What is an argumentative essay? An argumentative essay is an essay in which the author researches a controversial topic, takes a stance, and attempts to persuade the audience to agree with his or her position based on the evidence he or she has uncovered. This type of essay is carefully planned and usually takes several days … Read more
Understanding Cause and Effect Essays A cause and effect essay is one in which the writer makes a claim for why something happens (the cause) or what the result of something is (the effect). The essay may also deal with both causes and effects, exploring the intricate relationships between events and their outcomes. This type … Read more
Purpose The classification essay is designed to get students to think creatively and critically about categorizing information. In a classification essay, a student defines categories within a broader definition, breaking down complex topics into manageable and understandable segments. This type of essay requires students to analyze and organize information logically. For example, students might classify … Read more
Understanding Critical Essays A critical essay is a type of academic writing where the writer examines the work of another creator, be it a writer, artist, or a piece of legislation, and judges how successful that work is in achieving its aims. Unlike a simple review or a literary analysis, a critical essay goes deeper … Read more
Understanding Definition Essays A definition essay is a type of essay in which the writer defines a word. However, a definition essay must go beyond a dry dictionary interpretation. It should explore the word in different contexts, examine varying meanings of the word, and compare and contrast it to similar words. The aim is to … Read more
Understanding Analytical Essays An analytical essay requires that the writer go beyond simply describing or reporting on something. This type of essay involves a detailed examination of the elements or structure of the subject, which could be a text, event, or phenomenon. For example, an analytical essay on the Great Depression might look at the … Read more
Purpose The personal statement is a crucial component of the application process for admission into a graduate program. It serves as a platform for applicants to present themselves beyond their academic records and test scores. Given the competitive nature of graduate program admissions, where there are often dozens of applications for each available spot, the … Read more
Understanding Expository Essays An expository essay is a type of academic writing that provides information, explains a topic, or clarifies an idea to the reader. This form of essay is objectively written and usually research-based, aiming to present facts and details without personal bias or opinion. Examples of expository essays include a history class essay … Read more
Understanding Informal Essays An informal essay, unlike most formal academic essays, puts the writer and maybe even the audience front and center. This type of essay is characterized by a personal tone, conversational style, and the freedom to explore various topics in a less structured format. An informal essay can cover a variety of topics … Read more
Purpose An illustration essay is the simplest form of an argumentative essay. The primary objective of an illustration essay is to prove that something exists or to demonstrate a particular phenomenon. For example, a topic of an illustration essay might be sexism in the workplace. The main argument would be that sexism exists in the … Read more
Purpose The purpose of an evaluative essay is to teach students how to think critically and how to use examples to support their points. This type of essay encourages students to assess an item, idea, or piece of work, and then present an informed judgment based on specific criteria. Evaluative essays are relatively simple and … Read more
Understanding the Thesis A thesis is the final research project conducted as the capstone to a postgraduate degree. In the United States, a thesis refers to the final project for a master’s degree, while the final project for a doctoral degree is called a dissertation. In the United Kingdom, however, the term “thesis” is not … Read more
Understanding Simple Essays A routine or formula can make writing a simple essay relatively painless. There are many types of essay formats, such as narrative, analysis, argumentative, or comparison and contrast. Familiarizing yourself with these different conceptual frameworks can improve and enrich your writing. But for a simple essay, all you really need to know … Read more
Understanding Descriptive Essays In a descriptive essay, the writer uses the five senses to describe something as vividly as possible for the reader. This type of essay goes beyond mere reporting to bring an experience to life for the reader through detailed, sensory-rich descriptions. A descriptive essay may describe an object, a person, a place, … Read more
The Purpose of the Scholarship Essay Many scholarships awarded by private schools, universities, and private organizations require that applicants write a scholarship essay as part of the application process. The purpose of this essay is to get a better sense of who the applicant is as a person. The theme of the essay is often … Read more
