January 23, 2014  MUGS Shot  Essay Modes  Homework ENGLISH 091 Developmental Writing

Essay Modes: Different kinds of essays… Narration Description Example Process Analysis Definition Comparison & Contrast Cause & Effect Classification Persuasion

The Narrative Essay “How can I make the story of what happened to me clear and easy for my readers to follow?” A narrative essay tells a story… It can be either fictional or real-life. The more “real” it is for you, the better you will tell it. (Sometimes our imaginations are more real to us than our daily lives.)

The Descriptive Essay “How can I capture the sense of energy and excitement for my reader?” A descriptive essay paints a picture with words… It appeals to the senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. It can also appeal to emotions.

The Example Essay “I want to make sure people who read my essay understand my subject the way I do.” In this essay, you use specific instance to illustrate, clarify, or back up a point. Examples are very helpful to readers who may be unfamiliar with your subject. “Honesty is the best policy!”

The Process Analysis Essay “How do I explain how this things works to my reader?” Process Analysis is a “how to do it” essay. You show in words how to get something done: what the steps are from beginning to end. Finally, you tell what you will have when the process is finished.

The Definition Essay “How do I present the meaning to that another person will understand it the way I do?” A definition essay gives the meaning of a word, term or concept. The denotation of a word is its dictionary definition. The connotation of a word is its informal or slang meaning in daily usage.

The Comparison-Contrast Essay “What is the best way to write about subjects that have similarities and differences?” Comparison tells how things are alike and contrast shows how they are different. In this essay, you normally show either comparison or contrast, but you can tell both if you want.

The Cause & Effect Essay “How can I explain what made a situation happen and what occurred as a result of it?” A cause & effect essay tells how things affect each other; how they depend on each other. An effect may have one cause or several different clauses.

The Classification Essay “How can I simplify a number of aspects and elements?” A classification essay breaks down a general subject into classes (categories or groups.) You can classify either things or ideas. You decide how you will classify your topic, but always go from general to specific.

The Persuasive/Argument Essay “What is the best way to present my stand on a subject so that I can persuade my reader to consider what I have to say?” In the persuasive essay, or argument essay, you are writing to get your audience to accept your point of view and think like you do.

Assignment: For EACH of the modes of composition, write one THESIS (topic sentence) on the following topic: FAST FOOD Due: Tuesday, January 28 th.