~TYPES~
You Want Us to Write What? Understanding
the Task Assigned
Which academic essay writing types we
use depends upon which disciplines (or
classes) we write for. Each instructor
or professor will assign papers that invite
us to reveal in writing what we have learned/what
we think about the material for that particular
class:
- ANALYTIC-A classic style used in art,
science, history, psychology, education,
and most other disciplines across the
curriculum to explore and investigate
an idea, process, person, action, or
attitude.
- ARGUMENTATIVE-Used in more advanced
English classes, in philosophy, and
in courses which include theory.
- COMPARATIVE/CONTRASTIVE-Used in most
courses where specific analysis of like
and unlike elements, characters, and
ideas lend themselves to comparison.
- DEFINITIONAL-Written when we apply
a more thorough study to a topic, especially
an abstract one.
- DESCRIPTIVE-Used to more intensively,
more concretely cover an idea, item,
or subject.
- EVALUATIVE-Often confused with analytical,
the evaluative essay moves beyond the
what and how to the how much...we put
a value on the topic here.
- EXPLANATORY-Also called the expository
essay (though I tend to see all essays
as expository, as exposing a truth about
something). With this type we further
our own and our readers' understanding
of the subject.
- PERSONAL-Also called the response
essay, the personal style essay is still
well written (readable for an audience
other than the writer), but is more
informal--containing narrative details
that entertain.
- RESEARCH-While most essay types will
include references or will quote authorities,
the research essay is mostly informational,
using the findings--the stats and facts--we
made investigating the findings of others.
~MODES~
Modes and Types and Modes...Oh Crimeny!
Avoiding Confusion
We need not panic when called upon to
do a specific type of college paper writing.
Why? Because we already use the types...on
a smaller scale.
That is, we use miniature versions of
the essay types when we write paragraphs
for the complete essay. A type and a mode
are the same thing, then. One is just
smaller, while the other is an extension
of the smaller.
For example, we write about the forms
and functions of gossip for a sociology
paper. We open with a definition paragraph
that shows how the word "gossip" originated
from the word "gospel." Then we continue
to discuss how gossip brings people closer--emotionally,
spiritually, and even physically.
Go Easy on Yourself: Your Confusion is
Understandable
Just as we might call all writing expository,
we call one type and one mode an expository
type of essay and an expository mode of
writing. So is the piece I'm writing explanatory,
definitional, comparative? I include explanatory
elements. I use definition and example.
I slip a comparison in, too.
Here's one way to look at types/modes:
- We write a paragraph or passage in
a certain mode.
- We can then turn that smaller piece
into a whole essay, into one long, extended
mode.
Here's another way to look at types/modes:
We buy a box of gourmet chocolates. We
lift one from the box: we understand that
the thing we hold in our hands is a chocolate.
It also has chocolate in it.
Here's one more way to look at types/modes:
You own a Camaro with a Corvette engine.
They're both Chevys.
You're Going to What, Now? Confuse Us
All Over Again?
No. Now that we have the types/modes
separated enough to understand the difference,
I'll just remind you of one more thing:
we can and usually do overlap the modes.
No one piece of academic essay writing
exists in one isolated mode alone. It
includes many varied sub-styles to make
it more engaging, entertaining, and expository.
And it requires a number of major parts--an
opener, a main body of text, and a closer.
And you know what? These parts are written
in the modes.
I'll add more pages on academic essay
writing. Much more. So if you haven't
had enough, come back again for monthly
freebies. But for now, if you want to
check out samples you can use as models
for modes/types, click here for mode samples
written by college students.
One more thing about college paper writing:
Enjoy the process. Find one thing in
it you like and are good at.
| About The Author
N.H.-born prize-winning poet, creative
nonfiction writer, memoirist, and
award-winning Assoc. Prof. of English,
Roxanne is also web content and
freelance writer/founder of www.roxannewrites.com,
a support site for academic, memoir,
mental disability, and creative
writers who need a nudge, a nod,
or just ideas.of which Roxanne has
1,000s, so do stop in for a visit,
as this sentence can't possibly
get any longer..
admin@roxannewrites.com
|
This article was posted on December
21, 2004
