ESSAY

Essay comes from the French

word, ESSAI, which means trial
or test.
A prose composition of
moderate length devoted to a
single topic from a limited point
of view.
It explains a provisional
exploration or appraisal of a
subject and likewise gives
details, point of view, or
anything that can be said on a
 Its purpose is to explain or
elucidate a thought, a
theory, an inkling, or a
standpoint.
Serves as an ideal means
for transforming human
conditions as evoked in
content.
 Elements of Essay
(Gordon Harvey 1991)
Idea
Motive
Structure
Evidence
Explanations
Coherence
Implication
Presence
 Idea
General proposition or thesis that
the essay argues about its topic.
Should be true but arguable and
limited in scope to be argued in
short composition and with available
evidence
 Motive
Identifiesthe reason
for writing
 Structure

Forms the shape of ideas, the

sequence of sub-topics and
sections through which ideas are
unfolded and developed.
 Evidence

Identify the facts or details,

summarized or quoted, that one
uses to support, demonstrate,
and prove the main idea and
sub-ideas.
 Explanations

Bits of background
information, summary,
context to orient the reader/s
who are not familiar with the
text being discussed.
 Coherence

Smooth flow of argument created by

transition sentences that show how the
next paragraph or section follows from
the preceding one, thus sustaining
momentum and echoing keywords or
resonant phrases quoted or stated
earlier.
 Implication

Places speculation on the

general significance of the
particular analysis of a
particular text
 Presence

Points out the sensation of life in

writing, of a mind invested in
and focused on a subject, freely
directing and developing the
essay, not surrendering control
to essay ideas, sentiments, or
stock phrases.
 GENERAL TYPES OF ESSAY

STRICT OR IMPERSONAL
CASUAL OR FAMILIAR
 BASIC PARTS

INTRODUCTION
MAIN BODY
CONCLUSION
 MAJOR PATTERNS

INDUCTIVE
DEDUCTIVE
 CLASSIFICATION OF ESSAYS

Narrative essay
Copies the technique of a short
story but the stress falls on the
insights gained by the
characters
 CLASSIFICATION OF ESSAYS

Descriptive essay
Depicts vivid pictures,
either of an experience, an
event, an object or a
process.
 CLASSIFICATION OF ESSAYS

Reflective essay
Analyzes and interprets
works of art and highlights
their merits.
 CLASSIFICATION OF ESSAYS

Didactic or Aphoristic
essay
Moralizes or preaches if not
inspires.
 CLASSIFICATION OF ESSAYS

Informative essay
Gives us information of
facts that catches ones
fancy
 CLASSIFICATION OF ESSAYS

Editorial essay
Interprets, criticizes, incites,
and shapes readers opinion
on the vital issues of the
day that affect the national
and international scene.
 CLASSIFICATION OF ESSAYS

Character sketch
Features special aspects in the
life of a person that will enable
us to understand his psyche
better.