ESSAY TYPES 1

The five-paragraph essay

The five-paragraph essay is the classic format for compositions.
It is not the only format for writing an essay, but it is a useful model to keep in mind when
you are beginning to learn the process of writing.

Structure
Introduction + thesis
Body (3 paragraphs) - Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence.
A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph and helps make transition from the
paragraph before it.
All three paragraphs of the body should be related to the thesis stated in the introduction.
Conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the three main points from the body.

Description Essay

In a description essay, you write what a person, place or thing is like.

You organize the essay by describing different parts or aspects of the main subject.

E.g. Write an essay describing polar bear.

Introduction: Introduce what polar bear is.
Body supporting paragraphs:
Describe where the polar bear lives.
Describe the body of the polar bear.
Describe what the polar bear eats.
Conclusion: Summarize what the polar bear is.

Argumentative Essay

In this kind of essay, we not only give information but also present an argument with the
PROS (supporting ideas) and CONS (opposing ideas) of an issue.
We should clearly take our stand and write as if we are trying to persuade an opposing
audience to adopt new beliefs or behaviour.
The primary objective is to persuade people to change beliefs that many of them do not
want to change.
Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic:
should be narrowed down
X Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good topic because it is too general. )
Selling and using marijuana in public places should be considered illegal.
it should contain an argument

X Are you one of those who thinks cheating is not good for students? (a question cannot be
an argument)
Cheating helps students learn.
it should be a topic that can be adequately supported (with statistics, outside source
citations, etc.)
X I feel that writing an argumentative essay is definitely a challenging task. (feelings
cannot be supported; we cannot persuade other people)

Structure

Model A
Introduction
It should contain a brief explanation of your topic, some background information and the
thesis.
Body (an example)
Con arguments (against)
Pro arguments (argue your point using sources and examples)
Conclusion summarize your arguments.

Example Model A
Thesis: Stress is good for human body.
Introduction:
Attention-getter. Give some background information on stress. State your thesis.
Body:
Con arguments why do some people believe stress is bad for your body?
Pro arguments prove why stress is actually good for your body. Support your arguments
with references.
Conclusion: Summarize why your position is correct.

Model B
Introduction
Body
Con argument 1 refutation (proving con argument wrong)
Con argument 2 refutation
Con argument 3 refutation
Conclusion

Example Model B
Thesis: Facebook alienates people.
Introduction: Attention-getter. Give some background information on Facebook. State your
thesis.
Body:

Paragraph 1:
Con argument 1 Facebook helps you stay in touch with people - Refutation: It cannot
replace face-to-face contact.
Paragraph 2:
Con argument 2 You can meet new people using Facebook
- Refutation: People you
meet may not be who they say they are.
Paragraph 3: Con argument 3 - Refutation
Conclusion: Summarize why your position is correct.
Presenting arguments pro and con means giving evidence (supporting the points you made).
Evidence takes several forms:
Facts / statistics commonly accepted truths in words or numbers
e.g. We are trying to argue that the law requiring students to finish high school should be
passed.
Supporting fact: In 2007, high school dropouts accounted for 25,000 felonies nationwide.
Authorities the opinions and ideas of experts in the field e.g.
Attorney General has said: Teen dropouts increase their risk of serving prison time by
35%. We need a federal law to keep these kids in school.
Examples specific illustrations e.g.
Kansas decreased crime in that state by 7% the year it enacted a law to keep teens in
school till graduation.
Anecdotes brief stories e.g.
My best friend dropped out of school at the end of his second year and was dealing drugs
till he was arrested two months ago.
Scenarios what-if situations, speculating about causes and effects e.g.
If we continue to let students drop out of high school, many will slide into poverty. As they
grow older and become parents, their children will follow their example.

Cause and Effect Essay

Cause and effect essays are concerned with why things happen (causes) and what happens
as a result (effects).
e.g. Causes of air pollution (multiple factors leading to air pollution).
e.g. Effects of watching too much TV (many effects of a situation).
We need to distinguish between cause and effect.
To determine causes, ask, "Why did this happen?"
To identify effects, ask, "What happened because of this?"
Cause: You are out of gas.
Effect: Your car won't start.

There may be several causes or effects of a situation. However, in a student essay, it is

advisable to keep the number of major points to 2 or 3, which form separate paragraphs.

Suggested structure:

Introduction (with a thesis)

Description of the cause(s)
Description of the effect(s)
Conclusion

Cause and effect sections can also be mixed e.g. in one paragraph you explain one cause
and its effect, continuing in the same way in the next 2-3 paragraphs.

Example

Topic: The effects of fast food on our lives

Introduction:
Describe what people used to eat in the past.
Describe what people eat now (fast food).
Thesis: This change has had a negative effect on our lives.
Body:
1st paragraph causes:
Lifestyle (long hours at work, women working)
More money (people eat outside more)
Modern life (advertising, new things, desire for a change)
2nd paragraph effects:
Health (obesity, heart disease, diabetes)
Families (not spending time together)
Economic effects (waste of money, fast food chains)
Conclusion:
Present both sides (Fast food is tasty, but)
Future