An essay is a piece of writing, typically from an author’s personal point of view, that delves deeper into a subject or idea.
It is often written to try to persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view.
An essay typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
The introduction provides the overall focus of the essay: its thesis statement and the main points or arguments it seeks to support.
The body of an essay consists of evidence, data, and explanations to support the main points from the introduction. Conclusions offer a reflection on the main points, suggest solutions to problems or offer a final perspective.
Essays can range from a formal academic paper written in an objective, impersonal style to a creative essay written from a personal perspective.
Essays often require research to support the writer’s position, but can also be based on personal experiences or observations.
The tone of an essay may be serious, humorous, or somewhere in between, depending on the purpose and audience.