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