Types of Essays

Introduction

Just as there are many different types of poems and prose, there are many different subcategories of essay, sometimes called rhetorical modes. Simply put, rhetorical modes are, "...Based on the way the human brain processes information. Choosing one mode that matches your topic helps you organize your writing and helps the reader process the information you want to discuss." (Dalton State College, 2008) This lesson examines each of the major types of essay based on these rhetorical modes, providing a brief definition for each, and further notes on using each style to the writer's advantage.

Choice

In general, this type of essay presents a number of objects, ideas, courses of action, and so on; and sets about to select the preferred item from the group. This essay should be structured to briefly describe each thing and then present the author's opinion regarding each. In this way, it is similar to an evaluative essay (below), but it does not necessarily have to have a formal ratings system associated with it; it can be based solely on feelings or the writer's attitude toward each thing discussed.

Classifying

In this type of essay, the writer separates the topic into various different categories and discusses each categorical aspect in turn. Often, the classifying essay will have numerous examples or analogies for each category, as well, to illustrate the writer's rationale for ordering the topic in such a way and to provide further elucidation of the concept or thing being discussed.

Comparison/Contrast

This type of essay is a bit different. Here, rather than analyzing a single topic, the writer must create an essay that effectively looks at two topics (or more), comparing and contrasting them to each other. Throughout the analysis, the writer should concentrate on how the things are alike or different or both. Comparison essays focus more on similarities while contrast essays focus on the ways the things are dissimilar. (Gallaudet University, 2008)

Definitional

As one might guess, a definitional essay attempts to provide a working definition of a given term or concept, such as "trustworthiness," "the greater good," "hydroponics," or any number of other topics. Not just a simple dictionary style entry, the definition based essay examines the deeper facets of the topic by exploring why the concept or term is defined in such a way. (Gallaudet University, 2008) Again, this could be written in a straightforward, informative style or it could be structured like a story, defining the idea through the details of the narrative.



Descriptive

A descriptive essay provides the reader with information regarding how something, "...Looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds." (Gallaudet University, 2008) It can also explain what something is or describe how something happened. These works typically provide a large number of sensory details, perhaps even listed descriptors. Alternatively, descriptive essays could be written like a story, maintaining the readers' interest by supplying ample details to immerse them in the topic being described. (Gallaudet University, 2008)

Evaluative or Valuation

The evaluative essay uses either a given rating system or one of the author's own creation to assess the topic at hand. Reviews typically use an evaluative essay format to communicate whether a film, recording, restaurant, book, and so forth, was good or not. Rating systems have become commonplace in the print and electronic media, the most common being the five or ten star systems, which grade the subject matter based on a number of pre-established criteria. The writer can also create more of a narrative style evaluation, with the rating system either overtly stated or subtly implied within the text.

Five-Paragraph Essay

This is one of the most common structures for essay writing, especially in a school context. The topic at hand, whether assigned or selected by the writer, should be introduced, examined, and concluded within the space of five paragraphs (hence the name). Typically, this involves an introductory paragraph, three main points about the topic (each one receiving its own paragraph), and a conclusion paragraph where the aforementioned points are summarized and the conclusion is drawn (if any).

Sequential or Process

This type of essay, "...Explains actions that should be performed in a series." (Gallaudet University, 2008) The essay should provide enough details that the reader can follow the process being discussed in a step-by-step fashion. While these sorts of essays can be in the form of instructions, the writer is free to find other, more creative ways of presenting the sequence or process to the reader.

Summary

The definition of this type of essay is straight forward, if not self-explanatory. In a summary essay, the writer simply condenses and re-states the primary thesis and salient points of a book, movie, or article in his or her own words. These types of essays can be as mechanical or as creative as the author prefers, as long as the summarization of the material at hand is done clearly and efficiently.

Other Types of Essays

Of course, there are many other types of essay besides the ones listed here. The very flexible nature of this writing style has lent itself well to many kinds of applications and permutations. Some other well known types of essays are the cause and effect essay, monograph (essentially a book-length, extended essay), admission essay (written by thousands of university hopefuls every year), expository or explanatory essay, analytical essay, and many more. The uses for the essay and the various types that can be implemented or created are limited only by the writer's imagination and the topic at hand.