What is an "Essay"?

Definitions of an "essay":

• A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author.

• Something resembling such a composition.

• An attempt; a trial.

• A short literary composition of an analytical or interpretive kind, dealing with its subject usually from a personal point of view or in a limited way.

• A moderately brief prose discussion of a restricted topic. Classifying the essay has eluded human skill. A basic and very useful division can, however, be made: Formal and Informal.  (See below.)

An "essay" is also known as:

• A paper

• A composition

• A theme

Basic features of an essay:

• An introduction

• A thesis statement

• Body paragraphs (at least one, more often two or more)

• A conclusion

"Good" essays are:

• Unified -- focused on one subject / topic / point

• Coherent -- clearly and logically organized -- "easy to follow"

• Developed -- supported with well-chosen examples and details which are clearly explained

• (What about "interesting," "surprising," "engaging," "thought-provoking," etc.?)

A "formal" essay:

• A serious, dignified, orderly essay.

Formal essay qualities:

1. Serious purpose

2. Dignity

3. Logical organization

4. Length

5. The term may include both short discussions, expository or argumentative, and longer treatises

A "personal" essay:

• A kind of informal essay with an intimate style, autobiographical content or interest, and an urbane, conversational manner.

Informal essay qualities:

1. The personal element

2. Humor

3. Graceful style

4. Rambling structure

5. Unconventionality or novelty

6. Freedom from stiffness and affectation

7. Incomplete or tentative treatment of topic

Another classification system (the "aims"):

• Expressive

• Referential

• Persuasive

• Literary

A third classification system (the "modes"):

• Narrative

• Descriptive

• Expository -- includes exemplification, classification, division, comparison, contrast, definition, process analysis, and causal analysis

• Argumentative

A fourth classification system (the "genres"):

• Autobiography

• First-hand Biography

• Profile

• Concept Explanation

• Position Paper

• Problem-Solution Proposal

• Evaluation

• Causal Analysis

• Literary Analysis