DEVELOPING COMPOSITION

What is a composition?

A composition contains a number of paragraphs which discuss one main idea. The main idea is the 'topic' which you are going to write about. A good composition has the same basic patterns as a paragraph does.

THE STRUCTURE OF A COMPOSITION

A composition has three main sections. These are introduction, body, conclusion.

How to write the 'Introduction' of your composition

The first paragraph of your composition is the introduction. It states the main idea of your composition. The introduction should be attractive or strong enough to catch the attention of the readers. The most important part of the introduction is to tell what you are going to write about. Just as the topic sentence of a paragraph states the main idea of a paragraph, an introductory paragraph expresses the main idea of a composition. It is usually a single sentence.

The Introduction tells the subject of your composition and makes a clear statement about your topic.

How to write the 'body' of your composition
The body of a composition consists of different paragraphs. But each paragraph of the body focuses one idea. Again, this idea should support what is stated in the introduction. In the body of the composition, the main idea of the introduction is narrated, explained and analysed.

To write the body of your composition :

• Write one supporting idea in one paragraph.
• Each paragraph of your composition must contain a topic sentence, a middle and a conclusion.
• Support your idea with examples and explanations as clearly as possible.

How to 'end' your composition (conclusion)

           This section sums up the idea presented in the composition

The difference between introduction and conclusion :

• The introduction states what you are going to write.
• The conclusion sums up what you have already written.

KINDS OF COMPOSITION

Composition can be of many types. However, the major kinds are :

• narrative
• descriptive
• persuasive
• informative/ expository

Narrative
It tells a story or presents a sequence of events as they occurred in time. The purpose of this is to give the readers an impression of actual event. Here, 'what happened' and 'how happened' are discussed.

• It is about historical events or accounts of people's life and events.
• It answers questions like who, what, when, where and how.

Descriptive
It is like describing a person, place or thing including details that appeal to the readers. This kind of paragraph appeals to our five senses- sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste.
It describes

• the details about a place, event, person or thing
• ways they attract our senses

Persuasive

It contains arguments. Writers try to give some reasons to support their arguments.

It contains

• arguments one after another
• reasons supported by clear ideas

Informative/Expository : It explains facts or ideas. It also explains the process.

Read the following example of developing composition on 'The Season You Like Most'. Read the first two statements and decide which one is more appropriate for an introduction.

The body of the composition
In a short composition, the body includes three or four paragraphs. In each paragraph you will write about only one idea. Thus, in a composition of 200 words, you can write three or four major ideas. But remember that all paragraphs of the body should support the main idea you provided in the introduction.

• description of spring
• its beauty
• how is it different from other seasons

Spring in Bangladesh

Spring in Bangladesh

Use the table to make sentences about past events.

Note : You must have noticed that the first paragraph describes the physical features of spring. The second paragraph tells us about the boundless beauty of spring. Here we have a wider description of spring. The third paragraph describes the influence of spring on human mind and heart. Thus different paragraphs of a body give us different and separate ideas. But these must support the main idea.

Developing Composition-Sample-1

Suppose, you are asked to write a composition on A Village Market in 200 words.

Include the following points

     i) What is a village market?

     ii) When does it start?

     iii) What are the activities?

     iv) How does it help the villagers? 

     v) Why is it so important?

Now look at the sample composition and try to understand how we develop different parts of a composition gradually.

A Village Market

N.B. 'Thesis statement' the main idea of a piece of composition.

Developing Composition - Sample 2

Suppose, you are asked to write a composition on 'Your Favourite Poet' in 200 words. Do not forget to include the following points:

i) Who your favourite poet is
ii) Where he was born
iii) His education
iv) His major works 
v) Why he is your favourite

Read what the students were doing at 7'o clock in the morning. What tense are they using in their reply? They are talking about what was happening in the past.

Your Favourite Poet

Model 1

Instruction: Many students try to write paragraphs, compositions or letters themselves while others memorize them. Which is better?

Discuss the answers in groups or in pairs. Now write a composition and give your reasons to support your point.

Memorization Versus Self-writing

The writing of composition, letters or paragraphs is a part of creative writing. But many students do not try to write them themselves. On the other hand, they try to memorize them. The memorization of composition is difficult and boring.

Many of us think that writing is a very difficult task. So, they think that memorization is much easier. Thus, they do not even try to practise it. Another reason for memorization is that most of the topics are often repeated in the tests. So, students, without thinking much start memorizing.

Writing develops slowly and gradually. For this one should think that he can write and he must try. It is a step by step process. If one can make sentences, s/he can write. If one can point out information, can describe about people, place or things, one makes rapid progress in writing. Moreover, discussing with classmates or with teachers can make writing easier.

Memorization is boring and difficult because we have to spend long period of time for this. Again it is risky as there are lots of topics. So to depend on memorization is like depending on luck.

It is not possible to memorize all things and it is not creative. I think if we try, we may write by ourselves. It will increase our confidence and scores in a test.

Task 1

Instruction : Some people prefer to live in a village. Others prefer to live in a city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Give some reasons with examples and explanations. Now write a short composition on City Life Versus Country Life.

Model 2

Instruction : The Internet is a popular mode of communication. It has saved our time. It has made communication easier than ever. Do you think that the Internet helps us in multiple ways? If so, explain them and write a short composition on The Internet.

The Internet

At present the Internet is the most powerful communication system or device. For personal, academic, business and social communication the internet is the strongest mode of communication. It has made our communication faster easier and cheaper.

The Internet is used for personal and social communication. People can send email and chat on the Internet. Email is a private communication and goes from one user to another. On the other hand, online chat can happen between two people or between groups.

Business communication largely depends on the Internet. Now most of the business transactions are done through the Internet. Our banks are providing different services through the Internet. Now we can deposit and withdraw money, pay bills, buy tickets and do many other things by using the Internet.

The Internet is very useful for students. Academic materials are stored online. Students can download and upload useful materials when necessary. Students now can attend real classes from a distance through the Internet. One can visit most of the libraries of the world through the Internet.

The Internet has brought the whole world in our hands. It is connecting people across the world despite social, racial and economic differences. It has made our life much easier than ever.

Task 2

Instruction : The computer can help us in many ways. Now write a short composition to show how it can help your learning.

Model 3

Suppose you have recently made a journey by train. The journey was very interesting and full of excitement. You still think about it. Now discuss with your classmates and write a short composition on it.

Instruction : A journey by train is different from other journeys in many ways. Suppose recently you have made a journey by train. You enjoyed it much. Now discuss with your partners and write a composition on A Journey by Train

A Journey by Train

A journey by train is getting popular in our country. Recently I have made a journey by train. It was full of excitements and thrills. Perhaps I will never forget it..

During our last winter vacation, my eldest uncle sent me an email. In the mail he asked me to visit him. I was very excited to spend a few days there because my school was closed. My uncle then worked at Jessore. So, I decided to go there by train.

It was 26 December. I got early in the morning. I took my breakfast. My mother gave me some snacks which I kept in my traveling bag. My sister Runy who is two years senior to me, gave me a book to read on the train. Then I hired a rickshaw and went to the rail station. I reached there at around 9.45 in the morning.

It was Ishwardy rail station. It was crowded with people of different trades and professions. I noticed that there were many ticket counters for different trains. I bought a ticket for the Sunderban Express. It was a 10.15 train and it reached the station at 10.13. I got on the train.

The train started at 10.20. All passengers looked very cheerful. At first it was moving at a slow speed. Suddenly I noticed that it was making a loud noise and we were on the Hardinge Bridge. It is the oldest iron bridge of our country. I could also see the Lalon Shah Bridge just parallel to the Hardinge Bridge. The bridge has connected Pabna and Kushtia Districts.

It was around 11 o'clock and the train was running at a high speed. I could see through the window that all trees along the rail track seemed to go backwards rapidly. It was amazing. We were leaving trees, plants, rivers, ponds, green fields, cattle, villages, houses and human beings behind us. It stopped at Veramara, Alamdanga only for a few minutes. It reached Jessore at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. When I got down the train I found that my uncle was waiting there. It was a boundless joy for me to see my uncle.

A journey by train is really a blessing of modern transportation system. If you get on it, you will feel safe and sound.

Task 3

Instruction : Suppose you have recently made a journey by boat. The journey was very interesting and full of excitement. You still remember it. Now discuss with your classmates and write a short composition on it.

Model 4

Instruction: Reading a newspaper is a good habit. It is said that the newspaper is a storehouse of knowledge. Now discuss in groups about how you can be benefited by reading newspapers. After the discussion, write a short composition on it.

Reading the Newspaper

The newspaper is a good source of news or information. By reading newspapers, we can learn about many events of the present and the past. It is really a storehouse of events.

The newspaper gives us everyday information. When we go through it, we come to know about different events around us. Thus newspapers can enrich our knowledge about the world.

The newspaper not only contains news but also views on different national and international issues. The views are very important because they make us think of them from different angles. Thus it influences our understanding about different political, economic and social issues.

Newspaper reading is also very important for students. It develops their reading habit. They can also collect different educational materials from it. The newspaper also gives us some helpful suggestions on how to study different subjects. So, students read them and prepare themselves for examinations.

Reading the newspaper is really a good habit. By reading newspapers, we can understand the world. It is a good way to enrich our knowledge about the world.

Task 4

Instruction: Reading story books is a good habit. It is said that it widens our knowledge. Now discuss in groups how you can be benefited by reading story books. After the discussion, write a short composition on it.

Model 5

Instruction: Do you think that tree plantation is an important act to save the environment? Discuss in groups and point out why tree plantation is essential? Why should we plant more and more trees? Now write a short composition on Tree Plantation.

Tree Plantation

Plants and trees are closely connected with our life and well-being. The benefits we get from them are countless. Trees are essential for us because they have made our life livable on earth.

Trees are most important for maintaining ecological balance. Trees can save us from different natural disasters like floods, draughts and cyclones.

Our life and trees are inseparable. For these reasons, we should plant more and more trees. If we want to save our lives on earth, we must plant trees. We should take care of them as we take care of ourselves. We must prevent those who cut down trees aimlessly.

We get some direct benefits from trees. They provide shelter, food, fruits, fodder, wood and timber. We also get medicine from different plants and trees. These are called medicinal plants. Trees give us oxygen, without which we cannot even think of living even for a minute.

Trees are vital for our life and living. Without trees and forests, we cannot think of our own life on earth. Therefore, we all should realize this truth and plant and protect more and more trees.

Task 5

Instruction: Many people kill birds for many reasons. But, we all know that they are important for us in many ways. Now, discuss in groups about the matter and write a composition on it.

Model 6

Instruction : Many students of your age want to be doctors, engineers and pilots. Many of them think of becoming teachers, scientists and police officers. Do you have a plan like this? What do you want to be in your life? Think deeply about that. You can also share your plan with your partners. Now write a short composition about your future career plan. You must describe what you want to be and why you want to be that.

My Career Plan

Careers are the types of work and activities that people prefer to do. A career means the job a person does until retirement. I have a plan about my future and I want to be a doctor.

I want to be a doctor for many reasons. It is a noble profession. A doctor can do a lot for people and society. When fall ill, we go to the doctor. It is a doctor who cures us from many diseases. When we feel very helpless, doctors stand beside us and help us to overcome our sufferings.

The social status of a doctor is also very high in a society. Everyone in the society respects the doctors. When I become a doctor, I will help people

around me. I will stay in a village because in the villages, we do not have many doctors. Therefore, people do not get proper treatment.

I have seen that at times, different health camps are organized where expert doctors give free treatment to patients who attend the programme. These charitable activities inspire me a lot. I often dream that one day I will also serve the suffering people.

Therefore, I have a great desire to be a doctor. People may have different professions. People do different things to contribute to the society. But I only think of becoming a good doctor.

Task 6

Instruction : Suppose your parents want you to become a doctor. But you want to be a teacher. Now discuss in groups about your dream and write a composition on it.

Tasks for Practice

1. Many people believe that watching television has a negative effect on students because it reduces their study time. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your response. You could include :

     i) When does watching television become harmful?
     ii) Is it altogether a waste of time?
     iii) How does it affect your study?
     iv) How can you get benefit from it?

2. We all have favorite activities that we enjoy. Write an essay trying to convince your readers why you enjoy it most. You could also include the following points:

    i) What is your favourite activity?
     ii) When do you do it?
     iii) Why is it your favourite?
     iv) Does it have social and economic values?

3. Have you ever travelled to a place that you found very significant and interesting? Write an essay that persuades others to visit this important place.

     i) Name of the place
     ii) Detailed location of the place
     iii) Significance of the place
     iv) Summary of your experience

4. Is there a book that you feel should be read by everyone? Write an essay persuading your friends to read this book.
You can also include the following points: 

     i) Name of the book and its writer
     ii) Main theme of the book
     iii) Main attraction of the book
     iv) Your opinion about the book

5. What is friendship? How can it help us? What are the essential qualities of friendship? How can friends help you prepare your lessons? Now discuss in pairs and write a short composition on Friendship.

6. Is there any person who you think as your role model? Who is he/she? Why do you want to be like him/her? Why do you want to be like him/ her? Write a short composition on The Person You Like Most.

7. It has been said that television has little real educational value. What is your opinion on this issue? Write an essay stating your opinion in details. The topic of the essay will be The Educational Value of Television.

8. Are you familiar with online classes? Do you think them to be helpful? How are they different from formal classroom teaching? Why more and more students are attending online classes? How can they contribute to education? Now discuss in groups or in pairs and write a short composition on The Merits of Online Classes.

9. What is a science fair? What is the importance if it? How can it influence our students? Suppose you have recently attended a science fair. Now write a short composition on The Importance of a Science Fair.

10. Student life is very important for multiple reasons. Do you think that the future success of a student largely depends on the habit that a student maintains during student life? Discuss in groups or in pairs about the importance of student life and write a composition on The Importance of Student Life.