Types of Essays
Types of Writing
There are many different types of writing that we don’t know about. But if we’re at high school, in college or even working, there are many types of writing that we encounter every day. Different types mean that there are different styles of writing and all sorts of genres of writing that need to be understood in order for one to approach an essay. So how can we write essays as best we can? In order to answer this question, we need to start by considering the most common writing types:
Descriptive writing – one will try and describe a situation or something to their readers.
Expository writing – this will be about informing or explaining something to the reader.
Narrative writing – one will try and tell a story to their reader.
Persuasive writing – this is when one will try and give reasons for their opinion.
What is an essay?
The most common writing type out there is an essay. Everybody knows it, from professionals to students – we all had to write an essay in one form or another, but what is an essay and how can one define essay in any real terms?
Essay definition: “a piece of writing on a particular subject or topic”.
This definition is broad and obviously one needs to be curious about the different types of essay subjects that exist. From the types of expository essays to the types of college essays, there are many options out there that one needs to consider if they want to become the best essay writer they can be.
Types of essays
Now that we have managed to define essay writing, it is imperative that we focus on the different types of essays – one needs to have a wide understanding of all the essay types so that they can perfect their craft.
Argumentative essays
Creating an argument is important, so if you’re going to write one yourself, make sure that you thoroughly research your topic and provide an account which is well-rounded, even if you want to focus on a particular argument. The types of argumentative essays that are difficult to read are those which do not consider different points of view around the topic. Even though you will be taking a particular stance, avoid an obnoxiously sounding rhetoric. Here are some popular argumentative essay topics to consider:
Children are behaving worse than they were a hundred years ago.
Marketing towards children should be prohibited in all cases.
The government should not have any say regarding dietary needs.
Members of Congress in the United States should not have limits to their terms.
Actors are paid much more than actresses.
Expository essays
Often, one is feeling lost when they are looking at expository essay types because the idea behind expository essays is often misunderstood. Whatever types of expository essays you are thinking of writing, you need to explain a “how to” process using facts, not opinions. If you are unsure of subject matter, consider some of the following prompts:
How to essay: an essay describing how one can do something.
An analysis essay: an analysis of events, objects, ideas, and other things.
Step by step essay: a description of a certain process.
Descriptive essay: an attempt to describe a particular event or idea.
College essays
It is often the case that college confronts one with many different styles of writing and the types of writing styles vary between assignments. There are also many different genres of writing to consider, so what can be said about all types of college essays in general? Take note of some of the following tips if you’re in college:
Explain the topic to the audience using mature and sophisticated vocabulary.
Write in a way that is appropriate and up to university standards.
Take your information from the most reputable sources.
Organise and plan effectively.
Have a good command of referencing, making proper use of this and formatting.
Classification essays
A classification essay is the type of essay that needs categories and classifications. These types of essays serve to classify certain ideas, objects or things and then build up a thesis statement and body around these categories. If you are unsure about what to write, take note of some of the following topics:
The different ways people motivate themselves and the psychological context.
How one can remember certain things effectively.
The different ways people react to capitalism.
Types of hooks for essays
When one is writing different types of essays, it is important to think about how attention can be instilled from the get-go. One can do this very easily using different types of hooks for essays. A hook will serve to engage the reader, leaving them wanting more from your work. Try using some of these hooks for essays on any subject matter, incorporating them into your work:
Provide something humorous that can relate to your subject.
Give a description of the particular place that sets the essay.
Present your thesis topic as if it was a recent discovery.
Share an interesting and engaging fact.
Describe a process briefly and then connect it with your subject matter.
Good essay topics
It’s often hard to come up with good essay topics, even if one knows everything about writing. If you’re looking for a few pointers, take note of some of the following topics to help you on your way:
Controversial, e.g. “Is the use of euthanasia ever justified?”
Current affairs, e.g. “Is the US supreme court’s recent ruling on privacy rights justified?”
Ethics, e.g. “Is moral behaviour what leads to happiness?”
The law, e.g. “Can one justify violating the law because of one’s cause?”
Society, e.g. “The problems faced by archaeologists in reconstructing relics.”
Conclusion
More often than not, people can become very confused about different types of essays and the types of writing styles they need to employ, so we hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what good essay topics you can write about.
All the best with your essay writing in the future!