Main Essay Types

Explaining Different Types of Essays 

What are Argumentative Essays?

In an argumentative essay, you present an argument and back it with supporting evidence. An argumentative essay requires the author to take a clear position on the topic and persuade the readers to agree with the author’s opinion, analysis, and interpretation. The thesis statement of the essay refers to the main argument the writer is going to build throughout.
 

How is the Argumentative Essay Organised?

An argumentative essay follows the standard essay structure, which includes an introduction, main body, and conclusion.

• The introduction of an argumentative essay introduces the topic, provides background information, presents the thesis statement, and maps out the essay structure.
• The main body presents the main argument, which is reinforced through evidence and interpretation.
• The conclusion summarises the essay’s main argument, links back to the thesis statement, and fortifies the significance of the argument.

 Argumentative Essay Example Paragraph

Here is an example of a paragraph taken from the main body of an argumentative essay titled “Living with Climate Change: Everyday Struggles Across the Globe.” 
 

“Climate change is already affecting millions of people globally. From food shortages to extreme weather, everyday life is becoming tougher than usual. Urgent global action is needed now to protect communities and create a safer, more stable future for everyone.”

What are Expository Essays?

An expository essay is an unbiased kind of writing in which the author aims to explain, clarify, or inform the reader. About a particular topic or idea, using facts and figures, supporting references, and logical reasoning. Unlike argumentative essays, the focus is not on persuading the reader but on presenting an unbiased, well-structured explanation.

The thesis statement in an expository essay sets out the main idea or explanation that the author will develop throughout the essay. In an expository essay, the writer’s role is to break down complex ideas into clear, digestible sections supported by reliable information.
 

How is the Expository Essay Organised?

The standard expository essay format is just like other academic prose types, including introduction, body, and conclusion.

• The introduction presents the topics, provides the necessary background, and includes a thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs organise key points logically, each supported by references, examples, or data.
• The conclusion restates the main points, summarises the explanation, and reinforces the overall understanding of the expository essay topic.

Expository Essay Example Paragraph

“Climate change affects the everyday life of humans in many ways. Higher temperatures cause health problems, crop destruction during droughts, and flooding that damages homes. Understanding these challenges helps people prepare for the evolving trends and adapt to the changing environment.”

What are Narrative Essays? 

A narrative essay tells a story from the writer’s perspective, often sharing personal experiences, real incidents, or a financial struggle. The goal of this prose is to engage the readers through a clear sequence of events, descriptions, and a compelling narrative voice. Narrative essays require authors to use descriptive language to create imagery of the statements. 

But their primary purpose is to narrate the story, not to depict the story. The thesis statement of these essays reflects the lessons learned, a personal insight, or the central idea of any incident. Students often use this type of prose to write personal statements and reflective assignments.
 

How is the Narrative Essay Organised?

It is a widely used format for writing narrative essays by students and professionals.

• The introduction of the narrative essay sets the scene, introduces the characters or situation, and hints at the main theme.
• The body paragraphs develop the plot with rising action, climax, and resolution.
• The concluding section contains a reflection on the significance of the story, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Narrative Essay Example Paragraph

Last summer, my hometown witnessed the worst heatwave in decades. Roads melted, and water boiled. Watching my old-age neighbours struggling made me realise the consequences of global warming. It’s not just news, it’s a real change we are going through every single day.

What are Descriptive Essays?

Descriptive essays are focused on creating a visual or easily conceivable picture of a subject for the reader. It can be a person, place, object, a historical event, or even an emotion. Students pick this type of essay because it helps in presenting sensory details that can be seen, heard, felt, or even smelled.

To make the prose writing immersive and engaging for the audience. The thesis statement in a descriptive essay defines the central impression or mood the writer tries to convey through words. Unlike other essays that focus on arguments or storytelling, this essay focuses on evoking a strong mental image and emotional connection to the topic.

These essays rely heavily on figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personifications, to enhance imagery.
 

How is the Descriptive Essay Organised?

• The introductory paragraph introduces the subject and sets the tone of the text.
• The body presents the details, often organised by senses or spatial order.
• The conclusion reinforces the dominant impression, leaving the readers with a clear and lasting image of the subject being discussed.

Descriptive Essay Example Paragraph

The skyline of our city glowed orange as nearby wildfires raged. Smoke filled the air, making each breath heavy. Houses and even people stood like silent victims, their gardens dry and cracked. This was the aftermath of climate change, harsh and impossible to ignore.

Frequently Asked Questions