Has it ever happened to you that you are assigned an essay writing assignment, but you wrote it in the wrong format?
Well, that's not something new. Many students make this mistake as they just don't exactly figure out how to choose the right essay type for their assignments.
The reason?
Whether they are not good at differentiating different types or they just simply can't understand the essay prompt.
So, if you just got the essay writing assignment and are trying to figure out the type of essay you need to write. Then this is it. You are going to find all the information here. So, here we go.
How to Choose the Right Type of Essay for Your Assignments?
Just imagine that your professors are expecting you to write an argumentative essay. But you unknowingly have written the compare and contrast essay.
That would be a disaster, right? That is why it is important to understand the various types of essay writing they are expecting. Here is how you can do it:
1. Understand the Essay Prompt
Before doing anything else, just read the essay prompt very carefully. Sometimes, your professors just clearly mention the type of essay that they need.
So, make sure that you don't miss it.
2. Look for Keyword
Keywords are really important and can strongly indicate the kind of essay needed. Thus, you should look for keywords like:
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Explain - This might indicate an expository essay
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Persuade or Convince - Such terms signify a persuasive essay
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Argue or Debate - These terms are very common for argumentative essays
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Compare - It relates to compare and contrast essays
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Define your Experience - It can point out to a narrative or reflective essay
Always remember that the wording in your prompt gives you a strong clue about the type of essay needed.
3. Understand Different Types of Essays
To know which one to use. You must first clearly understand what each type of essay really means for choosing an essay type.
Narrative Essay
This is all about storytelling. So, you must use this when you are asked about your personal experiences or some real-life event.
As the name suggests, this type of essay defines things or phenomena. So, when you are asked about something particular, then you can use this one.
So, these essays are based on facts. Thus, when your assignment asks you to explain or define something, then they might be indicating this type.
Here, you will try to convince the reader of something using facts and logic.
So, use this when you are asked to argue or convince your readers.
So, these essays are about comparing two things. You will easily find out when you are asked about it when two things are involved in your question.
They are something really personal. So, when you are asked to talk about your experience or memory, then this is it.
Do’s and don’ts of essay writing
Crafting a good essay isn’t about knowing what and how to write. It is also about knowing what to avoid while writing.
Do’s
1. Use transitions between your paragraphs:
Some people write a different story in each paragraph without linking the ideas and connecting them. However, this is wrong.
If you are not using transitional words in your paragraphs, then your essay will lose its coherence. The reader will feel that there are random, unconnected ideas throughout the essay. This is why you should use transitional words because they help to build links and connections between the ideas. Use phrases and words like:
therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, because, hence, for this reason, accordingly. Similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as, both, equally, also, comparatively, despite, although. for example, for instance, such as, including, specifically, to illustrate, in particular, namely, notably, in conclusion, to summarize, in summary, etc.
2. Add citations with your examples:
If you add examples from literature, they should be cited. Your ideas cannot have citations, but all ideas that you take from others should have citations.
This way, your essay looks more reliable, convincing, and authentic.
3. Use high-level vocabulary:
Essay writing not only requires knowledge of the topic but also requires the use of appropriate and advanced vocabulary.
One area of essay writing is language expertise. So if you have knowledge but don’t know how to deliver it accurately with the correct words, then your essay won’t stand out.
Instead of using repetitive words and phrases, use different types of words, like instead of using “good”, use words like ‘top notch, excellent’ etc.
4. Stick to the prompt of the essay:
No matter how much you want to add your thoughts and experiences, just remember that this is your academic assignment; therefore, make sure you align your ideas with the prompt of the essay to make it more relevant.
If your prompt has several parts, check at last whether your essay has covered everything or not.
Don’ts
1. Don’t include long sentences:
Long sentences affect the readability of the essay. You don’t have to make your essay harder to understand, so use shorter sentences.
This will add clarity and precision to your essay. Also, long sentences signal that your information is not up to the mark and lead to more grammatical and stylistic mistakes.
2. Don’t add too much information or ideas:
If you have too much information, it doesn’t mean you can add all of it. You have to filter all the information that you have in mind so that your essay has relevant and necessary information.
Just make sure you stick to the topic and add all the key information.
3. Don’t lose the focus of the topic:
Students think that, in conclusion, they have to add other broader and unrelated aspects of the topic. Many of the students make the mistake of adding a new idea and information in the conclusion. However, it is completely wrong. In conclusion, you have to summarize whatever you have written and highlight the key ideas. If any sentence doesn’t relate to the topic, just eliminate that sentence.
Final Words
In a nutshell, choosing the right type of essay for your assignments is crucial to writing the perfect essay that meets the expectations of your professors.
All you need to do is have a careful look at the question and a little understanding of what each type of essay involves.
So, once you know what kind of essay you are about to write, things will automatically become much easier for you. And I am sure that won't be a problem for you anymore. So, happy writing!
