Essay writing is an important part of the academic world, from formal essays to narrative, argumentative, and even critical essays. There are four types all with their own perspective on how they should be written.
The main objective of an essay is to fulfill the requirements outlined in whatever prompt you were given. But, depending on the type of essay you are writing or who your audience is, then you might need a different approach.
For example, if you are writing a funny story for one class and an analytical essay for another class, then you would need to use a different approach.
If someone is writing about social issues in their home country, but they want to focus on how it affects them rather than other countries, then they would also need a different way to write the paper.
To begin, you need to identify which type it will be, then use methods that best suit this style, but most importantly, strive for excellence in your work!
Let us now explore the types of essays in detail with their examples.
The Major Types of Essays
The different types of essay formats include the following. Here you can find a definition for each one in detail along with examples to help better understand its meaning and use, which will enable your writing skills more efficiently!
Narrative Essay
The narrative essay is a type of writing that strictly follows the first-person point-of-view to reveal your experience. The use of storytelling in essays is a great way to engage your reader and paint an engaging picture with words.
A narrative essay tells the story, typically from a first-person perspective (you), of how something happened or what life was like for this particular individual that they're writing about.
This can be used when discussing personal experiences such as vacations abroad. It's also common practice among journalism students because there are no set rules telling you exactly where one should start!
The central idea of an essay is to make it clear what you are talking about, give detailed information about the topic, and tell people about your experience. Here is an example for you to understand the narrative essay.
Descriptive Essay
A descriptive essay is a piece of writing that describes something. You can describe the place you live or the person who is your friend.
The goal of a descriptive essay can be to make the reader feel as though they are there, experiencing what you felt. A good way to do this would be to use words that are specific enough for readers who have not experienced it themselves yet still understand exactly where these events took place or how an object looks under certain conditions.
The objects in a discussion may range anywhere from places all across our world down to things close up against personal statements and experiences. Like living abroad, which might give more insight if written about thoroughly.
One way to write a descriptive essay is to use metaphorical language. This will help the reader feel what it's like and understand more. Some other literary devices may be:
- Analogies
- Alliteration
- Imagery
- Dialogue
Check out the given example to get a proper reference to this type of essay.
Expository Essay
An expository essay is a type of writing where you only give facts. This can be difficult because you have to avoid expressing your own opinion or putting emotions into what you are saying. It is important, though, to remember that every word matters in an expository essay.
It is important to make a focused outline and stay on track throughout the process. Show your ability as well as research skills by citing expert sources along the way in order for it to be complete at last. Provide perspective with other contributions that could help out too!
An expository essay is a type of academic writing that incorporates many different types, including:
- Cause and effect essays
- Process essays
- Analytical essays
- Compare and contrast essays
Check out the following example to understand better.
Argumentative Essay
The argumentative essay aims to convince the reader about a particular point of view. Writers of persuasive and argumentative essays need to prove a point. They may try to persuade the reader about their opinion or belief system.
The argumentative essay is a great way to get your point across when you have two sides that are equally strong or different approaches on the same subject.
The writer must develop entire reasoning and defend it with solid proof in order for this type of assignment to work well, which means lots more research!
Have a look at the following example to get an idea.
Persuasive Essay
A persuasive essay is a type of academic paper. Instead of arguing for one’s own ideas, the writer utilizes logic and reasoning in an attempt to show how it can be more convincing than another idea or point of view on the topic at hand.
In order to convince the reader of your side, you need a well-written essay that uses solid evidence and sound reasoning.
The best way is to have arguments with facts, examples, or quotes from reliable resources. These are things that back up what you are saying so we know it's true. Here is an example for you.
Analytical Essay
An analytical essay is a type of academic paper in which the writer takes apart what someone is saying and analyzes it. You don't need to convince people about your opinion, but you do need to convince them with their own opinion of what you say and how they see life.
In an analytical essay, you might want to use persuasive language in order to get your point across. However, this can lead readers to feel confused or lectured instead of educated.
It is important to use words in your essay that will help people understand what you are trying to say. You can do this by using evidence from sources like books or journal articles.
This is especially important if the essay does not have all the necessary background information needed for readers who are new to the topic. Check out the following sample.
Reflective Essay
A reflective essay is a type of writing in which you examine your personal experiences and reflect upon them with self-reflection. In the process, provide insight into what has been gained from those events or circumstances.
The reflective essay is a type of writing that looks back on events of the past and how they still affect you today. They are more engaging than other types because people can tell their stories without feeling bad or ashamed. The tone should stay positive while also being descriptive so it sounds real.
Refer to the below-given example to understand better.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay
A rhetorical analysis essay is a type of textual analysis that analyzes persuasive texts. It's different from other types because it will be more than adding facts, but also includes evaluation and interpretation in its writing process.
When you are writing a paper, it's important to examine how the person who wrote the paper is trying to convince their audience. They might use logos, ethos, or pathos. Logos means they are using arguments.
Ethos means they are being credible. Pathos means they are making the audience feel emotions that might persuade them. Here is an example for you.
Literary Analysis Essay
A literary analysis essay is about reading a text closely and analyzing its important aspects. It usually has five body paragraphs including the introduction. The first paragraph talks about the themes in the text, what people are like, where this takes place (setting), and when it happens (time).
The second paragraph talks about language. The third paragraph says something about symbols or other images in the text. The fourth paragraph explains how to write an evaluation of the work based on close reading and analysis of all these points. We have provided an example for you to get an idea.
This was all about the common types of essays. If you still feel worried, do consult our essay writer.
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