ESSAYS
Essays – A piece of writing that is written to convince someone of something or to simply inform the reader about a particular topic Types – Explain each type of essay and state its purpose Persuasive (Argumentative) Function: Establish a stance or position on an issue by providing reasons and supporting evidence Expository (Informative) Function: Investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner a. Process (How-to) Function: Explains the process or actions someone needs to take to complete a task b. Compare and Contrast Function: Examines two or more topics (objects, people, or ideas, for example), comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences c. Cause and Effect Function: Use analysis to examine the reasons for and the outcomes of situations Analytical/Critical a. Evaluative Function: Composition that offers value judgments about a particular subject according to a set of criteria b. Interpretive Function: Provides an analysis of another piece of writing Narrative (Tells a story) a. Personal Statement/Anecdote Function: An account of achievements, talents, interests and goals often included in job or university applications or on resumes Research Function: Expanded essay that presents their own interpretation or evaluation or argument Timed a. Document Based Question (DBQ) Function: Essay or series of short-answer questions that is constructed by students using one's own knowledge combined with support from several provided sources b. Synthesis Function: Written discussion incorporating support from several sources of differing views
