What is an Essay?

In our class, you will be asked to write some essays. Don't worry, not too many! Just enough to show me your writing. ;) 

As such, I wanted to go over what an essay is.



Take a few minutes to review the definitions of an essay.

What is an essay?

  • An essay is an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view. (From Merriam Webster Dictionary)
  • Randy Bomer's definition of an essay says that "In an essay the writer takes the reader on a journey of thought as she or her tries out an idea."


What are some things you will find in the content of an essay?

  • Real life situations
  • Usually realistic fiction
  • Usually told from the writer's point of view

What are some text features of an essay?

  • Usually told in first person
  • Can be articles, books, Internet websites, blogs, and magazines
  • Can have lists, bullets when listing ideas

What are some things we notice when looking at various essays?

  • Some are funny, sad, emotional
  • There is usually a point to be made
  • Seem to be coming from personal experiences

Possible wonderings...

  • Are there any video essays?
  • Do they all have one focal point?

Source: Genre Study Wiki/

http://genrestudy.wetpaint.com/