The 7 Main Types of Essays in Academic Writing

About 50% of school assignments are essays which help students show what they’ve learned.

But which types of essay writing are mostly used in schools?

Well! It depends on the purpose of our writing. 

Whereas, essay writing is important in academics. They show how well you understand a subject. 

So, if you choose the right type of essay it will make your writing process smooth and your argument clear.

Each type has its specific function! Some aim to describe, others explain, or even argue a point. 

However, it’s important to know which kind fits the specific essay topic you’re working on. 

In this guide, we’ll explore seven of the main types of essays that you’ll likely use in your academic writing. Ready? 

Let’s begin!

Which type of essay to choose in academic writing? 

I can say that choosing the right essay type can be a tough task. 

But if you understand the purpose of each type, your choice becomes easier.

Before selecting the type of essay, the first thing to consider is the topic. 

A good title can help engage your readers and make it easier for you to research. 

To come up with that perfect topic, use our essay title generator. This tool will help you create an interesting and captivating title for any type of essay.

Different essays need different approaches. Each type of essay has its own way of being written.

For example, if you need to describe something, a descriptive essay is best. 

But if you want to explain a process or concept, you should write an expository essay.

Sometimes, your essay needs to persuade or argue. In that case, you should write a persuasive or argumentative essay.

A cause and effect essay is perfect if you want to explain the cause and effect of a situation.

7 major essay types every student should know 

There are seven main types of essays every student should understand. Each one serves a different purpose and follows a specific paragraph structure. 

Here I’ve discussed all the common types of essays:

1. Descriptive essay 

Assume you read a text and visualize everything, interesting?

A descriptive essay is that type of writing!

It helps create a picture for the reader using words. 

Well! The goal is to describe a person, place, object, or event in detail.

In a descriptive essay, sensory details like sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch play a major role. It makes the description clear and engaging. 

But if your description is not clear, use our essay extender. This AI tool will add more detail to your essay to make it more meaningful and effective.

When to write a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay is a detailed piece of writing that engages the reader’s senses. 

It is written to help the reader imagine a subject, as if they are right there with it. This type of essay focuses more on showing than telling.

How to structure it?

It follows the basic structure:

• An introduction
• Body paragraphs
• A conclusion

For example

Writing about a day at the beach could include describing:

The soft, warm sand under your feet, the salty ocean breeze in the air, and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. 

These details would help the reader picture the scene clearly and feel like they are there.

2. Expository essay

When I opt for writing an essay, I oftenly used to write an expository essay. Because I have to explain my topic well.

Well! An expository essay is all about explaining a topic in a clear and meaningful way. 

The goal is to inform the reader by presenting facts, statistics, and examples. 

Unlike persuasive essays, expository essays do not argue for or against a specific point but they simply explain.

When to write an expository essay?

The purpose is to explain or inform. This could include breaking down a complex process, comparing ideas, or explaining a concept in simple terms.

How to structure it?

The structure is also quite simple, usually including:

• An introduction
• Some body paragraphs
• A conclusion

For example

An expository essay about climate change might explain its causes, effects, and potential solutions. 

It would use facts, figures, and scientific data to provide an unbiased explanation of the issue.

3. Narrative essay 

In a narrative essay, you tell a story!

This type of essay often reflects personal experiences, but it can also include fictional stories. 

But the main thing here is that it’s told from a specific point of view, typically the writer’s. 

A narrative essay helps readers understand the significance of an event, situation, or experience.

When to write a narrative essay?

The purpose is to tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

You aim to engage the reader emotionally while sharing the events or experiences in a way that’s easy to follow.

How to structure it?

Like all essays, a narrative essay has:

• An introduction
• Body paragraphs (tell the story in chronological order)
• A conclusion

For example

If you write about a memorable trip, the body of the essay might describe each part of the trip. 

Like what you saw, who you met, and the emotions you felt. The conclusion would explain how this experience changed you.

4. Argumentative essay 

Argumentative essay is an interesting type of essay!

It’s focused on presenting a claim and supporting it with evidence. 

This type of essay helps to convince the reader to accept or consider your viewpoint on a controversial issue. 

This is done by providing logical reasons, facts, and expert opinions.

When to write an argumentative essay?

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to argue for a specific point of view. 

Unlike persuasive essays, argumentative essays rely on facts and logic, not just emotional appeal.

How to structure it?

The structure includes: 

• An introduction
• A thesis statement
• Body paragraphs (present evidence to support your argument) 
• A conclusion 

For example

If you're writing an argumentative essay about why recycling is important, the body should include facts, studies, and data that show how recycling helps. The conclusion should wrap up your points and highlight why recycling matters.

5. Persuasive essay 

A persuasive essay is like an argumentative essay, but there’s a main difference! 

It focuses on convincing the reader to agree with your opinion by appealing to their emotions, not just logic. 

You still use evidence, but persuasive essays aim to connect with the reader more.

When to write a persuasive essay?

The purpose of a persuasive essay is to convince the reader to agree with your perspective. 

You can appeal to their emotions, values, or beliefs to change their opinion.

How to structure it?

A persuasive essay includes: 

• An introduction
• Body paragraphs (use emotional and logical appeals to convince the reader)
• A conclusion.

For example

Writing a persuasive essay on why schools should have longer recess can include emotional reasons. 

So, talk about how physical activity helps kids feel better and stay healthy. Add facts about how longer breaks make it easier for students to focus and learn.

6. Cause and effect essay 

A cause-and-effect essay looks at why something happens and what happens because of it. 

This type of essay explains the reasons behind an event or situation and the results that follow. 

But the main thing here is to show the cause (why it happened) and the effect (what happened next).

When to write a cause and effect essay?

The purpose is to examine the relationship between events, and show how one thing leads to another. 

You might explain why a certain action leads to a specific result.

How to structure it?

This type of essay is structured around either the causes or the effects. 

In the cause section, you explain the reasons for something happening.

Whereas, in the effect section, you describe the results. 

You can also choose to structure the essay by presenting each cause and its effect together.

For example

Writing about social media addiction means looking at its causes and effects. You can explore how spending too much time on screens impacts mental health, relationships, and school performance.

7. Compare and contrast essay 

In a compare and contrast essay, you examine two or more subjects to identify their similarities and differences. 

It is useful when you need to analyze two related ideas and make a conclusion based on their comparison.

When to write a compare and contrast essay?

The purpose is to compare and contrast two things and show how they are alike and how they differ. 

This helps the reader understand the significance of these differences and similarities.

How to structure it?

You can structure a compare and contrast essay in two ways: 

• Point-by-point (each point of comparison or contrast is discussed in a separate paragraph)
• Block method (each subject is discussed separately before the comparison is made)

For example

A compare and contrast essay about traditional books vs. e-books might compare factors like convenience, price, and environmental impact. The conclusion will share which option seems better based on the comparison.

Final thoughts 

If you understand the different types of essays in academic writing, it helps you approach each assignment with confidence. 

Whether you’re writing to describe, explain, argue, or persuade, if you know the right essay type it will make the process much easier. 

Each essay type has a specific structure, so make sure to follow it to create clear and effective essays. 

If it is not written well, rewrite your essay to make it more clear, interesting, and purposeful. 

By practicing, you’ll improve your writing skills and become more confident in your academic work!

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right type of essay for my assignment?

Understand the topic, purpose, and instructions. Match the essay type to the assignment's requirements and audience.

What is the purpose of a narrative essay?

A narrative essay shares a personal or creative story. It focuses on events, experiences, or emotions. The goal is often to entertain or share a meaningful message.

What is the structure of an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay has three parts. First is the introduction, which includes the main idea or thesis. Next are the body paragraphs, where you share evidence and respond to opposing ideas. Lastly, the conclusion wraps up by restating and supporting the main argument.