Essay genre

Main

An essay is a short piece of writing, usually between 500 to 5,000 words, that presents the author's argument, analysis, or reflection on a specific topic. The core idea of an essay is to develop a clear thesis statement in the introduction and support it with evidence and reasoning throughout the body paragraphs, before summarizing the main points in the conclusion.

While there is no single "right" structure for an essay, a recommended structure includes:

1. An introduction with a clear thesis statement

2. Three to five body paragraphs that each focus on a specific point supporting the thesis

3. A conclusion that restates the main argument and provides a final thought or implication

This structure helps to organize the essay's ideas and make the argument easy for the reader to follow.For example, in his famous essay "Politics and the English Language" (1946), George Orwell argues that unclear and inaccurate language use in politics is connected to insincerity and lack of precise thinking. He structures his essay by first presenting the problem, then analyzing examples, and finally proposing solutions for more truthful political discourse.

Terms

• Body paragraphs: The main content of the essay, where each paragraph focuses on developing a specific point that supports the overall argument.

• Conclusion: The final section of an essay that summarizes the key points, restates the thesis, and provides a sense of closure or final thought.

• Introduction: The opening section of an essay that provides background information, engages the reader, and presents the thesis statement.

• Thesis statement: A sentence that clearly states the main argument or point the essay aims to make, typically placed at the end of the introduction.

Analogy

An essay is like a courtroom trial. The introduction presents the main argument (the thesis statement) and lays out the evidence that will be presented. Each body paragraph is like a witness testifying and providing specific evidence to support the argument. The conclusion is like the closing statement, summarizing the main points and reiterating the overall argument to persuade the jury (the reader) to agree with the writer's perspective.

Misconception

A common misconception about essays is that they should present a balanced view of a topic, giving equal weight to different perspectives. However, the goal of an essay is often to persuade the reader to agree with the writer's point of view. While it's important to acknowledge and refute counterarguments, the essay should ultimately present a clear and well-supported argument for the writer's position.

History

1. In the 16th century, French writer Michel de Montaigne pioneered the modern essay as a form of personal reflection and self-discovery.

2. During the 17th and 18th centuries, essays became important for social criticism and political discourse during the Age of Enlightenment.

3. In the 19th century, essays began to be used as part of college entrance exams in Europe and the United States and also gained prominence in journalism.

4. Throughout the 20th century, essays evolved into a key genre for literary criticism, journalism, and a tool for education and social reform.

How to use it

1. When reading an essay, pay attention to the thesis statement in the introduction. This will help you understand the main argument the writer is making and how the rest of the essay supports that argument.

2. If you're analyzing an essay, look for the specific evidence and examples the writer uses in the body paragraphs to support their thesis. Consider how well these points are developed and whether they effectively support the main argument.

3. When discussing essays with others, focus on the main ideas and arguments presented rather than getting bogged down in minor details. Use the essay as a starting point for further discussion and debate about the topic.

Facts

• The word "essay" comes from the French verb "essayer," meaning "to try" or "to attempt."

• The famous philosopher John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" (1690) helped establish the essay as a genre for exploring ideas.

• In the United States, essays are a common assignment in college admissions, with the Common Application essay having a word limit of 650 words.

• The Pulitzer Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in American journalism and literature, has a category specifically for essays.

• The online publication The Conversation reported that in 2020, views of their "Essays" section increased by 153% compared to the previous year, suggesting a growing interest in the genre.