In general terms, an essay is a piece of writing on a particular subject. Yet in the academic world there are at least six specific types of essays. Every essay has the same structure, but some of those listed below have a very different purpose. Decide on the purpose of your paper, and then weigh the options for each of these essay styles.
The Expository Essay is a how-to report written to describe a step by step process. When the writer goes on to prove how and why their process is correct, the paper becomes a Persuasive Essay. Alternative arguments must be proven incorrect; simply dismissing them will negatively impact the author's credibility in the argument. The Expository and Persuasive essays each have a distinct flow. One explains a series of events or tasks, the other begins with a statement and goes in to prove the truth of the statement.
The Informal Essay is written for pleasure, and therefore usually for personal reasons rather than educational. It can still be informative; however there is not necessarily a need for evidentiary proof. The best Informal Essays are relaxed, humorous and entertaining - but still have a solid structure. The writer may have a conversational tone, but it will never be sloppy or contain slang.
The Review Essay has a bit of the Persuasive Essay flavor, with a little of the Informal Essay thrown in. Since the goal is to evaluate, there is a need for the writer to prove their opinion with evidence. On the other hand, an objective voice is used. A Review Essay should see all pros and cons of the subject, regardless of the thesis statement. The key is in balance.
The Research Essay is a toughie. The purpose is to provide legitimate material pertaining to the topic and compare that material with the thoughts of the writer. The danger, of course, is in plagiarism. A Research Essay with nothing but quotes does not highlight what the author has learned; it only shows what he/she has read. The paper should illustrate a bit of the writer's perspective on the topic.
The Literary Essay explores literary works, but does not review them. A review discusses the quality of the work in question; a Literary Essay looks at the specific elements such as character, theme, style and tone. It is an exploration of the parts of the work and how it was put together.
Obviously the type of essay a student writes depends entirely upon the subject, the course, the demands of the professor and the essay question itself. Unless the instructor has specifically requested a certain type of essay format, choose carefully. There is a purpose for each style, make sure your purpose matches that of the essay style. Are you debating a point or just reporting research results? Is the essay meant to inform or entertain? Or is it simply to demonstrate your own knowledge on the subject.
Be sure to have all the necessary components: topic, thesis statement, introduction, body, conclusion and bibliography. Check the style of bibliography the professor has requested, make sure yours is correctly punctuated. Then proofread, proofread, proofread. Get someone else to proofread the paper too. They may catch that elusive grammar mistake that could cost valuable marks!
The Expository Essay is a how-to report written to describe a step by step process. When the writer goes on to prove how and why their process is correct, the paper becomes a Persuasive Essay. Alternative arguments must be proven incorrect; simply dismissing them will negatively impact the author's credibility in the argument. The Expository and Persuasive essays each have a distinct flow. One explains a series of events or tasks, the other begins with a statement and goes in to prove the truth of the statement.
The Informal Essay is written for pleasure, and therefore usually for personal reasons rather than educational. It can still be informative; however there is not necessarily a need for evidentiary proof. The best Informal Essays are relaxed, humorous and entertaining - but still have a solid structure. The writer may have a conversational tone, but it will never be sloppy or contain slang.
The Review Essay has a bit of the Persuasive Essay flavor, with a little of the Informal Essay thrown in. Since the goal is to evaluate, there is a need for the writer to prove their opinion with evidence. On the other hand, an objective voice is used. A Review Essay should see all pros and cons of the subject, regardless of the thesis statement. The key is in balance.
The Research Essay is a toughie. The purpose is to provide legitimate material pertaining to the topic and compare that material with the thoughts of the writer. The danger, of course, is in plagiarism. A Research Essay with nothing but quotes does not highlight what the author has learned; it only shows what he/she has read. The paper should illustrate a bit of the writer's perspective on the topic.
The Literary Essay explores literary works, but does not review them. A review discusses the quality of the work in question; a Literary Essay looks at the specific elements such as character, theme, style and tone. It is an exploration of the parts of the work and how it was put together.
Obviously the type of essay a student writes depends entirely upon the subject, the course, the demands of the professor and the essay question itself. Unless the instructor has specifically requested a certain type of essay format, choose carefully. There is a purpose for each style, make sure your purpose matches that of the essay style. Are you debating a point or just reporting research results? Is the essay meant to inform or entertain? Or is it simply to demonstrate your own knowledge on the subject.
Be sure to have all the necessary components: topic, thesis statement, introduction, body, conclusion and bibliography. Check the style of bibliography the professor has requested, make sure yours is correctly punctuated. Then proofread, proofread, proofread. Get someone else to proofread the paper too. They may catch that elusive grammar mistake that could cost valuable marks!
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