Types of essays depend on the classification an author takes. Currently, an essay is defined as generally, a piece of writing that gives the author's own argument. The definition changes depending on the types of essays.
Types of essays in college
An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essays, but they are often defined in four categories.
Types of essays - Narrative Essay
Narrative Essay is one of the most common types of essays written by high school and college students, and it can be a little confusing for some. One of the essential things to note when writing a narrative essay is that it tells a story. It describes to a reader the events, experiences, and interactions from the writer’s perspective. When writing a narrative essay, it is essential to explain a particular event to the readers.
A narrative essay can undoubtedly fascinate readers, and that presents the reason the writer should focus on delivering well written and structured content.
Guide to Writing a Good Narrative Essay
- Choose a topic – The choice of topic determines how the writer weaves through the story. It is advisable to settle on a high-quality topic; one is most comfortable writing. Without a good topic, it will be challenging to complete this type of essay successfully. The narrative essay has to be captivating to the reader, and that begins with the topic of choice.
- Start with a draft– Writing a good story all at once without planning is a challenge. That is the reason a student needs an outline and draft when writing this type of essay. The student can later polish the draft to ensure it meets the requirements. Even famous writers use his strategy.
- Storyline elements– The essay will contain elements such as characters, setting, plot, among others. These are what contribute to making the story enjoyable. Therefore, ensure to include them in the essay.
- The learner’s role – The essay should display the role of the writer. Even the readers should tell the role the writer is playing in the story. The writer should describe events in detail, and the manifested in various situations throughout the writing-up.
- Avoid being too wordy– Avoid giving details that do not add substantial value to the story. Wordiness will end up making the essay confusing and boring to the readers. It is advisable to avoid mistakes by first thinking if a particular detail is necessary or not, and if it has any significance to the plot.
- Clear writing– Use appropriate language and simple words. It will make it easy for readers to understand.
- Write the events chronologically-A chronological order of events prevents confusion and makes it easy for the reader to follow the thoughts easily.
- Proofread– Proofreading is crucial because it allows checking grammar and poorly constructed sentences. These are some of the problems that could make the reader lose interest in continuing to read the story.
Types of essays - Argumentative Essay
It is a type of essay whereby the writer tries to persuade the reader to agree with their viewpoint. The goal of this kind of essay is what can make it challenging for an inexperienced writer because their words have to succeed in manipulating the reader’s thoughts and also influence them to change their attitude about something.
Essential Elements in the Structure of an Argumentative Essay
- A clear thesis statement within the first paragraph
When writing the first paragraph, begin with a general review of the topic. The next step is explaining the reason the topic is important or why the topic should interest the readers. The last thing in the paragraph should be a thesis statement.
- A smooth and logical transition from introduction to the body and then to the conclusion
The transition between the three parts is the foundation of an argumentative essay. The logical change is what makes it easy for a reader to follow the argument. Without it, the entire structure collapses. Logical transition means that the writer should conclude an idea appropriately and briefly introduce the one that is following in the next section.
- Should include evidential support
Each paragraph should discuss a single idea for ease of readability. The idea should connect with the thesis statement. It should support the thesis statement while including the evidence collected from various research materials.
Apart from the supporting evidence, the essay should also include a few differing viewpoints concerning the topic. It may include one-two ideas that are conflicting with the topic. After writing the contradictory views, show how they are not well informed or are outdated.
- A well-constructed conclusion
Many students make the mistake of just restating their thesis as their conclusion. Doing so is a mistake because a conclusion is the part that leaves the most immediate impression on the audience. Therefore, instead of repeating the thesis, it should review it and synthesize the information and critical points in the essay.
Types of essays - Expository Essay
Expository types of essays report on a situation or explain other people’s views. It presents another individual’s opinion in detail without incorporating the writer’s judgment or criticism. The writer of an expository essay also focuses on analyzing the subject. It presents an objective analysis of the issue without references to the author’s emotions or opinions.
An expository essay’s topic is likely to use words such as “define” or “explain.” For instance, “Write an essay explaining how technology is transforming businesses.” When looking at such a question, it is easy to notice that it does not need to create an argument out of the topic or to provide the necessary opinion. It only requires the writer to report on the facts about changes that are happening in business with the advent of technology.
The Features of Expository types of essays
Essay outline
- It is a logical plan for the essay.
- Is prepared before starting on the essay.
- It is for arranging the points written in the essay.
Introduction
- It is an essential feature of this writing.
- A catchy introduction is necessary to capture the reader’s attention.
- Should include pieces of information that can help the audience understand the subject
- It must also include a thesis statement.
An expository essay thesis
- It should present facts
- Provides help to the reader to understand the essay
- Explains the aim of the essay
Main body
- Each paragraph should have a fundamental idea
- Should include supporting sentences for every idea
Conclusion
- Provides an overview of the essay
- Includes suggestion for the possible solutions to the problem
- Proves the necessity of research
Types of essays - Compare and Contrast Essay
A compare and contrast essay tries to establish the link that exists between two subjects. By comparing, the writer can find their similarities, and by contrast, one gets the chance to evaluate their differences.
Tips for Writing Compare and Contrast Essays
It applies in instances where a college student is not provided with a topic. Therefore, the first thing to note is that the two subjects should be different but for the same ballpark. For example, when choosing to write about two historical figures, one should choose two politicians rather than one politician and one artist.
The next step is to carry out extensive research on the two subjects while noting their similarities and their differences. The best way is to research one at a time and then take time to analyze their similarities and differences. The aspects or qualities selected should be parallel to each other.
- Decide the organizational structure of the essay
There are different structures a student could utilize for organizing a compare and contrast essay. The first one is deciding to focus on a single subject or object at a time. In such a case, the writer discusses one of them in detail before moving to the other. For instance, if the writing is about comparing men and women, the student may begin by writing all the qualities of men, and then address the qualities of women.
The other strategy is discussing the similarities and differences point by point. The writer may begin by discussing the similarities shared by the subjects and then move to their differences, one point after the other.
It would be best to prepare an outline depending on the structure selected. However, regardless of the organization of points, it should include an introduction, the body paragraphs a concluding paragraph.
- Include the supporting evidence
The learner should have proof to back up the assertion presented. This evidence can come from personal experience, from what one reads, or research. For every information included in the essay, ensure to explain the reason it matters in the argument.
It is essential in writing to check grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Students could even utilize a grammar check tool to improve their writing. If possible, get a friend to revise your essay since they can spot the mistakes you did not see.
Types of essays - Descriptive Essay
Of all the types of essays, this type is used in describing something, such as a situation, a person, object, place, among others. The writer uses it to create a vivid picture of the subject.
It utilizes the power of writing together with the human senses for the reader to understand what it describes, such that they may feel like they have visited a particular place, met that person, or saw the specific object.
Guide for Writing a Descriptive Essay
When provided with the topic, you should not start writing immediately, but take time to brainstorm. For instance, when asked to describe what you think is the best food, you begin by writing words that best describe it.
For example, when the choice is pizza, you may write words such as melted cheese, crust, sauce, chicken, spices, etc. After writing these words, you start compiling a description of each.
The focus is to create the image in the mind of a reader. Therefore, language should not cause any ambiguity. Instead, it should adequately and clearly describe what the question asks.
In this type of essay, your choice of words should appeal to a reader’s senses. Therefore, you will need to describe how something looked, felt, smelled, or tasted.
The ability to describe your feelings or emotions helps you to make a deep connection with the readers. Therefore, it is crucial to tap into your emotions to adequately express feelings such as those of ecstatic joy or crushing loss.
Avoid falling into the trap of incoherent rumbling of senses and emotions. Present your thoughts in an organized manner.
Types of essays - Application Essay
Application essays are standard types of essays required in university, and internship applications. It presents an opportunity for the applicant to show who they are and what they can do. Because this is an essay that could have a significant impact on a person’s education and career, it is important to spend adequate time and effort when writing it.
You should not view it as a deadline task because it needs time to write, read, rewrite, and revise until it becomes a compelling essay. Another crucial thing a writer of this types of essays should remember is never to be afraid.
The first thing you should do when you are about to start writing an application essay is to read the instructions carefully. You should follow the instructions that are provided concerning the essay because failure to do so will make the reader develop doubts about enrolling you in the institution or offering you the internship.
Therefore, you must obey the page and word limits. There are also three aspects you should think about when writing this essay. They include;
- The field– If it is an internship types of essays, think about the reasons you want to join a particular field. Think of the benefits and the shortcomings it presents. Think of whether it is the career path you want to pursue.
- Think about the program– For a college or university application essay, think about the aspects of the program, such as the courses offered and the faculty. Think of the reasons you have to apply and note down the most important ones.
- Yourself– Note down details about yourself that make you special. What are the values and experiences that shape who you are? What are your unique skills? Why should the members of the programs choose you?
After noting down different ideas on the three aspects, you should get ready to start writing. Begin with a draft that you can improve on later. It should not be a rushed process. Therefore, take the time to develop the draft into the final essay. Eliminate generalizations in your writing and revise the paper thoroughly.
Types of essays - Case Study Essay
Case study types of essays are detailed, involve a lot research and target address a particular issue. At one point during your college years, you will have to write a case study. These types of essays report on a phenomenon, a situation, an individual, or a group of people.
What sets it apart from other types of essays is its narrow focus and its practical element. It is possible to make the process of writing a case study easy by dividing it into several stages and setting a timeline for each stage. These stages are discussed hereunder;
- Clarify the Task at Hand
It is the stage when your focus is on understanding the case. You should seek assistance from your fellow students or the instructor if you have a problem understanding the case. It is at this stage where you establish the problem within the case, and determine whether you know what it is asking
- Decide on Theories and other Tools you Will Use for Analysis
The methodologies for analyzing the case will be in your class notes. You may also read articles or books to guide you on the best analysis tools to use. Understand the problems the case presents and their solutions.
- What will be your Recommendations and Conclusions?
Identify the recommendations you will offer for each problem and explain how they will work to resolve or minimize the problem. Then summarize your analysis and provide a review of the critical points of your case study.
- Begin Writing
You should plan before you begin writing. Begin by creating an outline to make the work orderly. Also, consider the readership of your essay to determine the language and style of writing to use.
Types of essays - Response Essay
Response types of essays are mostly given as coursework assignments to test learners level of understanding. Instructors use response papers to check the learners’ ability to express their viewpoints and whether they can do so coherently.
It is a genre of writing where you express your views concerning a book, film, article, essay, or any other piece of writing. One crucial aspect to note in these types of essays is that the writing style is in the first person since you are writing your opinion.
Outline of a Response Paper
The introduction should grab the attention of the reader in these types of essays. You can do it by stating an interesting fact, describing a scenario, telling a story, or bringing up the questions your essay will answer. The introduction should also include a thesis statement that states your argument on the article in a brief sentence.
You may start by summarizing the book or article in 1-2 paragraphs. What follows are your responses, and they should answer the following questions:
- What is your opinion on the ideas of the article?
- Are any of the ideas presented by the author related to your experiences?
- Do the ideas relate to your other readings?
- Do you think that the author has succeeded in convincing the readers?
- One of the things to avoid is making superficial or obvious insights and also avoid providing vague reasons for your reflection and analysis.
Conclusion
Response types of essays are interesting to write. These types of essays provide a brief review of your opinion on the article backed by facts and then relate it to the introduction.
Types of essays - Exploratory Essay
An exploratory essay is one of the unique types of essays. While other types of essays try to convince the readers about the validity of their thesis, this essay attempts to find information concerning a problem and might even suggest the solution.
The other unique attribute is that it represents a retrospective of the writer's thinking and writing process as they try to think through a problem. It describes the reason and how you carried out research and also when it was done. To write a good exploratory essay, you have to pay attention to your thought process.
The Structure of an Exploratory Essay
The introduction paragraph introduces the problem studied and its importance. As part of the introduction to the problem, the writer should also mention the possible cause, the person, or institutions that are involved. It also briefly states the possible solution and offers and sources of the research during the inquiry process.
It discusses the inquiry process in researching the problem. It should provide the following details on the sources of research:
- An introduction to the source, such as the title, name, publication date, publisher, etc
- The vital information concerning the problem derived from the source
- The reason the information is essential relates to the problem
- Personal observation on how the source was helpful or its influence in changing the course of your research
Conclusion
A conclusion section is a section where you restate the problem, causes, people, and institutions concerned and possible solutions. Also, mention any further questions you might have on this section and explain the reason you have for the question. Explain where you might find their answers and the research needed to do so.
Types of essays - Term Paper
This is one types of Essays which is a research-based paper that is given to students to evaluate their knowledge in a particular class. It may take the form of a discussion or a scientific report that bases its information on thorough research to reflect the student’s knowledge of the course.
Factors of Consideration When Selecting a Topic for the Term Paper
When students have the freedom of selecting the topic, they should consider the following;
- Length of the term paper– The length will determine the topic. For lengthy papers, you should choose a broad topic.
- Availability of resources– It is crucial to ensure you have the materials that are needed for your chosen topic.
- Topic complexity– Ensure that you are up to the task, even when the topic is complex. You can consider seeking help from the professor in the area of the topic that you do not understand.
Outline of a Term Paper
A student should follow the following layout when presenting their topic.
- Abstract– It is a brief description of where the paper is headed. It describes the topic and the reason behind the interest in the issue
- Introduction-It starts with a statement on the subject. It also includes a description of current events and their connection to the problem under scrutiny.
- Body-It is the synthesis of research. It offers more information on the topic to help a reader understand more about the issue
- Results-Includes an explanation of the reason the research has influenced your perception of the topic. Explain whether your view has changed or not and the reason it is so.
- Discussion– it is a summary and conclusion on the topic. You can also prompt your readers to continue with research on the subject.
Types of essays - Reflective Essay
Reflective essay is one the types of essays that allows a writer to examine their life experiences, describe them, and also explore how they have developed, or changed from the experiences.
The Structure of a Reflective Essay
- Introduction– It introduces the subject and offers a general overview of the impression the experiences made by the writer.
- Body-It includes an explanation of how the experience has changed the writer and what they have learned
- Conclusion-it includes a review of the thesis statement, final thoughts on the subject as well a few reflective thoughts
FAQs
| written for the primary purpose of explaining or informing |
expository essay |
| written for the primary purpose of telling a story or relating an event |
narrative essay |
| written for the primary purpose of convincing the reader |
Persuasive essay |
| written for the primary purpose of describing something |
descriptive essay |
| written for the primary purpose of exploring a literary work |
critical essay |
| written for the primary purpose of pointing out the similarities and differences between two subjects. |
comparison and contrast essay |
| Using documented research will make your argument stronger in a persuasive essay. |
TRUE |
| Which type of essay would be used to explain how to prepare a dinner party? |
expository essay |
| Which type of essay would have the following thesis statement? My grandmother's Victorian home gave one the feeling that he had travelled back in time. |
descriptive essay |
| Which type of essay contains an opinion? |
persuasive |
| Which type of essay would have the following thesis statement? America's Groundhog Day has produced a yearly tradition, influenced pop culture, and made many groundhogs famous. |
expository essay |
| Which type of essay would have the following thesis statement? Canoeing and white-water rafting use upper body strength, but different skills must be developed in order to be successful at each activity. |
comparison and contrast essay |
| Which type of essay is used to tell readers about a special event in your life? |
narrative essay |
| Match the description to the type of essay.1. teaches the reader something about a literary work 2. appeals to the five senses 3. Its main purpose is to present information to the reader 4. tells a story 5. shows the similarities and differences between two subjects 6. tries to convince the reader |
1. critical2. descriptive 3. expository 4. narrative 5. comparison and contrast 6. persuasive |
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