There are lots of essay types which we will now examine one after the other.
Expository Essays
The expository essay is a type of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, check evidence, expand on the idea, and present the idea in a clear and concise manner.
This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc. Expository writing may include elements of narration, description and argumentation, but unlike creative writing or persuasive. Its primary goal is to deliver information about an issue, subject, method or idea.
The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following:
A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay
Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body and conclusion: a good flow of ideas.
Body paragraphs that include evidential support
Evidential support (whether factual, logical, societal, a bit of creativity.)
Conclusions that do not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided and leave an impression in the mind of the reader. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion.
The five-paragraph essay
A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however by no means the only for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is, in fact, the method consists of:
- An introductory paragraph
- Three evidentiary body paragraphs
- A conclusion
Descriptive Essays
The descriptive essay is a type of essay that asks the student to describe something, object or person, place, experience, situation etc. This genre encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, it allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of reader).
Here are some guidelines for writing a descriptive essay
Take time to brainstorm
Use clear and concise language
Choose vivid language i.e. violent instead of rough, miserly instead of cheap etc
Use your senses! Eyes, nose, ears, taste buds, touch, let it reflect in your writing
Remember, if you are describing something, you need to be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the things smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.
What were you thinking?
Leave the reader with a clear impression
Be organised
