions carefully
Idioms are phrases with special meanings (like "raining cats and dogs"). They can make your writing more interesting, but use them carefully. They should enhance your meaning, not confuse your reader.
Coherence and structure
Coherence means that your ideas connect smoothly and logically. A coherent essay is easy to follow because each paragraph links clearly to the next.
Link your paragraphs logically
Use connecting words to show how your ideas relate:
Transition Words:
- Continuity words (show similar ideas): similarly, moreover, additionally, likewise
- Contrast words (show opposite ideas): however, although, despite, nonetheless
- Conclusion words (show final thoughts): thus, therefore, in conclusion
Topic sentences
Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that tells the reader what that paragraph will discuss. This sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Focus on one idea per paragraph
Don't try to discuss multiple unrelated points in one paragraph. Keep each paragraph focused on a single idea, then use transitions to move to your next point.
Example: poor vs improved coherence
Worked Example: Improving Coherence
Poor coherence: "She ran quickly. She had to finish her essay. It was due in five minutes."
Improved coherence: "She ran quickly because her essay was due in five minutes."
The improved version uses "because" to show the connection between the ideas, making the writing flow better.
Sentence structure and variety
Good writing includes a variety of sentence types and lengths. This makes your essay more interesting to read.
Vary sentence length
- Use short sentences for impact: They grab attention and emphasise important points.
- Combine longer sentences for flow: These help explain complex ideas and show relationships between thoughts.
Use strong verbs and adjectives
Weak, general words make your writing boring. Instead, choose specific, powerful words.
| Weak writing | Stronger writing |
|---|---|
| She was really mad at him. | She was furious with him. |
| He walked slowly to school. | He trudged to school. |
| I like shopping. | I enjoy shopping. |
| He was sad. | He was devastated. |
Notice how the stronger versions paint a clearer picture and have more emotional impact.
Structuring your essay
Every essay should have three main parts: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Introduction
Your introduction is the first paragraph of your essay. It should:
- Capture attention: Start with something interesting—a hook, a thought-provoking quote, or a question
- State your main argument or thesis: This is the central point you'll be making in your essay
Think of your introduction as a roadmap that shows your reader where the essay is going.
Body paragraphs
The body is the main part of your essay where you develop your ideas. Each body paragraph should:
- Focus on one idea: Don't mix multiple unrelated points
- Use examples and evidence: Support your points with specific details, facts, or quotations
Memory aid: Think of "PEEL" when writing paragraphs:
- Point: Make your main point
- Evidence: Give an example or evidence
- Explanation: Explain how this supports your argument
- Link: Connect to your next idea
Conclusion
Your conclusion is the final paragraph. It should:
- Summarise your key points
- Reinforce your argument without simply repeating what you said in the introduction (use different words)
- End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression
Don't introduce new ideas in your conclusion. This is where you wrap everything up.
Creativity and style
While essays require formal language, you can still make your writing engaging and interesting.
Imagery makes writing more engaging
Imagery means using descriptive language that creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind.
Example: Using Imagery
Instead of: "It was a hot day"
Try: "The red-hot sun scorched the African landscape"
This paints a much clearer, more powerful image.
Use contrast and comparisons
Comparing and contrasting ideas helps your reader understand your points better.
Example of Effective Comparison:
"The rich, moist wetlands of St Lucia are nothing like my home in Namibia."
This comparison immediately helps the reader visualise the difference between the two places.
Avoid clichés
Clichés are overused phrases that have lost their impact (like "at the end of the day" or "a beautiful summer's day").
Avoiding Clichés:
Instead of: "It was a beautiful summer's day"
Try: "The golden sun bathed the town in warmth"
Fresh, original descriptions are always more interesting than tired, overused phrases.
Common mistakes to avoid
Being aware of common errors helps you avoid them in your own writing:
Common Essay Mistakes:
- Lack of planning → Leads to disorganised, confusing writing
- Poor paragraphing → Makes it hard to follow your argument
- Tense inconsistency → Reduces clarity (don't switch between past and present without reason)
- Repetition → Weakens impact (saying the same thing multiple times)
- Informal language → Reduces marks in formal writing
Exam tip: Make a checklist of these mistakes and review your essay before submitting it.
Final tips
Presentation matters
- Write neatly and clearly: If the examiner can't read your handwriting, you'll lose marks
- Use proper spacing between words and lines
Proofread carefully
- Read your essay out loud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and grammar errors
- Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors: Even small mistakes can affect your mark
- Be concise: Avoid long-winded explanations that don't add value. Say what you need to say clearly and move on
Time management
In an exam, divide your time wisely:
- Planning (5-10 minutes)
- Writing (most of your time)
- Proofreading (5-10 minutes at the end)
Don't skip the proofreading stage, even if you're running short on time. A few minutes checking for errors can make a big difference to your final mark.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Plan before you write: Use a mind-map, spider diagram, or paragraph plan to organise your thoughts.
- Use formal language: Avoid slang, contractions, and informal expressions in your essays.
- Structure matters: Every essay needs an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Vary your sentences: Mix short, impactful sentences with longer, flowing ones to keep your writing interesting.
- Always proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity before submitting your work.