Essay Types: Part-2

Introduction

Essay, an organized piece of composition, has several types. Each essay type depends on the subject matter about which it is written, the requirements of the assignment as well as the main topic. There are several other types of essays besides given in the previous article. These are as follows.

Type	Features
Definition Essay	– Academic writing explaining concepts or terms – Comprehensive definition with formal, objective language – Requires research and reputable sources – Well-structured with intro, body, and conclusion – Enhances understanding and knowledge of defined concepts
Process Essay	– Guides readers through sequential steps – Detailed explanation of each step – Offers clear instructions and tips – Equips readers with task-completion skills – Valuable for tasks and skill acquisition
Problem-Solution Essay	– Identifies specific problems – Proposes effective solutions – Supports with evidence and analysis – Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills – Prepares for real-world challenges
Classification Essay	– Categorizes subjects based on criteria – Provides systematic understanding – Establishes clear categories – Supports with examples or evidence – Promotes critical thinking and logical organization
Informative Essay	– Conveys factual information about a topic – Presents a balanced view – Relies on clear language and evidence – Develops research and critical thinking skills – Conveys information effectively
Interpretive Essay	– Analyzes literature, artwork, or cultural artifacts – Interprets meaning and significance – Explores themes, symbols, subtext – Supports with evidence – Encourages critical thinking and engagement with complex works
Review Essay	– Evaluates scholarly works (books, films) – Analyzes arguments, strengths, weaknesses – Provides evidence and critical evaluation – Develops critical thinking skills – Contributes to academic conversations
Personal Statement	– Narrates individual background, experiences, aspirations – Reflective and introspective style – Conveys personal qualities and goals – Supports admissions or scholarships – Offers insights into character and potential contributions
Cause and Solution Essay	– Examines causes of a problem – Proposes solutions – Analyzes root causes and effects – Provides evidence and examples – Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Comparative Essay	– Compares similarities and differences between subjects – Provides comprehensive understanding – Uses criteria for comparison – Explores strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds – Draws meaningful conclusions and informs decision-making

Topics and Essay Types

Definition Essay:

1. Topic: Love
   • Definition: A complex and multifaceted emotional and psychological state characterized by deep affection, care, and attachment towards a person, object, or concept. Love can manifest in various forms, such as romantic love, platonic love, familial love, or self-love.
2. Topic: Freedom
   • Definition: The state of being able to act, speak, or think without external constraints or limitations. Freedom encompasses individual rights, autonomy, and the absence of coercion, allowing individuals to make choices and pursue their desires.

Process Essay:

1. Topic: Writing a Short Story
   • Process: This process involves several steps, including brainstorming ideas, outlining the plot and characters, writing the initial draft, revising and editing for clarity and coherence, and finalizing the story for publication or sharing.
2. Topic: Creating a Painting
   • Process: Creating a painting involves selecting a subject or theme, preparing the canvas and materials, sketching the composition, layering colors, adding details, and applying finishing touches to achieve the desired visual representation.

Problem-Solution Essay:

1. Topic: Social Media Addiction
   • Problem: Excessive use of social media leading to decreased productivity, mental health issues, and reduced real-world interactions.
   • Solution: Promoting digital detox practices, setting usage limits, and raising awareness about the potential negative effects of excessive social media use.
2. Topic: Environmental Pollution
   • Problem: Pollution of air, water, and land leading to environmental degradation, health problems, and ecosystem imbalances.
   • Solution: Implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging public awareness and participation in pollution reduction efforts.

Classification Essay:

1. Topic: Types of Literary Genres
   • Categories: Fiction (novel, short story), Poetry (sonnet, haiku), Drama (tragedy, comedy), Non-Fiction (biography, essay), and Fantasy (science fiction, fantasy).
2. Topic: Types of Characters in Literature
   • Categories: Protagonist, Antagonist, Round Characters, Flat Characters, Dynamic Characters, and Static Characters.

Informative Essay:

1. Topic: The Harlem Renaissance
   • Information: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement during the 1920s that celebrated African American art, music, literature, and intellectual achievements. It played a pivotal role in shaping modern African American culture.
2. Topic: Shakespearean Sonnets
   • Information: Shakespearean sonnets are 14-line poems with a specific rhyme scheme (ABABCDCDEFEFGG). They often explore themes of love, beauty, time, and mortality. Shakespeare’s collection of 154 sonnets remains influential in English literature.

Interpretive Essay:

1. Topic:The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
   • Interpretation: Analyzing the novel’s themes of the American Dream, wealth, decadence, and unrequited love, and exploring how the characters’ motivations and actions reflect broader societal values during the Roaring Twenties.
2. Topic: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”
   • Interpretation: Delving into the painting’s enigmatic smile, composition, and background, while considering theories about the subject’s identity and the artistic techniques used by da Vinci during the Renaissance.

Review Essay:

1. Topic: Review of 1984 by George Orwell
   • Review: Analyzing the novel’s dystopian themes, political commentary, and portrayal of surveillance, along with evaluating its impact on literature and its relevance to contemporary society.
2. Topic: Review of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
   • Review: Examining the novel’s exploration of racial injustice, moral growth, and the innocence of childhood, while evaluating its narrative style, character development, and enduring significance.

Personal Statement:

1. Topic: Personal Statement for College Admission
   • Narrative: Sharing personal background, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations to demonstrate suitability for a chosen course of study.
2. Topic: Personal Statement for a Creative Writing Scholarship
   • Narrative: Reflecting on one’s passion for writing, experiences in the literary field, and future goals as a writer, while showcasing creativity, dedication, and potential contributions to the writing community.

Cause and Solution Essay:

1. Topic: Decline in Reading Habit Among Youth
   • Causes: Influence of digital media, busy lifestyles, and lack of encouragement.
   • Solutions: Promoting reading campaigns, incorporating reading into curricula, and fostering home environments conducive to reading.
2. Topic: Environmental Degradation Due to Deforestation
   • Causes: Clearing land for agriculture, logging, and urbanization.
   • Solutions: Reforestation efforts, sustainable logging practices, and raising awareness about the importance of forests for biodiversity and climate regulation.

Comparative Essay:

1. Topic: Comparison of Greek Tragedy and Shakespearean Tragedy
   • Comparison: Examining similarities and differences in themes, character archetypes, plot structures, and cultural influences between the tragic traditions of ancient Greece and Shakespearean England.
2. Topic: Comparative Analysis of Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones’s Diary
   • Comparison: Comparing Jane Austen’s classic novel with the modern adaptation to explore how societal norms, relationships, and themes have evolved over time, while considering the impact of cultural context on storytelling.

Suggested Readings

1. Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
2. Lunsford, Andrea A. The St. Martin’s Handbook. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
3. Strunk, William, Jr., and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
4. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2014.
5. Williams, Joseph M. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. 5th ed., Pearson, 2014.
6. Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018.
7. Swales, John M., and Christine B. Feak. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. 3rd ed., University of Michigan Press, 2012.
8. Ramage, John D., et al. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 10th ed., Pearson, 2016.
9. Crews, Frederick. The Random House Handbook. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2020.