An essay
is a short piece of writing. It
is often written from an author's personal point of view. The
definition of an essay is vague, overlapping with those of an
article and a short story.
In recent times, essays have
become a major part of a formal education. Secondary students are
taught structured essay formats to improve their writing skills,
and essays are often used by universities in selecting applicants.
In both secondary and tertiary education, essays are used to judge
the mastery and comprehension of material. Students are asked to
explain, comment on, or assess a topic of study in the form of an
essay.
Academic essays are usually more formal than literary ones. They may still allow the presentation of the writer's own views, but this is done in a logical and factual manner, with the use of the first person often discouraged.
Kinds of Essays
Definition Essay
When you are writing a definition essay, you take a term or an idea and write about what it is. Often, definitions are combined with classification or other forms of organization in the essay. You need to give a careful definition of the key term before going on to discuss different types or examples.
Classification Essay
In a classification essay, you separate things or ideas into specific categories and discuss each of them. You organize the essay by defining each classification and by giving examples of each type.
Description Essay
In a description essay, you write about what a person, place, or thing is like. You organize the essay by describing different parts or aspects of the main subject.
Compare and Contrast
In a compare and contrast essay, you write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places, or things. You can organize the essay by writing about one subject first and then comparing it with the second subject. A more effective way is to organize the essay by comparing each subject by category.
Sequence
Essay
In a sequence
essay, you are writing to describe a series of events or a
process in some sort of order. Usually, this order is based on
time. You organize the essay by writing about each step of the
process in the order it occurred.
Choice
Essay
In a choice
essay, you need to choose which object, idea, or action
that you prefer. You organize the essay by describing each option
and then giving your opinion.
Explanation
Essay
In an explanation
essay, you explain how or why something happens or has
happened. You need to explain different causes and effects. You
should organize the essay by explaining each individual cause or
effect.
Evaluation
Essay
In an evaluation
essay, you make judgments about people, ideas, and
possible actions. You make your evaluation based on certain
criteria that you develop. Organize the essay by discussing the
criteria you used to make your judgment.
Image Credits:
1. Gembledine
