5 Different Types of Essays


Narrative Writing

Narratives tell a story, so narrative essays have a beginning, a middle and an end. Whether the story is truth or fiction will depend upon the assignment, but teachers have several criteria that they typically use for grading. Outside of the normal essay elements, such as organization, grammar and punctuation, teachers usually look for plot development, characterization, descriptive details and dialogue. Excessive details are not necessary, but do provide descriptive details such as the darkening sky and the taste of the lemonade.

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect essays describe the cause and result of a situation or issue. An essay might discuss the development of treaties before World War I and the rise of the Axis and Allies. When writing this type of essay, research all possible outcomes and ensure that you can logically support your thesis with information on how a particular cause led to a specific effect. For longer essays, it may be possible to include circumstances that contributed to the effect.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays ask a student to choose a side on a particular issue and argue the merits of that side of the controversy. A student might argue her perspective on the death penalty or explain what she believes happened to the settlers at Roanoke. This style of essay allows greater freedom to interpret facts, statistics and primary sources, but the writer must be certain that she defends her interpretation cogently and effectively.

Research Papers


Compare and Contrast


Five Paragraph


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