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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: Gembledine, The 15th year
