There are 5 basic types of school essay topics: Descriptive essay, Narrative essay, Exposition essay, argumentative essay, and analytical essay. With narrative and descriptive essays, you’ll have to employ more creativity to paint a more personal story about an event or share a deeper meaning via the use of vivid terms and powerful visual images. Analytical essays require that you prove your point with research and you’ll likely be asked to show why or how your opinion is superior to that of the other students.
You’ll also find numerous different styles and formats for school essays. Some teachers prefer that their students write one composition, with each page relating to a specific teacher-to-student topic. Other teachers allow their students to freely write as many pages as they want, including an Introduction, Body, and conclusion. And yet others still encourage students to contribute several different writings throughout the semester on varied topics, such as politics, sports, history, technology, and current events.
As mentioned above, there are a wide variety of formats for a school essay. However, there is a few important things to keep in mind when writing your own assignment. First, consider the layout of your pages. Are they arranged in the traditional academic format, with the writer’s body on top and the introduction and conclusion on the bottom? Or, are your pages set in a reverse chronological order, with the introduction on the top, body on bottom, and conclusion at the bottom? Which format is best for you?
Another important factor to consider is your tone and style of writing. Many students, when composing their opinion essay, tend to ramble unnecessarily. This can be detrimental to the overall integrity of your assignment, as most readers won’t gain much insight or understanding from such a long and disjointed piece. Try to construct your paragraphs logically, using short, concise statements and observations. Do not forget to elaborate on each idea, and always answer the question who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Many students forget to address their main points and pursue an emotional or personal response to their arguments instead. Avoid this common mistake by planning your essay ahead of time, discussing your topic in great detail, and developing a clear thesis statement. A clear thesis statement will make it easier to transition from your introductory paragraph to the conclusion. Moreover, most readers can grasp the importance of a clear thesis statement, even if they disagree with your stance. Even if your topic is a controversial one, most readers can make sense of your arguments, especially if you provide plenty of supporting and descriptive words throughout your essay.
Finally, it’s important to remember that most essays are written for personal reasons, not for publication or award consideration. For that reason, teachers are particularly hostile to lengthy, disjointed pieces that are nothing more than a list of facts and opinions. In order to ensure that your essay receives the best grade possible, consider having a friend or school teacher read through it before you begin. Most opinions and facts presented in a written work of this length are flat out wrong. A seasoned reader can easily tell the difference between a student who has spent many hours putting together an essay, and a student who has put together a hastily written outline and made no attempt at supporting his or her points.
