Answer Overview:

In this answer, we will discuss four common types of essays: cause & effect, compare & contrast, chronological, and descriptive. We will cover what each type of essay is and provide examples of each.

Cause & Effect Essay

A cause & effect essay is an essay that explores why something happened and the resulting effects. It can be used to explore a variety of topics, including scientific, social, and cultural phenomena. The cause & effect essay typically begins by exploring the causes of the topic and then transitions into discussing the effects. For example, if the topic is the causes of global warming, the essay would begin by discussing the various factors that contribute to global warming (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, etc.) and then transition into discussing the resulting effects of global warming (e.g. rising sea levels, extreme weather events, etc.).

Compare & Contrast Essay

A compare & contrast essay is an essay that explores the similarities and differences between two or more topics. It is typically used to explore two topics of similar relevance, such as two books, two countries, or two political ideologies. The essay typically begins by discussing the similarities between the two topics and then transitions into discussing the differences between the two topics. For example, if the topic is comparing and contrasting the healthcare systems of the United States and Canada, the essay would begin by discussing the similarities between the two systems (e.g. both have universal healthcare) and then transition into discussing the differences between the two systems (e.g. the United States has a much higher cost of care than Canada).

Chronological Essay

A chronological essay is an essay that explores a topic by following the timeline of events. It can be used to explore a variety of topics, including historical, scientific, and cultural phenomena. The essay typically begins by discussing the earliest events and then transitions into discussing events that follow in chronological order. For example, if the topic is the history of the American Revolution, the essay would begin by discussing the earliest events leading up to the revolution (e.g. the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, etc.) and then transition into discussing the events that followed (e.g. the Declaration of Independence, the Battle of Yorktown, etc.).

Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is an essay that explores a topic through the use of descriptive language. It can be used to explore a variety of topics, including places, people, objects, and events. The essay typically begins by describing the topic in detail and then transitions into discussing the significance of the topic. For example, if the topic is describing the Grand Canyon, the essay would begin by describing the various features of the canyon (e.g. its size, its colors, etc.) and then transition into discussing the significance of the canyon (e.g. its role in western expansion, its role in native culture, etc.).

Related Questions

  • What is a cause & effect essay?
  • What is a compare & contrast essay?
  • What is a chronological essay?
  • What is a descriptive essay?
  • What are some examples of cause & effect essays?
  • What are some examples of compare & contrast essays?
  • What are some examples of chronological essays?
  • What are some examples of descriptive essays?
  • What are the differences between a cause & effect essay and a compare & contrast essay?
  • What are the differences between a chronological essay and a descriptive essay?