Essays

An essay is a piece of writing on a focused topic, with lengths ranging between a few paragraphs to multiple pages. It may or may not include research, depending on the specific assignment directions. Generally, essay assignments ask you to discuss in some depth a topic relevant to the course content.

Types of Essays 

There are many different types of essays. How you write will change depending on the purpose and audience for the essay. For example, you typically include opinions in an argumentative essay but not an informative one.

The goal of an essay may be:

  • To describe a topic
  • To analyze a topic
  • To explain a topic
  • To make an argument for or against something
  • To evaluate a topic
  • To report on a topic
  • To compare and/or contrast two or more subjects of a topic
  • Or even just to tell a good story

Make sure you carefully read and understand your assignment, paying attention to keywords like the ones above.

Typically, an essay is organized by introducing your topic, incorporating details and evidence, and then drawing some relevant conclusions from your discussion and analysis.

Essay Directions 

Make sure you carefully read and understand your assignment. Before you start writing, check the requirements: 

  • Type of essay (see goals above) 
  • Specific assignment prompt (the question or topic you should write about) 
  • Length (may be a word or page count) 
  • Number of sources (if any) 
  • Formatting style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) 
  • Any additional guidelines
  • Due date 

If you have questions about the essay directions, reach out to your professor for clarification. 

Essay Structure 

Typically, an essay is organized by introducing your topic, incorporating details and evidence, and then drawing some relevant conclusions from your discussion and analysis. The general structure of an essay below may be a helpful resource as you brainstorm.

  • Introduction Paragraph 
    • Grabs the reader’s attention 
    • Introduces the essay topic and provides necessary background information 
    • Includes the thesis statement, the main idea guiding your essay. See Thesis Statements 
  • Body Paragraphs (multiple) 
    • Directly support the thesis statement 
    • Clarify the point of each paragraph through topic sentences 
    • Prove your point through a variety of evidence, which may include examples, personal experiences, facts and expert testimony from sources, or original research 
    • Analyze evidence to explain the connection to the main point 
    • Conclude the paragraph by returning to the main ideas of the paragraph and essay 
  • Conclusion Paragraph 
    • Restates the thesis in new wording 
    • Summarizes the main ideas from the essay 
    • Explains the significance of your information  
    • Connects back to the audience and/or actions for the future 

Updated July 2026