Essay Information.

Argumentative and persuasive essay:

Argumentative and persuasive essays have similar goals: to reach a point of

view. In methods, the argumentative and persuasive essay formats differ,
with the persuasive essay acknowledging there is an opposing view while not
debating or expounding on it, and the argumentative essay not only
acknowledging the counterclaims of opposing views or positions, but also
fully revealing its understanding of the relative merits and weaknesses of
those views or positions. In mode of communication, the argumentative and
persuasive essay structures are clearly unlike in that the persuasive essay is
extremely one-sided, presenting itself with sound reason and personal
conviction in the certitude that its viewpoint is the only right and correct
and perhaps the only existing viewpoint, whereas the argumentative tears
down other points of view.

Another point of view

In persuasive or argumentative writing, we try to convince others to agree

with our facts, share our values, accept our argument and conclusions, and
adopt our way of thinking.
Elements toward building a good persuasive essay include

establishing facts

to support an argument

clarifying relevant values

for your audience (perspective)

prioritizing, editing, and/or sequencing

the facts and values in importance to build the argument

forming and stating conclusions

"persuading" your audience that your conclusions

are based upon the agreed-upon facts and shared values

having the confidence

to communicate your "persuasion" in writing

Here are some strategies to complete a persuasive writing assignment:

Write out the questions in your own words.

Think of the questions posed in the assignment

while you are reading and researching.

Determine facts

any sources that will help you determine their reliability

(as well as for further reference)

what prejudices lie in the argument

or values that color the facts or the issue

what you think of the author's argument

List out facts; consider their importance:

prioritize, edit, sequence, discard, etc.

Ask yourself "What's missing?"

What are the "hot buttons" of the issue?

List possible emotions/emotional reactions and recognize them for later use

Start writing a draft!

Start as close as possible to your reading/research

Do notconcern yourself with grammar or spelling

Write your first paragraph

Introduce the topic

Inform the reader of your point of view!

Entice the reader to continue with the rest of the paper!

Focus on three main points to develop

Establish flow from paragraph to paragraph

Keep your voice active

Quote sources

to establish authority

Stay focused

on your point of view throughout the essay

Focus on logical arguments

Don't lapse into summary

in the development--wait for the conclusion

Conclusion

Summarize, then conclude, your argument

Refer to the first paragraph/opening statement as well as the main points

does the conclusion restate the main ideas?

reflect the succession and importance of the arguments

logically conclude their development?

Edit/rewrite the first paragraph

to better telegraph your development and conclusion.

Take a day or two off!

Re-read your paper

with a fresh mind and a sharp pencil

Ask yourself:

Does this make sense? AmI convinced?

Will this convince a reader?

Will they understand my values, and agree with my facts?

Edit, correct, and re-write as necessary

Check spelling and grammar!

Have a friend read it and respond to your argument.

Were they convinced?

Revise if necessary

Turn in the paper

Celebrate a job well done,

with theconfidence that you have done your best.

How to respond to criticism:

Consider criticism as a test of developing your powers of persuasion.

Try not to take it personally.

If your facts are criticized,

double check them, and then cite your sources.

If your values are criticized,

sometimes we need agree "to disagree". Remember: your success in

persuadingothers assumes that the other person is open to being persuaded!

Fear: If you are not used to communicating,

especially in writing, you may need to overcome fear on several levels.
Writing, unlike unrecorded speech, is a permanent record for all to see, and
the "context" is not as important as in speech where context "colors" the
words. For example: your readers do not see you, only your words. They do
not know what you look like, where you live, who you are.

Hopefully in school, and class, we have a safe place

to practice both the art of writing and of persuasion. Then later, when we are
in our communities, whether work, church, neighborhoods, and even families,
we can benefit from this practice.

Persuasion also has another dimension:

it is built with facts, which illustrate conclusions. Of course, this means you
need to know what you are talking about, and cannot be lazy with your facts,
or you will not succeed in convincing anyone. This shows another level of
fear: Fear of making a mistake that will make your argument or persuasion
meaningless. Since you are writing, and the words are on paper for all to see
(or on a web site!), you need to work to make sure your facts are in order.

Narrative essay

There's nothing like reading a great narrative. Whether in novel or essay

form, a narrative piece of writing transports readers into the time and space
of the world portrayed by the writing.
There's also nothing like writing a great narrative. Through reflecting upon an
event, and through recreating the experience for other readers, writing a
narrative essay can enable you to develop new, subtle, and rewarding
perspectives.

Basic qualities of a narrative essay:

If you're having trouble choosing an experience to write about, take a quick

glance through these prompts. They might help you remember or identify a
particularly interesting or significant experience to focus on.

Writing Essay Help Writing First Novel Writing Prompts

A narrative essay is a piece of writing that recreates an experience through

time.
A narrative essay can be based on one of your own experiences, either past
or present, or it can be based on the experiences of someone else.

In addition to telling a story, a narrative essay also communicates a main

idea or a lesson learned.

Identify the experience that you want to write about.

Think about why the experience is significant.

Spend a good deal of time drafting your recollections about the details of the
experience.

Create an outline of the basic parts of your narrative.

Using your outline, describe each part of your narrative.

Rather than telling your readers what happened, use vivid details and
descriptions to actually recreate the experience for your readers.

Think like your readers. Try to remember that the information you present is
the only information your readers have about the experiences.

Always keep in mind that all of the small and seemingly unimportant details
known to you are not necessarily known to your readers.

It's often effective to begin your narrative with a paragraph that introduces
the experience and communicates the significance. This technique
guarantees that your readers will understand the significance of the
experience as they progess through the narrative.

Another effective technique is to begin the essay by jumping directly into the
narrative and then ending the essay with a paragraph communicating the
significance of the experience. This approach allows your readers to develop
their own understanding of the experience through the body of the essay and
then more deeply connect to your expression of the significance at the end.

You might also consider introducing the experience in the first paragraph but
delaying your expression of the significance of the experience until the end of
the essay. This approach heightens your readers' sensitivity to the
significance of the narrative.

After spending time away from the draft of your narrative essay, read through
the essay and think about whether the writing effectively recreates the
experience for your readers.

Ask other people to read through the essay and offer their impressions.

Identify where more details and descriptions are needed.

Identify and consider removing any information that seems to distract from
the focus and main narrative of the essay.
Think about whether you've presented information in the most effective
order.

A childhood event. Think of an experience when you learned something for

the first time, or when you realized how important someone was for you.

Achieving a goal. Think about a particularly meaningful achievement in your

life. This could be something as seemingly minor as achieving a good grade
on a difficult assignment, or this could be something with more long-lasting
effects, like getting the job you desired or getting into the best school to
which you applied.

A failure. Think about a time when you did not perform as well as you had
wanted. Focusing on an experience like this can result in rewarding
reflections about the positive emerging from the negative.

A good or bad deed. Think about a time when you did or did not stand up for
yourself or someone else in the face of adversity or challenge.
A change in your life. Think about a time when something significant changed
in your life. This could be anything from a move across town to a major
change in a relationship to the birth or death of a loved one.

A realization. Think about a time when you experienced a realization. This

could be anything from understanding a complicated math equation to
gaining a deeper understanding of a philosophical issue or life situation.

Descriptive essay

Essence Of Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay is one of the many types of writing styles that provides a
detailed description for a particular person, place and things. Descriptive
essay is purposely created so readers can readily imagine its particular
subject matter. There are many different ways of making a descriptive essay
really effective. Here are some of them:

1. Imaginative language this makes a descriptive essay really effective. The

power of words is immeasurable if it is appropriately used. The art of playing
with the most appropriate adjectives is the key for it.

2. Interesting comparisons although the subject matter in a descriptive

essay is pretty simple, it somehow becomes extraordinary using interesting
comparisons. A classic example to this is the act of the writer to compare a
simple Ferris wheel to a horrible creature.

3. Varied vocabulary - in order to make a descriptive essay really effective it

is essential to use varied vocabulary. Although simple words will be suffice to
get the message across, using varied vocabulary also makes an essay even
more interesting. It further actives the imagination of the reader for them to
come up with a vivid picture of the subject matter. Using a wide array of
words in a descriptive essay is indeed effective in the sense that it does not
only drive away the readers burden but also ignites their curiosity. As such
this type of essay will definitely make the readers mind work to create a
vision with its rich vocabulary.

4. Using the senses another key to making a descriptive essay really

effective is the use of appropriate adverb and adjectives that are pretty
appealing to all the bodys senses. This is readily achieved if the writers have
the ability to play with adjectives that are appropriate for each particular
subject matter. For instance, instead of describing a simple smoking engine of
the train, the writer can make it really appealing to the senses using
extraordinary adjective. It will be a lot appealing to the readers sense if with
this line: the trains engine is breathing line dragon. Although it is written in
rather complicated manner, it remains attractive for readers to reckon with as
it is one better way of igniting their interest to become more focus on the
subject matter of the descriptive essay.

5. Being organized one of the most essential manner of making a

descriptive essay really effective is to ensure that it is well organized. A
descriptive essay should be well organized in order for it to be fully
understood by the readers. It must have a concise introduction to provide the
readers some sort of birds eye view on the subject matter. The body of a
descriptive essay should therefore be composed of well written and detailed
information on the subject matter of the descriptive essay.

So the article has laid out some of the essential ways to make a descriptive
essay pretty effective for its readers. Using the appropriate adjectives that
are truly appealing to the readers senses and making sure it is well
organized are among the essential ways to ensure that a descriptive essay is
well written and effective in its real sense. These should therefore be noted
and must be taken with utmost consideration when writing descriptive essay.

Definition Essay

I. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing a

personal commentary on what the specific subject means.

A. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree.

1. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are
in general.

2. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can
agree on through the use of their physical senses.

B. However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, orpatriotism, have different

meanings for different individuals since such terms play on peoples feelings
more than their physical senses.

C. The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms

by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating
how that term should be applied.

II. Setting up the definition essay

A. Select a subject carefully.

1. Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on
your own need to clarify the term.

a. For example, if you feel that the word marriage should be defined in a
limited manner, that term would make a good subject for a definition essay.

b. Perhaps as a parent, you want to define what the termdiscipline means

from your point of view.

2. Select a term or subject that you know well enough so that you can provide
specific examples to illustrate your definition.

a. For example, if you arent familiar with the termplatonic love, dont
attempt to define it in an extended essay.

b. The subject of the essay must be familiar enough to you that you can
readily supply specific examples.

3. Dont select a subject either too broad or too narrow to fit the parameters
of your essay.

a. For example, the word hat may be too narrow for you to define in an
extended essay.

b. On the other hand, the term love may be too broad or general since
pinning it down to a single definition is very difficult.
B. Once you have selected a subject, outline your paper carefully before
writing.

1. Outlining will help you determine the specific points you want to cover in
the definition and point out where you need examples.

2. Here are some suggestions for how to outline a definition paper:

I. Introduction

A. Attention getter

1. You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to

provide a basis for your personal definition.

2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your
image to illustrate that definition.

B. Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using
specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the
paper.

II. Body

A. Background information:

1. Often unnecessary in this type of paper

2. However, you may need to provide some background about the term or
your connection to the term.

B. Point one

1. The first part of your definition of the term.

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

C. Point two

1. The second part of the definition of the term.

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

D. Point three

1. The third part of the definition (if there is one)

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

E. Point four, etc.

III. Conclusion

A. Review your definitions main points

B. Closing attention getter

1. Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way

of unifying the entire essay.

2. You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition has
affected you.

Another point of view:

Definition Essay

I. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by

providing a personal commentary on what the specific subject means.

A. Most physical objects have a definition about which most people agree.
1. Most people will agree on what trees, windows, computers, and pencils are
in general.

2. These objects all have specific physical properties that most people can
agree on through the use of their physical senses.

B. However, abstract terms, such as love, pain, or patriotism, have different

meanings for different individuals since such terms play on peoples feelings
more than their physical senses.

C. The definition essay provides a personal, extended definition of such terms

by linking or comparing the term to a previous definition and by illustrating
how that term should be applied.

II. Setting up the definition essay

A. Select a subject carefully.

1. Since such essays are personal in nature, select your subject based on
your own need to clarify the term.

a. For example, if you feel that the word marriage should be defined in a
limited manner, that term would make a good subject for a definition essay.

b. Perhaps as a parent, you want to define what the term discipline means
from your point of view.

2. Select a term or subject that you know well enough so that you can provide
specific examples to illustrate your definition.
a. For example, if you arent familiar with the term platonic love, dont
attempt to define it in an extended essay.

b. The subject of the essay must be familiar enough to you that you can
readily supply specific examples.

3. Dont select a subject either too broad or too narrow to fit the parameters
of your essay.

a. For example, the word hat may be too narrow for you to define in an
extended essay.

b. On the other hand, the term love may be too broad or general since
pinning it down to a single definition is very difficult.

B. Once you have selected a subject, outline your paper carefully before
writing.

1. Outlining will help you determine the specific points you want to cover in
the definition and point out where you need examples.

2. Here are some suggestions for how to outline a definition paper:

I. Introduction

A. Attention getter
1. You may want to include the traditional or dictionary definition here to
provide a basis for your personal definition.

2. You may want to open with a contradictory image to what would be your
image to illustrate that definition.

B. Thesis: State how you define the term. If you can write the definition using
specific points, you will find the definition easier to follow when writing the
paper.

II. Body

A. Background information:

1. Often unnecessary in this type of paper

2. However, you may need to provide some background about the term or
your connection to the term.

B. Point one

1. The first part of your definition of the term.

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

C. Point two
1. The second part of the definition of the term.

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

D. Point three

1. The third part of the definition (if there is one)

2. Example to illustrate that point.

3. Analysis of how the example illustrates the point.

E. Point four, etc.

III. Conclusion

A. Review your definitions main points

B. Closing attention getter

1. Sometimes a reference back to the opening attention-getter is a good way

of unifying the entire essay.
2. You may want to close with an explanation of how your definition has
affected you.

Another point of view:

A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means. Some terms
have definite, concrete meanings, such as glass, book, or tree. Terms such as
honesty, honor, or love are abstract and depend more on a person's point of
view.

Three Steps to Effective Definition

Tell readers what term is being defined.

Present clear and basic information.

Use facts, examples, or anecdotes that readers will understand.

Choosing a definition is a key step in writing a definition essay. You need to

understand the term before you can define it for others. Read the dictionary,
but don't just copy the definition. Explain the term briefly in your own words.
Also, it's important to limit your term before you start defining it. For
example, you could write forever on the term "love." To limit it, you would
write about either "romantic love," "platonic love," or "first love."

Thesis Statement of a Definition Essay

The thesis statement usually identifies the term being defined and provides a
brief, basic definition.
(term) (basic definition)

Ex: Assertiveness is standing up for your rights.

How To Write an Effective Definition

Create a definition. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few
options.

Define by function. Explain what something does or how something works.

Define by structure. Tell how something is organized or put together.

Define by analysis. Compare the term to other members of its class and then
illustrate the differences. These differences are special characteristics that
make the term stand out. For example, compare a Siberian husky to other
dogs, such as lap dogs, mutts, or sporting dogs.

(term) (precise definition)

Ex: A Siberian husky is a dog reputed for its ability to tolerate cold, its
distinctive features, and its keen strength and stamina.

Define by what the term does not mean. This distinction can sometimes
clarify a definition and help a reader to better understand it.

Use understandable facts, examples, or anecdotes. Select facts, examples, or

anecdotes to fully explain your definition. Ask yourself, "Which examples will
best help readers understand the term? What examples would most appeal to
my readers? Will a brief story reveal the term's meaning?" Do not use any
examples that will not support the definition.

Remember: A definition essay is writing that explains what a term means.

When writing a definition essay, remember to tell readers what term is being
defined, to present a clear and basic definition, and to use facts, examples, or
anecdotes that readers will understand

Here are the examples of popular definition essay topics:

Kindness

Sense of Humor

Love

Charisma

Team Player

Optimism

Beauty

Respect

Ambitions
Whatever essay topic you choose, you should be interested in the subject and
familiar with it. It would be great if you had your personal experience in the
matter you are going to define.

Comparisson and contrast essays:

A Comparison or Contrast essay is an essay in which you either compare

something or contrast something. A comparison essay is an essay in which
you emphasize the similarities, and a contrast essay is an essay in which you
emphasize the differences. We use comparison and contrast thinking when
deciding which university to attend, which car to buy, or whether to drive a
car or take a bus or an airplane to a vacation site.

In this section, two classic organizational patterns of a comparison or contrast

essay will be discussed. One is called block arrangement of ideas; the other
is calledpoint-by-point or alternating arrangement of ideas. Suppose you are
interested in showing the differences between vacationing in the mountains
and vacationing at the beach. You will then write a contrast composition. One
way to arrange your material is to use the blockarrangement which is to write
about vacationing in the mountains in one paragraph and vacationing at the
beach in the next. If you mention a particular point in the mountains
paragraph, you must mention the same point in the beach paragraph, and in
the same order. Study the following outline, which shows this kind of
organization. The introductory paragraph is followed by
the mountains paragraph, the beach paragraph, then the conclusion; the fully
developed essay is just four paragraphs.

How to Write a Compare/Contrast Essay

How to Write a Compare/Contrast Essay

Compare and contrast essays are the other big essay types in academic
writing. These essays will follow a specific question and are fairly easy to
complete. There are several ways to write this type of essay. The most
important thing to remember is structure. Many wonderful essays fall victim
to the woes of bad structure, making any ingenuity to fall by the wayside. Go
over the rules on how to write a general essay, and then structure your
compare/contrast essay in one of the following two formats:

Introduction

Your introduction like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally

(with a quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis
statement.

Topic 1

This next portion of your essay (which may consist of one paragraph or
several) should cover only the first topic of the comparison and contrast.
Compare/Contrast essays take two topics and illustrate how they are similar
and dissimilar. Do not mention topic 2 in this first portion.

Topic 2

This next portion of your essay (which may also consist of one or more
paragraphs) should cover the second of the two topics. Do not discuss Topic 1
in this section. Since you have already gone into great detail about it, you
may allude to Topic 1 briefly; however, do not analyze Topic 1 in this section.
This portion of the paper is to discuss Topic 2 in great detail.
Topics 1 and 2 Together

Now that you have analyzed both Topic 1 and Topic 2 independently, now it is
time to analyze them together. This section may also be one or several
paragraphs.

Conclusion

The conclusion like the introduction should be a generalization of the

thesis. This paragraph should express your certainty and absolute knowledge
on the subject matter. You should reaffirm your thesis (essentially restate it in
new words) and show how you've proven it.

OR

Introduction

Your introduction like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally

(with a quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis
statement.

All Comparisons (Topics 1 and 2)

This section which should consists of several paragraphs should go

through all similarities you find in the two topics on which you are writing.
There should be at least three comparisons (essentially three short body
paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in
each.

All Contrasts (Topics 1 and 2)

This section which should consist of several paragraphs should go
through all differences you find in the two topics on which you are writing.
There should be at least three contrasts (essentially three short body
paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in
each.

Conclusion

This conclusion is wrapping up everything you have just proven in your paper.
It should restate the thesis in a new, more official way, and you should feel
quite confident in your writing.

Here is a quick breakdown on how the Compare-Contrast Essay should

appear:

Type A:

Paragraph 1: Introduction (with Thesis)

Paragraph 2: Topic 1 (Comparison a)

Paragraph 3: Topic 1 (Comparison b)

Paragraph 4: Topic 1 (Comparison c)

Paragraph 5: Topic 2 (Contrast a)

Paragraph 6: Topic 2 (Contrast b)

Paragraph 7: Topic 2 (Contrast c)

Paragraph 8: (Optional) Comparisons/Contrasts together (any topic)

Paragraph 8: Conclusion

Type B:

Paragraph 1: Introduction (with Thesis)

Paragraph 2: Comparison a (Topic 1&2)

Paragraph 3: Comparison b (Topic 1&2)

Paragraph 4: Comparison c (Topic 1&2)

Paragraph 5: Contrast a (Topic 1&2)

Paragraph 6: Contrast b (Topic 1&2)

Paragraph 7: Contrast c (Topic 1&2)

Paragraph 8: Conclusion
Evaluation Essays:

Evaluation essays are all about thinking and evaluating the topic, forming a
point of view about it, presenting your point to the readers and may be to
make them agree with your view point. But doesn't this seem to be much the
same like the cause and effect essay or persuasive essay? The answer to this
is no'. Confusing evaluation essays with analytical or argumentative essays
is a very common mistake done by many people. But how do you
differentiate between the two? Here are a few tips that can be helpful to you
to avoid making this mistake. The following tips are based on the
recommendation of professional and experienced writers, gathered through
online resources.

Firstly to get on with writing the essay we should be clear about what it
means. Evaluation essay is directed at assessing a topic, forming a view and
at times persuading the readers with your stand on the topic. Basic guidelines
to go about this is to choose a subject which may be assessed, finding every
necessary information by carefully researching on it and selecting on the
approach to be followed for writing the essay. In case of problem with forming
a point of view on the subject, writing down it pros and cons can be helpful in
valuing the topic. Next to get started with writing the essay, one should be
clear about his approach to be pursued in writing.

The total evaluation essay along with its inference or conclusion can be
described by the strategy or method used in writing it. The introduction to the
essay must contain a thesis or a judgement statement that introduces the
readers to the real meaning and the core of the essay. A strong, persuasive
and credible argument must follow the thesis statement to support and
empower it. The writer should also adequately define and explain the subject
to the readers, providing them with the necessary information in the opening
part of the text. The body of the essay must be divided in various paragraphs
each bringing forward an argument or information backing and assisting the
main statement.
The judgements made in the essay should be rational based on sound
reasoning. Each paragraph should concentrate on one main point and there
may be as many evidences or facts supporting that point. Some points which
counter your arguments may also be brought forward and refuted with
sufficient required reasons to make your stand strong. The tone of the text
should not be biased but your opinion must be articulated appropriately. The
essay should end with a valid, logical and sensible conclusion. It should
restate and reemphasise the opinion of the writer and also summarise the
main points stated in the text.

It should give due attention to writer's view point winning the trust and faith
of the readers and finally persuading them to take the idea given as true.
Finally the essay should be proofread and edited.

Another point of view.

The purpose of an evaluation essay is to demonstrate the overall quality (or

lack thereof) of a particular product, business, place, service, or program.
While any evaluation involves injecting some form of opinion, if an
evaluation is done properly, it should not come across as opinionated.
Instead, the evaluation should seem reasoned and unbiased. The key to
making this happen, and therefore the key to a good investigative essay, is
establishing clear and fair criteria, judgments, andevidence.

Criteria (the plural of criterion) means establishing what the ideal for the
product/place/service/etc. should be. In other words, it means demonstrating
what one should expect as the ideal outcome. Having clear criteria is what
keeps an evaluation from feeling less like an opinion. For example, if I am
evaluating a restaurant, I want to establish the criteria (quality of food,
service, price, cleanliness, etc.) that any good restaurant will adhere to; this
criteria can then be applied to the specific restaurant I am evaluating.

The judgment is the establishment of whether or not the criterion is met. In

other words, the judgment is what actually is. Using the example from
above, if the first criterion for evaluating a restaurant is the quality of the
food, the judgment states whether or not the particular restaurant offers food
that meets or exceeds this stated quality.

The evidence is the details offered to support the judgment. If my judgment

is that a particular restaurant does not consistently offer quality food, I need
to support this with a variety of evidence to show how the judgment was
reached.

Generally, each body paragraph of an evaluation essay is going to focus on

one specific criterion, which should be fully explained, followed by the
judgment and a variety of evidence offered as support. Because of this, it is
important that any evaluation contains several different criteria, judgments,
and evidence.

An overall thesis should also be offered. For an evaluation essay, this thesis
is the overall evaluation of whatever is being evaluated. Once again, if the
criteria, judgments, and evidence are clear, the overall thesis should be as
well. For example, if the restaurant meets most of the criteria laid out in the
essay, the overall evaluation should be mostly positive, whereas if the most
of the criteria isnt met, the evaluation will be mostly negative.

Topic Selection

When selecting a topic for an evaluation essay, it is important to focus on a

specific business, service, product, or policy. In other words, evaluate a
specific class (English 121 at Aims) rather than evaluating a range of similar
classes (all Aims writing classes). It is also helpful to write about a topic that
you have knowledge about, which will make it easier to establish the
appropriate criteria, judgments, and evidence.

Expository Essay?
The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to
investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an
argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be
accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the
analysis of cause and effect, etc.

Please note: This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for classroom

evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following:

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first
paragraph of the essay.

It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow

the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this
portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or
persuasive essay.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together.
Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the
essays argument, and the structure will collapse.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This
will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such
conciseness creates an ease of readability for ones audience. It is important
to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical
connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no
preparation; therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of
statistical or factual evidence.

A bit of creativity!

Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay
writing, it is an art form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic
nature of expository writing at the expense of writing something interesting.
Remember, though you may not be crafting the next great novel, you are
attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in
light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle.
This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression
on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not
introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and
come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the
essay.

A Complete Argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate

with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of the Great Depression and
its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there
would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were
to end the exposition in the middle of my second point, questions would arise
concerning the current effects on those who lived through the Depression.
Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving
no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The Five-Paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph

approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such
essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method
consists of:

an introductory paragraph

three evidentiary body paragraphs

a conclusion

Classification Essay

What is a Classification Essay?

In a classification essay, a writer organizes, or sorts, things into categories.

Three Steps to Effective Classification:

Sort things into useful categories.

Make sure all the categories follow a single organizing principle.

Give examples that fit into each category.

Finding Categories

This is a key step in writing a classification essay. To classify, or sort, things in

a logical way, find the categories to put them into. For example, say you need
to sort the stack of papers on your desk. Before you would put them in
random piles, you would decide what useful categories might be: papers that
can be thrown away; papers that need immediate action; papers to read;
papers to pass on to other coworkers; or papers to file.

Thesis Statement of a Classification Essay

The thesis statement usually includes the topic and how it is classified.
Sometimes the categories are named.

(topic)...(how classified)...(category) (category) (category)

Ex: Tourists in Hawaii can enjoy three water sports: snorkeling, surfing, and
sailing.

How to Write an Effective Classification Essay

Determine the categories. Be thorough; don't leave out a critical category. For
example, if you say water sports of Hawaii include snorkeling and sailing, but
leave out surfing, your essay would be incomplete because surfing is Hawaii's
most famous water sport. On the other hand, don't include too many
categories, which will blur your classification. For example, if your topic is
sports shoes, and your organizing principle is activity, you wouldn't include
high heels with running and bowling shoes.

Classify by a single principle. Once you have categories, make sure that they
fit into the same organizing principle. The organizing principle is how you sort
the groups. Do not allow a different principle to pop up unexpectedly. For
example, if your unifying principle is "tourist-oriented" water sports, don't use
another unifying principle, such as "native water sports," which would have
different categories: pearl diving, outrigger, or canoe racing.

Support equally each category with examples. In general, you should write
the same quantity, i.e., give the same number of examples, for each
category. The most important category, usually reserved for last, might
require more elaboration.

Common Classification Transitions

The first kind, the second kind, the third kind

The first type, the second type, the third type

The first group, the second group, the third group

Remember: In a classification essay, the writer organizes, or sorts, things into

categories. There are three steps to remember when writing an effective
classification essay: organize things into useful categories, use a single
organizing principle, and give examples of things that fit into each category.

Below are some sample classification essay topics:

Classification of historical events in US

Countries classification (territory, popularity, etc)

Sport Cars Classification

Most Popular TV Shows in America

Classification of Physiological Diseases

You can choose essay topic for your classification essay you are familiar with.

Another point of view:

A classification essay arranges and organizes a topic or subject into

categories. The purpose of a classification essay is to break things down so
they can be further investigated. Some classification essays breakdown the
subject matter into categories that are easily distinguishable and clear,
whereas others may aim to show unlikely or contrasting components.

Function

A good classification essay will do three things. First, it will arrange ideas into
the most relevant and constructive categories. The categories should be
detailed but not excessive. Having too many different categories can confuse
the classification and make it unclear. Secondly, the essay should adhere to
the particular organizing theory. The organizing theory determines how your
categories are arranged. The same principle should be consistent throughout
the entire essay. The third guideline is to cite effective examples that
correspond to each of the categories. Every category should have balanced
examples.

Features

The amount of categories that you choose to include in the essay will set the
stage for its tempo. For example, if you include too many, the essay may
drag on and become ineffective. Also, if you focus on the same category for
the duration of the paper, the overall objective can be misplaced.

Effects

It's important to determine the order that you want to present your
categories. Some people choose to give the most significant category right of
the bat, while others may opt to work up to it. There is no designated right or
wrong with this, and it may change depending on the specific essay.
Whatever way you decide, your categories should be clear and concise.

Identification

Picking the categories to include is a vital step in your classification essay. To

be able to sort and break them down in a reasonable and sound way, you
want to have a clear picture of what they are. If you feel that you have too
many categories or are unable to pick the ones that will benefit your essay
the most, it's a good idea to make a list of them and ask yourself: Which of
these categories do I need to execute the best essay and which support my
overall objective the best?

Considerations

A classification essay requires you to deliver your topic by using one of the
following approaches: classifying or rating and evaluating. For example, if you
were given an assignment to write a classification essay using the classifying
method, it may look something like this: Classify your friends according to
how many brothers and sisters they have and divide them into groups
according to if they live in a two-parent household, single-parent household
or other. An example of a classification essay that's based on the rating and
evaluating method is: Rate your school library according to the amount of
books they have and the helpfulness of the staff. Alternatively, it could tell
you: Evaluate the public library according to the quantity and quality of their
books and periodicals. Regardless of what type of method you use, the
purpose of the classification essay is to showcase your ability to explore and
analyze different information, organize it into groups and be able to draw
from reliable sources.