Writing Essays, Articles & Reviews: Structure, Style & Skills

What Are Essays, Articles, and Reviews?

1. Definitions

• Essay: A short, formal piece of writing that presents an argument, analysis, or opinion on a topic. It is structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Article: A non-fiction piece published in newspapers, magazines, or journals. It can be informative, persuasive, or analytical but is usually more general than an essay.
• Review: A critical evaluation of a book, movie, product, or event. It gives an opinion based on facts and personal judgment.

2. Key Differences

1. Writing an Essay

A. Structure of an Essay

A standard essay follows this 5-paragraph structure (but can be longer for complex topics):

1. **Introduction**
   - Hook (interesting fact, question, or quote)
   - Background information
   - **Thesis statement** (main argument in 1-2 sentences)

2. **Body Paragraphs (2-3 for NEB)**
   - **Topic sentence** (main idea of the paragraph)
   - **Supporting evidence** (facts, examples, quotes)
   - **Analysis** (explain *how* evidence supports the thesis)
   - **Transition** (link to the next paragraph)

3. **Conclusion**
   - Restate thesis (in different words)
   - Summarize key points
   - **Final thought** (call to action, prediction, or reflection)

B. Language Features

• Formal tone: Avoid contractions (e.g., "don’t" → "do not").
• Academic vocabulary: Use words like "demonstrate," "analyze," "significant," "consequently."
• Precise wording: No vague statements like "many people think" → "Experts argue that..."
• Logical flow: Use transition words (however, furthermore, in contrast, as a result).

C. Solved Example: Essay on "Social Media’s Impact on Youth"

Thesis: While social media connects people globally, its excessive use harms youth mental health and productivity.

**Introduction**
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of youth culture. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer instant communication and entertainment. However, **excessive use of social media negatively affects mental health and academic performance among young people.**

**Body Paragraph 1 (Mental Health)**
One major concern is the rise of **anxiety and depression** due to cyberbullying and unrealistic beauty standards. A 2022 study by the *American Psychological Association* found that teens spending over 3 hours daily on social media were **twice as likely** to report poor mental health. **For instance**, constant comparison with peers’ curated lives leads to **low self-esteem**.

**Body Paragraph 2 (Productivity)**
Moreover, social media **distracts students** from studies. A survey revealed that **60% of college students** check their phones every 10 minutes, reducing focus. **For example**, notifications from TikTok or WhatsApp disrupt concentration, leading to **lower grades**.

**Conclusion**
While social media offers benefits like global connectivity, its **overuse poses serious risks** to youth. Schools and parents must **educate teens** on **balanced usage** to protect their well-being. **If not addressed, this issue will worsen**, affecting future generations.

D. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Weak thesis (e.g., "Social media is bad" → Too vague) ✅ Strong thesis (e.g., "Excessive social media use harms youth mental health and productivity" → Specific and arguable)

❌ No evidence (just opinions without facts) ✅ Use statistics, quotes, or real examples

❌ Repetition (restating the same idea in different words) ✅ Add new supporting points in each paragraph

2. Writing an Article

A. Structure of an Article

Articles are less formal than essays and often follow journalistic styles (e.g., inverted pyramid for news).

1. **Headline** (Clear and catchy)
2. **Lead (Opening Paragraph)**
   - Answers **Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?**
3. **Body (Main Content)**
   - **Background** (context)
   - **Key Points** (facts, interviews, examples)
   - **Analysis** (why it matters)
4. **Conclusion** (Summary + final thought)

B. Language Features

• Engaging hooks: Questions, surprising facts, or quotes.
• Active voice: "Scientists discovered..." (not "It was discovered by scientists...")
• Short sentences & paragraphs (easier to read).
• Direct quotes (from experts or people involved).

C. Solved Example: Article on "Plastic Pollution in Nepal"

Headline: "Nepal’s Plastic Crisis: How One Bag Can Kill a Cow—and the Himalayas"

**Lead**
Every year, **Nepal produces 1.2 million tons of plastic waste**, but only **10% is recycled**. While cities like Kathmandu struggle with overflowing landfills, rural areas face a **deadlier problem**: **cows eating plastic bags**, which block their digestive systems and kill them. **This environmental crisis is not just a rural issue—it threatens our rivers, soil, and even the Himalayas.**

**Body Paragraph 1 (The Problem)**
Plastic waste in Nepal has **tripled in the last decade**, thanks to cheap imports and poor waste management. **For example**, in Chitwan, **50 cows die daily** from plastic ingestion. **Experts warn** that if current trends continue, **by 2030, plastic will outweigh fish in the world’s oceans**.

**Body Paragraph 2 (Causes & Solutions)**
The main causes are **lack of awareness and weak policies**. Many Nepalis still use **single-use plastics** due to cost. **However, solutions exist**:
- **Ban on plastic bags** (like Bhutan’s 1999 ban)
- **Community recycling programs** (e.g., *Sustainable Nepal*)
- **Public campaigns** (e.g., *"One Bag, One Cow’s Life"*)

**Conclusion**
Nepal’s plastic crisis is a **ticking time bomb**. **If we act now—through bans, education, and innovation—we can save our cows, rivers, and mountains.** The time to **reduce, reuse, and recycle** is **now**.

D. Types of Articles

3. Writing a Review

A. Structure of a Review

Reviews evaluate something (book, movie, product) by:

1. Summary (What is it about?)
2. Analysis (Strengths & weaknesses)
3. Judgment (Would you recommend it?)

1. **Introduction**
   - Title, author/director, brief background
   - **Thesis**: *"Overall, [X] is [good/bad] because..."*

2. **Summary (2-3 sentences)**
   - What is the book/movie about? (No spoilers!)

3. **Analysis (Main Body)**
   - **Strengths** (e.g., *"The plot was gripping"*)
   - **Weaknesses** (e.g., *"The ending was predictable"*)
   - **Compare to similar works** (e.g., *"Like *The Alchemist*, this book teaches life lessons"*)

4. **Conclusion**
   - **Final rating** (e.g., *"4/5 stars"*)
   - **Recommendation** (Who would enjoy this?)

B. Language Features

• Balanced tone: Mention both positive and negative points.
• Sensory details: "The cinematography was stunning, with vibrant colors..."
• Personal opinion: "As a fan of sci-fi, I loved the futuristic setting."

*C. Solved Example: Book Review on "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini"

**Introduction**
*The Kite Runner*, written by Afghan-American author **Khaled Hosseini**, is a **powerful novel** about friendship, guilt, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent history. **This emotionally gripping story explores themes of betrayal and forgiveness**, making it a **must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction**.

**Summary**
The novel follows **Amir**, a wealthy boy in Kabul, and his **Hazara servant Hassan**. Their deep bond is shattered when Amir **fails to save Hassan from rape**, leading to lifelong guilt. Years later, Amir **moves to America** but is haunted by his past. **Decades later, he returns to Afghanistan** to seek redemption.

**Analysis**
✅ **Strengths**:
- **Rich characters**: Amir’s internal conflict is **deeply relatable**.
- **Historical depth**: The **Soviet invasion and Taliban rule** are vividly depicted.
- **Emotional impact**: The **ending is both heartbreaking and hopeful**.

❌ **Weaknesses**:
- **Predictable plot**: Some readers may guess the **twist early**.
- **Slow pacing**: The **middle section drags** compared to the gripping start.

**Conclusion**
*The Kite Runner* is a **masterpiece** that **stays with you long after reading**. **Rating: 5/5**—I would recommend it to **anyone who enjoys stories of redemption and historical drama**. **However**, if you dislike **slow-burn narratives**, this may not be for you.

D. Types of Reviews

Comparison Table: Essay vs. Article vs. Review

classDiagram
    class Essay {
        +Purpose: Argument/Analysis
        +Audience: Academic
        +Structure: Thesis → Body → Conclusion
        +Tone: Formal
    }
    class Article {
        +Purpose: Inform/Persuade/Entertain
        +Audience: General Public
        +Structure: 5Ws → Key Points → Analysis
        +Tone: Informal to Semi-Formal
    }
    class Review {
        +Purpose: Critical Evaluation
        +Audience: Topic-Specific Readers
        +Structure: Summary → Analysis → Judgment
        +Tone: Balanced (Facts + Opinion)
    }
    Essay --> "Uses academic vocabulary"
    Article --> "Engaging hooks"
    Review --> "Direct quotes from sources"

Exam Tips for NEB Writing Section

1. Understand the Question

• Essay: Look for key words like "argue," "analyze," "discuss."
• Article: Check if it’s news, feature, or opinion.
• Review: Identify what to review (book, movie, product).

2. Plan Before Writing

• Spend 2-3 minutes outlining:
  • Introduction (hook + thesis)
  • Body points (2-3 main arguments)
  • Conclusion (summary + final thought)

3. Follow the Word Limit

• NEB usually expects 200-300 words for essays/articles.
• Reviews: 150-250 words.

4. Use Formal Language (Especially for Essays)

✅ "The rapid urbanization in Kathmandu has led to severe traffic congestion." ❌ "Kathmandu is too crowded, causing traffic jams."

5. Avoid Common Errors

• Grammar: Subject-verb agreement ("Students is..." → "are").
• Spelling: "Separate" (not "seperate"), "definitely" (not "definately").
• Plagiarism: Never copy from textbooks or the internet—paraphrase properly.

6. Practice with NEB-Style Questions

Example NEB Question (Essay): "Technology has both positive and negative effects on society. Discuss."

How to Answer:

1. Thesis: "While technology improves communication and education, its overuse harms mental health and privacy."
2. Body 1: Positive effect (e.g., "Smartphones connect families globally.")
3. Body 2: Negative effect (e.g., "Social media increases anxiety.")
4. Conclusion: "Balanced technology use is key to reaping benefits while minimizing harm."

Example NEB Question (Article): "Write an article on ‘The Importance of Reading Books’ for a youth magazine."

How to Answer:

1. Hook: "In a world of TikTok and memes, reading books seems old-fashioned. But books are the ultimate superpower."
2. Body:
   • Improves vocabulary
   • Enhances imagination
   • Reduces stress
3. Conclusion: "Let’s pick up a book today—your future self will thank you!"

Example NEB Question (Review): "Review a Nepali movie you have recently watched."

How to Answer:

1. Summary: "Dhoop is a 2019 Nepali film about a struggling musician who fights for his dreams."
2. Analysis:
   • ✅ Music was fantastic
   • ❌ Plot was slow in the middle
3. Judgment: "4/5 stars—worth watching for music lovers!"

7. Time Management

• Spend 5 minutes reading the question carefully.
• 10 minutes planning.
• 15-20 minutes writing.
• 5 minutes proofreading (check spelling, grammar, and flow).

8. Last-Minute Checklist

✔ Thesis statement present? ✔ Each body paragraph has a topic sentence + evidence? ✔ No grammar/spelling mistakes? ✔ Formal/informal tone matched the task? ✔ Conclusion restates the main idea?

Final Advice:

• Read NEB past papers to understand exact expectations.
• Practice writing daily—even short paragraphs help!
• Get feedback from teachers or peers.

Good luck! You’ve got this. 🚀