English Composition: Definition, Types, Preparation Guide, Examples and Exercises with Answers

English Composition is the piece of writing or the process of writing, in a literary sense. The term, Composition, is derived from the Latin word componere, com meaning ‘with’ and ponere meaning ‘to place’.

Composition in English can mean the writer’s decision about the processes of designing a linguistic work. Composition can refer to any kind of writing or how a piece of writing is presented. A writer sets the tone of a composition to deliver his purpose of writing and structure of his work. A composition may use clear and simple language, vivid and descriptive passages or formal analytical expressions depending on the target audience and purpose.

There are various forms of composition in the realm of writing, such as essays, letters, stories, paragraphs, reports, articles, notices, dialogues, etc.

Definition of Composition According to the Cambridge Dictionary

As per the Cambridge dictionary, composition is “something that a person has created or written, esp. a text, a work of art, or a piece of music, or the act of creating or writing something.”

Pronunciation: /ˌkɑm·pəˈzɪʃ·ən/

The word ‘Composition’ comes from the Latin word, componere, which simply means ‘put together’. The word was later changed to composito (Old French) and then to composition (late Middle English) from Latin original word.

For decades, writers and teachers have scuffled to categorise Composition. Eventually, they categorised composition into four main types, i.e. Narration, Description, Exposition and Argumentation. Let’s read about each in detail below:

Narration

Narration is the way or process of telling or explaining something. In other words, it is an act of telling a story, usually in a chronological order. For instance, a person’s or character’s voice who is addressing or talking to the audience on a television in a movie is a narration. It is often seen in songs or stories of how something is happening or has happened. It is the method used to convey a story, tale, idea or a message. Simply put, narration is the voice the brings story to life, while guiding the audience or the reader through the plot, introducing the characters and offering insights that might go unnoticed otherwise. Narration sets the tone, pace and perspective of the composition or story.

Narration can be further categorised into first person narration, second person narration, third person narration, omniscient narration, and limited omniscient narration.

Examples:

• I suddenly woke up in the night to the sound of rain against the window pane. It was gloomy and dark, but I somehow managed to sleep.

Explanation: This is the first-person narration where the narrator is directly involved in the story and is sharing their thoughts and feelings.

• You walk on the dark pathway, unsure of what lies ahead. Every step you take crunches the leaves on the path, and your heart is pounding loudly. Suddenly, you feel someone shouting your name.

Explanation: This is the second person narrative where the narrator is directly talking to the reader and addresses them as the main character of the story and uses with the pronoun ‘you’.

• Veronica stared at the window pane and the rain outside. She did not like gloomy days. Her little brother played with his toys across the room, unaware of her mood.

Explanation: The narrator only knows Veronica’s thoughts and not those of her brother. This creates a connection only with one of the characters of the story, hence it is a third-person narrative-limited.

Also Read:

• 8 parts of speech in English: Types, Rules, Mistakes to Avoid
• Paraphrasing in English

Description

Description is that type of composition which aims to create a vivid image in the reader’s or audience’s mind using details and imagination or imaginative language. The descriptive composition or descriptive writing describes a person, place, thing, scene or event in such a way that the reader feels as if he/she is experiencing it firsthand.

Descriptions are used to help the readers visualise what is being described, create mood or emotion and at the same time make the writing engaging for the readers.

Example:

“The morning mist clung softly to the open field, blurring the edges of the world into a dream. The sun had just begun to rise, casting a pale gold hue over the tall grass that swayed gently in the breeze. Elizabeth stood alone, her shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders, breath visible in the cool air. Then, through the fog, he appeared — Mr. Darcy, walking toward her with quiet urgency, his coat open, his expression raw and unguarded. No words were needed at first; the silence between them was tender, charged. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and steady, carrying the weight of every unsaid feeling. The moment hung suspended — delicate, vulnerable, eternal.”

The above excerpt from the movie, Pride and Prejudice (2005) –final scene where Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy confess their love for each other at dawn in the misty fields, is a perfect example of descriptive writing.

Also Read:

• English Idioms
• English Mood: Definition, Types, Grammar Rules, Examples

Exposition

Exposition is the description of the background of a story or a work of literature. In other words, exposition is an interpretation of facts that sheds light on how does the subject fit in the larger discussion.

Exposition in English does not include the author’s opinions but makes the readers rely on exposition to understand the background of the story which can include characters, settings, important facts or context. Typically, exposition is common at the beginning of the story, but can also appear throughout the work.

Example:

 “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."
“It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire...” –Star Wars

This expository composition from Star Wars explains the galaxy, characters, conflict and rules of the world using visual and narrative forms.

Also Read:

• Conjunctions in English Sentences
• Prepositions in English Grammar
• Articles in English

Argumentation

Argumentation, also known as Argumentative Writing, is basically the process of forming conclusions and reasons with the aim of influencing the thoughts and/or actions of others. Here, the author presents the claim or opinion and supports it with evidence, facts, logic and reasoning to persuade the reader.

The purpose is to convince the reader of a particular point of view. Argumentation in English composition presents evidence logically and clearly.

Example:

“Voldemort has returned. It is folly to pretend otherwise. In the face of facts, in the face of eyewitness accounts, to continue to deny his return is not only irresponsible — it is dangerous.” –Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix

This scene, where Albus Dumbledore tries to convince the wizards and witches that Voldemort has returned, is a perfect example of argumentation as it mirrors how real-life leaders use evidence and facts to persuade people to face truths.

Mentioned below are some of the important grammar rules for English composition that should be followed when writing one:

#Rule 1: Use Complete Sentences

A sentence being written in an English composition should be complete. That is, the sentence should always have a subject and a verb to express the complete thought or idea that is being conveyed. The sentence should not only be a fragment.

For example:

• Incorrect: Because the girl ran.
• Correct: The girl ran quickly.

#Rule 2: Maintaining Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most important grammar rules, is the subject verb agreement. If the subject in the sentence is singular, then the verb should also be singular.

For example:

• Incorrect: She cook delicious food.
• Correct: She cooks delicious food.
• Incorrect: They cooks delicious food.
• Correct: They cook delicious food.

#Rule 3: Consistency with Tenses

While writing a composition, writers should ensure sticking to one tense throughout the paragraph or story until and unless one needs to include a flashback, memory or future prediction.

For example:

• Incorrect: Mira takes a stroll through the park and then played with her friends.
• Correct: Mira took a stroll through the park and then played with her friends.

#Rule 4: Avoiding Run-On Sentences

One should avoid sentences which have too much information without proper punctuation marks. This rule is usually overlooked when two or more sentences are joined in an incorrect way. This can make the writing confusing, difficult to read and grammatically incorrect.

For example:

• Incorrect: Rishabh was tired he went to sleep.
• Correct:
  • Rishabh was tired so he went to sleep.
  • Rishabh was tired. He went to sleep.

#Rule 5: Using Parallel Structure

The form of words should be the same in the sentence. To make the writing balanced and smooth, it is essential to keep the words in the same form.

• Incorrect: Sneha likes swimming, run and hike.
• Correct: Sneha likes swimming, running and hiking.

There is no specific format for writing a composition in English, but the composition writing follows a process like other kinds of writings in English. Check out the steps mentioned below to know how to write composition:

Step 1: Brainstorming

The first step when someone starts writing a composition, they must know and understand what exactly they want to write. The person should take some time to think about the topic and the subject, compositional mode that they are writing in and the sources being used to support their position in the writing.

By jotting down every idea, relevant fact, and connection will make the composition writing process smoother.

Step 2: Outlining

The next step in composition writing is the outline. An outline will give the writer and the readers a clear visual of the ideas being expressed. For a writer, an outline will help them organize their thoughts logically. Outlining is a smart step which the writers should follow and refer to when editing and writing.

Step 3: Writing

To start your composition, you should put Step 1 and 2 to use. It is not necessary to write the first copy in the perfect order or sequence. One can start with the section they find the easiest, and later on build the flow.

The grammar and punctuation can be checked in a later stage. The goal is to get all the ideas in place on the paper. The focus in this step should be on expressing the thoughts of the writer.

Step 4: Editing

After the first draft is complete, writers should revisit the copy and improve it by editing. This stage is important for making the copy clear, grammatically correct with punctuation in place. This stage is also for fixing spelling errors, improving vocabulary and smoothing out the transitions between paragraphs and sentences. You should also check the overall flow of the writing piece.

Also Read: Spelling Rules in English Grammar

Step 5: Proofreading

The final step of composition writing is proofreading. The last and the most crucial step is this one. This step will help the authors catch tiny errors such as spellings, grammar, punctuation, etc. This stage, also known as the polishing stage, is the writer’s chance to make the copy clear, correct and perfect for the readers.

The authors/writers should avoid the following mistakes in English composition as it is not only about what to write but also about what not to write.

1. Not Planning Ahead: Many writers make the common mistake of lacking planning and start writing immediately without taking the time to think and jot down the ideas. It is important to think through the topic by organizing your ideas. Ill planning will result in wandering off from the topic, having repetitive points, no clear beginning and end, etc. This make the thoughts and intent of the author hard to follow.
2. Unnecessary Repetition: Often the writers make the mistake of repeating their ideas or sentences in slightly different words unnecessarily. This mistake makes the writing boring, weak, unoriginal and lacks depth.
3. Incorrect Grammar: This mistake will make the composition confusing and hard to read and understand. To avoid this, one should make revise their composition, use grammar tools, etc. Another practice to avoid this mistake is by reading out loud what one has written. Hearing your writing helps you notice mistakes your eyes might skip over.
4. Overusing Fancy or Complicated Vocabulary: It is not necessary to use fancy or complex words to sound ‘smart’. If the words that you are incorporating in the English composition do not fit naturally or confuses the reader, this practice can backfire. This ultimately weakens the writing. Instead, use simple and easy language to communicate what you have to say. The goal should be to communicate not impress.

One should keep in mind that every sentence used in the composition should help the readers understand something better and if it is a new reader, does the writing make sense to them. Check below some of the preparation tips for English Composition below:

1. Brainstorming: As mentioned before, the first crucial step is brainstorming your ideas. Students should jot down all the ideas and thoughts in bullet points and maps to explore their thoughts. Think about what you know, what you’ve experienced, or what you’ve read or seen that relates to the topic without judging your ideas.
2. Knowing the Audience: A writer should always know the kind of audience he/she is writing for. Along with this, they should also know the purpose of their writing, is it meant to entertain, inform, persuade or express. The tone and language of the writing should be adjusted accordingly depending on who the consumer is.
3. Tone and Style Setting: It is very important to set the tone and style of writing. One should know whether the composition will be formal or informal, descriptive, narrative or analytical. One should be clear with the style, tone and structure to create a good piece of work.