Some learners take longer to write while others work more quickly. In this flexible workshop, each student can move at their own pace, dropping in and out as needed. The workshop guides learners through the step-by-step process of crafting well-structured and authoritative essays, whether they are working on formal academic writing, discursive essays, or other formats.

Each week, students practice writing essays, using brainstorms and outlines to organize their ideas. The teacher will assign a format and suggest an optional topic that fits the student’s grade level, allowing them to work independently on their essays. Based on the group’s needs, the instructor may demonstrate how to use brainstorms and outlines effectively.

New participants are encouraged to share their brainstorm and outline before starting their essay. Once the essay process begins, the instructor provides basic feedback on structure and requirements, such as clarifying the thesis or organizing ideas.

Each class offers targeted guidance on how to approach different elements of essay writing, along with related activities, clear teacher instructions, and essay exemplars. The goal is to equip learners with the skills and strategies they need to confidently tackle formal, academic, and discursive writing, preparing them for entrance exams like SATs, IGCSE, or A-levels.

Writing Class Overview: 

Expository, Descriptive, Persuasive, Narrative, and Research Essays


In this writing workshop, we cycle through different essay styles, including Expository, Descriptive, Persuasive, Narrative, and Research essays. Each style is covered over two sessions, giving students the opportunity to explore each format thoroughly. However, the pace at which students complete each essay depends entirely on them. Some students may need more time for brainstorming and drafting, while others may finish their essays more quickly.

This flexible approach allows each learner to work at their own pace, whether they are just starting out or need more time for revisions. Since it's a drop-in, drop-out workshop, students can focus on developing their writing skills without the pressure of having to keep up with a set schedule. The teacher provides personalized feedback and guidance to support each student's progress, ensuring they are learning and improving regardless of where they are in the essay-writing process.

Essay Types and Structure:

1. Expository Essay:

Objective: Teach students to logically explain or inform using facts without personal opinions.
Focus: Clear, organized presentation of information.
Activities: Topic selection, research, outlining, and drafting.

Lesson Format:

Introduction to expository writing, brainstorming, and outlining.
Drafting and refining the essay with instructor feedback.
Outcome: A well-organized, factual expository essay.

2. Descriptive Essay:

Objective: Help students create sensory-driven descriptions that vividly bring subjects to life.
Focus: Using detailed imagery to engage the reader.
Activities: Sensory mapping, brainstorming, and vivid writing.

Lesson Format:
Sensory exercises and brainstorming descriptive language.
Writing the essay and refining it for sensory detail.
Outcome: A descriptive essay with strong sensory engagement.

3. Persuasive Essay:

Objective: Teach students how to craft convincing arguments with logic and evidence.
Focus: Structuring arguments to persuade the reader.
Activities: Debate exercises, gathering evidence, and forming arguments.
Lesson Format:
Developing thesis statements and persuasive techniques.
Writing and structuring the essay.
Outcome: A strong persuasive essay that effectively argues a viewpoint.

4. Narrative Essay:

Objective: Guide students in telling personal or creative stories with clear narrative arcs.
Focus: Developing characters, plot, and emotional engagement.
Activities: Story mapping and character development.

Lesson Format:
Story structure and plot development.
Writing and revising the narrative.
Outcome: A well-structured narrative essay with compelling storytelling.

5. Research Essay:

Objective: Teach students to conduct research and build evidence-based arguments.
Focus: Using scholarly sources and citations to support a thesis.
Activities: Research techniques, outlining, and drafting

Lesson Format:
Introduction to research and organizing information.
Writing with proper citations and logical reasoning.
Outcome: A well-researched, evidence-supported essay.

This essay-writing workshop provides a structured approach to writing that caters to each student's pace. It emphasizes brainstorming, drafting, and feedback, ensuring that every learner can improve their writing skills, develop critical thinking, and excel in academic and real-world communication.