Writing and Personal Response
Four types of essay: expository, persuasive, analytical, argumentative
For our academic writing purposes we will focus on four types of essay.
1) The expository essay What is it?
This is a writer’s explanation of a short theme, idea or issue.
The key here is that you are explaining an issue, theme or idea to your intended audience. Your reaction to a work of literature could be in the form of an expository essay, for example if you decide to simply explain your personal response to a work. The expository essay can also be used to give a personal response to a world event, political debate, football game, work of art and so on.
What are its most important qualities?
You want to get and, of course, keep your reader’s attention. So, you should:
Have a well defined thesis. Start with a thesis statement/research question/statement of intent. Make sure you answer your question or do what you say you set out to do. Do not wander from your topic.
Provide evidence to back up what you are saying. Support your arguments with facts and reasoning. Do not simply list facts, incorporate these as examples supporting your position, but at the same time make your point as succinctly as possible.
The essay should be concise. Make your point and conclude your essay. Don’t make the mistake of believing that repetition and over-stating your case will score points with your readers. 2) The persuasive essay
What is it?
This is the type of essay where you try to convince the reader to adopt your position on an issue or point of view.
Here your rationale, your argument, is most important. You are presenting an opinion and trying to persuade readers, you want to win readers over to your point of view.
What are its most important qualities?
Have a definite point of view.
Maintain the reader’s interest.
Use sound reasoning.
Use solid evidence.
Be aware of your intended audience. How can you win them over?
Research your topic so your evidence is
For our academic writing purposes we will focus on four types of essay.
1) The expository essay What is it?
This is a writer’s explanation of a short theme, idea or issue.
The key here is that you are explaining an issue, theme or idea to your intended audience. Your reaction to a work of literature could be in the form of an expository essay, for example if you decide to simply explain your personal response to a work. The expository essay can also be used to give a personal response to a world event, political debate, football game, work of art and so on.
What are its most important qualities?
You want to get and, of course, keep your reader’s attention. So, you should:
Have a well defined thesis. Start with a thesis statement/research question/statement of intent. Make sure you answer your question or do what you say you set out to do. Do not wander from your topic.
Provide evidence to back up what you are saying. Support your arguments with facts and reasoning. Do not simply list facts, incorporate these as examples supporting your position, but at the same time make your point as succinctly as possible.
The essay should be concise. Make your point and conclude your essay. Don’t make the mistake of believing that repetition and over-stating your case will score points with your readers. 2) The persuasive essay
What is it?
This is the type of essay where you try to convince the reader to adopt your position on an issue or point of view.
Here your rationale, your argument, is most important. You are presenting an opinion and trying to persuade readers, you want to win readers over to your point of view.
What are its most important qualities?
Have a definite point of view.
Maintain the reader’s interest.
Use sound reasoning.
Use solid evidence.
Be aware of your intended audience. How can you win them over?
Research your topic so your evidence is