Sorts Of Essays and Why You Should Write Them

Author: Simon Thompson

People usually consider writing essays as part of schoolwork they should leave behind once they exit high school. After all, what can an essay possibly explain that a good set of bullet points can’t? The fact is that the essays are of many types, and each type is able to touch a human in a different way. Some touch the heart and some the mind. That’s why every individual should be able to write an essay as part of their repertoire.

Knowing how to write is extremely important for all individuals. Too many students make the mistake of getting someone to write a college essay instead of tackling it themselves. The four commonest types of essay are the following:

1. Informative Essay

In these types of essays, you must take an idea and explain it with examples, reasons and data. This sort of essay is an excellent way of organizing your thoughts and presenting them in a way that is understandable for someone who does not have the same amount of knowledge. This also encourages critical thinking and the ability to analyze not only what you have written, but what others have written. You also improve your research skills as an informative essay requires hard data and facts to explain its main thesis.

2. Descriptive Essay

Descriptive types of essays are usually more about creative thinking and increasing vocabulary rather than critical thinking. These types of essay encourage their writers to indulge in their creative sides as they sculpt images out of words. It’s important to be able to write a descriptive essay that captures the imagination without becoming so lyrical as to lose the interest of the reader. As the language is more sensory than critical, it is an excellent way to explore vocabulary while expressing oneself.

3. Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays differ from informative essays as they have a distinct thesis or claim that they must defend or negate through their writing. Not only does this type of essay improve your writing skills, but it helps you persuade other people to consider, if not accept, your point of view.

4. Narrative Essay

Narrative essays are a method of telling a story. Usually they are anecdotal, but may have some fictional elements incorporated in them. These essays are an excellent tool that encourages empathy with others and also sharpen your skills as a storyteller. People need to be able to relate to each other and such essays have the ability to reach out to every human being.