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About this quote

What does it mean?
An essay is defined as an informal, disordered piece of writing rather than a structured composition.
In plain terms
Essays are informal writings, not strict compositions.
What can you take from it?
Essays allow freedom of thought and structure.

Where it applies

  • education
  • journalism
  • creative writing

Putting it to work

  • write freely
  • explore ideas
  • practice drafting

Questions to consider

  • What defines an essay?
  • Is structure important in writing?

Another view

Some essays can be highly structured.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. CLUB - An assembly of good fellows, meeting under certain conditions.

    Permalink to quote #63
  2. EXCISE - A hateful tax levied upon commodities, and adjudged not by the common judges of property, but wretches hired by those to whom excise is paid.

    Permalink to quote #65
  3. I am not so lost in lexicography as to forget that words are the daughters of earth, and that things are the sons of heaven.

    Permalink to quote #62

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