Essay

ESSAY
An essay is a short non-fiction, non-imaginary work
about a subject. It may be classified by tone and style as
formal or informal.
It has many purposes depending on what the writer
wants to write about and how he/she wants to affect the
readers.
Three Main Parts
Introduction
It is the opening part of the write-up that shows the
topic sentence of the essay or the thesis statement. It
prepares the readers on the essay. Therefore, it should be
effective so that the readers are encourage/ motivate to
continue reading.
Effective introduction should
Catch the readers attention, which can be done, for
example, by using a direct announcement, a quotation, a
question, a definition, an unusual comparison, or a
controversial position/opinion;
Introduce the topic of the essay, (in other words, inform
the reader of and provide a context for the topic being
discussed);
 Introduce the main idea (otherwise known as the thesis or
claim) of the essay;
Introduce the purpose of the essay (will it inform, argue,
persuade, describe, narrate, classify, etc.?).
 An effective body paragraphs should

Explain, illustrate, discuss, or provide evidence to

support the main idea (thesis or claim) of the essay;
Discuss only one aspect of the main idea (whenever you
move on to a new supporting point, start a new body
paragraph);
Body
An essay includes body paragraphs, which develop
the main idea (thesis or claim) of the essay.
 Work together with the other body paragraphs to
support your essays main idea;
Work together with the other body paragraphs to create
a clear, cohesive paper (clarity and coherence can be
achieved through the use of transitions)
Conclusion
An essay ends with a brief conclusion, which
brings the essay to a logical end. An effective conclusion
should:
brief;
predicting an outcome to the
main idea
giving an opinion
quotations
 Remind readers of the primary focus of the essay, which
can be done by restating the main idea in different words;
Avoid introducing new ideas;
Avoid apologies.
TYPES OF AN ESSAY
FORMAL ESSAY
This is known as impersonal essay. The
content is informative and scientific in
nature. The writer uses the aesthetic
approach in language and style.
INFORMAL ESSAY
It is called familiar or personal essay.
It expresses personal experiences or
observation on human nature. Its
purpose is to entertain rather than to
inform.
FORMS OF ESSAY
 DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

It is an essay that illustrates by using sensory words

in order to bring to the readers imagination what is
being talked about.
 NARRATIVE ESSAY

It is an essay that tells a story of the writer or

others story. It is usually found in the feature writing
sections of newspaper or magazine
 EXPOSITORY ESSAY

It is an essay that explains something so that

reader can understand.
 PERSUASIVE ESSAY

It is an essay that convinces

the reader to think in a certain way.
Elements of an Essay
Audience- It refers to whom the essay is intended for.
Purpose- It refers to the intention or goal in writing the
essay.
Subject- It is the topic discussed in the essay.
Point of view- It is the how the ideas are told to the
reader
 Theme- It refers to the lesson or message of the essay.
Mood- It refers to the feeling which the writer would
like the reader to experience or get from the literary
work.
Tone- It is the attitude of the writer towards his/her
subject
 Style- This is the special way in which the ideas of the
essay are developed.