The purpose of the definition essay is to define an abstract term that has a subjective interpretation by applying your personal definition of the term based on sound reasoning. The term "cool," for instance, is typically meant to express temperature, but in modern times its definition extends to popularity and trends.
Two or more events, ideas, pieces of art or even people may be examined for their similarities and differences under the scope of a compare and contrast essay. Compare and contrast essays may be point-by-point or subject-by-subject. The former discusses one characteristic of an idea followed by a similar or contrasting characteristic of the second idea. The latter focuses on one subject in its entirety followed by the similarities and differences of the second subject.
Cause and effect essays deal with the correlation between certain instances or attributes leading up to or making up a certain subject. These essays may examine issues such as "Why America invaded Iraq," "How smoking causes lung cancer" or "What is causing global warming?"
The persuasive essay's goal is to manipulate or reinforce a certain audience's views on a certain subject. Common persuasive essay topics include war, medicinal marijuana, abortion and euthanasia. When writing a persuasive essay, it is important to argue your points with solid reasoning and logic and even to concede a point or two to opponents of your issue.