Essay: Definition, Elements and Types

Mr. Jay Dev Suthar, Lecturer in English, Cadet College Petaro
ESSAY WRITING
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An essay is a short academic composition. The word “essay” is
derived from a French word “essai”, which mean “trail” or “I say”. In
composition, however, an essay is a piece of non-fiction (realistic)
writing that talks or discusses a specific topic.
Essay: Definition
As per some other version, the word ‘essay’ is derived from a Latin
word ‘exagium’, which roughly translates to presenting one’s case.
So essays are a short piece of writing representing one’s side of the
argument or one’s experiences, stories, etc. Essays are very
personalized.

An essay is a piece of composition that discusses a thing, a person,
a problem, or an issue in a way that the writer demonstrates his
knowledge by offering a new perspective, a new opinion, a solution,
or new suggestions or recommendations.
Essay: Definition
An essay is not just a haphazard (unorganized / random) piece of
writing. It is a well-organized composition comprising several
elements that work to build an argument, describe a situation,
narrate an event, or state a problem with a solution.

Essay: Structure
Letter Word Sentence
ParagraphEssay
It is very
important
for an essay
to look like
an essay.

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There are four components / elements / parts of an essay:
Components / Elements of an Essay
1. Outline / List of Sub-topics
2. Introduction / Introductory Paragraph
3. Body / Supporting Paragraphs
4. Conclusion / Concluding Paragraphs

An outline is a list of sub-topics of the main topic (of an essay). It is
a plan of an essay where a student indicates what does he write
and in which paragraph does he write certain facts, arguments,
details, etc.
Components of an Essay: Outline
Once the outline is prepared, the writer become comfortable to write
an essay as he remains organized and focused.
In certain examinations, outline is made compulsory in essay writing
as it is a mirror of an essay, and it creates impression (either good
or bad) in examiner’s mind.

1. Introduction
2. Body Paragraph 1
3. Body Paragraph 2
4. Body Paragraph 3
5. Body Paragraph 3
6. Conclusion
1. Introduction
2. Body Paragraph 1
a) Body Paragraph 1.1
b) Body Paragraph 1.1
c) Body Paragraph 1.1
3. Body Paragraph 2
4. Body Paragraph 3
5. Conclusion
Simple
Outline
Extended
Outline

Steps for preparing outline:
Components of Essay: Outline
1. Identify the type of the essay and audience
2. Brainstorm for random collection of ideas / topics
3. Organize the topics logically or as per importance
4. Review, adjust and prepare a list

Brainstorming:
It is the process
of thinking and
randomly
collecting ideas,
incidents,
examples,
experiences,
etc.

How to
Brainstorm?

It is always suggested to write outline after the essay writing
is completed. You may leave a page (of half of it) in the
beginning where you may write the outline in the end. You
should prepare a rough outline that should be followed while
writing the essay. The reason for suggesting to write outline
in the last is that you may remember certain ideas about the
topic while writing the essay, it will be easy for you to add
those in the rough outline. It will maintain clarity of outline and
will save your from editing, blots or smudges.

Sample
Outlines
TOPIC OUTLINE
KASHMIR IS
INSEPARABLE
PART OF
PAKISTAN
o Introduction
o Brief history
o Kashmir - a Muslim
majority state
o Will of Kashmiris to
join Pakistan
o Conclusion
TOPIC o OUTLINE
DEFECTS IN
OUR
EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEM OF
PAKISTAN
o Introduction
o Old classroom
setting
o Uninteresting books
o Traditional teaching
methods
o Insufficient
qualification of
teachers
o Improper
assessment
o Conclusion

Exercises: Prepare outline of following topics:
Components of Essay: Outline
1. ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN OUR SOCIETY
2. BENEFITS OF READING BOOKS
3. MEASURES TO CURB CORRUPTION
4. SIGNIFICANCE OF SPORTS
5. USE OF MOBILE PHONES IN CLASSROOM: PROS AND CONS
Task 1

Components of an Essay: Introductory Paragraph
First paragraph is intended to introduce the topic of the essay. It
may start with simple description (topic sentence), an anecdote, a
good quote, a verse, or an event (followed by topic sentence)
relevant to the topic. It intends to attract the attention of readers.
After that, the author gives background information or general
information about the topic, which is intended to educate readers
about the topic. The final element of the introduction is a thesis
statement. This is a concise and compact sentence or two, which
introduces evidence to be discussed in the body paragraphs.

Quaid-e-Azam (MAJ) firmly asserted,
“Kashmir is jugular vein of Pakistan and
no nation can allow its jugular vein to be
held by its enemy.” Kashmir is indivisible
part of Pakistan because of its religious,
cultural and historical affiliation with
Pakistan. It was supposed to be the part
of Pakistan on the basis independence
plan because of being Muslim majority
state. Kashmirs desire to be the part of
Pakistan but as a part of high politics, the
issue is not resolved as per their choice.
Pakistan will not leave Kashmiri brethren
in their difficult time and will leave no
stone unturned to make entire Kashmir
its part.
Educational system is the most
important institution of a country. It
is an entity which can make or break
a nation. Educational system of
Pakistan has several defects which
are needed to be addressed for
excellent results, character building
and overall progress of the country.
Major defects in the system are old
classroom environment,
uninteresting books, ancient
methods of chalk and talk, teachers
without proper qualification of
education and improper assessment.
KASHMIR IS INSEPARABLE PART OF
PAKISTAN
DEFECTS IN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF
PAKISTAN
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Introductory Paragraph should have:
1. Strong topic sentence or an anecdote, a
good quote, a verse, or an event (followed by
topic sentence)
2. Brief background or general information
3. Thesis statement
Task 2
Write
introduction
of any two
of the topics
assigned in
Slide No. 14

Components of an Essay: Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs of an essay discuss the evidences and arguments
introduced in the thesis statement. If a thesis statement has presented
three evidences or arguments about the topic, there will be three body
paragraphs. However, sometimes it is not possible to mention all
arguments in introduction / thesis statement, thus if there are more
arguments or evidences, there could be more paragraphs.
The structure of each body paragraph is the same. It starts with a topic
sentence, followed by further explanation, examples, evidences, and
supporting details.

At intermediate level, an essay of 5 – 6 paragraph is required keeping the
word limits in mind. If you skip introductory and concluding paragraphs,
you need 3 – 4 body paragraphs. Write one body paragraph for each point
that supports your thesis.
Body paragraphs should follow logical order. There are three types of order:
1. Chronological order - order of time, good for stories / experiences.
2. Spatial order - good for descriptions of locations, places, space, e.g:
from left to right, from top to bottom, from up to down, etc.
3. Emphatic order – Writing the most important or relevant information
first, followed by more important, important, less and least important,
etc.

Remember to use transition words, phrases and sentences for good flow to the essay.
LOGICAL RELATIONSHIP TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION
Similarity also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly
Exception / Contrast
but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding
(in spite of), in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
Sequence / Order first, second, third, … next, then, finally
Time
after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently,
simultaneously, subsequently, then
Example for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
Emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
Place/Position above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there
Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
Additional Support or
Evidence
additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition,
moreover, then
Conclusion/Summary
finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to
conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary

Jammu and Kashmir has a Muslim
majority population. Islam is practiced by
97% population of the Kashmir valley,
the rest of population is of Buddhists,
Hindus and Sikhs. In Jammu, Hindus
constitute 65% of the population,
Muslims 31% and Sikhs, 4% while in
Ladakh, Buddhists constitute about 46%
of the population, the remaining being
Muslims. In totality, the Muslims
constitute 67% of the population, the
Hindus about 30%, the Buddhists 1%,
and the Sikhs 2% of the population.
Thus, majority of population in Jammu
and Kashmir is of Muslims and they are
culturally, religiously and spiritually
connected to Pakistan.
Classroom setting plays an
important role in the process of teaching
and learning. The congested
arrangement of desks and increased
strength in our classrooms are major
defects in our classroom setting. It
doesn’t support active learning. We are
still following the environment which
was followed in developed countries half
a century or even more before. We direly
need to revolutionize the outlook of
class. Nowadays, maximum strength
acceptable in class is 20 – 25, and
students are arrangement to sit in
groups (of 4 – 5) around a round table. It
makes easy for a teacher to arrange
activities in class and monitor learners.
Topic: Kashmir Is Inseparable Part of Pakistan Topic: Defects In Educational System of Pakistan
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Sub-topic: Kashmir a Muslim Majority State Sub-topic: Old Classroom Setting

Supporting Paragraph should have:
1. Topic sentence
2. Detailed information / data / evidences /
experiences, etc.
3. Concluding sentence
Task 3
Write two
supporting
paragraphs
from the
outlines that
you have
prepared on the
topics given in
Slide No. 14
4. Follow an order / sequence
5. Transition words / phrases where necessary

Components of an Essay: Concluding Paragraph
The conclusion is the last part of an essay. It is also the crucial part that sums up
the argument, or concludes the description, narration, or event. It is comprised of
three major parts:
1. The first part is a rephrasing of the thesis statement given at the end of the
introduction. It reminds the readers what they have read about.
2. The second part is the summary of the major points discussed in the body
paragraphs.
3. The third part is closing remarks, which are suggestions, recommendations, a
call to action, or the author’s own opinion of the issue. Ensure that the reader
is left with something to think about, particularly if it is an argumentative
essay.

By the help of above facts and
arguments, it can be concluded that
Kashmir is inseparable part of Pakistan
and it will not let the beautiful valley to
suffer under cruel Indian government. It
is not only on the basis of the fact that
Kashmir is culturally and religious linked
to Pakistan but it is will of majority of
Kashmiris to join Pakistan. They have
rejects cruel face of Indian government.
The two countries must come forward to
resolve the issue as per choice of
Kashmiris. The world community and
international organization should also
play their part to pressurize both the
countries to hold fruitful talks so as
satisfactory solution could be made.
In conclusion, it can be safely
asserted that our educational system
has several flaws which need to be
addressed or upgraded. The issues
like outdated class outlook, expired
syllabus, ineffective teaching
methods and improper assessment
are some of the issues which need
special attention. The government,
education ministry, examination
boards, textbook boards, teachers’
associations and other stakeholders
are required to sit together to come
up with a fruitful and productive
educational system.
Topic: Kashmir Is Inseparable Part of Pakistan Topic: Defects In Educational System of Pakistan
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Essay should have:
1. Outline
2. Introductory Paragraph
3. Supporting Paragraphs (3 – 4)Task 4
Write at least
three complete
essays on any
of the topics
given in Slide
No. 14
4. Concluding Paragraph

Types of Essays: Narrative Essays
• The word ‘narrative’ is derived from ‘narrate’ which means ‘to tell a story or to
share a spoken or account of some event or incident’
• Thus, a narrative essay is a narration like a short story, a real life experience,
incident or happening. It is, however, different from a short story in that it is written
in an essay format.
• It is mostly written in first person, so the word ‘I’ is common in it. In examination,
the topic use 2nd Person Pronouns i.e. You, Your, Yours, Yourself, Yourselves.
• The aim when writing narrative essays is to involve the reader in them as if
they were right there when it was happening. So make them as vivid and real
as possible. One way to make this possible is to follow the principle of ‘show,
don’t tell’. So you must involve the reader in the story.

EXAMPLE TOPICS
1. MY THE MOST EXCITING DAY OF SCHOOL
2. MY EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN A HOSTEL
3. THE MAJOR EVENTS THAT SHAPED MY LIFE
4. THINGS MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME
5. MY FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
Can you suggest more?

Types of Essays: Expository Essays
• The literal meaning of ‘expository’ is intended to explain or describe
something. An expository essay exposes things in detail to make readers
understand without any complications. It is an informative piece of writing that
presents a balanced analysis of a topic.
• In an expository essay, the writer explains or defines a topic, using facts,
statistics, and examples. Expository writing encompasses a wide range of
essay variations, such as the comparison and contrast essay, the cause and
effect essay, and the “how to” or process essay.
• Because expository essays are based on facts and not personal feelings,
writers don’t reveal their emotions or write in the first person. To write such an
essay, the writer must have real and extensive knowledge about the subject.

Types of Essays: Expository Essays
• Expository essays compare, explore, and discuss problems. While there's a bit
of a storytelling element to them, their purpose is greater than that. It's always
to explain some integral concept to the reader. As such, they inform, describe,
and explain.
• When writing an expository essay, the text needs to:
• Be concise and easy to understand.
• Offer different views on a subject.
• Report on a situation or event.
• Explain something that may be difficult to understand.

EXAMPLE TOPICS
1. Describe some productive ways students can spend their leisure time.
2. If you can invent one cure to an incurable disease, what would you
choose?
3. Which materials are best to use in building a sustainable structure?
4. If you can write one book in your lifetime, what would it be and why?
5. Explain the likely consequences of skipping school.

Types of Essays: Descriptive Essays
• As the word ‘descriptive’ is derived from ‘describe’ A descriptive essay
describes something to make readers feel, smell, see, taste, or hear what is
described.
• Here the writer will describe a place, an object, an event or maybe even a
memory. But it is not just plainly describing things. The writer must paint a
picture through his words. One clever way to do that is to evoke the senses of
the reader. Do not only rely on sight but also involve the other senses of smell,
touch, sound etc. A descriptive essay when done well will make the reader feel
the emotions the writer was feeling at the moment.
• These are literary essays, not plainly describing the things, but communicating
a deeper meaning through the description. In a descriptive essay, the writer
should show, not tell, through the use of colorful words and sensory details.

• For example, if you were describing roses, you might want to detail:
1. Their origin
2. Their appearance
3. Their color
4. Their fragrance
• As mentioned already, when you write a descriptive essay, you want to involve
the reader's senses and emotions. For example, you could say, "I got sleepy."
Or, you could write, "While I waited for Santa, my eyelids grew heavy, the lights
on the tree began to blur, and my head began to droop." The second excerpt
provides vivid detail, allowing readers to feel like they're there.

• The rooms was very decorated. It was fully-furnished accommodation. As I entered
in it, I could see a bed on the right with fragrant bed sheet and pillow. Beside it laid
a small table where I could drinking water jug and glass, juices and some fruit. Just
at the left of entrance gate was a table, chair, computer placed on a separate
trolley with printer, scanner, webcam and headphones. On the left corner, a set
four sofas with dark brown colour and a centre table was placed. The door and
windows were bit sticky because these were recently colored and I could smell oil
paint somehow. Floor was covered with thick and soft mat. Suddenly I heard a
knock at the door, it was waiter, asking me for the dinner if I had to. I replied in
positive.
• In simple word, the writer could have simply written that the rooms was good with
all necessary facilities.

EXAMPLE TOPICS
1. Describe memories of some place or someone whom you miss.
2. Describe your favourite movie character and explain why you like
him/her.
3. A class reunion
4. Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
5. Describe your favorite teacher’s classroom

Types of Essays: Persuasive / Argumentative Essays
• As the word ‘persuasive’ is derived from ‘persuade’ which means to convince
(the audience). An argumentative essay is meant to present arguments in the
favor of something. It has an additional body paragraph that is meant to
present opposite arguments.
• He or she will demonstrate the validity or falsity of a topic. The writer's position
will be backed up with evidence, including statistics or the opinion of experts.
In these essays, the writer isn't merely offering an opinion, but making an
argument for or against something, and supporting that argument with data.
• To write an argumentative essay, it's important to research and back up what
you say in the text.

• Sometimes, both sides of the topic (favor / disfavor) have to be presented in these
essays. But the ultimate aim is to persuade the readers that the writer’s argument
carries more weight.
• "Gun control has been a controversial issue for years. A vast majority of citizens believe
that if gun control is strictly enforced, it would quickly reduce the threat of crime. Many
innocent people feel they have the right to bear arms for protection, or even for the
pleasure of hunting. These people are penalized for protecting their lives, or even for
enjoying a common, innocent sport. To enforce gun control throughout the nation means
violating a person's Constitutional rights. Although some people feel that the issue of gun
control will limit crime, the issue should not exist due to the fact that guns are necessary for
self defense against crime, and enforcing gun control is violating a citizen's second
amendment right to bear arms."
• Example paragraph:

EXAMPLE TOPICS
1. Country life is better than city life.
2. Corporal punishment should be banned in education institutions.
3. Democracy is a best form of government.
4. Social media is harmful for developing society.
5. All students are genius and intelligent.

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Essay: Definition, Elements and Types

Essay: Definition, Elements and Types

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