ENTRY 10

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What an essay is

An essay is an intellectual exploration of a topic dealing with a subject analytically or speculatively and looking at different arguments and evidence and developing the writer’s perspective.

Thesis statement

The thesis statement consists on what the writing is about and it includes all paragraphs of the essay. The purpose of the thesis is to give order both to the reader and to the writer. It does this by clearly stating the central claim that a piece of writing will try to prove. A strong thesis statement both names the topic and reveals the writer's opinion about that topic. It should be clear and specific. A thesis statement can also list the supporting ideas.

Kinds of essays

Definition Essay:

You take a term or an idea and write about what is. You can combine definitions with classification or other forms of organization in the essay. To write a definition essay, you’ll need to define a word that:

  1.  has a complex meaning.

   2. is disputable (could mean different things to different people)

 Sequence Essay:

You write to describe a series of events or a process on some sort of order (based on time). You write it step by step in the order it occurred.

Classification Essay:

You separate things or ideas into specific categories and discuss each of them. You organize the essay by defining each classification and by giving examples of each type.  Think about the categories we place things in everyday and the characteristics of those categories.  The topic you choose should allow you to argue that something has been misplaced.

Choice Essay:

You need to choose which object, idea, or action that you prefer. You organize it by describing each option and then giving your opinion.

Description Essay:

Your write about what a person, place, or thing is like. Your organized it by describing different parts or aspects of a main subject.

Explanation Essay:

You explain how or why something happens or has happened. You need to explain different causes and effects. You should organize the essay by explaining each individual cause or effects.

Compare and Contrast Essay:

You write about the similarities and differences between two or more people, places or things. You can organize it by writing about one subject first and the comparing it with the second subject.

Evaluation Essay:

You make judgments about people, ideas, and possible actions. You make your evaluation based on certain criteria that you develop. Organize the essay by discussing the criteria you used to make your judgment.