WHAT IS AN ESSAY?

An essay is an extended piece of writing that presents and supports a thesis or

proposition. The word ‘essay’ simply means a presentation of a case.
When you write an essay, you are making a case for the validity of a particular point of
view, analysis, interpretation, or set of facts or procedures.
Types of Essays: End the Confusion
Effectively writing different types of essays has become critical to academic success.
Essay writing is a common school assignment, a part of standardized tests, and a
requirement on college applications. Often on tests, choosing the correct type of essay
to write in response to a writing prompt is key to getting the question right. Clearly,
students can’t afford to remain confused about types of essays.
Essentially there are four major types of essays. Distinguishing between types of essays is
simply a matter of determining the writer’s goal.
Four Major Types of Essays:
1. Narrative Essays: Telling a Story
In a narrative essay, the writer tells a story about a real-life experience.
2. Descriptive Essays: Painting a Picture
A cousin of the narrative essay, a descriptive essay paints a picture with words.
3. Expository Essays: Just the Facts
The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced
analysis of a topic.
4. Persuasive Essays: Convince Me
While like an expository essay in its presentation of facts, the goal of the
persuasive essay is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or
recommendation.
 IELTS/FCE Essay Structures
The five most common IELTS/FCE Writing Task 2 questions are:
1. Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
2. Advantages and Disadvantages
3. Problem and Solution
4. Discussion (Discuss both view)
5. Two-part Question
Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)
Typical Question Words–
What is your opinion? Do you agree or disagree? To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Direct question.

Example Question–
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school
programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sports
to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Structure

Introduction
Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question
Sentence 2- Thesis Statement (It is agreed…/It is disagreed…/This essay agrees/disagrees…)
Sentence 3- Outline Sentence (This essay will discuss….)

Main Body Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence
Sentence 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Sentence 3- Example

Main Body Paragraph 2

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence
Sentence 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Sentence 3- Example

Conclusion
Sentence 1- Summary and opinion

Please note that these are general structures and they may vary slightly depending on the
particular question.