Articles, Essays and Speeches

Brief nonfiction pieces often found

in periodicals.
Periodicals are newspapers and

magazines which are published periodically.

 Essay: examines and discusses a topic, often

presenting the authors emotions and thoughts. Essays typically explore ideas and opinions.
Speech: presents a topic and often marks a

specific occasion. There are many types of speeches, ranging from informal talks to formal lectures.

 Essays or speeches offer more than

ideas and facts; they also express a writers: Style Tone Perspective Purpose

 Is the way in which an author uses

language. Style reflects an authors individuality and can be as unique as a fingerprint.

 Many factors contribute to an authors style,

including:

A. Level of formality B. Use of figurative language C. Word choice D. Sentence patterns E. Methods of organization

 Is the authors attitude toward both the

subject and the audience. When you listen to a speech, you can hear the speakers tone just as you do when you engage in conversations. Authors of written works convey tone through word choice and details. Tone is often described with a single adjective: formal, ironic, amused, angry, and so on.

 Is the viewpoint or opinion an author

expresses.
Bias occurs when the presentation of a

viewpoint becomes so one-sided that a writer distorts facts or uses emotional language to unfairly influence the reader or listener.

 Is the authors reason for writing or

speaking. Common purposes include the following: A. To inform B. To entertain C. To persuade D. To praise E. To celebrate F. To warn

Narrative Descriptive

Expository
Persuasive

Reflective

Tells the story of real

events or an individuals personal experience.

Creates an impression

about a person, an object, or an experience.

Provides information,

explores ideas, or explains a process.

Attempts to convince

readers to take a course of action or adopt the writers position on an issue.

Conveys the writers

thoughts and feelings about a personal experience or idea.

Address

Talk
Oration

Lecture

A formal, prepared speech

that is usually delivered by someone of importance.

Example

The Gettysburg Address

An informal speech

delivered in a conversational style.

Example

Oprah Winfrey Episode

An eloquent speech given

on a formal occasion.
Example Wedding Toast

or a Eulogy at a funeral

A prepared speech that

informs or instructs an audience.

Example

College Lecture