| ~TYPES~ | | | | same thing, then. One is just smaller, while |
| | | | the other is an extension of the smaller. |
| You Want Us to Write What? Understanding the | | | | |
| Task Assigned | | | | For example, we write about the forms and |
| | | | functions of gossip for a sociology paper. We |
| Which academic essay writing types we use | | | | open with a definition paragraph that shows |
| depends upon which disciplines (or classes) | | | | how the word "gossip" originated from the |
| we write for. Each instructor or professor | | | | word "gospel." Then we continue to discuss |
| will assign papers that invite us to reveal | | | | how gossip brings people closer--emotionally, |
| in writing what we have learned/what we think | | | | spiritually, and even physically. |
| about the material for that particular class: | | | | |
| | | | Go Easy on Yourself: Your Confusion is |
| - ANALYTIC-A classic style used in art, | | | | Understandable |
| science, history, psychology, education, and | | | | |
| most other disciplines across the curriculum | | | | Just as we might call all writing expository, |
| to explore and investigate an idea, process, | | | | we call one type and one mode an expository |
| person, action, or attitude. | | | | type of essay and an expository mode of |
| | | | writing. So is the piece I'm writing |
| - ARGUMENTATIVE-Used in more advanced English | | | | explanatory, definitional, comparative? I |
| classes, in philosophy, and in courses which | | | | include explanatory elements. I use |
| include theory. | | | | definition and example. I slip a comparison |
| | | | in, too. |
| - COMPARATIVE/CONTRASTIVE-Used in most | | | | |
| courses where specific analysis of like and | | | | Here's one way to look at types/modes: |
| unlike elements, characters, and ideas lend | | | | |
| themselves to comparison. | | | | - We write a paragraph or passage in a |
| | | | certain mode. |
| - DEFINITIONAL-Written when we apply a more | | | | |
| thorough study to a topic, especially an | | | | - We can then turn that smaller piece into a |
| abstract one. | | | | whole essay, into one long, extended mode. |
| | | | |
| - DESCRIPTIVE-Used to more intensively, more | | | | Here's another way to look at types/modes: |
| concretely cover an idea, item, or subject. | | | | |
| | | | We buy a box of gourmet chocolates. We lift |
| - EVALUATIVE-Often confused with analytical, | | | | one from the box: we understand that the |
| the evaluative essay moves beyond the what | | | | thing we hold in our hands is a chocolate. It |
| and how to the how much...we put a value on | | | | also has chocolate in it. |
| the topic here. | | | | |
| | | | Here's one more way to look at types/modes: |
| - EXPLANATORY-Also called the expository | | | | |
| essay (though I tend to see all essays as | | | | You own a Camaro with a Corvette engine. |
| expository, as exposing a truth about | | | | They're both Chevys. |
| something). With this type we further our own | | | | |
| and our readers' understanding of the | | | | You're Going to What, Now? Confuse Us All |
| subject. | | | | Over Again? |
| | | | |
| - PERSONAL-Also called the response essay, | | | | No. Now that we have the types/modes |
| the personal style essay is still well | | | | separated enough to understand the |
| written (readable for an audience other than | | | | difference, I'll just remind you of one more |
| the writer), but is more informal--containing | | | | thing: we can and usually do overlap the |
| narrative details that entertain. | | | | modes. No one piece of academic essay writing |
| | | | exists in one isolated mode alone. It |
| - RESEARCH-While most essay types will | | | | includes many varied sub-styles to make it |
| include references or will quote authorities, | | | | more engaging, entertaining, and expository. |
| the research essay is mostly informational, | | | | |
| using the findings--the stats and facts--we | | | | And it requires a number of major parts--an |
| made investigating the findings of others. | | | | opener, a main body of text, and a closer. |
| | | | And you know what? These parts are written in |
| ~MODES~ | | | | the modes. |
| | | | |
| Modes and Types and Modes...Oh Crimeny! | | | | I'll add more pages on academic essay |
| | | | writing. Much more. So if you haven't had |
| Avoiding Confusion | | | | enough, come back again for monthly freebies. |
| | | | But for now, if you want to check out samples |
| We need not panic when called upon to do a | | | | you can use as models for modes/types, click |
| specific type of college paper writing. Why? | | | | here for mode samples written by college |
| Because we already use the types...on a | | | | students. |
| smaller scale. | | | | |
| | | | One more thing about college paper writing: |
| That is, we use miniature versions of the | | | | |
| essay types when we write paragraphs for the | | | | Enjoy the process. Find one thing in it you |
| complete essay. A type and a mode are the | | | | like and are good at. |