Essay, Story and Report Writing: Class 7 Study Guide
Different purposes need different forms. Planning is what makes writing clear and interesting.
An essay has an introduction (what the topic is and your point of view), a body of paragraphs with one main idea each, and a conclusion that sums up. A story has a beginning (characters and setting), a problem, a turning point and an ending. A report states facts about an event or topic in the past tense, in a clear order, without personal opinion.
Good writers plan first (a mind map or outline), draft, revise (improve ideas and order) and edit (check spelling, grammar and punctuation).
Forms compared
| Form | Purpose | Structure | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | present and support ideas | introduction, body, conclusion | formal |
| Story | entertain | setting, problem, climax, ending | descriptive |
| Report | give information | heading, who/what/when/where, outcome | factual, past tense |
Writing an essay
Take a topic like 'The importance of trees'. Introduction: a hook and your main point. Paragraph 1: trees give oxygen and shade. Paragraph 2: trees prevent soil erosion and give homes to birds. Paragraph 3: how we can plant and protect them. Conclusion: restate and end with a call to action. Use linking words (firstly, in addition, however, therefore).
Write all your ideas.
One per paragraph.
Use transitions.
Check grammar and spelling.
Stories and reports
In a story, show feelings through actions and dialogue, and end with a satisfying resolution or a lesson. In a report, answer the 5 Ws and 1 H (who, what, when, where, why, how), keep to the facts and use a heading and the third person: The annual sports day was held on 12 January at the school ground. Over 300 students took part.
Worked example and common mistakes
Example: Beginning a story: 'The bell had just rung when Anu noticed the strange envelope under her desk.' It starts with action and a question. Common mistakes: writing one long paragraph, repeating the same sentence opening, adding opinions to a report and having an essay conclusion that brings in new points. Read your work aloud to hear flaws.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Who, what, when, where and why. 2. The past tense. 3. By summing up the main points without new ideas.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Plan, draft, revise and edit.
- Essays have an introduction, body and conclusion.
- Reports are factual and in the past tense.
- Show feelings in stories.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- What are the five Ws?
- Which tense is used in a report?
- How should an essay conclusion end?
Print a story writing planner →