The Quick and Easy Guide to Essays

What Is an Essay?

This seems like a simple question, but it is not. Merriam-Webster defines an essay as "a) an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view; b) something resembling such a composition." Some consider reports and studies to be essays. Some consider only arguments (Aristotelian or Toulmin) to be true essays. Some consider speeches, presentations and even artwork to be essays. But there are some things we can say are "universal" about essays.

Major Elements of an Essay

Purpose: All essays are meant to convince the reader of something. Essays attempt to validate a particular view related to a subject. In some cases, essays are meant to persuade the audience to do or believe something. In other cases, essays are meant to simply show that a particular view is reasonable. This particular view is expressed in the essay as a thesis or claim.
Thesis/Claim: All essays have a central point that is being presented. This thesis or claim is presented as a universal "truth" or value statement. This is not presented as opinion.. Because of this, a good thesis/claim is debatable.
For example, "I believe peanut butter is more important than jelly" is not a thesis/claim. You may not agree with me, but you can't debate my beliefs. If I believe something, I believe it. However, if I say "peanut butter is more important than jelly", I am making a universal value statement. My claim is meant to be true for everyone, everywhere. And that is certainly debatable. It is also a good thesis/claim.
Supports/Evidence: All essays include supports/evidence that back up the thesis/claim. These are sometimes called the "reasons" for the claim. The supports usually follow the main point, but they may precede the thesis/claim. Supports are either first-hand evidence (reports or narratives) or second-hand evidence (quotes and summaries). In both cases, the source of the evidence should be clear to the audience. A support should not restate your thesis/claim, nor should it make another thesis/claim.
For example, I could report my own experiences, such as "I have eaten peanut butter without jelly and jelly without peanut butter. The former was a much more satisfying experience." I could also quote a survey that shows that "69% of respondents consider peanut butter to be more important than jelly." (Of course, if I don't cite my source, you may not believe me.) I could even give opinions as supports, although these are only as convincing as their sources.

Typical Formats

Since there are (or may be) many types of essays, it is difficult to pin down a single pattern. However, most written essays follow a common format:

Introduction
- Definition of Problem/Background Information
- Statement of Thesis/Claim (Sometimes Optional)
Body
- Support/Evidence #1
- Support/Evidence #2
- Support/Evidence #3
- Support/Evidence (etc.)
Conclusion
- (Re)Statement of Thesis/Claim (Required)
- Summary of Key Points
- Further Questions/Request for Action

Note that the more traditional and formal style is to give the thesis/claim in the introduction and restate it in the conclusion. However, a writer may want to hold off judgement by the audience until the evidence has been fully presented, followed by the thesis/claim.

Suggestions for Writing Essays

Clearly define the problem or issue. Give the audience all the relevant information needed in the introduction, prior to your thesis/claim. You may want to use narratives, interesting facts or figures, strong descriptions, or provocative questions or quotes to get the readers' attention.
Clearly state your thesis/claim. What is the main point of your essay? State your view in the introduction and/or conclusion in terms the reader will both understand and relate to. Try to state your thesis/claim in one or two sentences. Make sure your thesis/claim is debatable.
Consider "backloading" your essay.. If appropriate, you may want to withhold your thesis until the conclusion, after you have presented your evidence. This precludes the audience pre-judging your claim before hearing your reasons. (Note: This is an informal essay style.)
Use strong supports/evidence.. "Back up" your main idea with facts, examples, quotes, interpretations or other supporting ideas. Choose your supports based on relevance to your claim and on importance to your audience. Use evidence that is not debatable (ie., don't support your claim with another claim).
Clearly state your supports/evidence. Ensure that all of your supports are within the body of the essay, and can be easily understood by the audience.
Cite the sources of your supports/evidence. Clearly reference from where and from whom your evidence comes. Use the citation style appropriate to your audience. Include a list of sources (e.g., Works Cited, References, Bibliography, etc.) as needed.
Proofread your essay for effectiveness.. Reread your essay to ensure that your evidence does support your thesis and does not introduce another thesis. (One thesis per essay!) Also check for correct style and grammar, as these may affect how convincing your essay is.

For some good essay examples, see Essays on Science and Society and Essays in Criticism.

For additional information on writing essays, see The Quick and Easy Guide to Arguments and The Quick and Easy Guide to Reports & Studies.