What Is an Essay?

Definitions, Quotes, Types, and Parts

Writing Notes #1

What is an essay?

“1. a. A sort literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author. b. Something resembling such a composition.”“Essay.” American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. 2002. Print

What is your definition of the word? Write it now. Prepare to discuss…

What do famous writers think?

“A good essay must have this permanent quality about it; it must draw its curtain round us, but it must be a curtain that shuts us in not out.”

The Modern Essay. Virginia Wolf

“A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself.”

Arthur Miller

After reading the above quotes, write down your thoughts on what they mean. Do you agree or disagree? Do you notice any figurative language? Explain your answer.

Essay Formats and Types

Essays are written for a wide range of audiences depending on what they are about and who the writer expects (or hopes) to read it.

Based on the definitions and quotes discussed, provide all the different formats and types of essays that you can think of:

Essay Formats and TypesEssay Types Essay Formats

Argumentative: defending a claim through logic and factual dataPersuasive: defending a claim through rhetorical and emotional strategies-Both are normally used together, but it is important to note the differences between the two definitions.

-Blogs-Court Verdicts-“Essays”-Newspaper: Editorials, Editorial Cartoons, Columns-Television: Commentary

Expository/Informative: presenting facts or data through a logical structure.

-How-To Guides, Recipes-Instruction Manuals-Newspaper: Articles, Infographics-Textbooks

Expressive: presenting emotions and thoughts of the reader through writing.Narrative: reminiscing (remembering) a story from the writer’s or writer’s subject’s past (autobiographical/biographical).

-Blogs-Letters-Newspaper: Columns-Personal Narratives-Poetry

Essay PartsEach type of essay, no matter the format, typically follows a structure that is similar.

Essay Part

Introduction: In most essays, this is where the main theme is established. This main theme is known by multiple names: claim, theme, thesis, statement of opinion.

Body: In argumentative and or persuasive essays, this is where a writer develops her or his claim. This is done by establishing each paragraph’s theme then supporting those ideas with facts or observations that are relevant.

Conclusion: In most essays, this is where a summarization of the main idea, as well as supporting ideas (motifs) that were used in the essay.