5 Types of Essays and How to Structure Them Easily

Essay writing has been one of the main cornerstones of traditional and modern educational practices. But as important as they are, the overall utility of essays has had to go through various changes over time. This is because, over time, more effective and flexible ways were needed to create the most influential essays.

The choice of essay types would depend entirely on the topic, subject area, and writer's writing style. However, students are also recommended to show some flex so they can customize and create the most suitable structures for their essays. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the main types of essays and how to structure them easily.

But before we jump in, students reading this should also know that they can seek professional help for their essay work. Today, several top student-based service platforms help pupils and professionals with various academic tasks. In recent times, essay writing has easily been one of the most popular services opted for by college students.

But in today’s abundance of information, students are recommended to go for the best custom writing services offered by top platforms. This is because custom writing is the most effective way to create unique essays, even around the most complex topics. Using such services also boosts a student’s grades while also helping them better understand the know-how of essay writing.

Why Do We Really Need Different Essay Types?

Although essay writing started quite simply, it has since evolved to serve various purposes and tastes according to each historical era. The main reason behind any diversification or change is to make an item more functional and useful. In the case of essay writing, different forms of essays came into existence to harness written pieces across various types of topics and subject areas.

Today, most students come across a majority of essay samples that go above and beyond the standard introduction-body-conclusion formats. This is because modern study styles and topics require students to create customized formats that can properly accommodate their content and ideas.

In no particular order, here are 5 types of essays and how to structure them easily.

1. Argumentative Essays

This type of essay requires writers to make solid arguments for or against certain sides of topics. This means that a writer first needs to decide which side of the topic they are on. A good essay outline and format can certainly help students present their arguments strongly.

Here is a structure idea to use for argumentative essays:

Introduction

• Statement to declare one’s stance on the topic

• Introduction about one’s idea and the content to follow

• Brief information about the larger subject area

Body

• Separate sections to illustrate each individual argument

• Bullet points and supporting head points for each subtopic or section

• Use factual data, statistics, and quotes

• Use visual aids like statistical graphs and informational infographics

Conclusion

• Restatement of one’s stance on the subject

• A summary detailing all main arguments and points

2. Informative Essays

The common goal of all essays is to provide the reader with information, opinions, ideas, and more about certain topics and subject areas. Most informative essays are written to provide as much information to a reader as possible. Thus, it requires students to conduct a thorough analysis of their topic and subject to present their content ideas informatively.

Here is a structure idea to use for informative essays: 

Introduction

• Introduce the topic to the reader

• Provide details of all the ideas and content to follow

• Create a table of contents if you have too many sections to cover

Body

• Separate sections to cover all the main points of the information to be provided

• Hard data in terms of facts, citations, and statistical evidence

• Head points for sub-topics along with bullet points wherever necessary

Conclusion

• Summary of all main points covered

• Closing statement

3. Persuasive Essays

This type of essay requires one to keep readers thoroughly engaged with one’s written work. Because a writer needs to persuade the reader here, one should focus on first researching their topic and subject areas. This will help them get a firmer grip and understand the content and how it can be presented interactively.

Here are some structuring ideas to include in persuasive essays: 

• A compelling introduction to the concepts and content to follow

• Separate sections for different arguments on the topic

• Bullet points and individual head points

• Future predictions

• Counterarguments (if any)

• Use a thesis statement

• Essay summary

• Conclusion

4. Comparative Essays

This type of essay is written with the aim of comparing two or more ideas within a similar niche. Writers should focus on presenting every possible difference and similarity between the two (or more) aspects covered in their topic. Writers should also know that most comparative essay readers try to decide between the discussed aspects.

Here are some structuring ideas to include in comparative essays:

• An introduction highlighting the different aspects of a topic being discussed

• Brief information about the broader issue and/or current state of affairs within the domain

• Separate sections illustrating the differences within the sub-aspects and topics

• Columns, rows, and tables to create clear-cut differences

• Visual aids in the form of statistics, creative images, or infographics showing the differences

• Final statements, including closing points about the main differences and similarities in the topic

5. Narrative Essays

Narrative essays can be formal or informal takes on certain happenings in the world. These essays aim to keep readers hooked from the start so they can absorb the whole story properly. Depending on the type of narration or story, the writer may need to use different voices and approaches to their essays. However, creating an engaging structure can solve half of one’s problems.

Here are some structuring ideas to include in comparative essays:

Introduction

• Introduce the topic in a way that captures the interest of the reader

• Provide talking points about what’s to follow in the essay

Body

• Engaging sections created in a start-to-end flow in terms of the series of events that occurred

• Use language, tone of voice, and writing style according to the topic and target audience

Conclusion

• Try to leave something for the final punch to make a profound impact on the reader

• Summarize all the main points to bring everything together

The Bottom Line

Essay writing can be much more exciting and fun when students learn how to do it more effectively. Knowing the different essay types and structures is one of the best ways for students to get more familiar with essays. 

The above essay types and structure ideas should help all types of college students create more compelling work around their academic topics. Lastly, to avoid mistakes, students should always stay extra vigilant to know the latest essay requirements by their institutions.