Essay Types

What are the main types of an essay?

1. Argumentative
2. Descriptive
3. Narrative
4. Expository

What is the structure of an argumentative essay?

• The introduction includes a hook, background statement, thesis statement, and essay structure map. 
• The main body presents your main argument, analysis, and evidence. 
• The conclusion summarises your central argument and stresses its significance.

EXAMPLE

(Main Body)

Distance learning is one of the most economical and viable forms of education available to adult students juggling many responsibilities due to financial and time constraints in their lives. The burden of responsibilities prevents adult students from studying in a foreign country or another city. Distance learning enables them to overcome these challenges and complete their education. Learning in a distant mode can also mitigate economic, social, psychological, and cultural difficulties. Distance learning students often achieve better results when compared with on-campus students because the pursuit of knowledge is undertaken for its own sake rather than as an obligation.

EXAMPLE

(My First Visit to the Dentist)

One of my earliest childhood memories is going out with my parents to the dentist. It was early in the morning on a joyful day. The sun was shining bright. I was just four years old when my mom convinced me to see the dentist to have my milk teeth checked.

I was excited because it was the first time I had seen a dentist. While we drove to the dentist, my stomach grumbled suddenly. Mom said, “Shall we get some snacks for you?” So we stopped at the next service area to grab some crisps and juice. I thoroughly enjoyed the snacks and felt at ease thereafter. A few minutes later, we finally reached the dental clinic.

I must say I was a little surprised to see how clean the place was. I immediately asked my mom, “What is this place?”. There was a large reception area with a receptionist behind the counter. There were posters of dental treatment and dental hygiene on the walls.

I looked at the posters and loved them. I wondered again what this place could be. I asked again, “Mom, where are we?”. But my mom didn’t respond and continued to read the newspaper that she had been looking at since we arrived at the place. As we waited for our turn, I went to sleep.

A few minutes later, my mom woke me up, and I went to the dentist’s room with my parents. I saw a stranger dressed in a white overcoat. He had a stethoscope around his neck.

I analysed his desk and saw a dental syringe and a dental drill. I freaked out and quickly ran out of the room at that very moment. My dad came after. I couldn’t escape. I was back in the dentist’s room and tried to muster up some courage. My dad held on to my arms tightly, and the dentist started to examine my milk teeth.

What is the structure of narrative essays?

There is no fixed structure for a narrative essay, but it can start with an introduction to set up the narrative. It ends by concluding the story’s moral, like how the experience (s) will help you improve your response to a particular situation in the future.

EXAMPLE

(Explain Why You Have Chosen to Apply to the University College of London)

Exploring the mysteries of nature has always fascinated me. I have always been more interested in disciplines like math and science than the humanities. For me, these subjects are of more practical value than any other subject.

My passion for science became clear during the World Science Festival Series. What began as a simple interest became more than just a hobby for me. There is one thing for sure. I want to get into the University College of London Student Science Training Program to explore this discipline.

I was completely naïve to the World Science Festival until one of my friends introduced it to me. I was sure it was going to be a boring session on scientific theories and ideas that would fail miserably to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. But I was so wrong because the presenter, Professor Brian Greene, gave the most interesting and gripping explanation of the String theory, changing how I saw science.

The talk was an unparalleled experience for me and my friend Robert, who said, “This is just the beginning of our love for science”, and we both felt inspired and excited.

The speaker engaged with us on our level instead of indulging in intricate details of complicated scientific concepts. As he explained, the idea that every particle and force in the universe originates from an infinitesimal strand of energy vibrating in 11 dimensions from a beginner’s perspective, I found myself visualising various forces at play in my surroundings using a string theory lens.

The University College of London Department of Physics will help me make the most of my passion for science. As the department is recognised throughout the world for its world-class teaching faculty and unmatched research facilities, I am sure I can continue my journey towards scientific excellence. While this is just the beginning for me, I am confident that, if given a chance, my time at the University College of London will enable me to live my dream.

What is the structure of an expository essay?

It includes the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction states the topic and provides background information. The body presents evidence logically and clearly. The conclusion recaps the details presented.

EXAMPLE

Here is an example expository essay paragraph about the significance of the conquest of Mecca by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions.

Before the conquest of Makkah, the Muslims were often subject to abuse and persecution. Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions had to go through hardships of all kinds at the hands of the Quraysh tribe after they embraced Islam. In 619 CE, the Islamic Prophet and the entire clan of Banu Hashim were expelled from Makkah and forced into exile. The tribal council of Makkah believed that the exile would bring Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions to their knees.

What are textual analysis essays?

Textual analysis essays focus on how texts convey their messages by examining their language, structure, and other elements. The two types of textual analysis essays are:

• Literary analysis essays
• Rhetorical analysis essays