Kirjutis

Kirjutis is an Estonian noun that designates a written piece of prose, typically produced as a school assignment or as part of general writing practice. It refers to a structured text that communicates information, describes events, or presents arguments. The term is distinct from kiri, which means a letter, and from more general terms like tekst, which can refer to any written passage.

In education, kirjutis is used to develop language and communication skills. Students may write descriptive texts that depict a person, place, or phenomenon; narratives that tell a story; or argumentative/expository texts that present points and evidence. A typical kirjutis has a clear plan: an introduction that states the purpose, a main part with description or argument, and a conclusion that sums up the ideas. Length and complexity vary with grade level, and tasks are often accompanied by criteria that assess clarity of purpose, logical organization, linguistic accuracy, and style.

The term also reflects how writing is viewed in everyday use: as a practical activity to convey thoughts in written form, whether in school assignments, journals, or online posts. The word is formed from the verb kirja, to write, through the suffix -is, indicating a product or act of writing. As such, kirjutis remains a core concept in discussions of Estonian writing skills and literacy.