The Different Types of Essays

First of all…what is an essay? An essay is a short piece of writing that discusses, describes, or analyze a specific topic. An essay can be written from a number of perspectives, but most are written in the third person (“He,” “She,” “It,” “One”). An essay can discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. An essay can also write about personal opinions or simply report information.

Definition Essay A definition essay tries to define a specific term. These terms may be specific items, but they may also be abstract ideas, such as love or hate. The definition must go deeper than a simple dictionary definition, and explain why the term is defined as such.

Cause and Effect Essay A cause and effect essay explains why and how some event happened. This essay also explains what happened after, or as a result, or some event. A cause and effect essay will discuss both causes and effects. A cause essay will only consider the causes that lead to an effect. An effect essay will only consider the effects after some initial cause.

Descriptive Essay A descriptive essay asks a student to describe an object, person, place, event, emotion, or experience. The writer’s goal in writing a descriptive essay is to create a vivid image or impression of the object, person, place, event, emotion, or experience in the reader’s mind. A descriptive essay uses clear and concise language, with particular emphasis on sensory details to evoke a tangible reading experience.

Compare and Contrast Essay A compare and contrast essay compares two or more things, evaluating their similarities ad their differences. There are three types of compare and contrast essays: Whole-to-whole: First describe one thing and then describe the other. Similarities-to-differences: First describe the similarities between the objects and then describe the differences between the objects. Point-to-point: Write about one point for both objects before moving on to another point.

Narrative Essay A narrative essay usually tells a story, and, when in the format of a story, is much less formal than other essays. A narrative essay, if written as a story, must include all the important aspects of a story (introduction, plot, setting, climax, etc.). A narrative essay can also be an informative narrative; e.g., a book report. The narrative essay will share a personal experience and/or perspective of the author, but that is not necessarily the only one that matters. The narrative essay should have a purpose! Don’t let it become rambling or unfocused.

Critical/Literary Essay A critical essay looks at the strengths, weaknesses, and methods of another’s work. A critical essay considers how effectively an author, artist, etc. achieves his or her goals. A critical essay analyzes key aspects of a piece of literature, film, or art, looking for deeper meaning than surface appearance. A literary essay, a type of critical essay, analyzes deeper meaning within a book, poem, short story, or essay; for example, a literary essay may consider the characteristics of the Friar in Romeo and Juliet or the symbolism of the animals in Animal Farm.

Expository Essay An expository essay requires the writer to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound (discuss) an idea, or set forth an argument about a specific topic. An effective expository essay can be created through critical analysis, cause and effect explanation, definition and examples, or other essay formats. The key to an effective expository essay is the thesis statement; the thesis statement must be appropriately narrowed to the scope of the essay topic. We will talk at great length and practice writing thesis statements throughout the semester!! YAY!

Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Often confused with the expository essay, the argumentative or persuasive essay is different in the amount of pre-writing and planning that the student must do. Argumentative essays ask students to do extensive research to promote and support a position on a particular issue. A research paper is a kind of argumentative essay because a writer uses research to create and support original thought, ideas, or suggestions on a specific topic. Very formal in writing; no use of “I” or “you,” a greatly structured essay format, clear and specific thesis statement, and highly logical transitions.

Which essays will I need to master for the SAT, the remainder of high school, and college? ALL of them! For the SAT essay, you are best served to stick to the expository, narrative, and persuasive essay formats. The argumentative/persuasive essay is one that will be necessary to master in your educational career. GET USED TO WRITING THEM!