Short Essay Writing — Complete Guide
What is a Short Essay?
A short essay is a piece of writing on a specific topic that expresses ideas, experiences, arguments or descriptions in an organised way. In the SEE examination, students are asked to write short essays of about 150–200 words.
Types of Short Essays in SEE
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Narrative Essay | Tells a story or describes an event or personal experience |
| Argumentative Essay | Presents opinions and arguments for or against a topic |
| Descriptive Essay | Describes a person, place, object or scene in detail |
General Structure of a Short Essay
- 1Introduction: Introduce the topic clearly.
- 2Body: Develop the main points with examples, reasons or descriptions.
- 3Conclusion: Summarise the main idea or give a final thought.
1. Narrative Essay
A narrative essay tells a story or describes a personal experience in a chronological order. It usually answers what happened, when, where and how.
Model Example – Narrative Essay
Topic: A Memorable Day in My Life One of the most memorable days in my life was when I won the first prize in an inter-school speech competition. The competition was held on 15th August 2026 at our district headquarters. I was both nervous and excited. When my turn came, I spoke confidently about the importance of education. After all the participants had spoken, the result was announced. I could not believe my ears when my name was called out as the winner. My teachers and friends congratulated me warmly. That day taught me the value of hard work and confidence. I will always remember it with pride and happiness.
2. Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay presents a clear opinion on a topic and supports it with reasons and examples. It aims to convince the reader.
Model Example – Argumentative Essay
Topic: Importance of Discipline in Student Life Discipline plays a very important role in student life. A disciplined student is regular, punctual and focused on studies. Discipline helps students manage their time properly and complete their work on time. It also teaches self-control and respect for rules. Students who lack discipline often fail to achieve good results despite their talent. In school and later in life, disciplined people are trusted and successful. Therefore, every student should practise discipline from an early age to build a bright future.
3. Descriptive Essay
A descriptive essay describes a person, place, object or scene in such a way that the reader can imagine it clearly. It uses sensory details and descriptive language.
Model Example – Descriptive Essay
Topic: My Favourite Place My favourite place is a small hill near my village. It is covered with green trees and colourful flowers. From the top of the hill, I can see the beautiful valley and the winding river below. The air is fresh and the atmosphere is peaceful. In the morning, birds sing sweetly and the rising sun paints the sky with golden colours. I often go there with my friends to enjoy nature and find peace of mind. Whenever I feel stressed, this place fills me with happiness and energy.
Useful Tips for Short Essay Writing
- 1Understand the type of essay required (narrative, argumentative or descriptive).
- 2Plan your ideas before writing.
- 3Write a clear introduction, body and conclusion.
- 4Use simple and correct English.
- 5Stay relevant to the topic.
- 6Write approximately 150–200 words.
- 7Check grammar, spelling and organisation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Writing without a clear introduction or conclusion.
- 2Going off the topic.
- 3Using the wrong style (e.g., writing a story when an argument is required).
- 4Making the essay too short or too long.
- 5Ignoring grammar and spelling mistakes.
Quick Revision
- Narrative → tells a story / experience
- Argumentative → gives opinion with reasons
- Descriptive → describes a person, place or scene
- Introduction + Body + Conclusion
- Use clear and simple language
- Stay relevant and organised
Short Essay Writing — Practice
Study the topics carefully. Write your own short essay first. Then compare it with the model answer.
Narrative Essays
Example 1
Topic: The Day I Will Never Forget Model Essay: The day I will never forget is the day I received my SEE results. I had worked very hard throughout the year and was both hopeful and nervous. On the result day, I went to school early with my parents. When I saw my name on the list with good marks, I felt a great sense of relief and happiness. My teachers congratulated me and my parents were very proud. That day taught me that sincere effort always brings success. I still remember it as one of the happiest moments of my life.
Example 2
Topic: A Journey by Bus Model Essay: Last month I travelled by bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara with my family. We left early in the morning. The road was winding and the views of hills, rivers and forests were beautiful. We stopped at a roadside hotel for breakfast and continued our journey. Although the bus was crowded, the journey was enjoyable because of the natural scenery. We reached Pokhara in the afternoon. It was a pleasant and memorable journey that I will always remember.
Argumentative Essays
Example 3
Topic: Importance of Games and Sports Model Essay: Games and sports are very important for students. They keep our body healthy and strong. Sports also teach us teamwork, discipline and confidence. Students who take part in games usually perform better in their studies because physical activity refreshes the mind. Moreover, sports help to reduce stress and develop a positive attitude. Therefore, every school should encourage students to participate in games and sports regularly for their overall development.
Example 4
Topic: Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones Model Essay: Mobile phones have become an important part of modern life. They help us communicate easily and give us quick access to information. Students can use educational apps and online resources for learning. However, excessive use of mobile phones can waste time and affect studies. It may also cause health problems such as eye strain and lack of physical activity. Therefore, mobile phones are useful if used wisely, but harmful if used without control.
Descriptive Essays
Example 5
Topic: My Favourite Teacher Model Essay: My favourite teacher is Mr. Ram Prasad Sharma, who teaches us English. He is a kind, patient and well-qualified teacher. He explains every lesson clearly and makes the class interesting. He always encourages us to ask questions and helps weak students with extra care. Because of his friendly nature and excellent teaching style, all students respect him. He is not only a good teacher but also a guide and a role model for us.
Example 6
Topic: A Rainy Day Model Essay: A rainy day presents a beautiful scene of nature. Dark clouds cover the sky and cool wind begins to blow. Soon raindrops start falling, washing the dust from leaves and roofs. The air becomes fresh and the smell of wet earth spreads everywhere. Children enjoy playing in the rain while farmers feel happy for their crops. Although heavy rain may cause some difficulties, a rainy day usually brings peace and freshness to our surroundings.