Writing an Essay

Select a Subject Which Lends Itself to Development

Be aware that there are four types of writing as listed, and described briefly, below.

• Narration: tells a story

• Description: paints a word picture of a person, place, or object

• Argumentation: attempts to convince or sway the reader’s opinion

• Exposition: explains ideas or information regarding one’s position

On a writing examination, students are normally instructed to write an expository essay and given a choice of topics. Some sample topics would be:

• A major, beneficial change in education that could be made.

• A law not currently in effect that should be enacted.

• A person now living whose actions have significantly affected many people.

• The advantages and/or disadvantages of being an only child (or the youngest, oldest, or middle).

• Choose a place you would like to live.

These topics lend themselves to exposition because the writer can state his or her position and then explain ideas or information to support it. Writing practice essays is the best method for preparing oneself for this type of test.

Writing an essay on any of the topics listed above and then evaluating it on the basis of the following pages of this section is a valuable experience. By doing this repeatedly, a gradual improvement can be expected on each essay.

Choose one of the sample topics above and follow the process described in this section. When completed, you can submit your essay by email and have it evaluated.