Types of Essays

Differentiating among types of essays is basically a topic of determining the writer’s purpose. Does the writer want to tell about an individual incident, describe something, explain a topic, or persuade the reader to acknowledge a certain point of view? The four major types of essays include:

1. Narrative Essays: Telling a Story
In a narrative essay, the writer may tell a story about a real-life situation. Whilst writing a narrative essay, writers ought to involve the reader by making the story as clear as possible. Writers should try to use literary devices to bring out their story.  Make sure to have an introduction, body and conclusion.

2. Descriptive Essays: Drawing a Picture
A descriptive essay draws a picture with words. A writer might describe a human being, place, object, or even a remembrance of particular importance. The descriptive essay attempts to communicate a profound meaning through description. In a descriptive essay, the writer should demonstrate, through the use of vivid words and senses. Descriptive essays should entice the reader’s emotions.

3. Expository Essays: Mainly Facts
The expository essay is an instructive piece of writing that displays an objective breakdown of a topic. In an expository essay, the author gives explanations or defines a topic, using facts, data, information and examples. Expository writing covers a broad variety of techniques, such as the comparison and contrast, the cause and effect, and the “how to” or process.  Expository essays are based on facts and not individual thoughts; writers don’t disclose their feelings.

4. Persuasive Essays: influencing
With its presentation of facts, the aim of the persuasive essay is to influence the reader to agree to the writer’s position or suggestion. The writer must construct a case using facts, common sense, examples, professional opinion, and good reasoning. The writer should display all sides of the argument, but must be able to show evidently why a certain position is right.