This type of essay gives a detailed overview of an object, event or person. The subject is the sole focus, with the paper presenting the subject in a logical format. Some possible formats include a chronological biography of a person's history or a thematic overview of a country. The goal is of the essay is to successfully describe and evoke emotions from the reader --- successfully showing why the reader needs to know this information.
Compare-and-contrast essays talk about two subjects of the same classification and explain both in a side-by-side fashion. This type of essay can highlight pros and cons or similarities and differences. The format is typically alternating or qualitative. Alternating essays will thoroughly describe one subject, describe the other subject in parallel and then draw conclusions. Qualitative essays use quality points or points of comparison as its headers, then explain how the two subjects apply to those points.
Explanation essays are typical assignments in technical courses such as biology or chemistry. This type of essay goes into detailed specifics and must thoroughly describe a subject to an unknowing reader. Some examples might include the anatomy of a certain animal, facts of an business or industry or an analysis of a historical finding. Explanation essays are mandatorily objective and factual and must be sufficiently backed with references.
The persuasive essay is designed to argue a particular side of an issue in society. This type of essay encompasses all academic subjects and is used to test a student's knowledge of the implications of the topic. These essays can be objective or subjective; however, professors require that arguments for both sides are fairly represented with anecdotal evidence backing up any claims. The goal of the persuasive essay is not necessarily to successfully persuade the reader but to effectively argue a side with facts and logic.