KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL ART AND DESIGN
BACHELORS OF ART AND DESIGN WITH EDUCATION
COURSE UNIT : COMMUNICATION SKILLS
COURSE CODE : EPS 1101
YEAR OF STUDY : YEAR ONE
SEMESTER : ONE
TASK : GROUP COURSEWORK
LECTURER : DR. SSEMBATYA HOLLAN HENRY
GROUP NAME : GROUP 4
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Qn. An essay: Types of essays; their structures and qualities.
An essay is a written composition that explores, explains, analyzes or argues a particular topic or
idea. It is a structured piece of writing that typically includes an introduction body paragraphs,
and a conclusion.
An essay can serve various purposes such as presenting an argument, sharing insights, or
providing information.
Key components of an essay.
Introduction: The opening section that introduces the topic provides background information,
and usually contains a thesis statement which outlines the main point or argument of the essay.
Body paragraphs: The main section of the essay where the writer develops their ideas or
arguments each paragraph typically covers one point or aspect of the topic, supported by
evidence or examples.
Conclusion: The final section that summarizes the essay's key parts, restates the essay's key
pints, restates the thesis, and may offer final thoughts or implications.
Types of essays and their structures.
Argumentative/persuasive.
It's a type of an essay which is written purposely to convince the reader to accept the writer's
viewpoint or take particular action.
Structure:
Introduction: It presents the topic and clearly states the thesis or argument.
Body paragraphs: each body paragraph presents a reason supporting the argument backed up by
research, examples, statistics. There is often a counter argument paragraph that address opposing
viewpoints and refutes them.
Conclusion: Reaffirm the thesis and summarize the key arguments. A call to action may be
included, urging the reader to take a specific step or change their viewpoint.
Example topics.
"Should school uniforms be mandatory"
"The benefits of renewable energy over fossil fuels"
Descriptive essay.
It's a type of essay which provides a detailed description of a person, place, object or event
engaging the reader's senses.
Structure.
Introduction: Introduce the subject of the description and give the central theme that guides the
description.
Create an engaging opening that sets the tone for the essay.
Body: Each paragraph focuses on different sensory aspects on the subject. Description can be
arranged chronologically (describing a sequence of events or experiences)
Instead of simply stating facts, the writer shows the reader through detailed imagery and
examples. For example, instead of saying "the room was messy" the writer might say, "clothes
were scattered across the floor, books piled haphazardly on the desk and a half-empty coffee cup
sat forgotten on the window still".
Conclusion: Summarize the main impressions or feelings conveyed through the description.
Reflects on the significance of the subject, leaving the reader with a lasting impression or insight.
Example topics.
"A memorable place you visited (for example a beach, a city)"
"A person who has influenced your life (for example grandparent, a mentor)"
Narrative Essay.
Is a type of essay that tells a story or recounts an experience often from the writer’s own
perspective. The goal of a narrative essay is to engage the reader by presenting events in a
structural, vivid and personal way. Unlike other types of essays, the narrative essay allows
creativity and personal expression, as it often includes elements of storytelling such as
characters, dialogue and plot event.
Introduction.
Introduce the setting, characters and contexts of the story, establish the central theme or conflict
that the story will explore often include a hook to grab the readers’ attention and set the tone to
the essay.
Body.
Rising action, describe the events that leads to the main point or climax of the story. This is
where details about the situation, characters and experiences are developed.
Climax; it is the turning point in the story where the main conflict is confronted.
Falling action; the event that falls the climax leading to the conclusion of the story
Conclusion
Reflects on the significance of the story and its impact on the writer, summarize the main
insights or lessons learnt from experience hence leaving the reader very impressed
Example
“A life changing event” (e.g. a move, a loss, a personal achieving)
“a memorable journey or trip”
Analytical essay.
Is an essay purposely written to analyze work of literature art or a complex issue breaking it
down into components and evaluate its meaning or significance.
Structure.
Introduction. This introduces the work or subject being analyzed and prevent the thesis
(what the analysis will focus on)
Body. Each paragraph focuses on a specific part or aspect of the subject (e.g. themes,
characters, symbolism) providing evidence or examples to support the analysis.
Conclusion. Summarize the analysis restating the thesis and providing a final interpreting
or insights.
Example topics.
“Analyzing themes of love and fate in Romeo and Juliet”
“The use of symbols in the great Gatsby”
Cause and effect essay
This type of essay aims to explain the causes of a particular event or situation and its resulting
effect structure.
Introduction.
Presents the event or situation and state the thesis (what will be explained).
Body.
Each paragraph focuses on either a cause or an effect. The relationship between causes and
effects should be clear and logical.
Conclusion. Summarize the causes and effect discussed and restate the thesis.
Example of topics
“causes and effects of air pollution”
“How social media affects mental”
Definition essay
Its purpose is to define a concept or a term in details exploring its meaning and implications.
Structure.
Introduction.
Introduce the term or concept and present the thesis (what will be explained)
Body. Each paragraph explores different aspects of the definition such as its origin,
example and significance.
Conclusion. Summarize the definition and explain why understanding it is important.
Example topics
“what is courage”
“the meaning of freedom”
Compare and contrast essay
It analyzes similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
Structure
Introduction. Present the subject being compared and contrasted and state the purpose.
Body. It can be written using either block or point by point.
Point by point. each paragraph focusses on one subject (e.g. cost, appearance) and
discusses how both subjects compare and contrast on that one aspect.
Block structure. One subject is discussed in details in the first section followed by the
discussion of the other subject in the next section.
Conclusion. Summarize the key similarities and differences and restate the thesis.
Example topic.
“differences between city life and rural life”
“compare online learning and traditional class learning”
Qualities of an essay
These qualities ensure that the essay is well organized engaging and communicates the writer’s
ideas effectively.
1. Clarity. A strong essay should have a clear and focused thesis statement that presents the
main idea. This helps guide the reader.
The writer uses straight forward and concise language avoiding vague or overly complex
words
2. Coherence. Ideas and arguments are organized logically with each paragraph
transitioning to the next. This helps the reader to follow the development of the essay’s
main point. The essay follows a clear structure (introduction, body and conclusion)
making it easy to navigate.
3. Unity. Every sentence and paragraph in the essay support the central argument
Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the
paragraph ensuring that the content remains relevant to the overall argument.
4. Development. The essay should provide sufficient evidence or examples and reasoning to
back up its points. This could include facts statistics.
In analytical or argumentative essays, the writer thoroughly examines and interprets the
evidence offering thoughtful insights rather than simply stating facts.
5. Engagement. The essay starts with an engaging hook, drawing the reader and making
them interested in the topic.
The writer’s tone and style should match with the purpose of the essay whether it is
formal, conversation or persuasive. The writer keeps the reader’s attention throughout.
