Essay, A Very Useful Format

In the last few posts, I've written my viewpoint in essay format. Yes the same essay format that is taught in schools and GED programs. Yes that seemingly boring and tedious way of writing that you would never use because its seemed so obtuse. Actually I'm fond of the essay format.  I want to say something about the different essay genres, what is the best genre for blogging, and why blog in essay format.

Did you know there are several different types of genre of essays?  Purdue.edu has a good web site on the different essay genres (click here).  In a writing class I was challenged with the argumentative essay.  In the argumentative essay you have to come up with arguments against your own argument.  If your passionate about your argument in the first place it really forces you to think of the other side(s) of the issue.  Its a real mind bender.

Mostly here I've been using the narrative essay genre.  I think its a good fit for blogging.  The reason is that the narrative format allows the writer or blogger to be creative.  It's the lighter of the essay genres.  It also allows you to speak your mind and that is what blogging is all about.

Why should any essay format be used in blogging?  That's a good question.  Most bloggers just write.  Their format varies but mostly it comes out like a conversation of what my day was like.  That's fine if you just want to share your experiences, but if you want to make a point nothing drives it better than an essay format.  The essay forces you to sum up your thought into one thesis statement that drives the whole piece.  From there you break down what points you want.  Three to five points are great, but you could still only have two points and that's fine as well.  Some teachers mention a five paragraph essay.  That is not written in stone.  The emphasis on five paragraphs was pointing to the essay format in general.  An introduction paragraph, a paragraph for each point, and a conclusion paragraph.  That's really all its about.  I'm afraid people have been put off by the five paragraph requirement by some teachers.  After you put it all together you can see how it makes you explain your argument in a clean concise way that anyone can read.

Well, knowing the different genres, trying out a narrative genre, and organizing your thoughts in an essay format for a blog will explain what you are trying to say to most people.  That's why I believe that essay writing has a place in the blogging movement, and that's why I use it.