Guest milanbaro Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 (edited) An essay is a small piece of writing that discusses, describes or analyses a topic. It may discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. There are various essay types. These essay types that include are explained below: Expository The function of expository essay is to explain something to reader by giving directions or instructions, or to acquaint their reader with knowledge about how to complete a task or how something is done. Students are demonstrating their own knowledge and explaining with facts, not their opinion. It is very significant that their tone be reasonable and that their presentation be factual and believable. Compare and Contrast The essay could be an unbiased discussion, or an attempt to convince reader of benefits of one thing, person, or concept. It could also be written simply to entertain reader, or to arrive at an insight into human nature. The essay could discuss both similarities and differences, or it could just focus on one or other. A comparison essay usually discusses similarities between two things, while contrast essay discusses differences. Cause and Effect The cause/effect essay explains why or how some event happened, and what resulted from event. This essay is a study of relationship between two or more events or experiences. The essay could discuss both causes and effects, or it could simply address one or other. A cause essay usually discusses reasons why something happened. Argumentative (Persuasive) An argumentative essay is one that attempts to persuade reader to writer’s point of view. The writer may either be serious or funny, but always tries to convince reader of validity of his or her opinion. The essay may argue openly, or it may attempt to subtly persuade reader by using irony or sarcasm. Your approach is to take a stand on an issue and use evidence to back up their stance, not to explore an unresolved topic. Informal Written mainly for enjoyment. This is not to speak that it cannot be informative or influential; though, it is less an official statement than a relaxed expression of view, observation, humor or enjoyment. Critical Review This type of essay may be either formal or informal, depending on context. However, a certain objective standard needs to be maintained and, as in an argumentative essay, their assertions need to be proved. Research (Analytical) The research essay leads students into works of others and asks students to compare their thoughts with their own. Writing a essay involves going to source material and synthesizing what students learn from it with their own ideas. Students must find texts on subject and use them to support topic students have been given to explore. Because it is easy to become lost in a wilderness of source material, students must take particular care to narrow their topic. An essay must demonstrate what students have learned, but it must also show that students have a perspective of their own on subject. Literary In literary essay, students are exploring meaning and construction of a piece of literature. In a review students are discussing overall effect and validity of written work, while in a literary essay students are paying more attention to specifics. Students are taking a piece of writing and trying to discover how and why it is put together way it is. Students must adopt a viewpoint on work in question and show how details of work support their viewpoint. Edited December 7, 2011 by Erin Hormel product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rinky9888 Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Evaluative Essay The evaluative essay sets out to evaluate something according to predetermined criteria. For an evaluation to be recognised as valid, both the subject to be evaluated and the criteria to be used to make the evaluation must be stated clearly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siyaji Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 obviously the essay may not denote that matter which is not related to it. instead a clear and exact view of the topic may be given, so you are a right man of the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atse Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Thanks for posting this! I always found it helpful to be aware of the different essay types when writing because it helped me to stay on topic. Just knowing what type of essay you are writing can help to create a more cohesive and interesting paper to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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