Definition of Essay

While on first sight the definition of the term essay seems fairly obvious and self-explanatory, once a student reaches tertiary level education the term can actually become quite confusing. At this level there are multiple uses of the term essay and each type carries a differing set of expectations. By far the greatest difference between different types of essays is the type of prose and presentation the teacher or professor will be looking for in the content. By style, we mean of course, the tone of the prose.

Once again, the names of the different types of essay are indicative of what is required in terms of style. However, like the term essay, each has other requirements and nuances which are not necessarily obvious in the term.

Definition Essay: Expository

The expository essay is a style of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate the evidence and expand on the idea. This type of essay will set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. The student achieves this through the presentation of comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect.

Definition Essay: Argumentative

An argumentative essay is so called precisely because it expects the student to be argumentative. To present a point, or points, and to argue that these claims are true. An argumentative essay must present the other sides of the argument as well but only to aid the argument put forth by the student. The student substantiates his or her argument by refuting the opposing points. An argumentative essay can actually be a lot of fun to write. Especially if you are the type of person who loves debate and banter.

Definition Essay: Narrative

Unlike an argumentative essay, the narrative essay expects you to tell your story in prose and it is typical to do this from a personal perspective. Anecdote, experience and personal opinion are all welcome in the narrative essay in contrast to argumentative essays or expository. Another significant difference is writing style or prose. In the narrative essay, students are expected to write following a story outline. This means including the usual story beginning, end and plot. The narrative essay also requires the student to develop characters and set a scene.

Definition Essay: Descriptive

The descriptive essay is a style of essay that requires the student to describe an object, person, place, experience, emotion or a situation. This type of essay hones the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. In the descriptive essay, the student is afforded artistic license. He or she can, is expected to even, paint a vivid and moving picture for the reader.

Definition Essay: Term Paper

Term papers and research papers are often interchangeable and sometimes confused with an essay. In many respects, the term paper and the essay share much in common. Each must make a point and articulate that point clearly and concisely. The main difference between a term paper and an essay is usually the theme. A term paper generally requires students to exhibit understanding of aspects of everything they have learned within the term. An essay on the other hand will ask the student to investigate a specific topic and form an argument or thesis around a certain area within the subject.

As with all academic writing, the general rules of good content and organization apply. Understanding the differences in the types of essays required in tertiary study will go a long way to helping students format, organize and choose topics for their essays.