Types of Essays

LoganEnglish I

Formal Vs. Informal

FORMAL

Will use fancy language

Will have a developed thesis

Will be in 3rd person Will usually have

sources (for hard evidence) with citations (where you got the information)

INFORMAL

Will usually be in 1st person

Can have slang, dialogue, and improper speaking

Does not need sources

Types: Informal

Narrative You are telling a story about a very

specific time It may be in 1st person Will have a reflective tone towards the

end (a lesson learned) Position

You are trying to persuade someone to believe your opinion

It may be in 1st person

Types: Formal

Expository Your purpose is to explain, inform,

describe, or define Most likely in 3rd person Think “research paper” or “how to”

Analytical Essay Your purpose is to present a scholastic

opinion on a piece of literature It is NOT a summary or book report

Evidence

Every single one of these essays will focus on SPECIFIC

DETAILSA.K.A.

EVIDENCE

They will all have the three following components:

A thesis within an introductory paragraph

Body paragraphs which support the thesis with specific evidence and examples

A conclusion which does NOT restate the thesis, but effectively closes the paper