The Different Types of Essay Writing

Whether you are in junior school, high school, or even college, you will always be having homework. Essays make up a huge chunk of that homework. Now, if you are new to essay writing, you might be very stressed about what to write and how to write it. 

Well, the most important thing that you need to know is that there are various different essay types that can be used in your writing. They can be grouped on the basis of their structures, formats, etc. However, as students, you only need to focus on the four main types of essay writing, which we will discuss next.  

What are the Four Main Types of Essays?

The four main types of essays that you need to understand are argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive. You need to use these different types to write different kinds of essays. Let’s discuss them in detail. 

Argumentative Essays

In argumentative essays you get to present your point of view regarding a certain topic. But you need to do so in a clear and convincing way. Choose a topic you feel very strongly about, and then use evidence and logic to win over your reader. You should add facts, statistics, and maybe even quotes to back up your claims. The main goal over here is to make sure that your reader understands why you are taking a particular stand regarding a topic.

Expository Essays 

Expository writing is used in essays where you are trying to explain something. It could be a scientific concept, a historical event, or even the plot of a movie that you have recently watched. You need to be very clear, concise, and organized with your words as you are explaining something to someone who doesn’t know anything about it. The person reading your essay may already know a lot about the topic that you wrote on. But while writing, you need to always think that you are introducing something new to your reader. 

Narrative Essays

While working on narrative essays, you get a chance to unleash your inner novelist. You can narrate a personal experience, a fictional tale, or even an analysis of a story from a book or movie. The main point here is to grab your reader’s attention and keep them hooked. To do so, you need to add vivid details, strong characters, and a very interesting plot that keeps the reader interested in your writing. 

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive writing describes things or events. You are given the option of painting pictures with your words, so you will need to use vivid language and evoke all five senses of the reader (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch). Your main goal is to transport your readers from where they are sitting to the place or event that you are describing through figurative language.

Before you choose any method of writing an essay for your school assignment, you should first check whether the format that you need to use has been mentioned or not. If there is no mention of the format that you need to follow, then you should speak to your subject teacher and clarify. If they give you the freedom to choose one, then select the one that you think will be the most appropriate for the topic that you are working on.

Now, whether you are in elementary school, middle school, high school, or even college, the type of essay that you need to write remains the same. The only thing that changes is how you approach your topic. 

Different Types of Essays for Elementary School

At the elementary level, teachers give you essays to write as homework in order to help you practice writing clearly and confidently. 

Descriptive Essays

A descriptive essay is your chance to show off how good you are with your words. Imagine you have found an amazing seashell while on a beach vacation. Instead of just saying it’s pretty, you should describe its colors, how it feels in your hand, etc. Use descriptive words like bumpy, smooth, or sparkly to describe the shell. The more sensory details you add, the easier it gets for your reader to imagine.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essay writing gives you a chance to tell a story, maybe about something awesome that happened to you, a silly dream you had, or even a made-up adventure. The key here is to grab your reader’s attention and keep them wanting more. Think about what makes a good story – a fun beginning, interesting characters, and maybe even a surprising twist at the end! Don’t forget to describe what’s happening using those fancy words we talked about before.

Informative Essays (or Definition Essays)

Did you learn something super cool about dinosaurs or how volcanoes work? An informative essay is your chance to teach your readers about something new. Imagine you’re the expert on a topic, and you’re explaining it to someone who knows nothing about it. You want to be clear and organized and maybe even add some fun facts to keep things interesting. Think of it like making a super cool presentation on your chosen topic.

Process Essays

A process essay or “how to” essay teaches your reader how to do something, like building the coolest blanket fort ever, baking the most delicious cookies, or even training your dog to do a funny trick. It’s like an instruction manual but much more interesting. Imagine you’re the ultimate guide, showing someone step-by-step how to achieve something awesome. Be clear, give exact instructions, and maybe even add a cool tip or two at the end.

Compare-and-Contrast Essays 

A compare-and-contrast essay is like an opinion piece. You pick two things and explain how they’re similar and how they’re different. For example, you might compare your favorite book characters or two different sports you play. The key here is to show how they’re alike in some ways but also have their own unique qualities. 

The most important part is to use your imagination and also have fun with words.  

Different Types of Essays for Middle School

While writing essays in middle school, you need to ensure that your writing is slightly more advanced than that of the elementary level. You need to take a more analytical approach, and your essays should be a bit longer and more complex. 

Expository Essays

Imagine you’re on a mission to uncover the secrets of the universe (or at least a really cool historical event). An expository essay is your chance to explain something in detail. Think of it as a deep dive into a topic that interests you. Maybe it’s the fascinating life cycle of a butterfly, the mind-blowing inventions of the Renaissance, or even the science behind that perfect slam dunk. The key here is to be clear, organized, and informative. Think of yourself as a mini-documentary filmmaker, laying out the facts in a way that keeps your reader engaged.

Argumentative Essays

Ever have strong personal opinions about something? Argumentative essays are your platform to shout it from the rooftops. Pick a topic you feel passionately about, like banning homework forever, why video games are actually educational, or the importance of saving endangered animals. The goal here is to convince your reader that your side is the right one. Use strong evidence, clear reasoning, and maybe even a well-placed rebuttal to any opposing viewpoints (think of it as politely arguing your case). Just remember to be respectful, even if you disagree with someone.

Narrative Essays

Remember those awesome story times in elementary school? Narrative essays are like an upgrade on those. Here, you get to tell a story, but with a bit more finesse. Maybe it’s a personal experience that taught you a valuable lesson, a fictional tale with a surprising twist, or even an analysis of a story from a book or movie. The key here is to grab your reader’s attention from the first sentence and keep them hooked until the very end. Think vivid details, well-developed characters, and a plot that unfolds in a way that keeps them guessing. Bonus points for using fancy writing techniques like personal narratives, personal anecdotes, foreshadowing and flashbacks!

Compare and Contrast Essays

You pick two things and dissect them, explaining how they’re similar and how they’re different. Maybe you compare and contrast two historical figures, different approaches to solving a math problem, or even the pros and cons of social media. The key here is to show how they’re alike in some ways but also have their unique qualities. 

Process Essays

Here, you get to be the ultimate expert, showing your reader how to do something step-by-step. Maybe it’s the perfect way to code a basic video game, the secret recipe for your family’s legendary chocolate chip cookies, or even a detailed guide to training your dog to do a cool trick. The key here is to be clear, concise, and informative. Think of yourself as a master chef, guiding your reader through each step of the recipe to achieve ultimate success.

Persuasive Essays

This one is like an argumentative essay but even stronger. A persuasive essay aims to convince your reader to take a specific action. Maybe it’s convincing your teacher to hold more outdoor classes, advocating for a school recycling program, or even persuading your parents to let you get that new pet you’ve been begging for. The key here is to not just state your opinion but also use strong emotional appeals, logical arguments, and maybe even a call to action at the end. Think of yourself as a master marketer, trying to sell your reader on a fantastic idea!

These are just a few examples of what you can write in essays in middle school. The most important thing is to find your voice, use your creativity, and show off your growing knowledge and writing skills.

Different Types of Essays in High School

Alright, classmate, buckle up! High school essays take things to a whole new level. Here, you’ll be expected to not only showcase your writing chops but also delve deeper into critical thinking and analysis. Get ready to explore a world of essays that will challenge you, enlighten you, and maybe even surprise you.

Argumentative Pieces

Argumentative essays are your chance to step into the ring and defend your position with logic and evidence. Pick a hot-button topic that fires you up, like the impact of social media on mental health, the importance of renewable energy sources, or the ethics of artificial intelligence. The goal here is to convince your reader that your side of the original argument is the strongest. Think of yourself as a lawyer building a case, using facts, statistics, and even quotes from experts to support your claims. Don’t forget to anticipate counterarguments and politely dismantle them to solidify your stance.

Expository Essays

Expository essays are your platform to explain a complex topic in a clear and engaging way. Maybe it’s the intricate workings of the human brain, the fascinating history of a specific social movement, or even the scientific breakthroughs happening right now. The key here is to be informative and well-organized and maybe even sprinkle in some interesting anecdotes to keep your reader hooked. Think of yourself as a documentary filmmaker, laying out the facts in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.

Narrative Essays

In narrative writing, you get to weave a compelling story that showcases your literary prowess. Maybe it’s a personal experience that changed your perspective on life, a fictional tale that explores a deep human emotion, or even an analysis of a story from a book or movie through a fresh lens. The key here is to grab your reader’s attention from the get-go and keep them invested until the very last word. Think vivid descriptions, well-developed characters who leap off the page, and a plot that unfolds in a way that keeps them guessing. Bonus points for employing literary devices like symbolism and foreshadowing to elevate your writing.

Analytical Essays

An analytical essay gives you a chance to dissect a piece of literature. You can analyze the symbolism used in a classic novel, explore the themes present in a short story, or even compare and contrast the writing styles of different authors. The key here is to go beyond the surface level and write a critical essay that explores a writer’s point. It should uncover the deeper messages, literary devices, and historical contexts that inform the text. Think of yourself as a literary archaeologist, unearthing hidden treasures and interpreting their significance. 

Cause-and-Effect Essays

Cause-and-effect essays are your chance to explore the relationships between events. Maybe you’ll analyze the historical factors that led to a revolution, the environmental consequences of climate change, or the impact of social media on political discourse. The key here is to establish clear connections and explain how one event or situation leads to another. Think of yourself as a scientist conducting an experiment, meticulously tracing the cause-and-effect chain to draw insightful conclusions.

Persuasive Essays

For this type of essay, you need to craft a compelling argument that aims to not just convince your readers but also inspire them to take action. Maybe you’ll propose a solution to a local environmental issue, advocate for a change in school policy, or even persuade your readers to volunteer for a cause they care about. The key here is to use strong emotional appeals, clear calls to action, and maybe even propose a concrete plan to make your vision a reality. Think of yourself as a social activist, igniting a spark in your reader’s hearts and minds.

Make sure that you are able to show your creativity and develop analytical skills and writing skills while working on these essays. 

Different Types of Essays in College

In college, when writing essays, you need to write clearly, delve into complex arguments, analyze evidence, and even conduct your own research. 

Argumentative Essays

You need to pick a debatable topic within your field of study, like the ethical implications of genetic engineering or the effectiveness of a specific economic policy. The goal is not just to convince your professor you’re right but to present a well-rounded argument that acknowledges and dismantles opposing viewpoints. Think of yourself as a scholar building a case, using credible sources, strong logic, and clear reasoning to support your thesis statement—the central idea that your entire essay hinges on.

Expository Essays

College expository essays are your platform to explore complex concepts within your chosen discipline. Maybe you’ll delve into the intricacies of quantum mechanics, analyze the evolution of a specific art movement, or even explain the historical context of a philosophical theory. The key here is to be informative and well-organized and use clear language that even someone unfamiliar with the topic can understand. Think of yourself as a bridge between complex knowledge and your reader, using examples, definitions, and even visuals to make the information accessible and engaging.

Analytical Essays

Analytical essays in college are your chance to become a literary detective, dissecting a text in a way that reveals its hidden layers. Maybe you’ll analyze the use of symbolism in a Shakespearean play, explore the feminist themes present in a contemporary novel, or even compare and contrast the writing styles of different authors from various historical periods. The key here is to go beyond the surface level and uncover the deeper messages, literary devices, and historical contexts that inform the text. Think of yourself as a literary archaeologist, unearthing hidden treasures and interpreting their significance within the broader framework of literature.

Research Papers

College is where research papers truly come into their own. Imagine yourself as a dedicated scholar embarking on a quest for knowledge. You’ll pick a specific topic within your field, then dive deep into scholarly journals, academic databases, and even primary sources like historical documents or interviews. The goal is to not just present information but to analyze it, synthesize it, and draw your own insightful conclusions. Think of yourself as a detective piecing together the puzzle, using research to support your thesis and contribute to the ongoing conversation within your academic discipline. 

Cause-and-Effect Essays

Have you ever wondered why empires rise and fall or what social factors contribute to economic booms and busts? College cause-and-effect essays are your chance to explore the complex relationships between events in a historical or sociological context. Maybe you’ll analyze the interconnected factors that led to the French Revolution, the long-term environmental consequences of deforestation, or the impact of technological advancements on social inequality. The key here is to establish clear connections and explain how one event or situation leads to another, considering both direct and indirect causes, as well as potential unintended consequences. Think of yourself as a historian or sociologist meticulously examining the chain of events and drawing insightful conclusions.

Persuasive Essays

College persuasive essays aim to not just convince your professor but potentially influence the academic conversation or even inspire action in the real world. Maybe you’ll propose a solution to a pressing social issue, advocate for a new approach to a scientific problem, or even persuade your readers to consider a different perspective on a historical event. The key here is to use strong emotional appeals, clear calls to action, and, most importantly, well-researched evidence to support your claims. Think of yourself as a social activist or policy expert, wielding the power of words to ignite change.

The most important thing about college essays is that you need to properly use your critical thinking skills and your research abilities. 

To Wrap It Up,

There are numerous types of essays depending on various factors. However, the major four essay types that you can use for academic writing are argumentative, expository, narrative and descriptive. While you can use argumentative essays to convince people, expository essays are for informing them about some new thing. Narrative essays are used to tell a story, and descriptive essays help people understand a certain event in great detail. As you go higher up the academic ladder, you will come across a few more kinds of essays, such as persuasive essays, cause-and-effect essays, analytical essays, etc. Remember that the form of essay you choose should depend on the kind of topic that you have been asked to write about. 

Why Do Students Choose Us for Essay Writing Help?

There are a variety of essays, and you may feel very confused about which format to follow and what to write. If you need help, then you need to look no further than Myassignmenthelp. Our expert writers can provide you with any kind of essay help, including argumentative essay online help and others. The work that you receive from us will be of the best quality and free of any kind of plagiarism.