These types of essays are used to tell about a fact or event. The subjects can range from a form of government to football to foreign relations. Authors are expected to present the topic objectively and not include -- or do not dominate the essay with -- their personal opinion. The types of essays in this category are: definition, description, expository, literary, research, review and process.
Frequently, authors have to present their personal achievements, stories or views on a certain topic as part of an application process for a job or a college position, a school task or to defend a point of view for personal reasons. Authors are expected to present their personal opinion clearly and justify it with the appropriate arguments. Dissertation proposals, as well as admission, informal, narrative, persuasive and scholarship essays, are included in this category.
When the topic involves two or more objects or ideas that must be presented in connection with one another, use one of two formats -- cause and effect or compare and contrast.
In the first format, for example, if writing about inflation, a two-paragraph main body can describe how inflation raises prices (first paragraph) and how the cost of living subsequently rises (second paragraph). In the second essay format, if you are writing about vacationing in the mountains versus seaside resorts, for example, two paragraphs are needed to present the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Another format, called a classification essay, is used to deal with cases where you have more than two comparable objects that fall in the same category and you must rank them according to a common standard. These objects can be movies, for each of which you must dedicate a different paragraph.
A classic choice, especially for students because of its structural simplicity and its straightforward topic presentation, is the five-paragraph essay. The main point is mentioned in the introductory paragraph, while the supporting details are included in the three paragraphs of the main body. The last paragraph is the conclusion, where authors express the so-called bottom line, their personal evaluation or suggestions for future studies and/or actions.