Argumentative (also called 'argument') essays are common in high school and college and are used on standardized tests such as the SAT and TOEFL to test critical thinking and language skills. As the name suggests, argumentative essays require the writer to take a position in a debate. Argumentative essay topics should be debatable and can even be controversial. For example, society's dependency on computers, smoking in public places, the necessity of eating meat, the credibility of global warming predictions, the effectiveness of home-schooling and the obligation of wealthy nations to assist poorer nations financially are all suitable argumentative essay topics. (See Reference 2.)
Literary essays require considerable preparation because you have to construct a topic based on a literary text such as a book or poem that you have read. Consider classic writers such as Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen or John Steinbeck, or look for recent literary award winners at a library or bookstore. Write an essay that analyzes the social pressures on women in the 18th century in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," or argue for the similarities between Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and a modern novel. Focus on latent themes in the texts and consider the author's reason for putting them there.
If you are researching a time period, historical event, scientific or technological development or any other subject that requires the presentation of factual information but no argument, an expository essay is the most suitable format. This type of essay likely requires research, or at least extensive knowledge on the topic. Choose a topic based on your interests. If you are fascinated by wars, write a topic on an aspect of World War II or the war in Iraq. If you like art, research a famous painter. You can also choose something that you are already familiar with, such as the town you live in or the last Olympics.
The most creative of all essay types is the narrative essay. The narrative essay essentially tells a story. The story can be personal or anecdotal. (See Reference 3.) Reflect on important events in your life that have shaped who you are. Write about graduation, a loved one passing or a time when you experienced a revelation that altered your beliefs.