different two types of essay

Types of Essays: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Different Essay Types

When it comes to academic writing, essays are one of the most common assignments you will encounter. Essays are a way for you to showcase your understanding of a particular topic, and they come in various forms. Each type of essay has its unique characteristics, and it is essential to understand the differences between them to produce a well-written piece. In this article, we will explore the different types of essays you may encounter in your academic journey.

Types of Essays: Your Ultimate Guide to Essay Writing

Understanding Essays

Definition of essay.

An essay is a piece of writing that presents an argument or a point of view on a particular topic. It is a formal piece of writing that is usually written in the third person and is structured into paragraphs. Essays can be written on a variety of topics, ranging from literature to science, and can be of different lengths. They are often used in academic settings to assess a student’s understanding of a particular subject.

Purpose of Essay

The purpose of an essay is to persuade the reader to accept the writer’s point of view. Essays can be used to argue for or against a particular position, to explain a concept, or to analyze a text. The writer must provide evidence to support their argument and must use persuasive language to convince the reader of their position.

There are four main types of essays: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive. Each type of essay has its own unique characteristics and is written for a different purpose. Understanding the different types of essays is essential for writing a successful essay.

Types of Essays

Narrative essay.

A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story. It is often written in the first person point of view, and it can be either fictional or non-fictional. This type of essay allows you to express yourself in a creative and personal way.

When writing a narrative essay, it is important to have a clear and concise thesis statement that sets the tone for the rest of the essay. The thesis statement should be specific and should reflect the main point of the essay. It should also be interesting and engaging to the reader.

One of the key elements of a successful narrative essay is the use of vivid and descriptive language. This helps to create a clear picture in the reader’s mind and makes the story more engaging. Additionally, it is important to use dialogue to bring the characters to life and to show their emotions and personalities.

Another important aspect of a narrative essay is the structure. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and the events should be presented in chronological order. This helps the reader to follow the story and understand the sequence of events.

Descriptive Essay

In a descriptive essay, you are required to describe something, such as an event, a person, a place, a situation, or an object. The primary objective of a descriptive essay is to provide a detailed and vivid description of the topic. By using sensory details, such as sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, you can create a picture in the reader’s mind and make them feel as if they are experiencing the topic themselves.

When writing a descriptive essay, it is important to choose a topic that you are familiar with and have a personal connection to. This will help you to convey your emotions and feelings effectively and make your essay more engaging and interesting to the reader.

To write a successful descriptive essay, you should follow these steps:

• Choose a topic that you are passionate about and have a personal connection to.
• Brainstorm and create an outline of your essay, including the main points you want to cover and the sensory details you will use.
• Use sensory details to create a vivid and engaging picture in the reader’s mind.
• Use figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to add depth and complexity to your descriptions.
• Use transitions to connect your ideas and create a smooth flow of information.
• Revise and edit your essay to ensure that it is well-structured, organized, and error-free.

Expository Essay

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explain, describe, or inform the reader about a particular subject. This type of essay is based on facts, evidence, and examples, and it does not require the writer’s personal opinion or feelings. Expository essays can be written in various styles, including compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem and solution.

Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay is a type of expository writing that involves comparing and contrasting two or more subjects. This type of essay aims to provide the reader with a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the subjects being compared. To write a successful compare and contrast essay, you need to identify the similarities and differences between the subjects, organize your ideas, and provide supporting evidence.

Cause and Effect Essay

A cause and effect essay is a type of expository writing that explores the causes and consequences of a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. This type of essay aims to explain the reasons behind a particular occurrence and its effects on individuals, society, or the environment. To write a successful cause and effect essay, you need to identify the causes and effects of the subject, organize your ideas, and provide supporting evidence.

Problem and Solution Essay

A problem and solution essay is a type of expository writing that focuses on a particular problem and proposes a solution to it. This type of essay aims to inform the reader about a particular issue and provide a viable solution to it. To write a successful problem and solution essay, you need to identify the problem, explain its causes, propose a solution, and provide supporting evidence.

Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing that aims to persuade the reader to accept the writer’s point of view. In this type of essay, the writer presents their argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning to convince the reader to take action or believe in a particular idea.

To write a persuasive essay, you must first choose a topic that you are passionate about and can argue convincingly. Then, you need to research the topic thoroughly and gather evidence to support your argument. You should also consider the opposing viewpoint and address it in your essay to strengthen your argument.

The structure of a persuasive essay is similar to that of other types of essays. It consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you should grab the reader’s attention and clearly state your thesis statement. The body paragraphs should present your argument and evidence, and the conclusion should summarize your argument and restate your thesis statement.

To make your persuasive essay more effective, you can use various persuasive writing strategies, such as appealing to the reader’s emotions, using rhetorical questions, and using vivid language. You can also use statistics, facts, and examples to support your argument and make it more convincing.

Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that requires you to present a well-researched and evidence-based argument on a particular topic. The aim of this essay is to convince the reader of your stance on the topic by using logical reasoning and factual evidence.

To write an effective argumentative essay, it is important to have a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your position on the topic. This statement should be supported by strong evidence, such as quotations, statistics, and expert opinions. It is also important to consider and address potential counterarguments to your position.

One key aspect of an argumentative essay is the use of logical fallacies. These are errors in reasoning that can weaken your argument and make it less convincing. Some common logical fallacies include ad hominem attacks, false dichotomies, and straw man arguments. It is important to avoid these fallacies and instead rely on sound reasoning and evidence to support your argument.

When writing an argumentative essay, it is also important to consider your audience. Your tone and language should be appropriate for your intended audience, and you should anticipate and address any potential objections or concerns they may have about your argument.

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that involves breaking down a complex topic or idea into smaller parts to examine it thoroughly. The purpose of this essay is to provide a detailed analysis of a particular subject and to present an argument based on the evidence gathered during the research.

When writing an analytical essay, it is crucial to have a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument of the essay. The thesis statement should be specific and concise, and it should be supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources.

To write an effective analytical essay, you should follow these steps:

• Choose a topic that interests you and that you can research thoroughly.
• Conduct research to gather relevant information and evidence to support your thesis statement.
• Create an outline to organize your ideas and arguments.
• Write an introduction that provides background information on the topic and presents your thesis statement.
• Develop body paragraphs that provide evidence to support your thesis statement.
• Write a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis statement.

When writing an analytical essay, it is important to focus on the analysis rather than just summarizing the information. You should critically evaluate the evidence and present your own interpretation of the data.

Critical Essay

A critical essay is a type of academic writing that involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating a text. In a critical essay, you must make a claim about how particular ideas or themes are conveyed in a text, and then support that claim with evidence from primary and/or secondary sources.

To write a successful critical essay, you must first read the text carefully and take notes on its main ideas and themes. You should also consider the author’s purpose and audience, as well as any historical or cultural context that may be relevant to the text.

When writing your critical essay, you should follow a clear and logical structure. Begin with an introduction that provides background information on the text and your thesis statement. In the body of your essay, you should provide evidence to support your thesis, using quotes and examples from the text as well as other sources.

It is important to be critical in your analysis, examining the text in detail and considering its strengths and weaknesses. You should also consider alternative interpretations and counterarguments, and address them in your essay.

Reflective Essay

A reflective essay is a type of academic essay that requires you to analyze and interpret an academic text, such as an essay, a book, or an article. Unlike a personal experience essay, a reflective essay involves critical thinking and evaluation of the material.

In a reflective essay, you are expected to reflect on your own learning and experiences related to the material. This type of essay requires you to think deeply about the material and analyze how it relates to your own experiences and knowledge.

To write a successful reflective essay, you should follow these steps:

• Choose a topic that is relevant to the material you are reflecting on.
• Analyze the material and identify key themes and concepts.
• Reflect on your own experiences and knowledge related to the material.
• Evaluate and analyze the material and your own experiences to draw conclusions and insights.
• Write a clear and concise essay that effectively communicates your reflections and insights.

Remember that a reflective essay is not just a summary of the material, but rather an analysis and evaluation of it. Use examples and evidence to support your reflections and insights, and be sure to use proper citation and referencing to acknowledge the sources of your information.

Personal Essay

A personal essay is a type of essay that involves telling a story about yourself, your experiences, or your feelings. It is often written in the first person point of view and can be a powerful way to share your unique perspective with others.

Personal essays can be used for a variety of purposes, such as college admissions, scholarship applications, or simply to share your thoughts and experiences with a wider audience. They can cover a wide range of topics, from personal struggles and triumphs to reflections on important life events.

When writing a personal essay, it is important to keep in mind that you are telling a story. This means that you should focus on creating a narrative that is engaging and compelling for your readers. You should also be honest and authentic in your writing, sharing your true thoughts and feelings with your audience.

To make your personal essay even more effective, consider incorporating descriptive language, vivid imagery, and sensory details. This can help bring your story to life and make it more memorable for your readers.

Synthesis Essay

A synthesis essay is a type of essay that requires you to combine information from multiple sources to create a cohesive argument. This type of essay is often used in academic writing and requires you to analyze, interpret, and evaluate information from various sources to support your thesis statement.

There are two main types of synthesis essays: explanatory and argumentative. An explanatory synthesis essay aims to explain a particular topic or issue by using different sources to provide a comprehensive overview. On the other hand, an argumentative synthesis essay requires you to take a stance on a particular issue and use evidence from multiple sources to support your argument.

When writing a synthesis essay, it is important to carefully analyze and interpret each source to ensure that the information you are using is relevant and accurate. You should also consider the credibility of each source and evaluate the author’s bias or perspective.

To effectively write a synthesis essay, you should follow a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should provide background information on the topic and include a clear thesis statement. The body paragraphs should each focus on a specific aspect of the topic and provide evidence from multiple sources to support your argument. The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement.

Review Essay

A review essay is a type of academic writing that involves analyzing and evaluating a piece of work, such as a book, movie, or article. This type of essay requires you to provide a critical assessment of the work, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. A successful review essay should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the work being reviewed and your opinion of it.

When writing a review essay, it is important to keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Length: A review essay should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words. This length allows for a thorough analysis of the text without becoming bogged down in details. Of course, the specific length will vary depending on the nature of the text being reviewed and the desired focus of the essay.
• Structure: A review essay should follow a clear and logical structure. Start with an introduction that provides some background information on the work being reviewed and your thesis statement. The body of the essay should provide a summary of the work and a critical analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, end with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and provides your final thoughts on the work.
• Evidence: A successful review essay should be supported by evidence from the work being reviewed. This can include direct quotes or paraphrases, as well as examples that illustrate your points.
• Critical Thinking: A review essay requires you to engage in critical thinking. This means that you must evaluate the work being reviewed in a thoughtful and analytical manner, considering both its strengths and weaknesses.

Research Essay

When it comes to writing a research essay, you must conduct in-depth independent research and provide analysis, interpretation, and argument based on your findings. This type of essay requires extensive research, critical thinking, source evaluation, organization, and composition.

To write a successful research essay, you must follow a specific structure. Here are some key components to include:

Introduction

The introduction should provide a brief overview of your research topic and state your thesis statement. Your thesis statement should clearly state your argument and the main points you will cover in your essay.

Literature Review

The literature review is a critical analysis of the existing research on your topic. It should provide a summary of the relevant literature, identify gaps in the research, and highlight the significance of your study.

Methodology

The methodology section should describe the methods you used to conduct your research. This may include data collection methods, sample size, and any limitations of your study.

The results section should present your findings in a clear and concise manner. You may use tables, graphs, or other visual aids to help convey your results.

The discussion section should interpret your results and provide a critical analysis of your findings. You should also discuss the implications of your research and how it contributes to the existing literature on your topic.

The conclusion should summarize your main findings and restate your thesis statement. You should also discuss the limitations of your study and suggest avenues for future research.

Report Essay

A report essay is a type of essay that presents and summarizes factual information about a particular topic, event, or issue. The purpose of a report essay is to provide readers with a clear and concise understanding of the subject matter. It is important to note that a report essay is not an opinion piece, but rather a neutral presentation of facts.

When writing a report essay, it is important to follow a structured format. The typical format includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide background information on the topic and state the purpose of the report. The body should present the facts in a logical and organized manner, using headings and subheadings to help readers navigate the information. The conclusion should summarize the key findings and provide any recommendations or conclusions.

One of the key elements of a report essay is research. It is essential to conduct thorough research on the topic to ensure that the information presented is accurate and reliable. This may involve reviewing academic articles, government reports, and other sources of information. It is also important to cite all sources used in the report essay using a recognized citation style, such as APA or MLA.

Informal Essay

An informal essay, also known as a familiar or personal essay, is a type of essay that is written in a personal tone and style. This type of essay is often written as a reflection or commentary on a personal experience, opinion, or observation. Informal essays are usually shorter than formal essays and are often written in a conversational style.

In an informal essay, you are free to use first-person pronouns and to express your personal opinions and feelings. However, you should still strive to maintain a clear and concise writing style and to support your arguments with evidence and examples.

Informal essays can take many forms, including personal narratives, anecdotes, and reflections on current events or social issues. They can also be humorous or satirical in nature, and may include elements of fiction or creative writing.

When writing an informal essay, it is important to keep your audience in mind and to use language and examples that will be familiar and relatable to them. You should also be aware of your tone and style, and strive to create a voice that is engaging and authentic.

Short Essay

When it comes to writing a short essay, it is essential to convey your thoughts and ideas in a concise and clear manner. Short essays are usually assigned in the range of 250-750 words, and occasionally up to 1,000 words. Therefore, it is important to focus on the most important elements of your topic.

To write a successful short essay, you should start by selecting a topic that is interesting and relevant. Once you have chosen your topic, you should conduct thorough research to gather evidence and support for your argument. This will help you to develop a clear and concise thesis statement.

When writing your short essay, it is important to structure your ideas in a logical and coherent manner. You should start with an introduction that provides background information and a clear thesis statement. The body of your essay should be structured around your main points, with each paragraph focusing on a specific idea or argument. Finally, you should conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis statement.

To make your short essay more engaging and impactful, you may want to consider using bullet points, tables, and other formatting techniques to convey your ideas more clearly. Additionally, you should use strong and clear language, avoiding jargon and unnecessary words.

When it comes to academic writing, a long essay is a common type of assignment that you may encounter. This type of essay typically requires you to conduct extensive research and analysis on a specific topic.

The length of a long essay can vary depending on the assignment requirements, but it is usually longer than a standard essay. In general, a long essay can range from 2,500 to 5,000 words or more.

To write a successful long essay, it is important to have a clear understanding of the topic and to conduct thorough research. This may involve reading academic articles, books, and other sources to gather information and support your arguments.

In addition to research, a long essay should also have a clear and well-structured argument. This may involve outlining your main points and supporting evidence, as well as addressing any counterarguments or potential weaknesses in your argument.

Overall, a long essay requires a significant amount of time and effort to complete. However, by following a clear structure and conducting thorough research, you can produce a well-written and persuasive essay that meets the requirements of your assignment.

Some tips for writing a successful long essay include:

• Start early to give yourself enough time to research and write
• Break down the assignment into manageable sections
• Use clear and concise language
• Provide sufficient evidence to support your arguments
• Use proper citation and referencing to avoid plagiarism

Five Paragraph Essay

If you are a student, you have likely been assigned a five-paragraph essay at some point. This type of essay is commonly used in high school and college writing classes. The five-paragraph essay is a structured format that consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The introduction paragraph is where you present your thesis statement, which is the main idea or argument that you will discuss in your essay. This paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and provide some background information about the topic. It should also include a clear thesis statement that outlines what you will be discussing in the essay.

The three body paragraphs are where you provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis. You should use specific examples and evidence to back up your claims. Each paragraph should also include a transition sentence that connects it to the next paragraph.

The conclusion paragraph is where you wrap up your essay and restate your thesis statement. This paragraph should summarize the main points of your essay and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your argument. You should avoid introducing any new information in the conclusion paragraph.

Scholarship Essay

A scholarship essay is a crucial document that can help you secure financial aid for your academic pursuits. It is a written statement that highlights your qualifications, accomplishments, and goals. Scholarship essays are typically required by organizations that offer scholarships to students. The essay is meant to help the organization understand why you are deserving of the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

To write an effective scholarship essay, it is important to understand the prompt and the organization offering the scholarship. Many scholarship essay prompts are open-ended, which means that you can write about any topic that is relevant to you. However, it is important to ensure that your essay is aligned with the values and goals of the scholarship organization.

When writing a scholarship essay, it is important to be concise and clear. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that the reader may not understand. Make sure that your essay is well-structured and organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use headings and subheadings to make your essay easy to read and navigate.

To make your scholarship essay stand out, use specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate your qualifications and accomplishments. Use concrete details and avoid generalizations. Be honest and authentic, and avoid exaggerating or making false claims. Finally, proofread your essay carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and typos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of academic essays?

There are four main types of academic essays: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive. Each type has its own unique purpose and structure, and it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to write effectively.

What are the parts of a standard essay?

A standard essay typically consists of three main parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction should provide background information on the topic and include a thesis statement that outlines the main argument of the essay. The body should present evidence and support for the thesis statement, and the conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a new way.

Can you provide examples of different types of essays?

Sure, here are some examples of each type of essay:

• Argumentative: An essay that presents a clear argument on a controversial topic, such as gun control or abortion.
• Expository: An essay that explains or describes a topic, such as how to bake a cake or the history of the Civil War.
• Narrative: An essay that tells a story, such as a personal experience or a fictional tale.
• Descriptive: An essay that uses sensory details to paint a picture of a person, place, or thing, such as a description of a sunset or a character in a novel.

How do you write a narrative essay?

To write a narrative essay, you should first choose a topic that is meaningful to you and has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Then, you should use descriptive language and sensory details to bring the story to life for the reader. Finally, you should reflect on the experience and what you learned from it.

What are the four main types of essays?

The four main types of essays are argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive. Each type has its own unique purpose and structure, and it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to write effectively.

What are the three parts of the essay format?

The three parts of the essay format are the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction should provide background information on the topic and include a thesis statement that outlines the main argument of the essay. The body should present evidence and support for the thesis statement, and the conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis in a new way.

Last Updated on August 31, 2023

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Clerc Center | PK-12 & Outreach
• KDES | PK-8th Grade School (D.C. Metro Area)
• MSSD | 9th-12th Grade School (Nationwide)
• Gallaudet University Regional Centers
• Parent Advocacy App
• K-12 ASL Content Standards
• National Resources
• Youth Programs
• Academic Bowl
• Battle Of The Books
• National Literary Competition
• Youth Debate Bowl
• Youth Esports Series
• Bison Sports Camp
• Discover College and Careers (DC²)
• Financial Wizards
• Immerse Into ASL
• Alumni Relations
• Alumni Association
• Homecoming Weekend
• Class Giving
• Get Tickets / BisonPass
• Sport Calendars
• Cross Country
• Swimming & Diving
• Track & Field
• Indoor Track & Field
• Cheerleading
• Winter Cheerleading
• Human Resources
• Plan a Visit
• Request Info

• Areas of Study
• Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• American Sign Language
• Art and Media Design
• Communication Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Data Science
• Deaf Studies
• Early Intervention Studies Graduate Programs
• Educational Neuroscience
• Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
• Information Technology
• International Development
• Interpretation and Translation
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Philosophy and Religion
• Physical Education & Recreation
• Public Affairs
• Public Health
• Sexuality and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Theatre and Dance
• World Languages and Cultures
• B.A. in American Sign Language
• B.A. in Biology
• B.A. in Communication Studies
• B.A. in Communication Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Deaf Studies
• B.A. in Deaf Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
• B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Elementary Education
• B.A. in English
• B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Government
• B.A. in Government with a Specialization in Law
• B.A. in History
• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Spanish
• B.A. in International Studies
• B.A. in Mathematics
• B.A. in Philosophy
• B.A. in Psychology
• B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Social Work (BSW)
• B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology
• B.A. in Theatre Arts: Production/Performance
• B.A. or B.S. in Education with a Specialization in Secondary Education: Science, English, Mathematics or Social Studies
• B.S. in Accounting
• B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Biology
• B.S. in Business Administration
• B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Data Science
• B.S. in Information Technology
• B.S. in Mathematics
• B.S. in Physical Education and Recreation
• B.S. in Public Health
• B.S. in Risk Management and Insurance
• General Education
• Honors Program
• Peace Corps Prep program
• Self-Directed Major
• M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
• M.A. in Deaf Education
• M.A. in Deaf Education Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
• M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Early Intervention Studies
• M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in International Development
• M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research
• M.A. in Interpretation: Interpreting Research
• M.A. in Linguistics
• M.A. in Secondary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Sign Language Education
• M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Au.D. in Audiology
• Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership and Administration in Deaf Education
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners
• Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
• Ph.D. in Linguistics
• Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies
• Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN)
• Psy.D. in School Psychology
• Individual Courses and Training
• National Caregiver Certification Course
• CASLI Test Prep Courses
• Course Sections
• Certificates
• Certificate in Sexuality and Gender Studies
• Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities (online, post-bachelor’s)
• American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5 (online, post-bachelor’s)
• Early Intervention Studies
• Certificate in American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5
• Online Degree Programs
• ODCP Minor in Communication Studies
• ODCP Minor in Deaf Studies
• ODCP Minor in Psychology
• ODCP Minor in Writing
• University Capstone Honors for Online Degree Completion Program

Quick Links

• PK-12 & Outreach
• NSO Schedule

Guide to Different Kinds of Essays

202.448-7036

An essay is a paper that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. It can describe personal opinions, or just report information. An essay can be written from any perspective, but essays are most commonly written in the first person ( I ), or third person (subjects that can be substituted with the he, she, it, or they pronouns).

There are many different kinds of essays. The following are a some of the most common ones:

Descriptive Cause/Effect Argumentative Definition Narrative Critical Compare/Contrast Process

Descriptive:

Examples: A descriptive essay could describe . . .

The descriptive essay provides details about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds. It can also describe what something is, or how something happened. These essays generally use a lot of sensory details. The essay could be a list-like description that provides point by point details. Or, it could function as a story, keeping the reader interested in the plot and theme of the event described.

Definition:

Examples: A definition essay may try and define . . .

A definition essay attempts to define a specific term. It could try to pin down the meaning of a specific word, or define an abstract concept. The analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition; it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such. It could define the term directly, giving no information other than the explanation of the term. Or, it could imply the definition of the term, telling a story that requires the reader to infer the meaning.

Compare/Contrast:

Examples:A compare/contrast essay may discuss . . .

The compare/contrast essay discusses the similarities and differences between two things, people, concepts, places, etc. The essay could be an unbiased discussion, or an attempt to convince the reader of the benefits of one thing, person, or concept. It could also be written simply to entertain the reader, or to arrive at an insight into human nature. The essay could discuss both similarities and differences, or it could just focus on one or the other. A comparison essay usually discusses the similarities between two things, while the contrast essay discusses the differences.

Cause/Effect:

Examples:A cause/effect essay may explain . . .

The cause/effect essay explains why or how some event happened, and what resulted from the event.

This essay is a study of the relationship between two or more events or experiences. The essay could discuss both causes and effects, or it could simply address one or the other. A cause essay usually discusses the reasons why something happened. An effect essay discusses what happens after a specific event or circumstance.

The example below shows a cause essay, one that would explain how and why an event happened.

If this cause essay were about a volcanic eruption, it might go something like this: “Pressure and heat built up beneath the earth’s surface; the effect of this was an enormous volcanic eruption.”

The next example shows an effect essay, one that would explain all the effects that happened after a specific event, like a volcanic eruption.

If this effect essay were about a volcanic eruption again, it might go something like this:

“The eruption caused many terrible things to happen; it destroyed homes, forests, and polluted the atmosphere.”

Examples:A narrative essay could tell of . . .

The narrative essay tells a story. It can also be called a “short story.” Generally, the narrative essay is conversational in style and tells of a personal experience. It is most commonly written in the first person (uses I ). This essay could tell of a single, life-shaping event, or simply a mundane daily experience.

Examples: A process essay may explain . . .

A process essay describes how something is done. It generally explains actions that should be performed in a series. It can explain in detail how to accomplish a specific task, or it can show how an individual came to a certain personal awareness. The essay could be in the form of step-by-step instructions, or in story form, with the instructions/explanations subtly given along the way.

Argumentative:

Examples: An argumentative essay may persuade a reader that . . .

An argumentative essay is one that attempts to persuade the reader to the writer’s point of view. The writer can either be serious or funny, but always tries to convince the reader of the validity of his or her opinion. The essay may argue openly, or it may attempt to subtly persuade the reader by using irony or sarcasm.

Examples: A critical essay may analyze . . .

A critical essay analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, and methods of someone else’s work. Generally, these essays begin with a brief overview of the main points of the text, movie, or piece of art, followed by an analysis of the work’s meaning. It should then discuss how well the author/creator accomplishes his/her goals and makes his/her points. A critical essay can be written about another essay, story, book, poem, movie, or work of art.

202-448-7036

At a Glance

• Quick Facts
• University Leadership
• History & Traditions
• Accreditation
• Consumer Information
• Our 10-Year Vision: The Gallaudet Promise
• Annual Report of Achievements (ARA)
• The Signing Ecosystem
• Not Your Average University

Our Community

• Library & Archives
• Technology Support
• Interpreting Requests
• Ombuds Support
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Profile & Web Edits

Visit Gallaudet

• Explore Our Campus
• Virtual Tour
• Maps & Directions
• Shuttle Bus Schedule
• Kellogg Conference Hotel
• Welcome Center
• National Deaf Life Museum
• Apple Guide Maps

Engage Today

• Work at Gallaudet / Clerc Center
• Social Media Channels
• University Wide Events
• Sponsorship Requests
• Data Requests
• Media Inquiries
• Gallaudet Today Magazine
• Giving at Gallaudet
• Financial Aid
• Registrar’s Office
• Residence Life & Housing
• Safety & Security
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• University Communications
• Clerc Center

Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Copyright © 2024 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.

• Accessibility
• Cookie Consent Notice
• Privacy Policy
• File a Report

800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

How To Write An Essay

Types Of Essay

Different Types of Essay: Definition With Best Examples

12 min read

Published on: Mar 10, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

People also read

How To Write An Essay - "The Secret To Craft an A+ Essay"

Learn How to Title an Essay Like a Professional Writer

How to Write an Essay Outline Like a Pro

Essay Format - An Easy Guide & Examples

What is a Thesis Statement, and How is it Written? - Know Here

Arguable and Strong Thesis Statement Examples for Your Essay

200+ Creative Hook Examples: Ready, Set, Hook

A Guide to Writing a 1000 Word Essay for School or College

All You Need to Know About a 500-word Essay

Writing an Essay Introduction - Step by Step Guide

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

Jumpstart Your Writing with These Proven Strategies on How to Start an Essay

Learn How to Write a Topic Sentence that Stands Out

A Guide to Crafting an Impactful Conclusion for Your Essay

Amazing Essay Topics & Ideas for Your Next Project (2024)

Explore the Different Types of Sentences with Examples

Share this article

Are you dreading your essay assignment? Not sure what type of essay to pick?

There are multiple types of essays, and each is approached differently. This is why it can be a real challenge for students.

A good way to start thinking about essays is to identify the types of essays That is why we are here to explain what types of essays exist and how they all serve different purposes.

Let's get started!

On This Page On This Page -->

Common Types of Essays and Examples

Essays are the most common type of assignment in high school and college. There are ten common types of academic essays, and each type has specific requirements. 

Here is a quick overview of what skills you need for these types of essay writing and how their prompts look:

Below is a detailed definition of each essay type, as well as examples to help you understand.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is a personal way to tell stories with an academic argument in mind. They allow the writer to use their own experiences as examples. Also, make arguments or impart lessons through real-life events. 

A narrative essay can be written in any way the writer chooses. Autobiographical narratives make a connection with readers by adding emotions to every sentence. It allows more creativity which is what makes this type of essay so appealing. 

The first-person point of view also creates an emotional attachment, but some writers use it differently than others. They may write about another person's story as their own or even create imaginary characters they never met in real life. 

These stories have no limitations on time periods, topics, or genres. There are endless possibilities when telling personal tales through an academic argument. 

Narrative Essay Example

Below is an example of a narrative essay to help you know how to build a strong essay by yourself. 

Want more information on narrative essay writing? Check out this guide on narrative essay to learn all about it!

Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay paints a picture with words. It uses sensory language to describe a person, place, or thing in great detail.

The perfect way to start a descriptive essay is by describing what you see, hear, and feel. 

What does it look like? What does it sound like? What does it feel like? What does it smell like? How does it make you feel?

The goal of a descriptive essay is to allow the reader to visualize and understand something. This kind of writing can be used for many different subjects, whether it's an object or person, experience, or emotion. 

The more detailed information your essay has, the better your readers will be able to understand it. Describe what you have felt and observed through some specific event. Many writers start with a one-line description before moving on to complex arguments. This is the best way to start a descriptive essay. 

First, writers include event details and then combine them with sensory details. It allows readers to imagine whatever scene the writer wants them to imagine. 

Descriptive Essay Example

Delve into this comprehensive guide on descriptive essays to gain a comprehensive understanding!

Expository Essay

An expository essay explains or informs the reader about a specific topic. It provides a straightforward, information-centered presentation of facts or concepts.

It only aims to explain an idea or define a concept without making any arguments at all. This is usually a shorter piece of writing. 

An expository essay is also known as a definition essay. It's useful for those who want an in-depth explanation without having to do too much thinking by themselves.

In order to make expository writing more interesting, writers use several essay variations such as comparison and contrast essays, cause and effect essays, or process essays. These variations help to add depth and interest to the description of facts and information.

The best example comes from science class when students have to write an informative paragraph on how paper is made. They aren't allowed to use any argumentative techniques like persuasion because that is not what an essay is built for.

Expository Essay Example

Looking to enhance your knowledge of expository essay writing? Explore the ins and outs of crafting clear and well-structured expository essays .

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay examines and interprets a piece of literature, artwork, or event. It involves critical thinking and evaluation of evidence to provide insights and arguments.

It is similar to an expository essay in that they both describe a topic, but it takes one step further by investigating each side of the subject.  It takes an expository topic and then investigates the different sides of that subject.

For instance: An expository essay is about how presidents are elected. You might look at all aspects of this process to discuss its pros and cons. 

An analytical essay investigates what would happen if we changed some parts or fully abandoned the electoral system altogether. 

Analytical Essay Example

Need to get started on your analytical essay? Enhance your analytical essay writing skills with this comprehensive guide!

Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. Writing this essay can be tricky because it wants the writer's viewpoint and reasoning on a certain topic. 

To ensure that your essay is clear, concise, and persuasive enough, you have to convince the reader. Think about what information would justify your arguments. It is a type of argumentative essay because they take a stance on an issue.

A good persuasive piece includes counterarguments for opposing views as well as data to back up the central thesis statement.

Persuasive Essay Example

Looking to boost your knowledge of persuasive essay writing? Read this insightful guide on persuasive essays and get started!

Compare and Contrast  Essay

A compare and contrast essay is a type of essay that examines two items. It compares their similarities while also pointing out the differences between them.

It's important to organize this essay into sections, one for comparisons and another section for contrasts. It is designed to show readers how topics or concepts differ or how they're alike. 

A good way to start is by stating why you're doing a compare & contrast essay on that particular subject (i.e., how they relate back to each other). This will keep readers engaged throughout your whole essay. 

Compare and Contrast Essay Example

Explore this comprehensive guide on compare and contrast essays to gain a thorough understanding!

Cause and Effect Essay

A cause and effect essay explores the reasons (causes) behind an event or phenomenon and the outcomes (effects) it results in. It establishes connections between different factors to explain their relationship.

Cause and effect essays are often organized chronologically to show the relationship between two things, in particular how another influenced one thing. 

The essay might start with a cause, for example, an unfair law. Then it will go on to explain its effects which can be anything from people rioting or animals fleeing. 

This type of writing is usually structured like this: first explaining why something happened (which is called the “cause”), then exploring how that event had consequences (referred to as “effects”). 

Cause and Effect Essay Example

Read this guide and discover effective strategies and valuable tips to craft impactful cause and effect essays !

Critical Essay

A critical essay offers an in-depth analysis and evaluation of a literary work, film, or idea. It examines the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of the subject matter.

It breaks down literature into its simpler components, so the reader better understands what they are reading. As well as be able to make an argument about its meaning. The writer usually uses textual evidence as well as other critics when making their points.

An introduction that presents your thesis statement followed by evidence from both text-based sources (other critics) and outside knowledge (personal accounts). The body then gathers this information in order to create a sound argument, backed up not just by textual analysis but also by contextual understanding. 

Critical Essay Example

Looking for more insights into critical essays? Explore this comprehensive guide on critical essays to get a better idea. 

Basic Essay Format

Writing a basic essay can be as easy as following three simple steps. The key to writing an insightful essay is having these parts work together in harmony for the best readability possible.

The Introduction

The introduction is like a doorway to your essay, inviting the reader to step inside. It should be captivating and interesting to grab their attention from the start. 

You can use a compelling anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question to engage the reader. 

The introduction also provides some background information about the topic, giving context to your essay. But giving away too much information can make the introduction less impactful. It should only hint at what points will be discussed in the essay.

• Thesis Statement 

The thesis statement works as a road map for the entire essay and is part of the introduction. It shows readers what the essay claims and the reason behind this claim. Thesis statements are vital because they state the main idea of an essay concisely.

It is necessary to avoid any confusion about where the essay is going or why certain arguments matter more than others. The basic essay format sets limits on topics by narrowing them down instead of making comparisons with every other.

Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay supports the main points of the thesis statement. It provides specific details in each paragraph that tie together ideas to make a convincing argument for the thesis statement. 

Each paragraph has specific details to back up ideas, using a mix of research or personal experience. The author’s own analysis ties in with these supporting facts and conclusions drawn from presenting those findings that support their thesis statement throughout this section.

The use of transitions is also important because they can get readers from one thought to another. They can be as simple as a word or two (e.g., ‘next,’ ‘also’). Or they may take more than just a sentence by providing background information for the reader before switching topics entirely. 

The conclusion brings your essay to a satisfying close. It summarizes the main points discussed in the body paragraphs and restates the thesis statement in a different way.

Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, emphasize the significance of your arguments and leave the reader with a lasting impression. A well-crafted conclusion provides a sense of closure while leaving the reader with something to ponder.

Need to learn more about how to format your essay? Have a look at this read to get better informed about essay format !

Essay Writing Tips

You have to keep in mind some useful essay writing tips while writing any type of essay. 

• Understand the Prompt

Understand exactly what is expected of you. It's a good idea to break the prompt down into sections.

• Make a Plan

Organizing and brainstorming your ideas will make your life much easier while writing. It is a good plan to make a web of your ideas and supporting details. 

• Use and Cite Sources

Carry out your research. Use quotes and paraphrases from your sources, but NEVER plagiarise.

• Write an Essay Draft

Drafts are a great way to get any “poor quality” ideas out of the way and are frequently required by professors and instructors.

• Make a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis statement (main argument) of your essay is the most important thing you'll write. So, make it a focal point.

• Respond to the following prompt

After you've ironed out any kinks in your first draft, you can begin writing the final draft of your essay.

Carefully read your response to ensure that there are no errors and that you did not overlook anything.

With the knowledge of these essay types, you have the tools to write an essay that can make a lasting impact.

However, if you find yourself in need of professional assistance, our online essay writing service  is here to help. Our team of experienced writers is dedicated to providing expert help for any type of essay. 

Our AI essay writer can deliver all kinds of essays.

So why waste another minute? Order now and get a great piece of writing in no time at all!

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Get 50% off this Labor Day.

Offer Ends Today

Is MasterClass right for me?

Take this quiz to find out.

Writing 101: The 8 Common Types of Essays

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 3 min read

Whether you’re a first-time high school essay writer or a professional writer about to tackle another research paper, you’ll need to understand the fundamentals of essay writing before you put pen to paper and write your first sentence.

Types of Essay

Definition of types of essay, format of an essay, the format of an argumentative essay is given below:.

Function of Types of Essay

Related posts:, post navigation.

Project Types We Cover

• Admissions Essay
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Research Paper
• Book Reviews
• Personal Statement
• Ph.D Dissertation
• Proofreading

Academic Fields & Subjects

• Programming
• Computer Science
• Other projects we help with
• Our Experts
• Plagiarism Checker
• Writing Tips

Different Types of Essays Writing: 4 Main + 12 Additional

By: Angelina Grin

An academic essay is a piece of writing whose focus is to persuade and inform. It achieves these goals by developing ideas and arguments through analysis, evidence, and interpretation. Several essays fall into four major categories: descriptive , expository , argumentative , and narrative essays .

16 Types of Essays

•  1) Argumentative Essay 
•  2) Expository Essays 
•  3) Descriptive Essay 
•  4) Narrative Essay 
•  Persuasive Essays 
•  Process Essay 
•  Analytical Essays 
•  Expository Essay 
•  Reflective Essays 
•  Critical Analysis Essay 
•  Compare and Contrast Essays 

What Are the 4 Major Types of Essays?

What are the 10 types of essays, what is the most common type of essay, what is an essay format, how many types of essays are there.

There are also different types of essays for elementary, middle school, high school, and higher learning levels like universities and colleges.

While paper writing is part of academic progress, many students do not differentiate the various types of academic essays. Understanding all the paper types makes it easier for the scholar to create a well-organized paper that is understandable to the reader.

The internet makes it easy for students to research and get relevant information, but that is not enough without knowing essay writing styles. Every topic in academic writing falls under a particular type of essay.

The main types of essays include:

• Descriptive
• Argumentative
• Cause and effect
• Comparison and contrast
• Explicatory

4 Major Types of Essays

There are 4 main types of essays.

Before settling to write any essay paper , it is critical first to answer the question, “what are the different types of essays?” Know their distinguishing features and where to apply each of the essays. Four modes of essay writing are known as the organized, the chronological, the functional, and the cause-effect.

It would also help to understand the different kinds of essay formats since each paper follows a specific format. Check out the main essay types and definitions below.

1) Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay focuses on an intensive argument concerning a particular thesis statement . The writer has to take a firm stand on one side of the argument and aim to convince the reader about your thesis by citing pieces of evidence. Your stance on the discussion should be clear near the end of your introduction.

An argumentative essay has three distinguishing features.

Introduction - it captures the reader's attention and prepares them for what to expect. It should present the appropriate topic and clearly outline the writer’s point of view.

The body paragraphs - should present your main ideas in a systematic order. Present your argument and evidence for it to your audience.

Conclusion - construct a summarizing paragraph emphasizing the importance of your argument. You need to create a strong conclusion, and the following tips might help:

• 🤝 Sum up the main points of your paper .
• 🤔 Make it clear why your stance matters in the argument.
• 🎯 Aim at impressing the reader .

Argumentative essays are common in higher learning levels like college and university. It tests your research skills and your ability to defend your position on a given topic.

Academic papers for colleges and universities are more detailed and complicated than the lower levels. It requires you to employ your research techniques in practice. In addition, the knowledge and skills you gain from experience will help you stand by your opinion even after graduation.

2) Expository Essays

Expository refers to the art of describing or explaining something. An expository essay clearly describes a given topic , set of ideas, or process. It provides a balanced view on the topic rather than proving any point. They are more natural than argumentative essays, which rely majorly on research.

It is a type of essay that provides facts and information. It aims to test the scholar’s ability to express themselves or present an explanation on a given topic. You need to consult statistics and find factual examples to write a perfect descriptive essay.

Below are the five main features of an expository essay.

• Instructive - it should provide accurate information with facts.
• Specific - you need to be clear and precise when giving a factual explanation.
• Well-organized - always follow the order of events.
• Semi-formal – there are no first-person nouns in the paper.
• Objective - its purpose is to equip the reader with information without subjective opinions.

A perfect expository essay structure requires the following components.

• An introduction that provides background information on the topic in question.
• Body paragraphs that elaborate on the facts.
• A solid conclusion to wrap up the main ideas in the essay.

Expository writing is the most common kinds of essays for middle and high school levels. These academic essay genres intend to test the student’s understanding of the subject and composition skills.

Expository essay writing styles are helpful in school and teach the student how to express any issue in their own words.

3) Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay vividly describes a general situation, object, or place. It mainly involves a more abstract case, like an emotion. It is the most creative of all types of essays. It tests the writer’s ability to use language to convey a memorable image of the object creatively and originally.

These genres of essays are common assignments for students in high school and also for composition classes. A well-structured descriptive piece of writing has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Introduction - should establish the purpose of your writing. Also, set the tone of the impression by clearly showing what you want your audience to focus its attention on.

The body - the body includes factual, sensory, and figurative details. It also involves your feelings and thoughts and should be in local order. Use a transition to connect your ideas.

Conclusion - restate the main idea and briefly summarize the ideas in the body.

A descriptive paper equips the writer with the skills to use language figuratively to describe life’s events, both in school and after-school life.

4) Narrative Essay

Narration is a story, and therefore a narrative essay involves telling a story . Most of the time, it consists of the narrator’s personal experience. Unlike other essay forms, the narrative gives you room to get creative and unique when telling your story, and you can freely use first-person nouns.

The following are the five distinctive features of a narrative type of essay with examples.

Plot refers to the events and how they follow each other in your story. For instance, you can narrate your first day in college, what happened, and how the events influenced who you are currently.

Setting : it refers to the location and time of the events, for example, at a particular school in the winter of a specific year.

Character : a protagonist drives your story, but you may have some support characters. In this case, you are the protagonist; your support characters could be the people you met on your first day in school.

Conflict is the challenge, problem, or moment of tension the protagonist has to solve or win.

Theme : it is the moral of the narrative or what you learn and want the reader to know. For instance, the challenges you face as a new student and how to counter them.

Narrative essays are common in high school and university composition classes. It places a student in a position to write a personal statement correctly when making applications even after graduation.

Common Types of Essays for Elementary School

Elementary school is the second-lowest level after kindergarten and ranges from grades one to seven.

Learners in these grades are equipped with writing skills in easy essay types and different types of essay formats. The following are some types of academic essays for the elementary school level.

Persuasive Essays

A persuasive essay aims at convincing the reader to take sides or adopt the writer’s opinion. It involves factual pieces of evidence and emotional appeals. A writer can include emotional and moral reasoning to connect with the audience to support a cause or argument.

The basis of a persuasive essay is sound reasoning, relevant facts, and evidence. The following features distinguish a persuasive paper from other types of essay writing styles.

Clear and concise thesis : as a writer, you need to present your thesis in the first paragraph. Clearly define your take on the particular topic.

Introduction : you need to create a strong introduction that captures your readers' attention and presents the ideas of the central issue in question. Clearly communicate the background information of the issue. A strong introduction will persuade the audience to buy the writer’s opinion on the topic.

The body : the body develops the argument in a clear evidential manner. The writer needs to start from known to unknown. Consider the reader’s point of view on the topic before introducing your take as a writer.

Conclusion : a firm conclusion in persuasive writing readdresses the thesis touching on the evidence provided in the essay.

A persuasive paper must meet the following characteristics:

• 👉 Readability
• 👉 Understandability
• 👉 Relevance
• 👉 Reliability
• 👉 Logical consistency

The skills in persuasive writing enable the learner to tackle more complicated different type of essays at higher levels.

Process Essay

It isa type of exposition essay that explains how something works or how to do something. A process essay writer must maintain clarity and organization by following a chronological order. It must have the following elements.

Introduction: it presents the process you will be communicating in your essay.

The body paragraphs should describe the process step-by-step in chronological order. Transitional words will help you to connect one step to the next.

Conclusion: summarize the entire process in your conclusion. For example, learning how to prepare chicken is the best experience anyone can enjoy.

Process essays are common in elementary school, as early as the third grade. They equip the learner with skills and the ability to break down the process of writing and achieve better results in other types of academic essays.

Common Types of Essays for Middle School

Middle school is like a bridge between elementary and high school. It serves adolescent students in grades five to nine. The higher middle school grades, 7 to 9, are commonly referred to as junior high school grades.

Some types of papers at the elementary level are part of the middle school curriculum, while some high school essays start in middle school. The following are the types of essays in English for middle school.

Analytical Essays

It is a type of argumentative writing that outlines the relationship between two subjects. In an academic paper for a typical cause and effect essay writing, the writer details how an event, person, or object influences another one directly.

In a school setup, cause and effect essays are meant to teach persuasive writing, logic, and critical thinking. In a professional setting or academic writing, these paper formats are in the form of a research paper, scientific studies, or lab report abstract. In either case, the author explains a phenomenon and attempts to explain its causes.

There are different essay structures for each type of paper. Below are the structure and main features of a cause-and-effect essay.

Introduction: the introduction should give background information about the topic to the context of your essay. To make a solid introduction, avoid cliché phrases and words.

Body: the body paragraphs include a topic sentence and supportive sentences. A topic sentence introduces the paragraph's main idea and captures the reader’s attention to the supporting sentences. Support sentences give persuasive facts.

Conclusion: summarize the content of your essay in conclusion. Please do not introduce any new information at this point. You can re-state your thesis in the introduction. Listing the causes in your essay body is another alternative way of creating a solid conclusion for the cause-and-effect essay.

Expository Essay

It is an essay genre where the student has to investigate and expound on an idea. The scholar then examines the evidence and clearly presents an argument on the same idea. Accomplishing this requires comparison and contrast, definition, or cause and effect analysis.

The features of exposition or expository writing include the following.

Informative: the main point of expository text is to give information.

Clarity: the writer needs to use words that communicate what the text is talking about.

Text organization: an excellent exposition should retain its focus on the topic and outline the events in chronological order.

Impersonal: it does not encourage the use of the first person but instead uses the second-person pronouns “you.”

Unbiased: an exposition aims at providing information and does not openly disclose the author’s opinion.

The structure below holds an exposition together.

A statement of the thesis should be clear, concise, and defined.

The Introduction gives a clear link or transition between the introduction and the body. The body paragraphs should concentrate on the main idea of your writing to maintain clarity and direction all through the essay. It should be creative and factual, logical, or statistical evidential support. Create a solid conclusion by readdressing your thesis in light of some of the evidence in the body.

Common Types of Essays in High School

High school teachers introduce more complex essays to students than those in middle school. Some of the papers in high school progress to the college level. Below are some essays for high school students.

Reflective Essays

A reflective means you have to reflect on your own experiences. A reflective essay requires the writer to communicate their thoughts and feelings about a specific person, situation, or place in their point of view. Many scholars confuse a reflective paper with a narrative essay.

A reflective piece of writing includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: you need to be specific about what you reflect upon in your paper. Make the reader understand your position in the subject you are assessing.

The body: each paragraph in the body must start with a topic sentence. Speak your thoughts and experiences concerning the topic. You may include a thesis and statements if you are writing an academic paper.

Conclusion: it requires a precise articulation of your thoughts and feelings to create a solid conclusion.

• ✍️ The writer should maintain the essay formal and conceivable to differentiate it from the narrative essay.
• ✍️ Apply some descriptive skills.
• ✍️ Use a classical structure.
• ✍️ Avoid being personal.

Critical Analysis Essay

It is an essay writing style that incorporates critical thinking, reading, and writing to communicate to the audience. The writer identifies a piece of art or literature and tries to analyze the author or artist’s thoughts. It focuses on the writer’s opinion, thesis, and argument using logical reasoning and citing evidence.

The significant parts of a critical analysis essay include an outline, introduction, body, and conclusion.

The outline: think critically about what you are writing about. Outline the main ideas in bullet form.

Introduction: the introduction should state the aim of the initial author of the work you are writing about. Make the introduction as engaging and captivating as possible to capture your reader’s attention.

Body: focus on the ideas in your outline and introduction. Each body paragraph should tackle a single notion for flow and consistency.

These tips 👇 will help a writer create a captivating critical analysis essay.

• 📝 Use transitional words to link your ideas.
• 📝 Be logical and concise.
• 📝 Use third-person narration.

Common Essays in College

The highest level of essays applies to college and university scholars. The following are some of the paper types for college.

Compare and Contrast Essays

It is an essay style that shows the differences and similarities between two subjects or more. It is a perfect way of showing what unites or separates two subjects or objects, especially if people tend to confuse them.

Compare and contrast essay has some similarities to other paper types, but it has the following distinguishing features:

Thesis: Carefully pick the subjects you want to compare. If it is not given in the question, you have to be keen to select the one you can handle comfortably.

Organization: These essays follow a specific paper structure. The essay format includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: you need to elaborate on your thesis or the subject you will be discussing.

Body: it is the central part of your paper. It would be best to list the differences and similarities between your subjects of discussion here.

Conclusion: summarize and clearly wrap up your points.

There are three ways a writer can approach a compare and contrast essay:

• Block method where you will discuss one subject after the other.
• Alternating method where you have to give point by point. Here you tackle one subject on a particular aspect then the other subject follows immediately.
• Similarities and differences. Start by discussing all the similarities between the two variables, then handle the differences.

Other essay types for college include research and definition. Reflective papers are also part of the college curriculum.

The four major types of essays include argumentative, descriptive, narrative, and expository. Expository and argumentative aim at giving clear points and information, while narrative and descriptive test the writer’s creativity.

There are more types of essays besides the four major categories. Below are ten of these essays.

• Comparative

An argumentative paper is the most common essay type. It tests the writer’s research skills and ability to present their position on a particular subject. It is common at the college level.

An essay format is a series of guidelines that influence how you arrange your academic paper. It includes:

• Page basics
• Essay outline

There are many different types of papers to write, but there are four major ones. The essays are subdivided according to their complexity and students’ level of education.

Learning the different types of essays in English language is the first step toward being an excellent writer. You will be able to differentiate each type with its format, writing style, and structure.

User ratings:

User ratings is 4.2 stars.

4.2 /5 ( 13 Votes)

Creative Writer and Blog Editor

Despite my relatively young age, I am a professional writer with more than 14 years of experience. I studied journalism at the university, worked for media and digital agencies, and organized several events for ed-tech companies. Yet for the last 6 years, I've worked mainly in marketing. Here, at Studybay, my objective is to make sure all our texts are clear, informative, and engaging.

Add Your Comment

We are very interested to know your opinion

Great work fellow colleagues👏👏 good choice of words and easy to understand.

EVANS OCHIENG

Every section of this article was helpful. It gave me knowledge on the definition essays that can be used with data, to criticize, and how to include sources in my pages. From the popular forms of essays, to what you should include in each section, this was really great.

Angelina Grin, the author, is constantly on point; I follow her articles, and they are usually part of my resources for references when I'm assigned tasks. I like how she summarizes bulky topics and manages to illustrate them using pristine examples. I enjoyed reading every single part of this article.

Harriet L.J.

My teacher told me to examine the benefits of writing different storytelling essays. I now know which type is best to argue my point on any subject matter. It was really helpful and I now feel confident in my college work.

The concept behind a literary analysis essay is for writers to detail everything from the storyline and the idioms to every literary tool used in a piece of literature. It gives readers full experience even if they've yet to read the work.

I was struggling with writing a narrative essay. This article helped to explain how to write different essays and improve the quality of my written work.

While reading this article, I learned the need for the inclusion of sensory details in essays. With literary analysis of any specific topic, you can easily spot the author's writing process.

I was looking for help to explore what an analytical essay and critical essay are to improve my grade band.

Descriptive essays are very critical essays because you need to use words to give your readers an insight into your mind. Thank you for the awesome guidelines.

Upgrade your writing skills!

Try our AI essay writer from Studybay today!

• Resources Home 🏠
• Try SciSpace Copilot
• Search research papers
• Add Copilot Extension
• Try AI Detector
• Try Paraphraser
• Try Citation Generator
• April Papers
• June Papers
• July Papers

Types of Essays in Academic Writing - Quick Guide (2024)

Table of Contents

Essay writing is an integral part of academic progress, playing a crucial role in enhancing critical thinking and communication skills among students.

There are different types of essays in academic writing, each with its unique purpose and requirements. Understanding these different essay types is essential for students to effectively convey their thoughts and ideas while demonstrating comprehension of the subject matter. In this article, let's learn more about the essay types and it's importance in academic writing.

Why is understanding essay types important in academic writing?

Essays serve as a medium for students to express their knowledge and opinions in a structured and coherent manner. They allow students to showcase their understanding of various concepts and ideas while adhering to the rules of academic writing. The different types of essays provide students with opportunities to explore different types of academic essays and develop their analytical and communication skills.

When it comes to academic writing, essay types play a crucial role in shaping the content and style of the writing. Each essay type serves a specific purpose and requires a distinct approach. By understanding the different types of essays, students can effectively convey their thoughts and ideas to their readers.

What are the types of essays in academic writing?

Academic writing encompasses a wide range of essay types, each serving a specific purpose and following distinct guidelines. Here's a brief overview of the major 7 types of essays commonly encountered in academic writing:

Expository Essay:

Expository essays is one of the types of essays aim to provide clear and concise explanations of a topic or concept. They present information objectively, without personal opinions or biases. The focus of expository essay is on organizing and conveying facts, ideas, or processes in a structured manner.

Key Features of expository essay:

• Informative and objective
• Presents a balanced and unbiased view
• Uses clear and concise language
• Follows a logical structure, often with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion

Source: mtsac.edu

Argumentative Essay:

Argumentative essays is one of the most prominent types of essays which aim to persuade the reader to adopt a particular stance on a debatable issue. They present a well-structured argument backed by evidence and reasoning. The goal of argumentative essay is to convince the reader of the validity of the author's position.

Key Features OF argumentative essay:

• Presents a clear thesis statement
• Provides supporting evidence, such as facts, statistics, expert opinions, or examples
• Uses logical reasoning and counterarguments to address opposing views
• Maintains an objective and formal tone

Source: University of Washington

Narrative essay:

Narrative essays tell a story, recounting events or personal experiences in chronological order. They engage the reader by incorporating vivid descriptions, sensory details, and emotional language.

Key Features of narrative essay:

• Strong opening hook to capture the reader's attention
• Follows a clear narrative arc, including rising action, climax, and resolution
• Conveys emotions and personal reflections

Comparative essay:

Comparative essays analyze similarities and differences between two or more subjects. They highlight common themes, contrasting features, and unique characteristics. The goal of comparative essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subjects and their relationships.

Key Features of comparative essay:

• Clear identification of the subjects and their key attributes
• Organized comparison, often using a point-by-point or block format
• Evidence-based analysis of similarities and differences
• A balanced and objective approach

Cause and effect essay:

Cause-and-effect essays investigate the relationships between events, actions, or phenomena. They explore the reasons behind occurrences and the consequences that follow. The purpose of Cause and effect essay is to understand the underlying mechanisms and implications.

Key Features Cause and effect essay:

• Clear identification of the cause and effect
• Logical explanation of the causal relationship
• Evidence-based support for the proposed connection
• Consideration of alternative explanations or counterarguments

Problem solution essay:

Problem-solution essays identify a problem or issue and propose potential solutions. They analyze the causes and implications of the problem, evaluate different solutions, and recommend the most effective approach. The goal is to provide a practical and well-reasoned solution.

Key Features problem solution essay:

• Clear definition of the problem and its scope
• Analysis of the causes and consequences of the problem
• Evaluation of different solution options, considering feasibility and effectiveness
• Recommendation of the most viable solution with supporting arguments

Analytical essay:

Analytical essays break down a complex topic or concept into its constituent parts and examine the relationships between them. They provide a deeper understanding of the subject's structure, nuances, and underlying principles. The purpose is to offer critical insights and interpretations.

Key Features of analytical essay:

• In-depth examination of a topic or concept
• Breakdown of the subject into its components or underlying principles
• Analysis of relationships between different parts or aspects of the subject
• Identification of patterns, themes, or underlying theories

What are the structures and formats of different types of essays?

While each essay type has its unique structure and requirements, several elements are common across different types of essays.

Common Elements in Essay Structures

Most essays follow a similar structure, beginning with an introduction that provides background information and presents the thesis statement. The body paragraphs contain the main arguments, supported by evidence and examples. The conclusion summarizes the key points and restates the thesis, leaving the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Unique Formatting Requirements for Each Type of Essay

In addition to the common structural elements, each essay type may have specific formatting requirements. These may include the use of headings and subheadings, citation styles, and the inclusion of specific sections such as literature reviews or methodology explanations. It is crucial for students to familiarize themselves with the unique formatting guidelines for each essay type to ensure their work meets the expected standards.

By understanding the various types of essays and their distinct characteristics, students can adapt their essay writing style and approach to effectively communicate their ideas. Developing proficiency in each essay type equips students with valuable skills that extend beyond their academic journey, empowering them to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively in various professional and personal backdrops.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, the diverse range of types of essays in academic writing offers students opportunities to develop their critical thinking, persuasive writing, and storytelling abilities. Understanding the purpose and requirements of each essay type allows students to excel in conveying their knowledge and ideas effectively. Each essay type serves as a building block in the development of well-rounded academic writers. So, embrace the diversity of essay types, explore different writing styles, and tailor your approach accordingly to excel in the realm of academic writing.

AI Tools to enhance your academic writing

SciSpace Copilot - AI research assistant

Literature Review

Paraphraser

AI Detector

Citation Generator

You might also like

This ChatGPT Alternative Will Change How You Read PDFs Forever!

Smallpdf vs SciSpace: Which ChatPDF is Right for You?

Adobe PDF Reader vs. SciSpace ChatPDF — ChatPDF Showdown

• How to Order

Essay Writing Guide

Types Of Essay

Common Types of Essays - Sub-types and Examples

11 min read

People also read

An Easy Guide to Writing an Essay

A Complete 500 Word Essay Writing Guide

A Catalog of 370+ Essay Topics for Students

Essay Format: A Basic Guide With Examples

How to Write an Essay Outline in 5 Simple Steps

How to Start an Essay? Tips for an Engaging Start

A Complete Essay Introduction Writing Guide With Examples

Learn How to Write an Essay Hook, With Examples

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Powerful Thesis Statement

20+ Thesis Statement Examples for Different Types of Essays?

How to Write a Topic Sentence: Purpose, Tips & Examples

Learn How to Write a Conclusion in Simple Steps

Transition Words For Essays - The Ultimate List

4 Types of Sentences - Definition & Examples

Writing Conventions - Definition, Tips & Examples

Essay Writing Problems - 5 Most Paralyzing Problems

Tips On How to Make an Essay Longer: 15 Easy Ways

How to Title an Essay Properly- An Easy Guide

1000 Word Essay - A Simple Guide With Examples

A Guide to Writing a Five-Paragraph Essay

How To Write A Strong Body Paragraph

Ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of "essays" out there? Essays are fundamental tools in education and communication, designed to inform, persuade, and narrate experiences. 

Understanding the different types of essays is important in academics. There are four primary categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive and each type serves a distinct purpose. 

This guide will explore each type and its subtypes with examples providing clear examples to improve your writing skills.

Let’s get started!

• 1. 4 Main Types of Essays In Academic Writing
• 2. Argumentative Essay
• 3. Descriptive Essay
• 4. Expository Essay
• 5. Narrative Essay
• 6. Other Common Essay Types

4 Main Types of Essays In Academic Writing

In academic years, essay writing develops essential skills. At the university level, argumentative essays are most common, honing critical thinking and persuasive writing.           

In high school and college, textual analysis essays test close reading and interpretation, enhancing analytical thinking and clear articulation. Let's explore these essay types along with their descriptions and example prompts in the table below:

Please note that the length of these essays depends on academic level, assignment requirements, and topic complexity. University essays are usually longer due to deeper analysis, while high school essays are shorter and more focused on foundational skills. Argumentative essays often require more length than narrative or descriptive essays to support thorough argumentation. 

Let’s take a look at these types of essays in detail, along with examples to further your understanding.

Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is an essay type that presents a well-structured argument supported by evidence and reasoning. The primary goal is to engage the reader in a discussion, provide evidence, and logically demonstrate why a particular viewpoint is more valid.

In simple terms, the writer must provide evidence and stay consistent with their viewpoint, focusing on a specific type of argument . While argumentative essays discuss both sides of an issue, they clearly advocate for one perspective.

Characteristics of Argumentative Essay

• Clear Thesis: It should have a clear thesis statement to state the writer's position.
• Balanced Presentation: An argumentative essay addresses opposing views.
• Evidence: It relies on credible and relevant evidence.
• Logical Reasoning: The essay presents arguments coherently and logically.

The argumentative essay outline follows the same basic structure as other essays but includes an additional section for the counterargument.

• Introduction: The introduction introduces the topic and thesis, engaging the reader's interest.
• Body: The body paragraphs present arguments with supporting evidence.
• Counterargument: It addresses opposing viewpoints and refutes them.
• Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes key points and reinforces the thesis, leaving a strong impression.

Argumentative Essay Example

Before beginning the writing process, it is better to go through some expertly crafted argumentative essay examples . 

Here is a sample argumentative essay example for you to get an idea. 

Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is a form of writing that aims to immerse readers in a sensory-rich experience. Unlike informational or persuasive essays, its primary goal is to vividly depict a person, place, object, event, or experience.

The descriptive essay must stimulate the senses and emotions of the reader. To put it simply, the reader should see what you saw and feel what you felt. To make it better, you can use several literary devices like;

• Alliteration

All of them help in making the experience and your essay better.

Key Characteristics 

• Sensory Detail: Descriptive essays appeal to the five senses to create a multisensory experience.
• Vivid Imagery: They use figurative language and descriptive adjectives to bring the narrative to life.
• Emotional Connection: These essays often aim to establish an emotional bond between the reader and the subject.
• Structured Approach: They typically follow an introduction-body-conclusion structure.

A descriptive essay outline typically follows a 5-paragraph essay format, consisting of the following basic components:

• Introduction: Introduces the subject and purpose sometimes with a thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Focus on specific aspects or details using sensory language and vivid descriptions.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the central theme and leaves a lasting impression.

Descriptive Essay Example

Writing a perfect descriptive essay for an assignment is not difficult if you go through some expert descriptive essay examples first. 

Here, we have provided a well-written descriptive essay for you to get inspired from and start the writing process confidently. 

Expository Essay

An expository essay is a type of writing that provides clear and objective explanations of a topic without expressing personal opinions. It aims to inform and educate by presenting factual information and analysis.

There are various types of expository writing :

• Cause and effect essays
• Process essays
• Analytical essays
• Compare and contrast essays

Key Characteristics

• Objective Presentation: Expository writing maintains an impartial tone, avoiding personal biases.
• Informativeness: They focus on explaining complex ideas or processes in a straightforward manner.
• Structured: These essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Use of Evidence: They rely on credible evidence, facts, and examples to support the topic.

Like other types of essays, an expository essay outline also follows the standard essay format :

• Introduction: Introduces the topic and often includes a thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect and provides explanations and evidence.
• Conclusion: Restates the main idea and summarizes key points.

Expository Essay Example

Here is an expository essay example from one of our expert writers to understand the basics. For more samples visit our dedicated blog on Expository Essay Examples !

Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is a type of academic writing that tells a story or recounts a personal experience. Unlike other essays, its primary purpose is to engage and entertain the reader through storytelling.

• Narrative Structure: Follows a chronological sequence with an introduction, body, climax, and conclusion.
• First-Person Perspective: Typically written from the first-person point of view (e.g., "I" and "we") , sharing personal experiences and emotions.
• Vivid Description: Relies on descriptive language and imagery to create a clear picture of events, characters, and settings.
• Emotional Connection: Aims to establish an emotional bond with the reader by conveying the writer's thoughts and feelings.
• Introduction: Sets the stage and introduces the central theme or problem.
• Body: Presents events or experiences in chronological order with sensory details.
• Climax: Often includes a central event or turning point.
• Conclusion: Reflects on the narrative, offering insights, lessons, or resolution.

Narrative Essay Example

Wondering how to get your story into an interesting narrative? Learn the best way to write a perfect narrative essay with the help of narrative essay examples . 

Other Common Essay Types

Besides the main types of essays, there are other specialized types for specific audiences. These essays offer various ways for writers to communicate their ideas.

We will go through these essay types here.

Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is another type of academic essay. In this essay type, the writer utilizes logic and reasoning to show one’s idea is more convincing than another idea. 

In writing a persuasive essay, the main aim is to persuade the reader to accept a certain point of view. The presented argument or claim must use solid evidence and sound reasoning by stating facts, examples, and quotes.  It uses persuasive techniques like ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade the audience.

Persuasive Essay Example

Since persuasive essays are the most common type of essay, it is essential to get familiar with their writing style. For that, make sure to read the persuasive essay examples for better understanding. 

Here is a sample in PDF format: 

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic essay in which the writer analyzes a topic bit by bit. Writing an analytical essay is not about convincing readers of your point of view. But wanting readers to agree with what you have written. 

So, there is no need to use strong persuasive language in an analytical essay. Rather you should aim to provide enough analysis to make sure your argument is clear to the readers. 

Analytical Essay Example

Let’s take a look at a sample analytical essay: 

Read our analytical essay examples blog if you are looking for more sample essays!

Reflective Essay

A reflective essay requires you to examine your personal experiences through self-reflection. In the process of writing a reflective essay, you provide insight into what you have gained from those experiences. 

What makes reflective essays different from other essay types is the fact that they examine the past experience from the present. Reflective essays take the reader through a journey of self-growth. 

Reflective Essay Example

The following reflective essay example will help you get a clear idea of how to structure your analytical essay. 

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

It is a form of a textual analysis essay in which the student examines and analyzes a persuasive text. It is like an essay, speech, or visual art and analyzes the rhetorical devices used in it. Writing a rhetorical analysis essay is different from writing other essays because it will be more than adding facts only.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Here is a rhetorical analysis essay example that will help you learn better. For more examples check out our rhetorical analysis essay examples blog for more samples!

Literary Analysis Essay

A literary analysis essay is based on close reading and analysis of a work of literature like poetry and novel. It identifies different literary factors like themes, setting,  characters, setting, and the kind of language used in it. A literary analysis essay has the same 5 paragraphs as any other essay but the main subject and topic are different.

Literary Analysis Essay Example

Need help with your literary analysis essay? Below is a sample essay to help you understand better.

Summing it Up! Now you know what are the different types of essays in academic writing that you are most likely to get assigned. However, if you still find it difficult to compose your essay, leave your piece of writing to our experts. 

Whether you need an argumentative essay, narrative essay,  descriptive essay, or expository essay we are here to help. Our expertise extends to all types of essays, ensuring that your academic writing needs are met with precision and excellence.

Request essay help today and let our experts assist you in writing A+ grade essays within your specified timeline! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important element in any essay.

The most important element in any essay is its thesis statement. The thesis statement presents the main idea or argument of the essay and sets the direction for the entire piece. It provides a clear, concise summary of what the essay will cover, helping to guide the reader and ensure that the content remains focused and coherent.

What type of essay is most common at university?

The most common type of essay at university is the argumentative essay Other common types include:

• Expository essay
• Persuasive essay
• Narrative essay
• Descriptive essay
• Cause and effect essay
• Compare and contrast essay
• Process essay
• Definition essay
• Classification essay
• Critical essay
• Analytical essay
• Argumentative essay
• Reflective essay
• Research paper
• Literature review

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Essay Papers Writing Online

Various formats for writing essays – tips and guidelines.

Welcome to the comprehensive guide that will enhance your understanding of various essay writing formats. Crafting a well-structured and organized essay is a crucial skill for students and professionals alike. Different types of essays require adherence to specific formatting guidelines to effectively communicate ideas and arguments.

Whether you are writing a persuasive essay, analytical essay, narrative essay, or any other type, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the key elements of each format. By mastering the nuances of essay writing formats, you will be able to express your thoughts clearly, logically, and persuasively, captivating your readers and achieving your communication goals.

Through this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the essential components of various essay formats, including thesis statements, introductions, body paragraphs, supporting evidence, and conclusions. By understanding the specific requirements of each format, you can tailor your writing style to meet the expectations of your audience and effectively convey your message.

The Complete Essay Format Guide

Understanding the proper essay format is essential for writing effective essays. Whether you are a student or a professional writer, knowing how to structure your essays can greatly impact the clarity and coherence of your writing. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential elements of essay formats and provide tips on how to structure your essays effectively.

1. Introduction

• The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay and should provide a brief overview of the topic you will be discussing.
• It should also include a thesis statement, which explains the main argument or point of your essay.

2. Body Paragraphs

• The body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs that develop and support your thesis statement.
• Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or point and include evidence or examples to support it.

3. Conclusion

• The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay and should summarize your main points and restate your thesis.
• It should also provide a closing thought or reflection on the topic you have discussed.

4. Formatting

• Essays should be double-spaced and formatted with a clear font, such as Times New Roman, in 12-point size.
• Margins should be set to one inch on all sides of the page.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your essays are well-structured and easy to read. Remember to revise and edit your essays carefully to ensure that they are well-written and coherent.

Understanding Essay Structure Basics

When it comes to writing an essay, understanding the basic structure is essential. A typical essay consists of three main parts: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of these sections serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall coherence of the essay.

• Introduction: This is where you introduce the topic of your essay and provide some background information. The introduction should also include a thesis statement, which is the main idea or argument that you will be discussing in the essay.
• Body Paragraphs: The body of the essay consists of several paragraphs that develop and support the thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single point or idea and provide evidence and examples to support it.
• Conclusion: The conclusion brings the essay to a close by restating the thesis statement and summarizing the main points of the essay. It is also a good place to discuss the broader implications of your argument or suggest areas for further research.

By following this basic structure, you can ensure that your essay is well-organized and easy for readers to follow. Remember to use transitions between paragraphs to help connect your ideas and create a smooth flow of information throughout the essay.

Types of Essay Formats

When it comes to writing essays, there are several different formats that you may encounter. Each format has its own unique structure and requirements. Here are some of the most common types of essay formats:

• Argumentative Essay: This type of essay presents a claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning.
• Descriptive Essay: Descriptive essays focus on describing a person, place, object, or event in detail.
• Narrative Essay: Narrative essays tell a story and often include personal experiences or anecdotes.
• Expository Essay: Expository essays aim to explain and inform the reader about a specific topic.
• Persuasive Essay: Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays but focus more on convincing the reader to adopt a particular point of view.
• Compare and Contrast Essay: This type of essay analyzes the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
• Cause and Effect Essay: Cause and effect essays explore the reasons behind a particular phenomenon and its outcomes.

It’s important to understand the requirements of each essay format and tailor your writing style accordingly to effectively convey your ideas and arguments.

Exploring Common Essay Styles

When it comes to writing essays, there are several common styles that you may encounter. Understanding the different types of essays can help you determine the best approach for your writing task. Here are some of the most common essay styles that you may come across:

1. Narrative Essays: These essays tell a story or recount an event. They often include personal anecdotes and can be quite engaging for the reader.

2. Descriptive Essays: In a descriptive essay, the writer paints a vivid picture of a person, place, object, or event. These essays appeal to the reader’s senses and emotions.

3. Expository Essays: Expository essays provide information, explain a topic, or analyze a concept. They are typically objective and present facts or opinions in a logical manner.

4. Persuasive Essays: Persuasive essays are meant to convince the reader of a particular point of view or argument. They often use evidence and reasoning to support a specific position.

5. Argumentative Essays: Similar to persuasive essays, argumentative essays present a claim or thesis and support it with evidence and analysis. However, argumentative essays also address counterarguments and refute opposing viewpoints.

By familiarizing yourself with these common essay styles, you can better tailor your writing to meet the requirements of your assignment and effectively communicate your ideas to your audience.

Comparing Argumentative and Narrative Essays

When it comes to essay writing, two common types of essays are argumentative and narrative essays. While they both aim to convey a message or argument, they differ in their purpose and structure.

• Argumentative Essays: Argumentative essays are designed to persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action. These essays present a clear thesis statement and provide evidence to support the argument. They often involve research and logical reasoning to make a compelling case.
• Narrative Essays: Narrative essays, on the other hand, focus on telling a story or recounting an experience. They are often more personal and emotional, using descriptive language to engage the reader. Narrative essays may not have a thesis statement but instead focus on engaging the reader through vivid storytelling.

While argumentative essays rely on facts and evidence to support a specific viewpoint, narrative essays rely on personal experiences and storytelling to draw the reader in. It’s essential to understand the differences between these two essay formats to effectively convey your message and engage your audience.

Elements of a Well-Formatted Essay

Introduction : The introduction sets the stage for your essay, providing an overview of the topic and presenting the thesis statement.

Body Paragraphs : The body of the essay presents your arguments and evidence in support of the thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and provide clear evidence to support it.

Transitions : Transitions help to smoothly move from one idea to the next, connecting paragraphs and ensuring the essay flows logically.

Conclusion : The conclusion restates the thesis statement and summarizes the main points of the essay. It may also provide insights or recommendations based on the arguments presented.

Citations : Proper citations are essential in academic writing to give credit to the sources used and avoid plagiarism. Use the appropriate citation style required by your instructor.

Formatting : Pay attention to formatting elements such as font size, margins, spacing, and referencing style. Consistent formatting enhances readability and professionalism of your essay.

Key Components for a Strong Essay

When crafting a strong essay, there are several key components that you should consider to ensure that your writing is clear, coherent, and effective. These key components include:

1. A clear and concise thesis statement that presents the main argument or point of your essay.

2. Well-developed paragraphs that support and expand upon your thesis statement with relevant evidence and analysis.

3. Smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas to guide the reader through your essay and maintain coherence.

4. Proper organization and structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion that effectively communicate your ideas.

5. Attention to detail, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure that your writing is polished and professional.

By incorporating these key components into your essay writing, you can create a strong and compelling piece that effectively conveys your message to your audience.

Choosing the Right Format for Your Essay

When it comes to writing an essay, choosing the right format is crucial for effectively communicating your ideas and arguments. There are several different essay formats to choose from, each with its own unique structure and guidelines. Here are some tips to help you select the best format for your essay:

1. Consider your audience: Think about who will be reading your essay and what format would be most appropriate for them. For example, a formal academic essay might require a more structured format, while a personal essay could be more freeform.

2. Determine your purpose: Consider the purpose of your essay and choose a format that will best suit your goals. If you’re trying to persuade your reader, a persuasive essay format might be most effective. If you’re analyzing a topic, an analytical essay format could be more suitable.

3. Follow guidelines: If you’re writing an essay for a class or publication, make sure to follow any specific guidelines provided. This could include requirements for formatting, citation style, and overall structure.

4. Experiment and revise: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats to see what works best for your essay. Once you’ve written a draft, revise and refine your work to ensure that the format enhances your message.

By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right format for your essay and ensure that your ideas are conveyed effectively to your readers.

Considerations for Selecting Essay Styles

When selecting an essay style, consider the purpose of your essay. Are you trying to persuade, inform, or analyze? The style you choose should align with your overall goal and message.

Think about your target audience. Are you writing for a scholarly audience, a general audience, or a specific group of readers? The style of your essay should be tailored to resonate with your intended readers.

Consider the requirements of your assignment. Does your instructor specify a particular style or format to follow? Make sure to adhere to any guidelines provided to ensure you meet the expectations of the assignment.

Reflect on your own writing strengths and weaknesses. Are you more comfortable with a formal, structured style, or do you excel in a more creative, narrative format? Choose a style that plays to your strengths as a writer.

Lastly, consider the conventions of the discipline or field you are writing in. Different subjects may have specific expectations for essay styles, so make sure to research and understand the norms of your field.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

Academic Writing

• Introduction
• Writing a Draft
• Revising and Editing
• Thesis statement
• Reference list
• Transitioning Words and Phrases

Types of essays

• Writing pitfalls
• Downloadable Tip Sheets
• Feedback Form
• Co-Curricular Recognition Form
• Faculty Resources

At Sheridan, you are likely to come across four types of essays. Each essay types has different requirements and produces different outcomes. In this section, you will find descriptions of the four essay types: Expository, Argumentative or Persuasive, Reflective, and Descriptive.

Expository Essay

The purpose of an expository essay is to inform, describe, or explain a topic. It requires you to help the reader understand a topic through your own insights and ideas. Using information from credible sources, your essay should provide definitions, facts, explanations, and details about the subject. The essay may also include examples, comparison and contrast and analysis of cause and effect.

Many academic and workplace writing assignments are expository. These topics, for example, often require expository type of writing:

• A medical or biological condition.
• A social or technological process.
• A marketing strategy.
• Life or character of a famous person.

Argumentative or Persuasive Essay

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade readers on a certain point of view, opinion, or position on a topic. It requires you to identify key issues, present the common or existing arguments about the issues, evaluate evidence behind these arguments and argue why your position on the topic is more convincing or stronger than the opposing view. The subject you choose for an argumentative or persuasive essay needs to be debatable.

An argument is an evidence-based opinion supported and explained by sound, credible sources. "To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way" (Warkentin & Filipovic, 2019, p. 207). A well-thought-out argument is one that considers facts and various opinions, some of which may be opposing to each other, and analyzes strengths and weaknesses in each. An argumentative essay should not present only evidence on the position you are supporting. It is more convincing when the information presented is not biased towards a position.

Reflective Essay

This type of essay is more personal because you have to consider or "reflect" upon your own experiences and perspectives on the topic you are writing about.

Experiential reflection is commonly assigned in college courses. It involves reflecting on an experience by connecting theory and practice. For example, in an essay about a field placement experience, you may be asked to assess a theory or concept based on your observations and interactions. This type of writing is common in fields such as social work, health care, and business.

Another type of reflective writing involves examining what shapes your perspectives on an issue. The process helps you examine how your thoughts are shaped by your assumptions and environmental factors and may help you understand and appreciate the experiences of other people. Also, you may be challenged to re-examine your preconceived ideas and judgments.

Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay allows you to describe something, usually an experience, in details so that the reader can get a good impression of it. Similar to the reflective essay, this type of writing is more subjective although information or data from sources may be incorporated to provide more context and support your descriptions. This type of essays tends to be brief. For example, describe an observation in one to two paragraphs.

• Last Updated: Aug 13, 2024 11:20 AM
• URL: https://sheridancollege.libguides.com/AcademicWriting

Connect with us

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

Essay Tips: Four Types of Essay

• 3-minute read
• 25th March 2019

Every essay is different. But we can identify four common types of essay:

• Expository essays (i.e., essays that explain something)
• Descriptive essays (i.e., essays that describe something)
• Persuasive essays (i.e., essays that aim to persuade the reader)
• Narrative essays (i.e., essays that tell a story)

These are not always clear distinctions (e.g., a narrative essay may also be descriptive). Nevertheless, most essays fall into one of the categories above, and knowing the differences between them can be useful when planning your work . Read on to find out more.

1. Expository Essays

Expository essays focus on explaining something. The aim is to test how well you can communicate your understanding of a topic. This often involves comparing and contrasting two ideas, or defining something and giving an example. Expository essays are typically structured as follows:

• An introduction that sets out the subject matter, how you will answer the essay question, and any key background information.
• A series of logically connected paragraphs setting out your understanding of the subject, along with evidence to support your claims.
• A conclusion that addresses your essay question.

This type of essay is often used for shorter assignments and exams.

2. Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays are less about arguing a point and more about creating a detailed picture. The problem is that you need to create this picture with words! These essays are sometimes quite personal or creative (e.g., reflective essays often include a descriptive element). However, they should still be clearly structured and written to make them easy to follow.

Your aim should be to leave your reader with a clear idea of what you are describing. This is a very useful skill to have in any form of writing, in fact, as it will make your work more compelling.

3. Persuasive Essays

Persuasive (or argumentative ) essays are a lot like expository essays. They are often structured similarly, for example. And both types of essay ask you to answer a question via research.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

However, a persuasive essay is also about presenting a thesis and backing it up with evidence or arguments. For example, rather than just setting out and comparing two theories, for a persuasive essay, you might need to research different aspects of these theories, address them critically, and argue for one over the other. This may involve in-depth research or an experiment.

As such, persuasive essays are usually longer than expository essays. They are often used as end-of-module assignments in colleges, too.

4. Narrative Essays

Finally, narrative essays tell a story. This doesn’t mean that you have to write your essay as a short story, but it will draw on the conventions of storytelling.

In terms of content, narrative essays are usually quite personal or anecdotal, but they should also have a point (a moral to the story or a lesson that you have learned from an experience).

The language used in a narrative essay should be clear and concise, but it will also be descriptive and emotive. Using the first-person pronoun “I” is much more common in this type of essay than others, too, as you will often be writing about your own experiences.

Finally, whatever type of essay you are writing, don’t forget that having your work proofread is a great way to boost your marks.

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template (2024)

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

• Request Information

What’s the Difference Between Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning?

How do online classes work? We tapped online learning experts to explain the pros and cons of synchronous vs. asynchronous learning.

As you research the right online program for you, you may come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” You might not know what these words mean yet, but you’re probably already considering your work schedule and other responsibilities and how well each program would fit into your life. Are you able to log on and attend classes at specific times? Or is it more realistic for you to complete work each week at times that suit you best – no matter if it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m.? ​And, how do online classes even work?

Here’s what you should know: Asynchronous online learning allows students to view instructional materials each week at any time they choose and does not include a live video lecture component. On the other hand, synchronous online learning means that students are required to log in and participate in class at a specific time each week. The main difference between asynchronous learning and synchronous learning is this live instruction component occurring at a set time. We’ll describe more differences in the sections below, as well as some of the pros, cons and best practices of each style.

We tapped Ohio State experts to explain the difference between asynchronous and synchronous learning and what each style actually means when it comes to online classes.

What is asynchronous learning?

Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at any time during a one- or two-week period.

“A big benefit to asynchronous classes is, of course, the flexibility.  Asynchronous online classes mean that you don’t always need to be online at the same time as your instructor or classmates,” said Instructional Designer John Muir, who works with faculty to develop classes for  Ohio State’s online programs . “We know that students who are looking to take an entire program online are partially looking for that flexibility.”

Online asynchronous classes might include short videos teaching key concepts that you can watch over and over again, if necessary. In some classes, students can also complete homework assignments and receive immediate feedback, as opposed to waiting for instructors to grade them.

But don’t get the idea that asynchronous classes are any less rigorous than their synchronous or on-campus counterparts.

“Just like a student on campus, you should expect to be doing work one week at a time,” Muir said. “You should also expect to have contact with your instructor and classmates every week in a substantial way.”

For example, in HTHRHSC 4300: Contemporary Topics in Health and Society, a capstone course in the  B.S. in Health Sciences program , students do most of their work according to their own schedules. However, they also sort themselves into groups based on schedule and availability, meeting weekly via video conferencing to collaborate on a research project that spans the semester.

What is synchronous learning?

Synchronous learning means that although you will be learning from a distance, you will virtually attend a class session each week, at the same time as your instructor and classmates. The class is a firm, weekly time commitment that cannot be rescheduled. Much like an on-campus class, you will have readings and assignments to complete outside of class time to help prepare you to participate in the discussion. This kind of preparation from students, along with a dedicated agenda set by the instructor, ensures each class session is productive.

“A lot of careful planning and set up ahead of time makes those sessions into meaningful connections,” Muir said. “If the students can do it, and it’s thought through well by instructors, it can be a really powerful thing to add.”

Online synchronous learning doesn’t always just take the form of a live video lecture or an instructor-led discussion. Often, students will lead discussions themselves or give presentations to the rest of the class. In an online class, group work doesn’t go away, it just looks a little different. Muir explains that some instructors will pose case studies to students, who then have to negotiate an answer first as a small group and then together, as a class. Specific types of activities included in a synchronous course depend on the course and the program.

“There’s a lot of discipline-specific, really active things that go on in those sessions that aren’t just the equivalent of a recorded lecture,” Muir said. “It really is the same as doing some sort of activity in the classroom, just in a virtual setting.”

Ohio State’s  Doctor of Nursing Practice program  is one example of a program with synchronous online class requirements. One of the classes, NURSPRCT 8600: Organizational Culture, requires that students attend weekly evening class sessions using  CarmenZoom . Class discussion and interaction with the instructor occurs mainly during these meetings, with homework and readings available at any time in  CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management system .

How can I be successful in an online class?

No matter if your program is mostly asynchronous or synchronous, Muir reminds students to be deliberate with their time in order to be successful.

“In an online program, you really have to be respectful of yourself and plan your time and efforts,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in a synchronous or an asynchronous class, you need to know to block off your time to accomplish those things.”

Vivian Jones, M.Ed., academic advisor, says she often works with students who aren’t sure how synchronous or asynchronous classes will fit into their lives. To start with, knowing yourself and your own limitations is key to making decisions regarding your education.

“Remember that an online degree program itself is time-consuming,” Jones said. “Consider how you will manage a work-school-life balance. There is a lot of self-discipline involved.”

Jones said she also hears from students who fear they’ll feel disconnected or disengaged in an asynchronous, online course.

To combat feelings of isolation, Jones recommends students always reach out to their instructors and classmates and attempt to make meaningful connections.

“Respond to discussion posts and find people with similar interests to you or people doing things you don’t even know about, so you can maybe learn more about them,” she said. “Make relationships just as you would in a physical classroom.”

In an online class, student engagement needs to be more purposeful than an in-person class, where engagement may take place more naturally, but it’s crucial to ensure all students feel invested in their coursework.

“With online learning, student engagement is just different,” Jones said. “I see instructors in online classes really making an effort to make things personable and make people feel included. We’re trying to bring everyone together as one community, because online students are part of the Ohio State community.”

Recent Blog Posts

What Can You Do With an Online DNP?

Can You Really Get a Nursing Degree Online?

Spooky Places on Campus?

Get started.

Speak with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 70 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State.

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diet & Nutrition
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Types of Breast Cancer and Treatment Responsiveness

• Type-Specific Treatment
• Types and Staging
• Diagnostic Challenges

Breast cancer has many different types. Proper treatment will be determined, in part, by the kind of cancer you have.

Breast cancer can be classified as invasive or noninvasive. Types of breast cancer include invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), and Paget disease of the breast.

Subtypes of breast cancer are also based on whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors or human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) receptors.

Photo composite by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images

Types of Breast Cancer: Most to Least Common

Breasts are composed of several different types of tissue. Most breast cancers originate in glandular tissue, which includes the breast lobes, lobules, and ducts.

Breast cancer starts when the DNA (genetic material) within breast cells becomes damaged or changed, causing uncontrollable cell growth. The type of cancer you have will be determined in part by the specific cells where these changes take place.

Breast cancer can be categorized as invasive or noninvasive (in situ. meaning in the original place):

• When breast cancer is noninvasive, it means the cancer cells have remained isolated to their initial spot or origin. About 56,500 new U.S. cases of  ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)  are diagnosed yearly, in which the cancer cells have not spread from the milk ducts.
• When breast cancer is invasive, the cancer cells have spread to other areas of the breast or to areas outside of the breast. About 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed yearly in the United States.

Breast cancer can affect people of any sex, but it is higher in females. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States. It affects 1 in 726 men. Approximately 1% of all cases occur in males aged 60 to 70.

A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology

Verywell Health acknowledges that  sex and gender  are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them. Discuss your risk of breast cancer with a healthcare provider to ensure you get appropriate screenings.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

Invasive ductal carcinoma is also referred to as invasive breast cancer or as infiltrating carcinoma. IDC originates in the milk ducts of the breast. This type of cancer accounts for up to 80% (8 in 10) of all invasive breast cancers. IDC is the most common type of breast cancer diagnosed in males.

Ductal carcinoma starts out as a noninvasive, stage 0 precancer ( ductal carcinoma in situ ). Thanks to early detection, 1 in 5 new breast cancers are discovered at this early stage.

IDC originates in cells that line the milk ducts of the breast. As they grow and spread, the cancerous cells break through the duct’s wall, infiltrating nearby breast tissues. IDC can metastasize (spread) outside of the breast through the bloodstream or lymphatic system .

IDC has less common subtypes. Each accounts for under 5% of all breast cancers and include:

• Medullary carcinoma
• Mucinous carcinoma
• Papillary carcinoma
• Tubular carcinoma

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of invasive breast cancer. About 10% to 15% of all invasive breast cancers are of this type.

TNBC cancer cells do not have receptors for estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR). These cells don’t manufacture significant amounts of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, a type of protein. Because these cells are “negative” for all three of these markers, cancers that originate in them are referred to as triple-negative.

Triple-negative breast cancer is more challenging to treat due to its faster growth and fewer treatment options.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Invasive lobular carcinoma accounts for around 10% (1 in 10) of all invasive breast cancers.

ILC originates in the cells found in breast lobules. Lobules are breast glands that manufacture milk during pregnancy and lactation. It is estimated that around 1 in 5 females diagnosed with ILC have cancer in both breasts.

Like ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma may be diagnosed as a precancer in stage 0. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) does not spread outside of the lobules, but it does increase your risk of getting breast cancer in either breast.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. IBC accounts for 1% to 5% of all breast cancers.

IBC is technically a form of invasive ductal carcinoma. However, its symptoms and outlook are different. It also requires different types of treatment.

IBC is caused by cancer cells that block lymph vessels. The blockage stops the drainage of lymph fluid from out of the breast. The result is inflammation in the breast and symptoms that mimic an infection, like swelling, a rash, and pitted skin. The discoloration of the rash may be red, purple, or dark.

Paget's Disease of the Breast

Paget's disease of the breast can affect people of any sex but is more common in females. It's associated with 1% to 4% of all breast cancer cases.

This condition affects the skin of the nipple and the areola (skin surrounding the nipple). People with Paget's typically have breast tumors caused by invasive ductal carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ.

It is unclear whether this condition is generated independently or if the cancerous cells in ductal carcinoma tumors travel through the milk ducts to the nipple and areola.

Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast

Phyllodes tumors account for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. The cells in phyllodes tumors grow in a leaflike pattern. This type of breast cancer originates in the breast's connective tissue (stroma).

Angiosarcoma of the Breast

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a very rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for 0.1% to 0.2% of all cases. It originates in lymph vessels or in the cells that line blood vessels. Angiosarcoma of the breast can start in the breast and the skin of the arm.

The two types are:

• Primary angiosarcoma , which affects people who have never had breast cancer
• Secondary angiosarcoma , which results from earlier radiation treatment for breast cancer

Breast Cancer Subtypes in Females

Breast cancer types may also be grouped into hormone receptor (HR) status. This helps your cancer team better determine the types of treatments needed.

Breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive, sometimes appearing as HR+) are tumor cells that contain receptors for estrogen or progesterone. Both of these hormones may escalate hormone HR-positive tumor growth.

While HER2 refers to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, HER2-positive breast cancer tumor cells manufacture the HER2/neu protein. The presence of this protein is associated with some forms of aggressive breast cancer.

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, an immunohistochemistry test will be done to determine if the cancer cells contain estrogen and progesterone receptors.

These are the HR breast cancer subtypes, ranked from most common to least common:

• HR-positive/HER2-negative accounts for around 70% of all female breast cancers
• HR-negative/HER2-negative accounts for around 11% of all female breast cancers
• HR-positive/HER2-positive accounts for around 10% of all female breast cancers
• HR-negative/HER2-positive accounts for around 4% of all female breast cancers
• Around 6% of female breast cancers have unknown HR status.

How Treatment Changes Based on Breast Cancer Types

The type of cancer and its stage will determine the kinds of treatments recommended. The goal of treatment may be cure or remission.

Some treatments are used for multiple types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and invasive lobular carcinoma. Several treatments may be used together. They include:

• Surgery to remove breast cancer : Surgical options include mastectomy and lumpectomy . The lymph nodes nearest the breast may also be removed. People who opt for lumpectomy typically also receive radiation treatment. Surgery is typically used as a first-line treatment for many forms of breast cancer, including Paget's disease of the breast.
• Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy may be used prior to surgery to shrink cancer tumors. It may also be used after surgery to ensure the destruction of leftover cancer cells. Metastatic breast cancer (breast cancer that has spread outside of the breast), including inflammatory breast cancer, is routinely treated with chemo.
• Radiation : Radiation may be used after lumpectomy or mastectomy. It may also be used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Hormone therapy (endocrine therapy) : If the type of cancer you have is HR+, hormone therapy may be used. Two out of every three breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. Hormone therapy drugs attack cancer cells in different ways. Some block estrogen from connecting to cancer cells. Others lower estrogen levels in the body.
• Targeted drug therapy : Targeted therapies may be used for several types of breast cancer, including HER2-negative and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. A number of different medications fall under this umbrella, including monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors. Targeted therapy is sometimes combined with chemotherapy to treat inflammatory breast cancer.
• Immunotherapy : Immunotherapy drugs are used to treat early-stage or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and other types of breast cancer that have metastasized. This treatment works by strengthening the immune system to fight off cancer cells. It is typically done in conjunction with other treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy.

Breast Cancer Types and Staging

Breast cancer stages range from 0 to 4. The stage of cancer at diagnosis greatly influences treatment.

The assignment of stage for breast cancer is complex and includes these factors:

• Tumor size and extent of the cancer
• Spread to lymph node(s)
• Spread to distant sites (metastasis)
• Estrogen receptor (ER) status
• Progesterone receptor (PR) status
• HER2 status
• Cancer grade (how much it looks like normal cells)
• Oncotype DX score (genetic testing)

The American Cancer Society recommends you discuss the cancer stage assigned with your healthcare provider. Different combinations of factors can result in the same stage, and this can mean different treatments are recommended.

Diagnostic Challenges in Certain Types of Breast Cancer

Mammograms (a procedure that x-rays the breast) are the best line of defense for diagnosing breast cancer early. It can be harder to interpret a mammogram of dense breasts , in which there is more fibrous tissue and less fat. Additional screening tests, such as an ultrasound, may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

Some forms of breast cancer, such as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), may be harder to diagnose than more common types. IBC is sometimes misdiagnosed because its symptoms mimic mastitis or other types of breast infections. A missed diagnosis can give the cancer time to spread.

The most common type of breast cancer in people of any sex is invasive ductal carcinoma. Other types include invasive lobular carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, and Paget's disease of the breast. Breast cancer is also categorized by its hormone receptor and HER2 status.

If you or a loved one is newly diagnosed, this may be confusing and feel overwhelming. However, breaking down breast cancer types by category helps to ensure that the treatments recommended to you are the most effective ones possible.

American Cancer Society. Key statistics for breast cancer .

American Cancer Society. Key statistics for breast cancer in men .

American Breast Cancer Foundation. Guide to breast cancer .

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Breast cancer facts and stats .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. About breast cancer in men .

American Cancer Society. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) .

American Cancer Society. Invasive breast cancer (IDC/ILC) .

American Cancer Society. Triple-negative breast cancer .

National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer anatomy and how breast cancer starts .

American Cancer Society.  Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) .

American Cancer Society. Inflammatory breast cancer .

MD Anderson Cancer Center. What does an early inflammatory breast cancer rash look like?

National Cancer Institute. Paget disease of the breast .

Breastcancer.org. Cancerous phyllodes tumors of the breast .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Angiosarcoma of the breast.

National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Cancer stat facts: female breast cancer subtypes .

American Cancer Society. Surgery for breast cancer .

American Cancer Society. Paget disease of the breast .

American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy for breast cancer.

American Cancer Society. Hormone therapy for breast cancer .

American Cancer Society. Treatment of inflammatory breast cancer .

MD Anderson Cancer Center. Does immunotherapy treat breast cancer?

American Cancer Society.  Breast cancer stages .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About mammograms .

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Mammography and other screening tests for breast problems .

By Corey Whelan Whelan is a health and wellness freelance writer and patient advocate specializing in cancer and infertility content.

Academic Editing and Proofreading

• Tips to Self-Edit Your Dissertation
• Guide to Essay Editing: Methods, Tips, & Examples
• Journal Article Proofreading: Process, Cost, & Checklist
• The A–Z of Dissertation Editing: Standard Rates & Involved Steps
• Research Paper Editing | Guide to a Perfect Research Paper
• Dissertation Proofreading | Definition & Standard Rates
• Thesis Proofreading | Definition, Importance & Standard Pricing
• Research Paper Proofreading | Definition, Significance & Standard Rates
• Essay Proofreading | Options, Cost & Checklist
• Top 10 Paper Editing Services of 2024 (Costs & Features)
• Top 10 Essay Checkers in 2024 (Free & Paid)
• Top 10 AI Proofreaders to Perfect Your Writing in 2024
• Top 10 English Correctors to Perfect Your Text in 2024
• Top 10 Essay Editing Services of 2024
• 10 Advanced AI Text Editors to Transform Writing in 2024

Academic Research

• Research Paper Outline: Templates & Examples
• How to Write a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Write a Lab Report: Examples from Academic Editors
• Research Methodology Guide: Writing Tips, Types, & Examples
• The 10 Best Essential Resources for Academic Research
• 100+ Useful ChatGPT Prompts for Thesis Writing in 2024
• Best ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing (100+ Prompts!)
• Sampling Methods Guide: Types, Strategies, and Examples
• Independent vs. Dependent Variables | Meaning & Examples

Academic Writing & Publishing

• Difference Between Paper Editing and Peer Review
• What are the different types of peer review?
• How to deal with rejection from a journal?
• Editing and Proofreading Academic Papers: A Short Guide
• How to Carry Out Secondary Research
• The Results Section of a Dissertation
• Checklist: Is my Article Ready for Submitting to Journals?
• Types of Research Articles to Boost Your Research Profile
• 8 Types of Peer Review Processes You Should Know
• The Ethics of Academic Research
• How does LaTeX based proofreading work?
• How to Improve Your Scientific Writing: A Short Guide
• Chicago Title, Cover Page & Body | Paper Format Guidelines
• How to Write a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips
• Chicago Style Citation: Quick Guide & Examples
• The A-Z Of Publishing Your Article in A Journal
• What is Journal Article Editing? 3 Reasons You Need It
• 5 Powerful Personal Statement Examples (Template Included)
• Complete Guide to MLA Format (9th Edition)
• How to Cite a Book in APA Style | Format & Examples
• How to Start a Research Paper | Step-by-step Guide
• APA Citations Made Easy with Our Concise Guide for 2024
• A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Formatting Style (7th Edition)
• Top 10 Online Dissertation Editing Services of 2024
• Academic Writing in 2024: 5 Key Dos & Don’ts + Examples
• What Are the Standard Book Sizes for Publishing Your Book?
• MLA Works Cited Page: Quick Tips & Examples
• 2024’s Top 10 Thesis Statement Generators (Free Included!)
• Top 10 Title Page Generators for Students in 2024
• What Is an Open Access Journal? 10 Myths Busted!
• Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Definition, Types & Examples
• How To Write a College Admissions Essay That Stands Out
• How to Write a Dissertation & Thesis Conclusion (+ Examples)
• APA Journal Citation: 7 Types, In-Text Rules, & Examples
• What Is Predatory Publishing and How to Avoid It!
• What Is Plagiarism? Meaning, Types & Examples
• How to Write a Strong Dissertation & Thesis Introduction
• How to Cite a Book in MLA Format (9th Edition)
• How to Cite a Website in MLA Format | 9th Edition Rules
• 10 Best AI Conclusion Generators (Features & Pricing)
• Top 10 Academic Editing Services of 2024 [with Pricing]
• 100+ Writing Prompts for College Students (10+ Categories!)
• Additional Resources
• Plagiarism: How to avoid it in your thesis?
• Final Submission Checklist | Dissertation & Thesis
• 7 Useful MS Word Formatting Tips for Dissertation Writing
• How to Write a MEAL Paragraph: Writing Plan Explained in Detail
• Em Dash vs. En Dash vs. Hyphen: When to Use Which
• The 10 Best Citation Generators in 2024 | Free & Paid Plans!
• 2024’s Top 10 Self-Help Books for Better Living
• The 10 Best Free Character and Word Counters of 2024
• Know Everything About How to Make an Audiobook
• Citation and Referencing
• Citing References: APA, MLA, and Chicago
• How to Cite Sources in the MLA Format
• MLA Citation Examples: Cite Essays, Websites, Movies & More
• Citations and References: What Are They and Why They Matter
• APA Headings & Subheadings | Formatting Guidelines & Examples
• Formatting an APA Reference Page | Template & Examples
• Research Paper Format: APA, MLA, & Chicago Style
• How to Create an MLA Title Page | Format, Steps, & Examples
• How to Create an MLA Header | Format Guidelines & Examples
• MLA Annotated Bibliography | Guidelines and Examples
• APA Website Citation (7th Edition) Guide | Format & Examples
• APA Citation Examples: The Bible, TED Talk, PPT & More
• APA Header Format: 5 Steps & Running Head Examples
• APA Title Page Format Simplified | Examples + Free Template
• How to Write an Abstract in MLA Format: Tips & Examples
• 10 Best Free Plagiarism Checkers of 2024 [100% Free Tools]
• 5 Reasons to Cite Your Sources Properly | Avoid Plagiarism!
• Dissertation Writing Guide
• Writing a Dissertation Proposal
• The Acknowledgments Section of a Dissertation
• The Table of Contents Page of a Dissertation
• The Introduction Chapter of a Dissertation
• The Literature Review of a Dissertation
• The Only Dissertation Toolkit You’ll Ever Need!
• 5 Thesis Writing Tips for Master Procrastinators
• How to Write a Dissertation | 5 Tips from Academic Editors
• The 5 Things to Look for in a Dissertation Editing Service
• Top 10 Dissertation Editing & Proofreading Services
• Why is it important to add references to your thesis?
• Thesis Editing | Definition, Scope & Standard Rates
• Expert Formatting Tips on MS Word for Dissertations
• A 7-Step Guide on How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
• 350 Best Dissertation Topic Ideas for All Streams in 2024
• A Guide on How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper
• Dissertation Defense: What to Expect and How to Prepare
• Creating a Dissertation Title Page (Examples & Templates)
• Essay Writing Guide
• Essential Research Tips for Essay Writing
• What Is a Mind Map? Free Mind Map Templates & Examples
• How to Write an Essay Outline: 5 Examples & Free Template
• How to Write an Essay Header: MLA and APA Essay Headers
• What Is an Essay? Structure, Parts, and Types
• How to Write an Essay in 8 Simple Steps (Examples Included)
• 8 Types of Essays | Quick Summary with Examples
• Expository Essays | Step-by-Step Manual with Examples
• Narrative Essay | Step-by-Step Guide with Examples
• How to Write an Argumentative Essay (Examples Included)
• Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
• How to Start an Essay: 4 Introduction Paragraph Examples
• How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay (Examples Included!)
• How to Write an Impactful Personal Statement (Examples Included)
• Literary Analysis Essay: 5 Steps to a Perfect Assignment
• Compare and Contrast Essay | Quick Guide with Examples
• Top AI Essay Writers in 2024: 10 Must-Haves
• 100 Best College Essay Topics & How to Pick the Perfect One!
• College Essay Format: Tips, Examples, and Free Template
• Structure of an Essay: 5 Tips to Write an Outstanding Essay
• 10 Best AI Essay Outline Generators of 2024
• The Best Essay Graders of 2024 That You Can Use for Free!

Top 10 Free Essay Writing Tools for Students in 2024

Still have questions? Leave a comment

Add Comment

Checklist: Dissertation Proposal

Enter your email id to get the downloadable right in your inbox!

Examples: Edited Papers

Need editing and proofreading services.

• Tags: Academic Writing , Essay

Writing an essay seems less challenging once all relevant sources and ideas are in place. Several essay writing apps can help you generate an outline for essays. Moreover, you can use these apps to write your essay. In this article, we have listed the top ten essay writing tools that can help you improve your essay and get good grades.

When discussing essay writing apps, we mean essay writing and editing tools that improve your work, not apps that provide readymade essays. Many of the free essay writing tools available online are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). We do not encourage copying essays as that can bring about unsavory results. 

So, none of the tools that have made it to our list of top ten essay writing tools will help you cheat. They will, of course, help improve your essay to make it your best work. So, if you’re looking for a list of the best essay-writing tools, read on for detailed information.

Get an A+ with our essay editing services! Learn more

Top ten essay writing tools

Our top ten essay writing tools are a diverse list. They help you in various essay writing tasks such as planning your essay, writing it, improving it, and getting feedback when it’s complete. Here are the top 10 essay writing tools in 2024, including the best AI essay writing tools:

1. MyEssayWriter.ai

This is an AI-powered essay writing assistant designed for students. It provides personalized essays tailored to students’ specific topics and needs. As part of free services, the tool offers artificial intelligence-based essay outliners and writers. 

If you want a custom essay, you can place an order, and an expert will draft your essay for a fee. The rates depend on the academic level, urgency, and word count a student requires.

A high-school-level essay of 300 words returned within 7 days costs around $22. 

2. EssayService.ai

This is a user-friendly platform that offers various tools to improve essay quality. It includes real-time grammar and structure feedback and tone and style adjustments. It gives multiple essay generation options, with a free essay grader for students to have their essays checked.

The platform also offers a paid essay writing service, where you can calculate the charges by inputting information like essay type, number of words, and deadline, among others. 

A high-school-level essay of 300 words returned within 7 days costs around $22.

This is an AI writing tool offering various content formats, including essays. It allows users to choose topics, outlines, and writing styles for AI-generated essays. You can also brainstorm ideas and generate essay outlines. 

This tool helps you overcome writer’s block in the early stages of essay writing. All you need to do is create an account on the platform and start writing. 

The free version allows you to generate up to 10,000 words, while you can generate unlimited content for $7.5 per month as part of the “Unlimited” plan.

4. Writesonic

This is a content-creation tool, but it offers essay-writing features as well. It can generate essay outlines, introductions, and body paragraphs based on your input. The platform states that it provides plagiarism-free content. 

Writesonic can speed up the initial essay writing process and offer a basic structure for your essays. If you use this college essay writing tool judiciously, you can generate excellent essays that can get you the score you want. 

Chatsonic, which costs $12 per month if billed annually, offers a chat option with features similar to ChatGPT. 

5. Grammarly  

Grammarly is one of the best essay editing tools, offering users a choice between American and British English. Its AI helps you fix problems with spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style, enabling you to write better essays.

The free version highlights basic grammar mistakes while the paid version optimizes your use of language. This means that it flags things like repetitive phrases, vague wording, and excessive use of words.

Grammarly is available as both a download for MS Word and as a Chrome extension for Google Docs or other online formats.

Grammarly Premium costs $12 per month when billed annually. 

A powerful AI language model, ChatGPT can help you draft essays with a few clicks. It can generate essays based on prompts and instructions for various topics. ChatGPT can also help you create essay outlines and arguments.

This is an ideal tool for brainstorming and exploring different writing styles. However, it is crucial to verify the content it generates to ensure factual inaccuracies do not go unnoticed.

ChatGPT Plus costs $20 per month with access to multiple versions of the platform.

7. Jasper.ai  

Jasper.ai is an AI writing assistant with features for creating various content formats, including essays. The copywriting tool allows users to write essays of all types, tailoring them to suit varied target audiences and writing tones. 

Since it offers long-form content generation with plagiarism checks , you can generate content of a certain depth. However, we recommend essay checking and editing to ensure quality.

Jasper’s “Creator” plan costs $39 per month for one-person access.

8. CollegeEssay.org

CollegeEssay.org offers an AI-powered essay writing tool designed to simplify the essay writing process for students. This tool uses advanced AI algorithms to generate free essays. It also offers grammar and plagiarism checks, in addition to a content paraphrasing tool . 

The platform also gives you the choice to order custom essays as part of paid essay writing services. However, free AI essay writing tools should do the job well if you are a student. 

A high-school-level essay of 300 words (considered one page) costs $11.

9. MyPerfectWords

This is an essay writing service with grammar and plagiarism checks, where you need to key in the topic and the relevant prompt. The essay writer then refers to multiple resources to write an essay using AI. 

Its citation tool can seamlessly integrate references relevant to your essay to ensure zero attribution issues.

It’s certainly a great tool for any essay writer!

Merlin brings users a comprehensive suite of writing tools, including essay writing. The tool asks you to specify the word count and academic level of the topic at hand, along with the essay-writing approach you wish to take. 

You can also review the generated content and modify the prompt/s to get different results. The platform shares pointers with users on how to ensure the integrity and accuracy of their content. 

Merlin’s free plan is quite beneficial for students since they allow 102 queries per day, and this limit resets every 24 hours. If you are interested in a paid plan, they offer the “Pro (Unlimited)” at a discounted price of $19 per month. The standard price without discount is $29.

Can writing tools help improve your essay?

Well, the short answer is that these tools certainly help. However, automated software might not always understand writing like human beings do. Hence, a human editor overseeing the job AI tools do can introduce more reliability to the essay writing process. This is because there’s no replacement for thorough research, critical thinking, and effective essay editing.

While you can use free AI tools to write your essay, seek essay editing and proofreading services offered by a company like PaperTrue. Once you’re done with your essay, just send it over to us for feedback before your submission deadline.

Want to keep reading? Here are the newest articles we’ve worked on:

• How to Write an Essay Outline
• Tips on How to Structure an Essay
• How to Write an Essay Header
• How to Format a College Essay
• How to Write an Expository Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i choose the right essay-writing tool, how can i avoid plagiarism when using essay writing tools, are there any potential disadvantages of using essay writing tools.

Found this article helpful?

One comment on “ Top 10 Free Essay Writing Tools for Students in 2024 ”

Thank you for sharing this valuable list of essay writing tools. I appreciate the focus on ethical writing practices and self-improvement. Thank you for the insightful post!

Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Your vs. You’re: When to Use Your and You’re

Your organization needs a technical editor: here’s why, your guide to the best ebook readers in 2024, writing for the web: 7 expert tips for web content writing.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get carefully curated resources about writing, editing, and publishing in the comfort of your inbox.

How to Copyright Your Book?

If you’ve thought about copyrighting your book, you’re on the right path.

© 2024 All rights reserved

• Terms of service
• Privacy policy
• Self Publishing Guide
• Pre-Publishing Steps
• Fiction Writing Tips
• Traditional Publishing
• Academic Writing and Publishing
• Partner with us
• Annual report
• Website content
• Marketing material
• Job Applicant
• Cover letter
• Resource Center
• Case studies

New developments in renewable energy are making headlines and inspiring hope in communities worldwide, from a remote Arctic village working to harness solar and wind power under challenging conditions to a U.S. Air Force base planning an advanced, utility-scale geothermal power system.

As much of the world grapples with mitigating the effects of climate change and global warming, innovation and advancements in renewable energy have emerged as a bright spot. Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy and biomass energy generation is better for the planet than the burning of fossil fuels including oil, natural gas and coal.

But for all of the advantages of renewable energy, its development and use has disadvantages, too. Let’s take a look at both.

The advantages of renewable energy power sources are wide-ranging, and some are more obvious than others.

Inexhaustible supply

One of the main benefits of renewable energy sources like the sun, wind and water is that they will never run out. In contrast, non-renewable resources are not only finite, but cost more as their availability declines and require more extreme extraction methods with greater environmental impacts.

Carbon-free energy generation

The goal of the clean energy transition is decarbonization . Carbon dioxide emissions reached 11.2 gigatonnes (Gt) in 2022 from oil alone, whereas renewable energy generation emits little to no carbon emissions to power homes, cars and businesses.

A cleaner, healthier environment

The burning of fossil fuels, like coal, releases airborne pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, while the mining of these resources can result in water pollution and damage animal habitats. Using renewable energy in place of fossil fuels can reduce these pollutants and help mitigate risks to human health and natural environments.

Energy independence

Renewable energy provides for stronger energy security by opening up new opportunities for domestic energy production, thereby reducing reliance on foreign-sourced energy supply. For example, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European countries have sought to reduce their imports of Russian oil and gas. In 2023, domestic renewable energy production in Europe rose to account for a record 44% of the EU’s electricity mix while imports from Russia declined, helping build a more stable, resilient power grid.

Less maintenance

For certain types of renewable energy sources, the maintenance and maintenance costs of their infrastructure are minimal. Solar photovoltaic systems, for example, generally don’t have moving parts and can last 25 years or more with little maintenance. Hydroelectric power plants typically have low operating costs and require little maintenance as well, with long-lasting equipment that can remain in operation for decades.

Affordable energy

When it comes to costs, renewable energy sources once compared unfavorably to fossil fuels. But as fossil fuel prices rise renewable energy has emerged as an affordable alternative energy option. An estimated 96% of new utility-scale solar and wind power projects had lower generation costs than new coal and natural gas plants. As more renewable energy resources are integrated into power grids, businesses are also implementing energy management programs to optimize energy usage and reduce overall energy costs.

Job creation

While both clean energy and fossil fuel industries have seen job growth in recent years, growth has been markedly faster in the former. As a result, clean energy roles now account for more than half of the 67 million jobs in the global energy sector. Such growth is fueling demand for additional workers and retraining for existing fossil fuel workers to transition to the renewable energy industry.

For all the celebrated benefits of renewable energy, the sector has some downsides as well. Understanding the disadvantages of renewable energy can help organizations better plan its deployment. Here are some of the cons of renewable energy projects today:

High upfront costs

Shifting to renewable energy technologies saves money in the long run but component costs and initial costs for set-up can be expensive. For example, small businesses can expect to pay USD 100,000 or more for commercial solar installations, depending on their energy needs. However, legislation for incentives, tax credits and various rebates can help offset these costs.

Location and landmass requirements

Most renewable energy power generation is location dependent—solar farms require unobstructed sunlight, hydropower requires water movement, wind farms require open spaces and traditional geothermal power requires proximity to sources of hot water. In many cases, renewable energy systems require a lot of space—more than traditional power stations. Research conducted by the ICF Climate Center found that large-scale renewable energy installations require 10 times more land than coal- and natural gas-fired power plants.

Production volatility

Renewable electricity generation is vulnerable to weather conditions: solar power is susceptible to cloudy days, hydropower to droughts and wind power to calm days. As such, guaranteeing the amount of energy produced at any given time is a challenge. To help companies adapt to this volatility, solutions like the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite use sensors, geospatial data , advanced analytics, machine learning , artificial intelligence (AI) and weather data to generate day-ahead wind and solar forecasts .

Storage requirements

Due to the intermittent nature of renewable power, batteries are required to collect energy during peak production periods for distribution in a controlled, consistent manner during periods of low- to non-production. Energy storage systems to support utility-scale applications are costly but technology is being developed to support more affordable long-term storage.

Supply chain limitations

Supply chain hurdles are hindering the installation of renewable energy projects. According to a report by McKinsey, project developers face three main challenges : access to raw materials and rare earth metals amid a projected shortage; access to the talent and machinery necessary; and little supplier diversification for critical components. For example, in the case of polysilicon, a material used in solar panels, 79% of global capacity is concentrated in China, making the solar PV industry vulnerable to disruptions in that country.

Carbon footprint and waste

Although solar and wind power emit no harmful emissions during power generation, the manufacturing, installation and transportation of renewable energy equipment does often produce greenhouse gas emissions . Additionally, waste products are created during asset production process and disposal, with wind turbine blades and solar panels taking up space in landfills.

Businesses in the renewable energy industry or interested in sourcing renewable power can proactively monitor renewable energy trends with the right tools. The IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite uses historical energy generation data, weather data and more to generate high-accuracy energy forecasts for wind and solar assets to inform key decision-making at the enterprise level.

Try the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite for free

Book a live demo

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Example of a great essay | Explanations, tips & tricks

Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks

Published on February 9, 2015 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

This example guides you through the structure of an essay. It shows how to build an effective introduction , focused paragraphs , clear transitions between ideas, and a strong conclusion .

Each paragraph addresses a single central point, introduced by a topic sentence , and each point is directly related to the thesis statement .

As you read, hover over the highlighted parts to learn what they do and why they work.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay, an appeal to the senses: the development of the braille system in nineteenth-century france.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

In France, debates about how to deal with disability led to the adoption of different strategies over time. While people with temporary difficulties were able to access public welfare, the most common response to people with long-term disabilities, such as hearing or vision loss, was to group them together in institutions (Tombs, 1996). At first, a joint institute for the blind and deaf was created, and although the partnership was motivated more by financial considerations than by the well-being of the residents, the institute aimed to help people develop skills valuable to society (Weygand, 2009). Eventually blind institutions were separated from deaf institutions, and the focus shifted towards education of the blind, as was the case for the Royal Institute for Blind Youth, which Louis Braille attended (Jimenez et al, 2009). The growing acknowledgement of the uniqueness of different disabilities led to more targeted education strategies, fostering an environment in which the benefits of a specifically blind education could be more widely recognized.

Several different systems of tactile reading can be seen as forerunners to the method Louis Braille developed, but these systems were all developed based on the sighted system. The Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris taught the students to read embossed roman letters, a method created by the school’s founder, Valentin Hauy (Jimenez et al., 2009). Reading this way proved to be a rather arduous task, as the letters were difficult to distinguish by touch. The embossed letter method was based on the reading system of sighted people, with minimal adaptation for those with vision loss. As a result, this method did not gain significant success among blind students.

Louis Braille was bound to be influenced by his school’s founder, but the most influential pre-Braille tactile reading system was Charles Barbier’s night writing. A soldier in Napoleon’s army, Barbier developed a system in 1819 that used 12 dots with a five line musical staff (Kersten, 1997). His intention was to develop a system that would allow the military to communicate at night without the need for light (Herron, 2009). The code developed by Barbier was phonetic (Jimenez et al., 2009); in other words, the code was designed for sighted people and was based on the sounds of words, not on an actual alphabet. Barbier discovered that variants of raised dots within a square were the easiest method of reading by touch (Jimenez et al., 2009). This system proved effective for the transmission of short messages between military personnel, but the symbols were too large for the fingertip, greatly reducing the speed at which a message could be read (Herron, 2009). For this reason, it was unsuitable for daily use and was not widely adopted in the blind community.

Nevertheless, Barbier’s military dot system was more efficient than Hauy’s embossed letters, and it provided the framework within which Louis Braille developed his method. Barbier’s system, with its dashes and dots, could form over 4000 combinations (Jimenez et al., 2009). Compared to the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet, this was an absurdly high number. Braille kept the raised dot form, but developed a more manageable system that would reflect the sighted alphabet. He replaced Barbier’s dashes and dots with just six dots in a rectangular configuration (Jimenez et al., 2009). The result was that the blind population in France had a tactile reading system using dots (like Barbier’s) that was based on the structure of the sighted alphabet (like Hauy’s); crucially, this system was the first developed specifically for the purposes of the blind.

While the Braille system gained immediate popularity with the blind students at the Institute in Paris, it had to gain acceptance among the sighted before its adoption throughout France. This support was necessary because sighted teachers and leaders had ultimate control over the propagation of Braille resources. Many of the teachers at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth resisted learning Braille’s system because they found the tactile method of reading difficult to learn (Bullock & Galst, 2009). This resistance was symptomatic of the prevalent attitude that the blind population had to adapt to the sighted world rather than develop their own tools and methods. Over time, however, with the increasing impetus to make social contribution possible for all, teachers began to appreciate the usefulness of Braille’s system (Bullock & Galst, 2009), realizing that access to reading could help improve the productivity and integration of people with vision loss. It took approximately 30 years, but the French government eventually approved the Braille system, and it was established throughout the country (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

Although Blind people remained marginalized throughout the nineteenth century, the Braille system granted them growing opportunities for social participation. Most obviously, Braille allowed people with vision loss to read the same alphabet used by sighted people (Bullock & Galst, 2009), allowing them to participate in certain cultural experiences previously unavailable to them. Written works, such as books and poetry, had previously been inaccessible to the blind population without the aid of a reader, limiting their autonomy. As books began to be distributed in Braille, this barrier was reduced, enabling people with vision loss to access information autonomously. The closing of the gap between the abilities of blind and the sighted contributed to a gradual shift in blind people’s status, lessening the cultural perception of the blind as essentially different and facilitating greater social integration.

The Braille system also had important cultural effects beyond the sphere of written culture. Its invention later led to the development of a music notation system for the blind, although Louis Braille did not develop this system himself (Jimenez, et al., 2009). This development helped remove a cultural obstacle that had been introduced by the popularization of written musical notation in the early 1500s. While music had previously been an arena in which the blind could participate on equal footing, the transition from memory-based performance to notation-based performance meant that blind musicians were no longer able to compete with sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997). As a result, a tactile musical notation system became necessary for professional equality between blind and sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997).

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Bullock, J. D., & Galst, J. M. (2009). The Story of Louis Braille. Archives of Ophthalmology , 127(11), 1532. https://​doi.org/10.1001/​archophthalmol.2009.286.

Herron, M. (2009, May 6). Blind visionary. Retrieved from https://​eandt.theiet.org/​content/​articles/2009/05/​blind-visionary/.

Jiménez, J., Olea, J., Torres, J., Alonso, I., Harder, D., & Fischer, K. (2009). Biography of Louis Braille and Invention of the Braille Alphabet. Survey of Ophthalmology , 54(1), 142–149. https://​doi.org/10.1016/​j.survophthal.2008.10.006.

Kersten, F.G. (1997). The history and development of Braille music methodology. The Bulletin of Historical Research in Music Education , 18(2). Retrieved from https://​www.jstor.org/​stable/40214926.

Mellor, C.M. (2006). Louis Braille: A touch of genius . Boston: National Braille Press.

Tombs, R. (1996). France: 1814-1914 . London: Pearson Education Ltd.

Weygand, Z. (2009). The blind in French society from the Middle Ages to the century of Louis Braille . Stanford: Stanford University Press.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Bryson, S. (2023, July 23). Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks. Scribbr. Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/example-essay-structure/

Is this article helpful?

Shane Bryson

Shane finished his master's degree in English literature in 2013 and has been working as a writing tutor and editor since 2009. He began proofreading and editing essays with Scribbr in early summer, 2014.

Other students also liked

How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts