Types of Essays Overview

Tells a story with plot and characters, uses descriptive language, often has a purpose stated at the beginning or end, usually written from a first-person point of view, may include dialogue and conflict.

Presents an argument with a clear thesis stating the author's position, explores both sides of the argument, uses evidence and reasoning, aims to persuade the reader to agree with the author's viewpoint.

Provides information, explains a topic, or defines a concept, uses facts, examples, and other supporting evidence, typically written in a neutral tone and third-person perspective.

Uses vivid sensory details to describe a person, place, object, or memory, often follows a spatial order, aims to evoke emotions and feelings in the reader.

A collection of images, with or without captions, that convey a particular theme or message, aims to evoke emotions and provoke a certain feeling in the viewer.

The central idea of the essay, often stated in a thesis sentence or paragraph, outlines the main point the author wants to convey.

The intended audience for the essay, considered when choosing language, sentence structure, and writing style.

Places where the essay changes subject, scope, or focus, often indicating a shift in thought or development of the argument.

The ending of an essay, often restating the thesis or providing a sense of finality, leaving the reader with a concluding thought.

The main points used to support the author's thesis, often presented in separate paragraphs or sections of the essay.

Figurative language used to create vivid imagery and enhance the impact of the essay, such as similes, metaphors, and personification.

The title of an essay, often connected to a phrase or idea within the essay, providing a clue to the content and theme.

Connections or repetitions within an essay, highlighting important ideas and furthering the author's argument.

Strong language or statements that emphasize key points or arguments, revealing the author's purpose.

Statements that may appear confusing or contradictory, requiring careful analysis to understand their meaning and relationship to the rest of the essay.

The overall style and presentation of the essay, impacting its readability and effectiveness.

The author's perspective on the essay, including personal opinion, likes and dislikes, and overall response.

An informal essay that uses a personal voice, often first-person perspective, and draws from the writer's own experiences and observations.

A formal essay that uses a neutral tone, third-person perspective, relies on academic sources, and follows a structured argument.

Appeals to the reader's emotions, aiming to evoke empathy, pathos, and connection.

Appeals to the reader's logic and reason, presenting evidence, facts, and reasoning to support the argument.

Appeals to the writer's credibility and authority, establishing trust and respect with the reader.

A type of essay that aims to sway the reader's opinion, using a combination of facts and emotion, often focusing on a single side of the argument.

A type of essay that presents a reasoned argument with evidence, explores both sides of the issue, and aims to inform the reader.

The central figure in a story, often faced with a conflict that must be resolved, may or may not be likable.

The opposing force against the protagonist, creating conflict and obstacles that the protagonist must overcome.

Any character who contrasts with the protagonist, highlighting their differences and providing a deeper understanding of the protagonist's personality.

A character whose actions or traits symbolize broader ideas or concepts in the story.

The setting of a story, including time, place, mood, and atmosphere, often shaping the events and characters.

The series of events that unfold in a story, often including an inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The way an author uses language, sentence structure, and literary devices to create a distinct style and tone.

The underlying message or main idea conveyed in a story, often explored through characters, actions, and themes.

Using present-day events to remind us of a past experience, often with a sense of nostalgia or reflection.