A reflective essay lets you express your thoughts or perceptions about a person, event or object. The intent is not to demonstrate your knowledge of a subject but to reveal a bit about your personality or character.
1. Write about a challenge you've faced. What did you have to do to overcome that challenge, and what did you learn about yourself in the process? If you didn't overcome the challenge, tell readers about the wisdom you gained from failure.
2. Write about a person you admire. Relate how that person influenced your character and affected your life. You can write about anybody you like--relative, coach or teacher, friend or even a public figure.
3. Think of something unique you've seen, done or lived through that not many people can say they've experienced. Have you traveled to a foreign country? Finished a marathon? Volunteered at a hospital? Write about it and realize how interesting you are.
In a persuasive essay, you write to convince readers to take your side on an issue. A good topic always has two clearly defined, opposing view points. Commit to one of them.
1. The internet. Write that it should be subject to the same kind of censorship as television and radio--or that there's already too much invasion of privacy on the Internet. Argue for or against shutting down websites that allow free music downloads.
2. The media. Tell your readers to what extent, if any, violence in movies or music is responsible for violence in society. Defend your view on the influence of 24-hour news coverage on society, or on whether or not reporters should be required to name their sources.
3. The government. Foreign aid--for it or against? Argue your position. Take a position on our government's system of checks and balances. Persuade your readers that system works or it doesn't work. Should state lotteries be banned? Explain why or why not.
The purpose of an informative essay is to tell your readers the how and the why of your subject. Choose a topic that you're either knowledgeable about or fascinated by and want to research further.
1. History. Compare/contrast an aspect of contemporary culture with that same aspect of a historical, foreign culture. Dig deeper into a historical conspiracy theory. Trace the pathway of an explorer or adventurer.
2. The arts. Write about how different genres of music impact society. Write about a trend in films or the influence celebrities have on culture or on young people.
3. Science. Write about the psychology of creativity, personality or sports. Describe the effect that exercise has on your brain. Choose a widespread myth or misconception and explain why it's false.