what is a concept in an essay

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Master the art of crafting a concept essay and perfect your writing skills.

Every great work of literature begins with a spark of inspiration, a kernel of an idea that germinates within the writer’s mind. It is this concept, this central theme, that serves as the foundation of the entire writing process, guiding the writer along the creative journey. In the realm of academic writing, the concept essay holds a special place, as it requires the writer to explore abstract ideas, dissect complex theories, and present their understanding of a particular concept.

Unlike traditional essays where arguments are made, and evidence is provided, concept essays delve into the intangible realm of ideas, taking the reader on a captivating exploration of abstract concepts. These essays challenge the writer to convey their understanding of a concept without relying on concrete evidence or facts. Instead, they rely on the writer’s ability to provide clear definitions, logical explanations, and compelling examples that elucidate the intricacies of the concept at hand.

Effectively crafting a concept essay requires skillful mastery of language and an astute understanding of how ideas interconnect. It is a delicate dance between the power of words and the depth of thought, where metaphors and analogies can breathe life into otherwise elusive notions. The successful concept essay requires more than merely stating definitions or describing the concept; it necessitates the writer’s ability to engage and captivate the reader, transporting them into the realm of ideas where the abstract becomes clear and tangible.

Mastering the Art of Crafting a Conceptual Essay: Indispensable Suggestions and Instructions

Embarking on the journey of composing a conceptual essay necessitates an astute understanding of the complexities involved. This particular form of written expression empowers individuals to delve deeply into abstract concepts, unravel their intricacies, and articulate their findings in a clear and coherent manner. To accomplish this task with finesse, it is imperative to familiarize oneself with indispensable suggestions and instructions that pave the way to success.

1. Explore Profusely:

• Investigate, scrutinize, and immerse yourself in the vast realm of ideas, allowing your mind to explore a myriad of perspectives.
• Delve into diverse disciplines and subjects, sourcing inspiration and insight from a wide array of sources such as literature, art, philosophy, science, and history.
• Be cognizant of the fact that the more extensive your exploration, the richer your conceptual essay will be.

2. Define Your Focus:

• Once you have gathered an abundant collection of ideas, narrow down your focus to a specific concept that captivates your interest.
• Choose a concept that is both intriguing and stimulating, as this will fuel your motivation throughout the writing process.
• Strive to select a concept that possesses a level of complexity, rendering it ripe for analysis and interpretation.

3. Establish a Clear Structure:

• Prior to commencing the writing process, create a well-structured outline that delineates the key sections and points you wish to convey in your essay.
• Ensure that your essay possesses a clear introduction, body paragraphs that expound upon your chosen concept, and a comprehensive conclusion that ties together your arguments.
• Organize your thoughts in a logical manner, employing effective transitions that allow your essay to flow seamlessly.

4. Support your Claims:

• Avoid presenting mere conjecture or personal opinions; instead, bolster your arguments with credible evidence and examples.
• Cite reputable sources, such as scholarly articles, books, or studies, to lend credibility and authority to your assertions.
• Engage critically with the works of other esteemed thinkers, analyzing their viewpoints and incorporating them into your own exploration of the concept.

5. Polish and Perfect:

• Once you have crafted the initial draft of your conceptual essay, allocate ample time for revision and refinement.
• Engage in meticulous proofreading to eliminate any errors in grammar, punctuation, or syntax that may detract from the overall impact of your work.
• Solicit feedback from trusted peers or mentors, incorporating their suggestions into your final version.

In conclusion, mastering the art of crafting a conceptual essay demands diligent exploration, focused attention, and a commitment to delivering a well-structured and thought-provoking piece of writing. By following these essential tips and guidelines, you can navigate the intricacies of this unique form of expression and develop an essay that both captivates and informs its readers.

Understanding the Purpose of a Concept Essay

Having a clear understanding of the purpose behind writing a concept essay is crucial for creating a successful piece of writing. Concept essays aim to explore and explain abstract ideas, theories, or concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging to readers.

Although concept essays may vary in subject matter, their main objective is to break down complex ideas and make them understandable to a wider audience. These essays often require deep analysis and critical thinking to present the chosen concept in a comprehensive and enlightening manner.

A concept essay goes beyond simply defining a concept but delves deeper into the underlying principles and implications. It requires the writer to provide insight, examples, and evidence to support their claims and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concept being discussed.

Concept essays also provide an opportunity for writers to explore new and innovative ideas and present them in a thought-provoking way. They allow for personal interpretation and creativity, encouraging writers to examine a concept from different angles and offer unique perspectives.

Furthermore, concept essays can be used as a tool for education and learning, helping readers expand their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of various concepts. By breaking down complex ideas into more digestible forms, these essays enable readers to grasp abstract concepts and apply them to real-world situations.

In conclusion, the purpose of a concept essay is to convey abstract ideas or concepts in a clear and engaging manner, utilizing critical thinking and analysis. By presenting complex ideas in a comprehensive way, concept essays facilitate understanding and encourage readers to explore and expand their knowledge in the chosen subject area.

Choosing a Strong and Specific Concept

When it comes to crafting a well-written piece of work, selecting a compelling and precise concept is crucial. The concept you choose will serve as the foundation for your essay, shaping the content, tone, and direction of your writing.

Before diving into the process of choosing a concept, it’s important to understand what exactly a concept is. In this context, a concept can be defined as a broad idea or theme that encapsulates a particular subject or topic. It is the main point or central idea that you want to convey to your readers through your essay.

An effective concept should be strong, meaning it should be able to capture the attention and interest of your readers. It should be something that has depth and substance, allowing for exploration and analysis. A strong concept will engage your audience and motivate them to continue reading.

In addition to being strong, your concept should also be specific. It should be focused and clearly defined, narrowing down your topic to a specific aspect or angle. A specific concept will help you maintain a clear direction in your writing and prevent your essay from becoming too broad or unfocused.

To choose a strong and specific concept, start by brainstorming ideas related to your topic. Think about the main themes or issues you want to address in your essay. Consider what aspects of the topic interest you the most and which ones you feel are worth exploring further.

Once you have a list of potential concepts, evaluate each one based on its strength and specificity. Ask yourself whether the concept captures your interest and whether it has the potential to captivate your audience. Consider whether it is specific enough to guide your writing and provide a clear focus for your essay.

By choosing a strong and specific concept, you will set yourself up for success in writing your concept essay. Remember to select a concept that is compelling, focused, and meaningful to you and your readers. With a well-chosen concept, you will be able to create a thought-provoking and engaging essay that effectively conveys your ideas.

Developing a Clear and Coherent Thesis Statement

When crafting an effective essay, one of the most important elements to consider is the development of a clear and coherent thesis statement. The thesis statement acts as the central theme or main argument of your essay, providing a roadmap for your readers to understand the purpose and direction of your writing.

A well-developed thesis statement not only states your main argument but also provides a clear focus for your essay. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures that your essay remains cohesive and logical. A strong thesis statement sets the tone for your entire essay and guides the reader through your main ideas.

To develop a clear and coherent thesis statement, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the topic you are writing about. Conducting research and gathering relevant information will help you form a solid foundation for your thesis statement. Make sure to analyze different perspectives on the topic and consider any counterarguments that may arise.

Once you have a good understanding of the topic, you can begin brainstorming and drafting your thesis statement. Start by considering the main idea or argument you want to communicate to your readers. Your thesis statement should be concise and specific, clearly conveying your main point. Avoid vague or general statements that lack focus.

In addition to being clear and concise, your thesis statement should also be arguable. It should present a debatable claim that can be supported with evidence and logical reasoning. This allows you to engage your readers and encourages them to consider different perspectives on the topic.

After drafting your thesis statement, it is important to review and revise it as needed. Make sure it accurately reflects the content and direction of your essay. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to ensure that your thesis statement is clear, coherent, and effectively conveys your main argument.

In conclusion, developing a clear and coherent thesis statement is essential for writing an effective essay. It sets the tone for your entire essay, provides a clear focus, and guides the reader through your main ideas. By thoroughly understanding the topic, brainstorming and drafting a concise and arguable thesis statement, and revising as needed, you can ensure that your essay is well-structured and persuasive.

Structuring Your Concept Essay Effectively

Creating a well-organized structure is vital when it comes to conveying your ideas effectively in a concept essay. By carefully structuring your essay, you can ensure that your audience understands your concept and its various aspects clearly. In this section, we will explore some essential guidelines for structuring your concept essay.

1. Introduction: Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention. This section should provide a brief overview of the concept you will be discussing and its significance. You can use an anecdote, a rhetorical question, or a thought-provoking statement to make your introduction compelling.

2. Definition: After the introduction, it is crucial to provide a clear definition of the concept you will be exploring in your essay. Define the concept in your own words and highlight its key characteristics. You may also include any relevant background information or historical context to enhance the reader’s understanding.

3. Explanation: In this section, you will delve deeper into the concept and explain its various elements, components, or features. Use examples, analogies, or real-life situations to illustrate your points and make them more relatable to the reader. Break down complex ideas into simpler terms and highlight the connections between different aspects of the concept.

4. Analysis: Once you have provided a thorough explanation of the concept, it is time to analyze it critically. Discuss different perspectives or interpretations of the concept and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Consider any controversies or debates surrounding the concept and present a balanced view by weighing different arguments.

5. Examples and Case Studies: To further support your arguments and enhance the reader’s understanding, include relevant examples and case studies. These examples can be from real-life situations, historical events, or fictional scenarios. Analyze how the concept has been applied or manifested in these examples and discuss their implications.

6. Conclusion: Conclude your concept essay by summarizing your main points and restating the significance of the concept. Reflect on the insights gained from your analysis and offer any recommendations or suggestions for further exploration. End your essay on a thought-provoking note that leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

By structuring your concept essay effectively, you can ensure that your ideas are presented coherently and persuasively. Remember to use clear and concise language, provide logical transitions between sections, and support your arguments with evidence. With a well-structured essay, you can effectively communicate your understanding of the concept to your audience.

Using Concrete Examples to Illustrate Your Concept

One effective way to clarify and reinforce your concept in a concept essay is by using concrete examples. By providing specific and tangible instances, you can help your readers grasp the abstract and theoretical nature of your concept. Concrete examples bring your concept to life, making it easier for your audience to understand and relate to.

Instead of relying solely on abstract theories, you can support your concept with real-life scenarios, research studies, or personal anecdotes. These examples add depth and relevance to your essay, making it more engaging and meaningful.

When choosing examples to illustrate your concept, it is important to select ones that accurately represent the core elements of your concept. Look for examples that exhibit the underlying principles, attributes, or behaviors that are associated with your concept.

For instance, if your concept is “leadership,” you can provide examples of influential leaders from history or modern-day society. These examples can demonstrate the qualities that define effective leadership, such as integrity, communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Additionally, when presenting concrete examples, ensure that they are relevant and relatable to your target audience. Consider the background and interests of your readers and choose examples that they can easily comprehend and connect with. This will enhance the effectiveness of your essay and create a stronger impact.

In conclusion, using concrete examples is a powerful technique for illustrating your concept in a concept essay. By incorporating specific instances, you can bring clarity, relevance, and authenticity to your writing. This approach allows your readers to grasp your concept more easily and appreciate its practical application in real-life scenarios.

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Concept essays provide a chance to explore ideas you might previously have taken for granted. Writing a concept essay requires careful exploration of a concept, a concise and interesting thesis and a strong overall structure. Before you begin to write, it may be helpful to engage in some prewriting. Word webs, outlines and free writing can help you uncover insights about a topic you might not realize at first. After prewriting, develop a working thesis, an interesting introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Your working thesis should define a concept you will develop throughout the essay. Allow your working thesis to change as you explore the concept instead of trying to build an essay around a definition that you no longer believe. Though a bit persuasive by nature, a concept essay thesis should not be an argument. Instead, a concept essay thesis should provide one well-reasoned definition among many, because the meaning of a concept can be difficult, if not impossible, to define through objective reasoning. A clear definition of a concept also can allow you to explore it in various contexts, whereas a vague definition might leave you unsure of why the concept matters. Finalize your thesis once most of the paper has been written.

Introduction

Strong introductions should show why a concept matters in real life and how your essay will explore the connection between the concept and human experiences. If the concept is “success,” an introduction might provide an anecdote in which success was an important part of your life or some world event, such as the Olympics. Narrative introductions often work for positive concepts such as “happiness,” while more objective introductions work best for somber concepts such as “war.”

Develop body paragraphs that explore important aspects of the concept. Because concepts often are more complex than short college essays can fully account for, choose the most illuminating aspects or those with the most relevance to you and your audience. For example, if the concept of an essay is “success,” body paragraphs might discuss the differences between professional, cultural and personal success. Use a strong topic sentence to indicate the purpose of each body paragraph, and connect all of your body paragraphs to expand your definition of the concept.

Conclusions in a concept essay typically re-establish a definition of the concept based on the aspects that you presented, as the Purdue Online Writing Lab agrees. It also can be helpful to conclude by showing how your definition of the concept can help readers understand the concept in their lives. For example, strong conclusions in concept essays demonstrate that you have thought deeply about a topic, and such demonstrations are useful in the professional world, where well-informed thinkers become assets.

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Expository Essays
• California State University -- Fullerton: Explaining A Concept -- Essay #3
• Southwestern Minnesota State University: Academic Inquiry and the Explain a Concept Essay

Writing in the Lehigh Valley, Jordan Weagly has been a professional writer since 2007. His work has appeared in “Travel Host” and “The Keystone.” Weagly has more than four years of experience as an English tutor and holds a MA in English as well as a BA in professional writing from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

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Concept Essay Paper

Every writer has his/her own way of presenting a topic or an idea to the readers. Some of them wants to stir imaginations and make you create characters and places of your own. Others want to provoke your emotions and indulge you into the story. While others want to simply demonstrate a subject.

Essay writing is considered a talent. It requires a creative mind to be able to present thoughts and emotions and put them into writing. And the most difficult part is how to make it appealing to the readers. Knowing how to start an essay is even more difficult because you have to find the right inspiration to write.

What is Concept Essay? A concept essay is a piece writing that is used to present an idea or a topic with the sole purpose of providing a clear definition and explanation. Their usual content are those topics that may have previously been presented but were not given with full emphasis. Others are controversial and timely issues that raises questions but are not given full answers. What is Concept Paper? A concept paper is a brief document written to provide an overview of a project, research, or idea. It outlines the main goals, objectives, and methods of the intended project, serving as a preliminary proposal. Concept papers are often used to seek approval or funding, presenting the project’s significance, potential impact, and feasibility in a concise manner. This document helps stakeholders, such as sponsors or academic committees, understand the essence of the proposed work and decide whether to support it further.

Concept Paper Writing Topics & Ideas

In conceptual writing, the central focus lies on the idea or concept driving the work, positioning it as the cornerstone of the narrative. This approach dictates that all planning and critical decisions are determined in advance, rendering the actual writing process secondary. Essentially, the concept acts as a blueprint, guiding the creation of the text in a manner that is almost mechanical. Through this method, the initial idea transforms into an engine that propels the development of the written piece, underscoring the precedence of thought over the act of writing itself. Below are the topics and ideas of concept writing

• The Evolution of Digital Privacy
• The Psychology Behind Social Media Addiction
• The Impact of Remote Work on Urban Development
• Sustainability in Fashion: A New Trend
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Cultural Identity in a Globalized World
• The Ethics of Genetic Editing
• The Role of Cryptocurrency in Modern Finance
• Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
• The Influence of Music on Cognitive Development
• Climate Change and Its Effects on Biodiversity
• The Philosophy of Minimalism and Its Life Benefits
• The Rise of E-Learning and Its Educational Impacts
• Urban Farming: Solutions for Food Security
• Virtual Reality: Transforming Entertainment and Education
• The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Traditional Employment
• Social Entrepreneurship: Business for Social Good
• The Intersection of Art and Technology
• Cybersecurity in the Age of Internet of Things
• The Role of Nutrition in Preventing Chronic Diseases

Concept Essay Paper Format

Introduction.

Hook : Start with an engaging sentence to capture the reader’s interest. Background Information : Provide a brief context for the concept you are going to explore. Thesis Statement : Clearly state the concept or idea you will discuss, outlining the main point or argument of your essay.

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the concept or idea.

Topic Sentence : Introduce the main idea of the paragraph that supports your thesis. Explanation : Offer a detailed explanation of the idea, including definitions, descriptions, and relevant information. Examples and Evidence : Use specific examples, illustrations, or evidence to support your explanations and arguments. This could include statistics, quotes from experts, or real-life scenarios. Analysis : Analyze how the example or evidence supports your topic sentence and thesis, explaining its significance. Transition : Conclude the paragraph with a sentence that smoothly transitions to the next point or paragraph.

Summary of Main Points : Briefly recap the key arguments or explanations presented in your essay. Restatement of Thesis : Reiterate your thesis statement, highlighting how it has been supported through your discussion. Final Thoughts : Offer closing remarks that leave a lasting impression on the reader. This could include implications, future prospects, or a call to action related to the concept.

Concept Paper Example

Enhancing Digital Literacy in Rural Communities: A Pathway to Bridging the Digital Divide   The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. However, this digital revolution has also led to a widening gap between urban and rural areas in terms of access to technology and digital skills. This concept paper proposes a comprehensive project aimed at enhancing digital literacy in rural communities as a fundamental step toward bridging the digital divide. By equipping rural populations with the necessary digital skills, the project seeks to empower individuals, improve educational outcomes, and unlock economic opportunities.   The purpose of this initiative is to develop and implement a scalable digital literacy program tailored to the needs of rural communities. This program will focus on basic computer skills, internet navigation, online safety, and the use of digital tools for education and entrepreneurship. The significance of this project lies in its potential to transform the lives of rural residents, providing them with the skills required to participate fully in the digital world.   Objectives of the project include: Assessing the current level of digital literacy in targeted rural areas. Developing a comprehensive digital literacy curriculum that addresses identified needs. Delivering digital literacy training to residents of rural communities through workshops and online modules. Establishing community-based digital hubs equipped with internet access and computing resources. Evaluating the impact of the program on participants’ digital skills, economic opportunities, and educational outcomes.   The methodology will encompass a needs assessment to identify specific digital literacy gaps, followed by the development of a curriculum that incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Training will be delivered through a combination of in-person workshops and online modules, ensuring broad access. Pre- and post-program assessments will measure the effectiveness of the training.   Expected outcomes include improved digital literacy rates among rural populations, increased access to educational and economic opportunities, and enhanced participation in the digital economy. The project aims to establish a model for digital literacy training that can be replicated and scaled in other rural areas.   In conclusion, enhancing digital literacy in rural communities presents a critical opportunity to bridge the digital divide and foster equitable access to the benefits of the digital age. This concept paper outlines a clear and actionable plan to empower rural residents with the digital skills necessary for success in a rapidly evolving world.

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What Are the Steps to Writing a Concept Essay?

One of the things to consider in essay writing is to know how to start an essay. In addition to that, you have to come up with the steps on how to write an effective one.

• Choose a topic. An effective essay is one that presents a more relevant topic. You need to choose the right topic first before you start writing.
• Do your research. You have to back up your claims with factual information from reliable sources. Present at least three to four points for reference.
• Create your outline. The essay outline of your concept essay because readers will consider how your ideas are presented.

Key Elements of Concept Paper

A concept paper outlines a project or idea, presenting its purpose, significance, methodology, expected outcomes, and, if applicable, budget and timeline. It serves to introduce and justify the project, aiming to secure interest or support by succinctly detailing its goals and potential impact.

The key elements are:

How to Make/ Create Concept Paper

1. choose your topic wisely.

Select a topic that is both interesting to you and relevant to your audience or potential funders. It should address a specific problem, need, or question.

2. Conduct Preliminary Research

Gather information on your topic to ensure there’s enough background material to support your concept. This research will help refine your idea and identify gaps your project could fill.

3. Write the Introduction

Start with a strong introduction that captures the essence of your concept. Include a brief overview of the problem or issue your project intends to address, its significance, and why it is worth exploring or implementing.

4. State the Purpose or Objective

Clearly articulate the purpose or objectives of your project or research. What do you aim to achieve? Be specific about the outcomes you anticipate.

5. Provide Background Information

Offer a detailed background that gives context to your concept. This section should include any relevant research, current findings, and a justification for your project or study.

6. Describe the Project or Research Design

Outline how you plan to achieve your objectives. This includes your methodology, the steps you will take, and the resources you will need. For research projects, specify your research questions, hypothesis, and the methods for data collection and analysis.

7. Discuss the Significance

Explain the potential impact of your project or research. How will it contribute to the field, benefit a specific group, or solve a problem? This section is crucial for persuading readers of the value of your concept.

8. Outline the Budget (if applicable)

If your concept paper is for a project requiring funding, provide an estimate of the budget. Break down the costs involved, including materials, personnel, and any other resources.

9. Set a Timeline

Include a proposed timeline for your project or research. This demonstrates planning and feasibility and helps funders understand the project’s scope.

10. Conclude Your Paper

Summarize the key points of your concept paper, reinforcing the importance and feasibility of your project or research. End with a call to action or a statement of next steps.

Importance of Concept Essay

As we go along the path of discovering new and better ideas that could feed our minds with more useful information, we also need to pause and make sure that these concepts are well explained.

The main importance of a concept analytical essay is to provide a more vivid evaluation as well as explanation of the ideas that may seem ambiguous. We cannot just live in a world where we are fed with information that we are supposed to accept. Remember that we have the freedom to accept what is true and decline what is not. With a concept essay, we can dig deeper into things and find out its true essence.

When do you need a concept paper?

A concept paper is needed when initiating a project, seeking funding, or proposing an idea to stakeholders. It serves as a preliminary outline, presenting the project’s rationale, goals, and methodology in a concise format to gauge interest or secure support.

How is a concept paper different from a research paper?

A concept paper differs from a research paper in its purpose and scope. While a concept paper outlines a project idea, seeking approval or funding with a focus on potential impact and methodology, a research paper presents detailed findings from completed research, including analysis and results.

What is the purpose of a concept essay?

The purpose of a concept essay is to explore and clarify a specific idea or concept. It aims to deepen understanding and stimulate thought by examining the concept from various angles, using examples, definitions, and personal insights to articulate its significance and implications.

Concept Essay Generator

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Explore the concept essay of happiness: what does it mean and how is it achieved?

Discuss in a concept essay the idea of freedom in the modern world.

• How to Write a Definition Essay

A definition essay can be deceivingly difficult to write. This type of paper requires you to write a personal yet academic definition of one specific word. The definition must be thorough and lengthy. It is essential that you choose a word that will give you plenty to write about, and there are a few standard tactics you can use to elaborate on the term. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when writing a definition essay.

Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Word

1: choose an abstract word with a complex meaning. [1].

A simple word that refers to a concrete word will not give you much to write about, but a complex word that refers to an abstract concept provides more material to explore.

• Typically, nouns that refer to a person, place, or thing are too simple for a definition essay. Nouns that refer to an idea work better, however, as do most adjectives.
• For example, the word “house” is fairly simple and an essay written around it may be dull. By switching to something slightly more abstract like “home,” however, you can play around with the definition more. A “home” is a concept, and there are many elements involved in the creation of a “home.” In comparison, a “house” is merely a structure.

2: Make sure that the word is disputable.

Aside from being complex, the word should also refer to something that can mean different things to different people.

• A definition essay is somewhat subjective by nature since it requires you to analyze and define a word from your own perspective. If the answer you come up with after analyzing a word is the same answer anyone else would come up with, your essay may appear to lack depth.

3: Choose a word you have some familiarity with.

Dictionary definitions can only tell you so much. Since you need to elaborate on the word you choose to define, you will need to have your own base of knowledge or experience with the concept you choose.

• For instance, if you have never heard the term “pedantic,” your understanding of the word will be limited. You can introduce yourself to the word for your essay, but without previous understanding of the concept, you will not know if the definition you describe is truly fitting.

4: Read the dictionary definition.

While you will not be relying completely on the dictionary definition for your essay, familiarizing yourself with the official definition will allow you to compare your own understanding of the concept with the simplest, most academic explanation of it.

• As an example, one definition of “friend” is “a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.” [2] Your own ideas or beliefs about what a “friend” really is likely include much more information, but this basic definition can present you with a good starting point in forming your own.

5:  Research the word’s origins.

Look up your chosen word in the Oxford English Dictionary or in another etymology dictionary. [3]

• These sources can tell you the history behind a word, which can provide further insight on a general definition as well as information about how a word came to mean what it means today.

Part 2 of 3: Potential Elements of an Effective Definition

1: write an analysis. [4].

Separate a word into various parts. Analyze and define each part in its own paragraph.

• You can separate “return” into “re-” and “turn.” The word “friendship” can be separated into “friend” and “ship.”
• In order to analyze each portion of a word, you will still need to use additional defining tactics like negation and classification.
• Note that this tactic only works for words that contain multiple parts. The word “love,” for instance, cannot be broken down any further. If defining “platonic love,” though, you could define both “platonic” and “love” separately within your essay.

2:  Classify the term.

Specify what classes and parts of speech a word belongs to according to a standard dictionary definition.

• While this information is very basic and dry, it can provide helpful context about the way that a given word is used.

3: Compare an unfamiliar term to something familiar.

An unfamiliar or uncommon concept can be explained using concepts that are more accessible to the average person.

• Many people have never heard of the term “confrere,” for instance. One basic definition is “a fellow member of a profession, fraternity, etc.” As such, you could compare “confrere” with “colleague,” which is a similar yet more familiar concept. [5]

4:  Provide traditional details about the term.

Explain any physical characteristics or traditional thoughts used to describe your term of choice.

• The term “home” is often visualized physically as a house or apartment. In more abstract terms, “home” is traditionally thought to be a warm, cozy, and safe environment. You can include all of these features in a definition essay on “home.”

5: Use examples to illustrate the meaning.

People often relate to stories and vivid images, so using a fitting story or image that relates to the term can be used in clarifying an abstract, formless concept.

• In a definition essay about “kindness,” for example, you could write about an act of kindness you recently witnessed. Someone who mows the lawn of an elderly neighbor is a valid example, just as someone who gave you an encouraging word when you were feeling down might be.

6: Use negation to explain what the term does not mean.

If a term is often misused or misunderstood, mentioning what it is not is an effective way to bring the concept into focus.

• A common example would be the term “courage.” The term is often associated with a lack of fear, but many will argue that “courage” is more accurately described as acting in spite of fear.

7: Provide background information.

This is when your research about the etymology of a word will come in handy. Explain where the term originated and how it came to mean what it currently means.

Part 3 of 3: Definition Essay Structure

1: introduce the standard definition..

You need to clearly state what your word is along with its traditional or dictionary definition in your introductory paragraph.

• By opening with the dictionary definition of your term, you create context and a basic level of knowledge about the word. This will allow you to introduce and elaborate on your own definition.
• This is especially significant when the traditional definition of your term varies from your own definition in notable ways.

2: Define the term in your own words in your thesis.

Your actual thesis statement should define the term in your own words.

• Keep the definition in your thesis brief and basic. You will elaborate on it more in the body of your paper.
• Avoid using passive phrases involving the word “is” when defining your term. The phrases “is where” and “is when” are especially clunky. [6]
• Do not repeat part of the defined term in your definition.

3:  Separate different parts of the definition into separate paragraphs.

Each tactic or method used to define your term should be explored in a separate paragraph.

• Note that you do not need to use all the possible methods of defining a term in your essay. You should use a variety of different methods in order to create a full, well-rounded picture of the term, but some tactics will work great with some terms but not with others.

4: Conclude with a summary of your main points.

Briefly summarize your main points around the start of your concluding paragraph.

• This summary does not need to be elaborate. Usually, looking at the topic sentence of each body paragraph is a good way to form a simple list of your main points.
• You can also draw the essay to a close by referring to phrases or images evoked in your introduction.

5: Mention how the definition has affected you, if desired.

If the term you define plays a part in your own life and experiences, your final concluding remarks are a good place to briefly mention the role it plays.

• Relate your experience with the term to the definition you created for it in your thesis. Avoid sharing experiences that relate to the term but contradict everything you wrote in your essay.

Sources and Citations

• http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Definition.html
• http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/friend?s=t
• http://www.etymonline.com/
• http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/definition.html
• http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/confrere?s=t
• http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/definition.htm
• How to Write a Definition Essay. Provided by : WikiHow. Located at : http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Definition-Essay . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

• Overview of Instructor Resources

An Overview of the Writing Process

• Introduction to the Writing Process
• Introduction to Writing
• Your Role as a Learner
• What is an Essay?
• Reading to Write
• Defining the Writing Process
• Videos: Prewriting Techniques
• Thesis Statements
• Organizing an Essay
• Creating Paragraphs
• Conclusions
• Editing and Proofreading
• Matters of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
• Peer Review Checklist
• Comparative Chart of Writing Strategies

Using Sources

• Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Formatting the Works Cited Page (MLA)
• Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA)
• APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines

Definition Essay

• Definitional Argument Essay
• Critical Thinking
• Video: Thesis Explained
• Effective Thesis Statements
• Student Sample: Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

• Introduction to Narrative Essay
• Student Sample: Narrative Essay
• "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
• "Sixty-nine Cents" by Gary Shteyngart
• Video: The Danger of a Single Story
• How to Write an Annotation
• How to Write a Summary
• Writing for Success: Narration

Illustration/Example Essay

• Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
• "She's Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D" by Perri Klass
• "April & Paris" by David Sedaris
• Writing for Success: Illustration/Example
• Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

• Introduction to Compare/Contrast Essay
• "Disability" by Nancy Mairs
• "Friending, Ancient or Otherwise" by Alex Wright
• "A South African Storm" by Allison Howard
• Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast
• Student Sample: Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

• Introduction to Cause-and-Effect Essay
• "Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich
• "Women in Science" by K.C. Cole
• Writing for Success: Cause and Effect
• Student Sample: Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

• Introduction to Argument Essay
• Rogerian Argument
• "The Case Against Torture," by Alisa Soloman
• "The Case for Torture" by Michael Levin
• How to Write a Summary by Paraphrasing Source Material
• Writing for Success: Argument
• Student Sample: Argument Essay
• Grammar/Mechanics Mini-lessons
• Mini-lesson: Subjects and Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Subject Verb Agreement
• Mini-lesson: Sentence Types
• Mini-lesson: Fragments I
• Mini-lesson: Run-ons and Comma Splices I
• Mini-lesson: Comma Usage
• Mini-lesson: Parallelism
• Mini-lesson: The Apostrophe
• Mini-lesson: Capital Letters
• Grammar Practice - Interactive Quizzes
• De Copia - Demonstration of the Variety of Language
• Style Exercise: Voice

(ECC) Carry On

Explaining a concept.

• Article Databases
• 1. Purpose & Project Overview
• 2. Concept Topic Choice
• 3. Audience

Concepts are central to the understanding of virtually every subject—in the community, at work, and in college. Concepts are the building blocks of academic subjects, and they include principles, ideals, theories, ideas, conditions, phenomena, and processes. To communicate effectively and efficiently about a particular subject—whether you are writing to insiders or novices—you need to be able to use and explain concepts clearly and compellingly.

Concepts serve a variety of purposes and can be written in a variety of formats. The main purpose of explaining a concept is to convey the information to the readers so that they can understand the scope of the concept. The information in a concept essay typically comes from carefully kept records and/or from research so that the writer becomes the expert on the topic. As you write this essay, you will also engage in developing your expository writing skills .

Choose any interesting concept of your choice based on the book Carry On by Lisa Fenn.

Your broad topic will have to be narrowed down to a more manageable size. Here are a few broad topic ideas: poverty, family, faith, race, disability, accidents, Paralympics, teen parenting, addiction, mental health, coaching, etc.

An example of how to narrow down a broad topic: poverty >> homelessness >> homelessness in the United States >> homelessness in Iowa

In your proposal, bibliography, and final essay, you must establish a clear and evident connection to the themes in the book. You may use the book as one of your sources if you wish.

The audience for this essay is a group of college-educated people who are not very familiar with the concept you selected. Your goal is to educate them and explain the concept to them.

I sometimes tell my students to think about this assignment as if they were writing a chapter of a textbook that would be read by their audience. What would it sound like (academic tone)? What information would be included (scholarly examples, facts, etc.)?

Explaining a Concept: Grading

• 5. Annotated Bibliography Requirements (5 x 10 = 50 points)
• 6. Proposal Requirements (50 points)
• 7. Concept Essay Requirements (220 points)

Do your research. Select five (5) valid sources you will use to write your research paper. At least two of your sources must originate from ProQuest Research Library.

• Begin your research by going to the ECC Library or MCC Library website
• Scroll down and click on Find Articles
• Then scroll down and select the “ProQuest Research Library.” You may have to log in using your ID/password (same login as Blackboard or Canvas)

Download the Annotated Bibliography Template and complete it.

• Go to File —> Download as —> Microsoft Word (.docx) to make the file your own
• Evaluate the authority and credibility of your sources. Use the CRA A P test .
• Write five separate textual analyses (summaries) for the five sources you selected.
• Submit the completed template into its dropbox.
• Do not use Wikipedia, BuzzFeed, and other similar non-credible sources.

Write a concept essay proposal, which will be one to two pages long. Follow basic MLA 8 layout (See the Purdue OWL MLA 8 Guide ). Use headings and subheadings if necessary. Submit the finished proposal via designated dropbox.

The proposal is intended to help you develop plans and goals for completing this complex assignment. Think carefully about all aspects of the essay and then put those thoughts into writing. This should help you focus on completing this assignment successfully.

The finished proposal should include:

• A narrowed topic that relates to the broad topics outlined on page 1 and the reason for making this selection.
• An explanation about why your narrow topic would be interesting or important to the audience.
• This link to Purdue OWL may help you write an expository thesis statement

Example: For millennia, and often with disastrous consequences, humans have modified the Earth’s natural systems to fit their needs; therefore, to help future generations learn from our past mistakes, the field of environmental photography was born.

topic (concept) = environmental photography; attitude = writer believes that human modification of the Earth’s natural systems was negative, so that’s the lens through which the writer will approach the explanation of the topic

• A plan for organizing the information, including at least three main points that would be used in the essay. Try to predict which writing strategies seem like the logical choice(s) for you to incorporate (common strategies = cause/effect, classify/divide, compare/contrast, definition, process, narration).
• A plan for keeping track of research to make sure that you do not accidentally plagiarize or give credit to the wrong source.
• Conclude your proposal with questions and concerns about the essay. I will do my best to address them in writing.

Write a concept essay that is 1,500-2,000 words in length. The essay content should be primarily informative, objective (not opinionated), and thorough. The essay must include a focused explanation of the concept you selected.

Ask yourself: “What is the main point I want to make?” The point should answer the “So what?” question, including “Why am I writing about this concept? Why is it interesting or important?”

• The essay must include clear and logical organization, and employ explanatory strategies such as definition, classification, comparison-contrast, example, cause-effect, and/or illustration.
• The essay should be research-based, accurate, and timely.

Do not move from one quote or paraphrase to the next. The research needs to be synthesized, and all parts of the essay need to include your personal, original, and logical connections and explanations so that your audience can clearly understand the information.

• The essay must have a one-sentence thesis statement that indicates your topic and stance on the subject.
• If appropriate, use headings to identify the different parts of the essay.
• At least one graphic or visual must be included in the essay. The graphic may be a photo, map, chart, graph, or table. Make sure that the image is properly scaled and easy to read. Any image that is included would need a caption/label and documentation if you did not take the photo or create the image yourself. Place the caption/label right underneath the image/figure. Image documentation should look like this example: Image 1 found on 7 March 2021 at http://www.iowafalls.com/ifs.jpg
• The final essay and the Works Cited page must follow MLA 8 citation guidelines. The Works Cited page does not count towards the minimum word count.
• Each research article must have at least one in-text citation (a summary, a paraphrase, or a direct quotation) in the essay.
• Carefully edit and proofread the final draft to eliminate errors in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Pay attention to word choice and writing style.
• Submit the final draft as an attachment via designated dropbox. Submissions through email or Inbox Messages will not be accepted.
• Only DOC, DOCX, ODT, RTF, or PDF file types will be accepted.
• << Previous: Assignment
• Next: Books >>
• Last Updated: Sep 7, 2022 1:22 PM
• URL: https://iavalley.libguides.com/c.php?g=1181240

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10 Concept Mapping

Creating a concept map is a way of organizing your brainstorming around key concepts.

This video from the University of Guelph offers a brief and helpful overview of concept mapping: [1]

Ready to get started with a concept map? This KPU learning aid can also help guide you through the process.

Let’s use our example where an instructor has given us the assignment: Write a 1,500 word persuasive essay that responds to the question: “Are transit services effective for Kwantlen University students?” Include your own perspective in your analysis and draw on two primary and two academic sources.

We’ll follow the seven steps of concept mapping outlined in the video above and I’ll include some examples.

• Identify the main topic
• Brainstorm everything you know about the topic
• Use relevant content from course, lectures, textbooks, and course material

Sticky notes can be a great way of jotting down ideas – you can move the notes around as you begin to identify similarities and differences. You can also ask questions and include reminders of work that that you need to do. See the example below of some sticky notes I might use to start my assignment:

I’ll add more sticky notes with key questions that relate back to the assignment – I’ll need to find primary and academic sources:

I can use these questions as I begin my research process and identify the primary and academic sources I need to support the argument that I will make.

To find out more about the research process, ask a librarian , or check out the KPU Library’s Research Help guide.

This video, included in KPU Library’s Research Help page, provides a good overview of working with an assignment to make sure that you develop a response that is specific and well-supported:

• Organize information into main points 

After noting down what I know about my topic and identifying key questions that I’ll need to research everything, I can focus on a few things that will be important to describe and analyze in my essay. I’ve made a list of some that I can use:

Based on what I’ve done so far, I’m setting up a descriptive comparison of transit options for KPU students, but will emphasize that current transit options are not effective. I want to look for further connections between ideas and see how I can shape my argument.

Step Three :

• Start creating map
• Begin with main points
• Branch out to supporting details

Give it a try! Based on your experience of public transit and the ideas that I’ve outlined so far, how might you start to create a concept map? You can use a piece of paper, or concept mapping software, to make note of ideas and start to connect them.

Step Four :

• Review map and look for more connections
• Use arrows, symbols, and colours, to show relationships between ideas

I start to build layers of connections and relationships in my map:

Step Five :

• Include details

This is where I can provide more information about each point – below, I’ve taken one of the points and added to it:

• Analyze and improve map by asking questions
• How do ideas fit together?
• Have all necessary connections been made?

This is where I can step back and review my map and keep the purpose of my assignment in mind. This is also a good time to follow up on questions that I might have – I can talk through my ideas with a classmate or visit my instructor as I continue to develop and refine my ideas.

Step Seven :

• Update concept map as you learn more
• Ask key questions about connections between ideas

I’ll keep my map with me as I meet with my instructor to discuss my ideas and when I visit the library to locate any academic resources that I might need; this way, I can keep everything together.

• “ How to Create a Concept Map ” by University of Guelph Library CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ↵

Academic Writing Basics Copyright © 2019 by Megan Robertson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What this handout is about

This handout will define what an argument is and explain why you need one in most of your academic essays.

Arguments are everywhere

You may be surprised to hear that the word “argument” does not have to be written anywhere in your assignment for it to be an important part of your task. In fact, making an argument—expressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidence—is often the aim of academic writing. Your instructors may assume that you know this and thus may not explain the importance of arguments in class.

Most material you learn in college is or has been debated by someone, somewhere, at some time. Even when the material you read or hear is presented as a simple fact, it may actually be one person’s interpretation of a set of information. Instructors may call on you to examine that interpretation and defend it, refute it, or offer some new view of your own. In writing assignments, you will almost always need to do more than just summarize information that you have gathered or regurgitate facts that have been discussed in class. You will need to develop a point of view on or interpretation of that material and provide evidence for your position.

Consider an example. For nearly 2000 years, educated people in many Western cultures believed that bloodletting—deliberately causing a sick person to lose blood—was the most effective treatment for a variety of illnesses. The claim that bloodletting is beneficial to human health was not widely questioned until the 1800s, and some physicians continued to recommend bloodletting as late as the 1920s. Medical practices have now changed because some people began to doubt the effectiveness of bloodletting; these people argued against it and provided convincing evidence. Human knowledge grows out of such differences of opinion, and scholars like your instructors spend their lives engaged in debate over what claims may be counted as accurate in their fields. In their courses, they want you to engage in similar kinds of critical thinking and debate.

Argumentation is not just what your instructors do. We all use argumentation on a daily basis, and you probably already have some skill at crafting an argument. The more you improve your skills in this area, the better you will be at thinking critically, reasoning, making choices, and weighing evidence.

Making a claim

What is an argument? In academic writing, an argument is usually a main idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis statement,” backed up with evidence that supports the idea. In the majority of college papers, you will need to make some sort of claim and use evidence to support it, and your ability to do this well will separate your papers from those of students who see assignments as mere accumulations of fact and detail. In other words, gone are the happy days of being given a “topic” about which you can write anything. It is time to stake out a position and prove why it is a good position for a thinking person to hold. See our handout on thesis statements .

Claims can be as simple as “Protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged,” with evidence such as, “In this experiment, protons and electrons acted in such and such a way.” Claims can also be as complex as “Genre is the most important element to the contract of expectations between filmmaker and audience,” using reasoning and evidence such as, “defying genre expectations can create a complete apocalypse of story form and content, leaving us stranded in a sort of genre-less abyss.” In either case, the rest of your paper will detail the reasoning and evidence that have led you to believe that your position is best.

When beginning to write a paper, ask yourself, “What is my point?” For example, the point of this handout is to help you become a better writer, and we are arguing that an important step in the process of writing effective arguments is understanding the concept of argumentation. If your papers do not have a main point, they cannot be arguing for anything. Asking yourself what your point is can help you avoid a mere “information dump.” Consider this: your instructors probably know a lot more than you do about your subject matter. Why, then, would you want to provide them with material they already know? Instructors are usually looking for two things:

• Proof that you understand the material
• A demonstration of your ability to use or apply the material in ways that go beyond what you have read or heard.

This second part can be done in many ways: you can critique the material, apply it to something else, or even just explain it in a different way. In order to succeed at this second step, though, you must have a particular point to argue.

Arguments in academic writing are usually complex and take time to develop. Your argument will need to be more than a simple or obvious statement such as “Frank Lloyd Wright was a great architect.” Such a statement might capture your initial impressions of Wright as you have studied him in class; however, you need to look deeper and express specifically what caused that “greatness.” Your instructor will probably expect something more complicated, such as “Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture combines elements of European modernism, Asian aesthetic form, and locally found materials to create a unique new style,” or “There are many strong similarities between Wright’s building designs and those of his mother, which suggests that he may have borrowed some of her ideas.” To develop your argument, you would then define your terms and prove your claim with evidence from Wright’s drawings and buildings and those of the other architects you mentioned.

Do not stop with having a point. You have to back up your point with evidence. The strength of your evidence, and your use of it, can make or break your argument. See our handout on evidence . You already have the natural inclination for this type of thinking, if not in an academic setting. Think about how you talked your parents into letting you borrow the family car. Did you present them with lots of instances of your past trustworthiness? Did you make them feel guilty because your friends’ parents all let them drive? Did you whine until they just wanted you to shut up? Did you look up statistics on teen driving and use them to show how you didn’t fit the dangerous-driver profile? These are all types of argumentation, and they exist in academia in similar forms.

Every field has slightly different requirements for acceptable evidence, so familiarize yourself with some arguments from within that field instead of just applying whatever evidence you like best. Pay attention to your textbooks and your instructor’s lectures. What types of argument and evidence are they using? The type of evidence that sways an English instructor may not work to convince a sociology instructor. Find out what counts as proof that something is true in that field. Is it statistics, a logical development of points, something from the object being discussed (art work, text, culture, or atom), the way something works, or some combination of more than one of these things?

Be consistent with your evidence. Unlike negotiating for the use of your parents’ car, a college paper is not the place for an all-out blitz of every type of argument. You can often use more than one type of evidence within a paper, but make sure that within each section you are providing the reader with evidence appropriate to each claim. So, if you start a paragraph or section with a statement like “Putting the student seating area closer to the basketball court will raise player performance,” do not follow with your evidence on how much more money the university could raise by letting more students go to games for free. Information about how fan support raises player morale, which then results in better play, would be a better follow-up. Your next section could offer clear reasons why undergraduates have as much or more right to attend an undergraduate event as wealthy alumni—but this information would not go in the same section as the fan support stuff. You cannot convince a confused person, so keep things tidy and ordered.

Counterargument

One way to strengthen your argument and show that you have a deep understanding of the issue you are discussing is to anticipate and address counterarguments or objections. By considering what someone who disagrees with your position might have to say about your argument, you show that you have thought things through, and you dispose of some of the reasons your audience might have for not accepting your argument. Recall our discussion of student seating in the Dean Dome. To make the most effective argument possible, you should consider not only what students would say about seating but also what alumni who have paid a lot to get good seats might say.

You can generate counterarguments by asking yourself how someone who disagrees with you might respond to each of the points you’ve made or your position as a whole. If you can’t immediately imagine another position, here are some strategies to try:

• Do some research. It may seem to you that no one could possibly disagree with the position you are arguing, but someone probably has. For example, some people argue that a hotdog is a sandwich. If you are making an argument concerning, for example, the characteristics of an exceptional sandwich, you might want to see what some of these people have to say.
• Talk with a friend or with your teacher. Another person may be able to imagine counterarguments that haven’t occurred to you.
• Consider your conclusion or claim and the premises of your argument and imagine someone who denies each of them. For example, if you argued, “Cats make the best pets. This is because they are clean and independent,” you might imagine someone saying, “Cats do not make the best pets. They are dirty and needy.”

Once you have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you will respond to them—will you concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless accept your argument? Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument is stronger than opposing arguments.

When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have considered the many sides of the issue. If you simply attack or caricature your opponent (also referred to as presenting a “straw man”), you suggest that your argument is only capable of defeating an extremely weak adversary, which may undermine your argument rather than enhance it.

It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.

Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. If considering a counterargument changes your position, you will need to go back and revise your original argument accordingly.

Audience is a very important consideration in argument. Take a look at our handout on audience . A lifetime of dealing with your family members has helped you figure out which arguments work best to persuade each of them. Maybe whining works with one parent, but the other will only accept cold, hard statistics. Your kid brother may listen only to the sound of money in his palm. It’s usually wise to think of your audience in an academic setting as someone who is perfectly smart but who doesn’t necessarily agree with you. You are not just expressing your opinion in an argument (“It’s true because I said so”), and in most cases your audience will know something about the subject at hand—so you will need sturdy proof. At the same time, do not think of your audience as capable of reading your mind. You have to come out and state both your claim and your evidence clearly. Do not assume that because the instructor knows the material, he or she understands what part of it you are using, what you think about it, and why you have taken the position you’ve chosen.

Critical reading

Critical reading is a big part of understanding argument. Although some of the material you read will be very persuasive, do not fall under the spell of the printed word as authority. Very few of your instructors think of the texts they assign as the last word on the subject. Remember that the author of every text has an agenda, something that he or she wants you to believe. This is OK—everything is written from someone’s perspective—but it’s a good thing to be aware of. For more information on objectivity and bias and on reading sources carefully, read our handouts on evaluating print sources and reading to write .

Take notes either in the margins of your source (if you are using a photocopy or your own book) or on a separate sheet as you read. Put away that highlighter! Simply highlighting a text is good for memorizing the main ideas in that text—it does not encourage critical reading. Part of your goal as a reader should be to put the author’s ideas in your own words. Then you can stop thinking of these ideas as facts and start thinking of them as arguments.

When you read, ask yourself questions like “What is the author trying to prove?” and “What is the author assuming I will agree with?” Do you agree with the author? Does the author adequately defend her argument? What kind of proof does she use? Is there something she leaves out that you would put in? Does putting it in hurt her argument? As you get used to reading critically, you will start to see the sometimes hidden agendas of other writers, and you can use this skill to improve your own ability to craft effective arguments.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, and William T. FitzGerald. 2016. The Craft of Research , 4th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Ede, Lisa. 2004. Work in Progress: A Guide to Academic Writing and Revising , 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Gage, John T. 2005. The Shape of Reason: Argumentative Writing in College , 4th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A., and John J. Ruszkiewicz. 2016. Everything’s an Argument , 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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What is an Essay?

10 May, 2020

11 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

Well, beyond a jumble of words usually around 2,000 words or so - what is an essay, exactly? Whether you’re taking English, sociology, history, biology, art, or a speech class, it’s likely you’ll have to write an essay or two. So how is an essay different than a research paper or a review? Let’s find out!

Defining the Term – What is an Essay?

The essay is a written piece that is designed to present an idea, propose an argument, express the emotion or initiate debate. It is a tool that is used to present writer’s ideas in a non-fictional way. Multiple applications of this type of writing go way beyond, providing political manifestos and art criticism as well as personal observations and reflections of the author.

An essay can be as short as 500 words, it can also be 5000 words or more.  However, most essays fall somewhere around 1000 to 3000 words ; this word range provides the writer enough space to thoroughly develop an argument and work to convince the reader of the author’s perspective regarding a particular issue.  The topics of essays are boundless: they can range from the best form of government to the benefits of eating peppermint leaves daily. As a professional provider of custom writing, our service has helped thousands of customers to turn in essays in various forms and disciplines.

Origins of the Essay

Over the course of more than six centuries essays were used to question assumptions, argue trivial opinions and to initiate global discussions. Let’s have a closer look into historical progress and various applications of this literary phenomenon to find out exactly what it is.

Today’s modern word “essay” can trace its roots back to the French “essayer” which translates closely to mean “to attempt” .  This is an apt name for this writing form because the essay’s ultimate purpose is to attempt to convince the audience of something.  An essay’s topic can range broadly and include everything from the best of Shakespeare’s plays to the joys of April.

The essay comes in many shapes and sizes; it can focus on a personal experience or a purely academic exploration of a topic.  Essays are classified as a subjective writing form because while they include expository elements, they can rely on personal narratives to support the writer’s viewpoint.  The essay genre includes a diverse array of academic writings ranging from literary criticism to meditations on the natural world.  Most typically, the essay exists as a shorter writing form; essays are rarely the length of a novel.  However, several historic examples, such as John Locke’s seminal work “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” just shows that a well-organized essay can be as long as a novel.

The Essay in Literature

The essay enjoys a long and renowned history in literature.  They first began gaining in popularity in the early 16 th century, and their popularity has continued today both with original writers and ghost writers.  Many readers prefer this short form in which the writer seems to speak directly to the reader, presenting a particular claim and working to defend it through a variety of means.  Not sure if you’ve ever read a great essay? You wouldn’t believe how many pieces of literature are actually nothing less than essays, or evolved into more complex structures from the essay. Check out this list of literary favorites:

• The Book of My Lives by Aleksandar Hemon
• Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
• Against Interpretation by Susan Sontag
• High-Tide in Tucson: Essays from Now and Never by Barbara Kingsolver
• Slouching Toward Bethlehem by Joan Didion
• Naked by David Sedaris
• Walden; or, Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau

Pretty much as long as writers have had something to say, they’ve created essays to communicate their viewpoint on pretty much any topic you can think of!

The Essay in Academics

Not only are students required to read a variety of essays during their academic education, but they will likely be required to write several different kinds of essays throughout their scholastic career.  Don’t love to write?  Then consider working with a ghost essay writer !  While all essays require an introduction, body paragraphs in support of the argumentative thesis statement, and a conclusion, academic essays can take several different formats in the way they approach a topic.  Common essays required in high school, college, and post-graduate classes include:

Five paragraph essay

This is the most common type of a formal essay. The type of paper that students are usually exposed to when they first hear about the concept of the essay itself. It follows easy outline structure – an opening introduction paragraph; three body paragraphs to expand the thesis; and conclusion to sum it up.

Argumentative essay

These essays are commonly assigned to explore a controversial issue.  The goal is to identify the major positions on either side and work to support the side the writer agrees with while refuting the opposing side’s potential arguments.

Compare and Contrast essay

This essay compares two items, such as two poems, and works to identify similarities and differences, discussing the strength and weaknesses of each.  This essay can focus on more than just two items, however.  The point of this essay is to reveal new connections the reader may not have considered previously.

Definition essay

This essay has a sole purpose – defining a term or a concept in as much detail as possible. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, not quite. The most important part of the process is picking up the word. Before zooming it up under the microscope, make sure to choose something roomy so you can define it under multiple angles. The definition essay outline will reflect those angles and scopes.

Descriptive essay

Perhaps the most fun to write, this essay focuses on describing its subject using all five of the senses.  The writer aims to fully describe the topic; for example, a descriptive essay could aim to describe the ocean to someone who’s never seen it or the job of a teacher.  Descriptive essays rely heavily on detail and the paragraphs can be organized by sense.

Illustration essay

The purpose of this essay is to describe an idea, occasion or a concept with the help of clear and vocal examples. “Illustration” itself is handled in the body paragraphs section. Each of the statements, presented in the essay needs to be supported with several examples. Illustration essay helps the author to connect with his audience by breaking the barriers with real-life examples – clear and indisputable.

Informative Essay

Being one the basic essay types, the informative essay is as easy as it sounds from a technical standpoint. High school is where students usually encounter with informative essay first time. The purpose of this paper is to describe an idea, concept or any other abstract subject with the help of proper research and a generous amount of storytelling.

Narrative essay

This type of essay focuses on describing a certain event or experience, most often chronologically.  It could be a historic event or an ordinary day or month in a regular person’s life. Narrative essay proclaims a free approach to writing it, therefore it does not always require conventional attributes, like the outline. The narrative itself typically unfolds through a personal lens, and is thus considered to be a subjective form of writing.

Persuasive essay

The purpose of the persuasive essay is to provide the audience with a 360-view on the concept idea or certain topic – to persuade the reader to adopt a certain viewpoint. The viewpoints can range widely from why visiting the dentist is important to why dogs make the best pets to why blue is the best color.  Strong, persuasive language is a defining characteristic of this essay type.

The Essay in Art

Several other artistic mediums have adopted the essay as a means of communicating with their audience.  In the visual arts, such as painting or sculpting, the rough sketches of the final product are sometimes deemed essays.  Likewise, directors may opt to create a film essay which is similar to a documentary in that it offers a personal reflection on a relevant issue.  Finally, photographers often create photographic essays in which they use a series of photographs to tell a story, similar to a narrative or a descriptive essay.

Drawing the line – question answered

“What is an Essay?” is quite a polarizing question. On one hand, it can easily be answered in a couple of words. On the other, it is surely the most profound and self-established type of content there ever was. Going back through the history of the last five-six centuries helps us understand where did it come from and how it is being applied ever since.

If you must write an essay, follow these five important steps to works towards earning the “A” you want:

• Understand and review the kind of essay you must write
• Brainstorm your argument
• Find research from reliable sources to support your perspective
• Cite all sources parenthetically within the paper and on the Works Cited page
• Follow all grammatical rules

Generally speaking, when you must write any type of essay, start sooner rather than later!  Don’t procrastinate – give yourself time to develop your perspective and work on crafting a unique and original approach to the topic.  Remember: it’s always a good idea to have another set of eyes (or three) look over your essay before handing in the final draft to your teacher or professor.  Don’t trust your fellow classmates?  Consider hiring an editor or a ghostwriter to help out!

If you are still unsure on whether you can cope with your task – you are in the right place to get help. HandMadeWriting is the perfect answer to the question “Who can write my essay?”

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