Essay Writing: What Is An Essay?
Uploaded by
Shayan ALiEssay Writing: What Is An Essay?
Uploaded by
Shayan ALi1
Essay Writing
What is an essay?
The word ‘essay’ originally meant ‘an attempt’ or try at something, but now it usually means a
short piece of writing on a specific subject. It is a complete piece of writing that can stand alone
– it must make sense to the reader ‘in itself.
The main parts (or sections) to an essay are the introduction, body, and conclusion. In a
standard short essay, five paragraphs can provide the reader with enough information in a short
amount of space.
Introduction:
Must contain an attention grabber for the reader or at least make the essay sound interesting,
may begin with a quote about the particular topic
Ensure that the intro moves from the general to the specific in regards to the topic
Provides the reader with a “road map” of the essay in a logical order
At the end there should be what is called a thesis statement, arguably the most important
component of the intro
The thesis statement states the aim of the paper and may give insight into the author’s
examples and evidence
Body:
Includes the evidence and support of the paper in addition to the author’s ideas
Paragraphs must include a topic sentence which relates the discussion back to the thesis
statement
Logical ordering of ideas: Include substantial examples and evidence to support your
argument and remember to cite.
Make sure each example is relevant to your particular topic
Conclusion:
This section should wrap all of your arguments and points
Should restate the main arguments in a simplified manner
2
Ensure that the reader is left with something to think about, particularly if it is an
argumentative essay
Kinds of Essays:
1) The Expository essay
This is a writer’s explanation of a short theme, idea or issue. The key here is that you are
explaining an issue, theme or idea to your intended audience.
The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis
of a topic. In an expository essay, the writer explains or defines a topic, using facts,
statistics, and examples. Expository writing encompasses a wide range of essay
variations, such as the comparison and contrast essay, the cause and effect essay.
Examples of expository essays include:
If you could live as any one person for a day, who would you choose and why?
Mobile phones are both a boon and a bane for students
qualities of a good leader
2) Descriptive essays
The aim of descriptive essays is to provide a vivid picture of a person, location, object,
event, or debate. It will offer details that will enable the reader to imagine the item
described.
The descriptive essay strives to communicate a deeper meaning through the description.
In a descriptive essay, the writer should show, not tell, through the use of colorful words
and sensory details. The best descriptive essays appeal to the reader’s emotions, with a
result that is highly evocative.
Examples of descriptive essays:
A childhood memory
A memory
A place that inspires you
A favorite holiday
3) Narrative essays - Telling a Story
The aim of a narrative essay is to describe a course of events from a subjective point of
view, and may be written in first-person present or first person past tense.
Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the form of a story. When
the writer uses this technique, he or she must be sure to include all the conventions of
storytelling: plot, character, setting, climax, and ending. It is usually filled with details
3
that are carefully selected to explain, support, or embellish the story. All of the details
relate to the main point the writer is attempting to make.
Examples of narrative essays include:
The Day You Decided to Change Your Life
A Memorable Journey
If I Could Go Back in Time
The most embarrassing experience of my life
4) Argumentative essays
Argumentative essays are most often used to address controversial issues - i.e. serious
issue over which there is some evident disagreement. An argument is a position
combined with its supporting reasons
Structure of the Argumentative Essay Outline
Intro
Developing Your Argument
Refuting Opponents’ Arguments
Conclusion
Start the essay a sentence that grabs your reader’s attention. The next part of your intro is
dedicated to offering some detailed background information on your topic.
What is the issue at hand? Who cares? Where is this issue prevalent? Why is it
important?
Your thesis typically makes up the last sentence of your intro paragraph. This is where
you clearly state your position on the topic and give a reason for your stance.
Now that you have filled in the general points of your topic and outlined your
stance in the introduction, it’s time to develop your argument. For each claim you make,
you need to provide supporting evidence. Evidence is factual information from reliable
sources.
Once you have gathered your evidence to support your claims, it’s time to add the
next important element of your argumentative essay outline: refuting your opponents’
arguments.
Once you have refuted your opponents’ viewpoints, it’s time to sail to the finish
line with your conclusion.
In your conclusion, you are going to accomplish two important tasks.
1. Restate the importance of your issue. Similar to what you did in your introduction,
you want to restate why this topic is critical.
4
2. Paint a picture of the world if your argument is (or is not) implemented. In the final
part of your conclusion, make your audience think about the effects of your argument.
Examples of argumentative essays are:
Is our election process fair?
Are we too dependent on computers?
Should cigarette smoking be banned?
Is Cheating Getting Worse?
