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Essay writing is challenging and requires patience, practice, and focus. One of the biggest issues students have is following the requirements of each kind of paper. Sometimes, the difference between them seems way too slim. Here is a helpful list of four major types of academic writing one is likely to deal with.
Expository Essays
This type of writing is basically a thorough investigation of a particular topic. You need to look at the facts and present ideas in the clearest and unbiased way. Experienced writers usually start with a thesis statement and then develop their arguments from there. For example, include the intent of the paper in the introductory part, present your arguments in the body, and finish by summarizing the content. Always keep your evidence as effective as possible, but use only the reliable sources. Anyone can edit Wikipedia, so it’s preferable to stay away from it.
Descriptive Essays
If you’re asked to keep a journal, this is a good format to use. These essays are a lot more liberal with their structure and allow the writer a lot of freedom. They are often assigned in creative writing and literature classes. Keep in mind that you’ll need to describe a subject from multiple perspectives. So mention how it looks, smells, feels to the touch, etc. Use good, rich language to demonstrate your feelings. Finally, keep your thoughts organized or your audience may get confused and stop reading.
Narrative Essays
Narrative writing requires you to tell a story. Sometimes you’ll be asked to write a form of short fiction. In this case, always try to remember to have characters, a setting, and some kind of plot, just like you’d see in any other kind of literary work. You may also be assigned to write a book report. These are a bit easier as they don’t involve as much original writing. However, you can’t just rewrite books. You have to make your essay informative. Whatever the type, a narrative essay should always have a point, just like an expository one has a thesis statement.
Persuasive Essays
Persuasive or argumentative essays are very similar to expository ones. In both types of writing, you need to explore a certain topic, look for evidence, and construct credible arguments. The format is also very similar. The writer has to start with an introduction, have three or more arguments in the body and finish with an effective conclusion recounting the information given previously. The difference is in the position of the author. In persuasive essays, the writer needs to choose and defend a side of the issue. The trick is to remain impartial even while having a point of view.
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Please, mind that the information given here is very limited, so search for additional advice online, sign up for a writing class or consult with your professor for more help. Even if you have troubles with essays, hard work and persistence will lead you to success.
