Here's a breakdown:
Conversational Tone:
* Feels like a chat: It reads like a friendly conversation with the reader.
* Uses informal language: May include contractions, slang, and idiomatic expressions.
* Direct address: Often uses "you" and "I" to create a sense of intimacy.
Personal Voice:
* Subjective perspective: Focuses on the writer's individual thoughts, experiences, and opinions.
* Anecdotes and personal examples: Uses stories and personal experiences to illustrate points.
* Emotional engagement: Shows the writer's feelings and reactions.
Relaxed Structure:
* Less formal organization: May not follow a strict structure like introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
* Free-flowing style: Jumps between ideas and tangents.
* Emphasis on clarity and readability: Uses short sentences and clear language to make the essay easy to understand.
Other common features:
* Humor: Often uses humor to lighten the tone and engage the reader.
* Reflective: Explores personal experiences and thoughts in a thoughtful way.
* Non-academic purpose: Written for enjoyment and personal expression rather than scholarly research.
Examples of informal essays:
* Personal essays about a life experience, a hobby, or a favorite place
* Opinion pieces on current events or cultural issues
* Humorous essays on everyday observations
Important Note: While informal essays are less rigid than formal essays, they still need to be well-written and engaging. They should have a clear purpose, be organized in a way that makes sense, and have a clear and compelling voice.