Students may find that it is a challenge to write an essay because they do not completely understand the structure or format of the essay. An essay conveys opinions or facts that you wish to share with readers. There are at least ten basic types of essays in academic writing.

These types of essays include:

–         Descriptive essays

–         Definition essays

–         Compare-and-contrast essays

–         Narrative essays

–         Process essays

–         Argumentative essays

–         Critical essays

–         Expository essays

–         Persuasive essays

Descriptive Essays

          Descriptive Essays describe details relating to a given subject or topic. In addition, it can be written about any object and the features of the object. The descriptive essay requires that the writer describes the way the object looks, smells, or works, and can be compared with a detailed overview of the things that you are writing about. Details are important.

Definition Essays

Definition essay focuses on defining various subjects or topics. In other words, this type of essay gives an in-depth explanation of an idea that surpasses that of the dictionary definition. One can delve into the subject for a deeper understanding of what it is and the perception of others on the subject.

Compare and contrast essays

Compare and contrast essays assess the similarities and differences between two objects, ideas, things or so. Within this framework, the writer will provide deeper ideas that show sound knowledge of the topics and subjects. This will show the readers that you are knowledgeable in both subjects.

Cause and effect essays

Cause and effect essays focus on the sequence of events and the result of such occurrences. The writer explores both the causes and effects and comes to a logical connection between the reasons for a specific event.

Narrative essays

Narrative essays tell a story about the events in a person’s life. There is no structured tone to this essay as it may contain humor, festivity, sadness, nostalgia, or any form of emotion. With this essay, you can express a personal attitude towards the events that affect you, the people you encounter, or the people you liked or dislike. The content of the narrative essay depends on the writer. It can be written in the 1st person and uses “I” or it can be written from an objective perspective.

Process essay

The process essay is like the cause-and-effect essay in that it requires a similar level of understanding of the subject and the way that the subject works. The writer explains how to do something or how something works by giving a step-by-step explanation. There are three key steps to a process essay:

1. present the essential steps in the process,
2. explain the steps in detail, and
3. present the steps in chronological or logical order.

Argumentative essays

Argumentative essays will persuade the reader of your views. You must use firm and concise language with proven facts, and clear and accurate illustrations that will substantiate your ideas. Additionally, there is no room for uncertainty and mistakes in this essay. Therefore, you must be able to counter opposing ideas.

Critical thinking essays

Critical thinking essays focus on the weak and strong features of a given topic.  The focus of these papers centers on the way something is done or written. In other words, a critical thinking essay analyses an issue and reflects on it to develop an action plan. Unlike other essay types, this essay starts with a question instead of a thesis. It helps you develop a broader perspective on a specific issue.

Expository essay

An expository essay requires research and your own experiences. This type of essay allows you to develop your skills in organizing and researching so that you can estimate the subject from your viewpoint. Most importantly, your opinion forms the framework for your essay.

Persuasive essays

Persuasive essays are the opposite of argumentative essays. It aims to change the point of view of the readers to that of the writer. One could say that this type of essay is more difficult to develop as it requires a wider understanding of the subject and requires additional work when being critical of the views of other writers. In essence, the persuasive essay deals with relevant topics that are associated with events that affect the present.