Types of Essays LANE 213

Definition Essay  Three Steps to Effective Definition Tell readers what term is being defined. Present clear and basic information. Use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand.

Definition Essay  What is a Definition Essay?  A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. Some terms have definite, concrete meanings, such as glass, book, or tree. Terms such as honesty, honor, or love are abstract and depend more on a person's point of view.

Definition Essay  Thesis Statement of a Definition Essay The thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a brief, basic definition. (term) (basic definition) Ex: Assertiveness is standing up for your rights.

Process Essay  Webster ’ s dictionary defines a “ process ” as “ a usually fixed or ordered series of actions or events leading to a result ”.  In your process essay you should describe this process and make your description absorbing and clear.

Process Essay  Process Analysis is a “ how to do it ” essay.  You show in words how to do things: what steps are taken from beginning to end.  Finally, you tell what you will have when the process is finished.  Transition words: first, second, afterwards, before, then..

Classification Essay  What is a Classification Essay?  In a classification essay, a writer organizes, or sorts, things into categories.

Classification Essay  Three Steps to Effective Classification: Sort things into useful categories. Make sure all the categories follow a single organizing principle. Give examples that fit into each category.

Classification Essay  Thesis Statement of a Classification Essay The thesis statement usually includes the topic and how it is classified. Sometimes the categories are named. (topic)...(how classified)...(category) (category) (category) Ex: Tourists in Hawaii can enjoy three water sports: snorkeling, surfing, and sailing.

Classification Essay  Common Classification Transitions The first kind, the second kind, the third kind The first type, the second type, the third type The first group, the second group, the third group

Comparison Essay  To write a comparison or contrast essay that is easy to follow, first decide what the similarities or differences are by writing lists on scrap paper. Which are more significant, the similarities or the differences?

Comparison Essay  Plan A: If you have many small similarities and/or differences After your introduction, say everything you want to say about the first work or character, and then go on in the second half of the essay to say everything about the second work or character, comparing or contrasting each item in the second with the same item in the first.

Comparison Essay  Plan B: If you have only a few, larger similarities or differences After your introduction, in the next paragraph discuss one similarity or difference in BOTH works or characters, and then move on in the next paragraph to the second similarity or difference in both, then the third, and so forth, until you are done.

Comparison Essay  Intro. with thesis  1st similarity 1st work 2nd work  2nd similarity 1st work 2nd work  Conclusion

Cause and Effect Essay  Cause and effect essays are concerned with why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). Cause and effect is a common method of organizing and discussing ideas.

Cause and Effect Essay  Follow these steps when writing a cause and effect essay Distinguish between cause and effect. To determine causes, ask, "Why did this happen?" To identify effects, ask, "What happened because of this?" The following is an example of one cause producing one effect:

Cause and Effect Essay  Causes liked business in high school salaries in the field are high have an aunt who is an accountant am good with numbers  Effect choose to major in accounting  Cause reduce work hours  Effects less income employer is irritated more time to study more time for family and friends  However, most situations are more complicated.

Cause and Effect Essay  Develop your thesis statement. State clearly whether you are discussing causes, effects, or both. Introduce your main idea, using the terms "cause" and/or "effect."  Find and organize supporting details. Back up your thesis with relevant and sufficient details that are organized.

Cause and Effect Essay  Use appropriate transitions. To blend details smoothly in cause and effect essays, use the transitional words and phrases listed below.  For causes because, due to, on cause is, another is, since, for, first, second  For Effects consequently, as a result, thus, resulted in, one result is, another is, therefore

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