What Are the Essay Writing Methods?
Before beginning any essay, determining the method by which you present your topic is key. The five most popular essay types are Cause and Effect, Classification, Definition, Example, and Compare and Contrast.
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Cause and Effect
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A cause and effect essay links outcomes with the precipitating events. Writing this essay allows you to explore the relationship between a substantial event, such as the results of the 2008 presidential election, and causes such as the public's distrust of Republicans after the presidency of George Bush.
Definition
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A definition essay uses your own personal experience to reflect on the meaning of a particular term. These are not laden with facts as much as personal commentary.
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Compare and Contrast
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Compare and Contrast essays are fairly simple and very popular. In this essay, the writer takes two topics and analyzes their similarities and differences.
Example/Illustration
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An Example/Illustration essay is exactly like it sounds. You begin with a thesis, such as that women are still not treated as equals in the workplace, and then back up the thesis with facts in subsequent paragraphs. No further analysis necessary.
Classification
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In a Classification essay, you sort a topic into logical categories in your thesis, and then describe the categories in subsequent paragraphs. Be sure to include all possible categories, otherwise the essay is considered incomplete.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of daniel sandoval
