17027 Stone Stile
Friendswood, TX 77546
(281) 892-1411
info@stonestilechristianacademy.org
17027 Stone Stile
Friendswood, TX 77546
(281) 892-1411
info@stonestilechristianacademy.org
Most college essay requirements fall within six categories.
The subject matter at hand and your instructor’s requirements will dictate which
of these you are assigned. You may be required to produce these essays in a
composition class that is purely about writing structure, or you may be asked to
meet a very specific essay prompt given to you in a more advanced class. Here’s
a breakdown of the six major essay types college students should familiarize
themselves with. (You can find student essay samples that demonstrate the most
important characteristics of each in the links below.)
These essays explore a specific cause or specific effects
of a given cause. It’s important to note that the bulk of these papers will ask
you to focus on cause or effect, not both. You may choose to write about
multiple causes or effects; in this case, organize them from least to most
impactful and address them accordingly.
This essay should be well-organized, establishing your
thesis statement in the first paragraph. The supporting information addressed in
later paragraphs should contain factual data that clearly backs your thesis. The
use of transitional words and phrases can be particularly helpful as you lead
the reader through supplemental information.
Two (or more) distinct subjects are explored in this essay,
the purpose of which is to clarify their similarities and differences.
Ultimately this paper serves to deliver a deeper understanding of how nuanced
the discussion of a topic can and should be. Your conclusion should summarize
the similarities or differences you find most important.
Organization of the material is extremely important in
these essays. Many students find that creating a chart or Venn diagram is a
useful way to identify key points. For example, draw two overlapping circles; in
the space where the circles overlap, list similarities. In the spaces outside of
the overlap, jot down the ways the subjects differ. Present these ideas clearly,
keeping in mind that the reader should follow your thought process without
confusion. Strong transitional phrases are especially useful here.
A straightforward paper, the definition essay aims to
clearly define an idea or process. A thorough understanding of your subject is
essential, so research plays a big role. When you have a grasp of the topic,
clearly explain it by function (how it works), structure (how it’s organized),
analysis (how it compares to similar topics) or by explaining what it does not
mean.
Your thesis statement should clearly and succinctly lay out
your definition. In the following paragraphs, further clarify your thesis with
data and textual research. If the topic is one you are required to choose, avoid
abstract ideas in favor of more concrete explication.
A well-written description essay uses vivid,
detail-oriented language to address a topic. Essay topics might be an
experience, an emotion, an object or a person. This essay requires the writer to
create a distinct impression with words; there is more creative freedom in this
style than in most others.
Brainstorm before you begin to write; many students find
that some free association about a topic can generate enough content for a
paper. Select your vocabulary carefully, using words that clearly convey an
impression. Consider all five senses and describe a topic’s visual detail,
sound, smell, texture, taste. At your paper’s conclusion, the reader should feel
as though you’ve made them experience the alongside you. Stay organized and
resist semi-tangential rambling.
This paper requires the writer to convince the reader to
agree with a stated argument. Whether you are given a topic to defend or are
asked to choose one, you must take a strong stance on an issue. Your goal is to
logically present information in support of that stance.
Use factual data to bolster your claim, and establish the
values that your facts support; consider the emotional reaction of your reader.
Active language is helpful when persuading an audience. Do acknowledge an
opposing argument, then refute it. Prioritize your supporting data and structure
your essay accordingly. Your conclusion should strongly state your reasons for
your chosen stance.
Somewhat like the description essay, this paper’s goal is
to carefully explain a process from beginning to end. Your reader should
conclude your paper with a better understanding of how something works. A
thorough grasp of each step is necessary, so choose something you understand
well or conduct appropriate research.
Language should help the reader visualize the process. Use
transitional words to delineate steps, such as “next” or “then.” Your essay
should flow logically from beginning to end, detailing each step along the way.
Different processes have differing complexities, but you should explain three
steps at a minimum. You may instruct the reader directly or illustrate a
complete process.