Cathy A.
Cathy A.

18 Top Essay Examples to Inspire Your Writing

13 min read

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: May 10, 2023

Essay Examples

Do you feel like your essays are falling short? Are you tired of getting low grades and feedback that you need to improve?

It can be frustrating to point out what exactly your essay is missing. We get it, and we're here to help!

In this blog, we're not just going to tell you how to write an essay - we're going to show you. We've gathered top examples of various types to give you a better understanding of what makes an essay effective.

But we don't stop there. We'll also share practical tips and strategies to help you elevate your writing game and avoid the dreaded plagiarism trap.

So, let's dive in and take your writing to the next level!

Essay Examples of Each Type

Each essay type has its unique characteristics and approach. To write a successful essay, it's important to understand the differences between these types.

One way to learn the different approaches and characteristics is by reading examples of each type of essay.

Here are the most common types of essays you may be required to write:

  • Narrative Essay
  • Descriptive Essay
  • Expository Essay
  • Persuasive Essay
  • Argumentative Essay

Now, let’s get into detail of each type.

Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story. It's often used in creative writing or to describe personal experiences.

In this type of essay, the writer takes the reader on a journey through a sequence of events, providing details and descriptions along the way.

Characteristics of a narrative essay:

  • Uses storytelling techniques to engage the reader
  • Often written in the first person point of view
  • Has a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Uses vivid sensory details to paint a picture in the reader's mind
  • Includes dialogue and characters to bring the story to life

Example:

Title: A Day at the Beach

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and there was a light breeze in the air. My family and I decided to spend the day at the beach. We packed up our bags with towels, sunscreen, and snacks and headed out for a day of fun in the sun.

As soon as we arrived, we headed straight for the water. The waves were perfect for boogie boarding, and my siblings and I spent hours riding the waves and splashing around. We also built sandcastles and buried each other in the sand, laughing and having a great time.

After playing in the water, we decided to take a break and have lunch. We set up our beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch while soaking up the sun.

As the day wore on, the beach began to get more crowded. People were playing volleyball, flying kites, and soaking up the sun. We decided to take a break from the crowds and go for a walk along the beach. We collected shells and watched the seagulls fly overhead, enjoying the peacefulness of the moment.

As the sun began to set, we packed up our things and headed back to our car. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and good memories. We all agreed that it was one of the best days we had ever had at the beach.

In conclusion, spending a day at the beach with family and friends is always a great idea. It's a wonderful way to create memories and have fun in the sun.

Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is a type of essay that aims to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. It seeks to describe a person, place, thing, or event in detail.

Here are some characteristics of a descriptive essay:

  • Detailed descriptions that appeal to the reader's senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell)
  • Use of vivid and specific language
  • Sensory details that help the reader imagine the subject being described
  • Clear organization that moves from general to specific
  • Use of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification to enhance the description

Example:

Title: The Abandoned House

As I approached the abandoned house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The old, decrepit building loomed over me like a dark shadow, its broken windows and peeling paint giving it an eerie, haunted appearance.

As I stepped inside, I was hit by the musty smell of neglect and decay. The floors creaked beneath my feet, and the sound echoed eerily through the empty rooms. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and dust covered every surface.

Despite the dilapidated condition of the house, there was a sense of grandeur to it. The ornate, hand-carved banister on the staircase was still intact, and the faded wallpaper in the living room revealed glimpses of its former beauty.

In the kitchen, a rusted iron stove and a chipped porcelain sink stood as relics of a bygone era. The drawers were empty, but I could imagine them filled with utensils and linens, the smell of home-cooked meals lingering in the air.

As I explored the house further, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. This once beautiful home was now a shell of its former self, left to rot and decay. But even in its abandonment, it held a certain charm and mystery, as if it was waiting for someone to come and uncover its secrets.

In conclusion, a descriptive essay seeks to provide a detailed and sensory description of a person, place, thing, or event. Through the use of vivid language and sensory details, the writer aims to bring the subject to life in the reader's mind.

Expository Essay

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that seeks to explain, illustrate, or clarify something in a way that is clear and concise.

The purpose of an expository essay is to provide information or explain a topic or idea.

Characteristics:

  • Presents facts or information about a specific topic
  • Provides a clear thesis statement or main idea
  • Uses evidence and examples to support the main idea
  • Organizes information logically and coherently
  • Written in a formal, academic tone
  • May include graphs, charts, or other visual aids to support the information presented

Example:

Title: The Importance of Time Management

Time management is an essential skill that can help individuals accomplish more and reduce stress. Effective time management involves setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and making efficient use of time.

One way to manage time effectively is to create a schedule or to-do list. This allows individuals to prioritize tasks and allocate time accordingly. Another strategy is to minimize distractions, such as social media or unnecessary meetings, that can consume valuable time.

Research has shown that effective time management can improve productivity and reduce stress levels. By making the most of available time, individuals can accomplish more and feel a greater sense of achievement.

In conclusion, time management is a critical skill that can help individuals achieve their goals and reduce stress. By creating a schedule, minimizing distractions, and making efficient use of time, individuals can improve productivity and accomplish more in less time.

Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is a type of essay that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a certain point of view or take a specific action.

Characteristics:

  • Presents a clear argument or position
  • Uses logical reasoning and evidence to support the argument
  • Anticipates and addresses counterarguments or opposing viewpoints
  • Appeals to the emotions of the reader
  • Includes a call to action or a specific recommendation

Example:

Title: Why Everyone Should Learn a Second Language

Learning a second language has many benefits, including improving cognitive abilities, enhancing career opportunities, and fostering a greater appreciation of other cultures. Therefore, it is important for everyone to learn a second language.

Studies have shown that bilingual individuals have stronger cognitive abilities, such as better memory and problem-solving skills. Additionally, knowing a second language can improve career opportunities, especially in fields such as business and international relations.

Furthermore, learning a second language can broaden one's horizons and lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of other cultures. In today's globalized world, this is becoming increasingly important.

In conclusion, everyone should learn a second language. By doing so, individuals can improve their cognitive abilities, enhance their career opportunities, and gain a greater appreciation for other cultures.

Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay presents a debatable topic and argues for a particular viewpoint or stance on the issue.

The purpose of the essay is to convince the reader to adopt the writer's point of view.

Characteristics:

  • Presents a clear and concise argument
  • Supports the argument with relevant evidence and examples
  • Addresses opposing viewpoints and counterarguments
  • Uses a logical and organized essay structure

Example:

Title: Should College Education be Free for Everyone?

College education has become increasingly expensive in recent years, making it difficult for many people to afford it. Some argue that college education should be free for everyone, while others believe that students should pay for their education. I believe that college education should be free for everyone.

Firstly, free college education can help reduce inequality in society. Education is a powerful tool that can help people climb the social ladder and improve their economic situation. However, many talented and hardworking students cannot afford to attend college, limiting their opportunities for success. By providing free college education, we can level the playing field and give everyone an equal chance to succeed.

Secondly, investing in education can have long-term benefits for society as a whole. Well-educated individuals are more likely to contribute to the economy, start their own businesses, and create jobs. By providing free college education, we are not only helping individuals but also investing in the future of our country.

Lastly, free college education can help reduce the burden of student debt. Many students graduate from college with significant debt, which can take years to pay off and limit their ability to pursue other opportunities, such as starting a business or buying a home. By providing free college education, we can remove this financial burden and allow students to pursue their dreams without worrying about debt.

In conclusion, free college education is a worthwhile investment that can help reduce inequality, benefit society as a whole, and alleviate the burden of student debt. We should work towards making college education free for everyone, so that every individual has an equal chance to succeed and contribute to society.

Essay Examples by Experts

Here are some more essay examples pdf of different types:

How to Utilize Essay Examples?

Using essay examples can be a great way to improve your writing skills.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of them:

Determine Your Purpose for Using Examples

Before looking for essay examples, you should have a clear understanding of why you need them. Are you looking for inspiration or trying to learn a specific technique or writing style?

Knowing your purpose can help you find the right examples to study.

Read Essay Examples in Your Field or Topic

Once you've identified your purpose, start reading examples that are relevant to your field or essay topic.

Analyze the structure, language, and tone of the essays. Take note of the techniques and strategies that the author uses to convey their message.

Identify Key Strategies Used in Successful Essays

Identify the key strategies that make the essay successful. Look for common patterns and techniques used in different examples.

This will help you understand the elements that make a good essay and how to incorporate them into your own writing.

Practice Incorporating Those Strategies

After identifying the key strategies, it's time to practice incorporating them into your own writing.

Start by applying one or two techniques in your writing and gradually add more as you become comfortable. Remember, practice makes perfect!

By utilizing essay examples and taking help from an AI essay writer, you can improve your writing skills and develop your own unique style.

How to Avoid Plagiarism When Using Essay Examples?

While using essay examples can be helpful, it is important to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is when you use someone else's work or ideas without giving them proper credit.

It is considered serious academic misconduct and can affect your grades badly. So it's important to know to how to steer clear of plagiarism.

Here are some tips to avoid plagiarism when using essay examples:

A. Use essay examples as a reference, not a copy-paste template

Don't try to copy the entire essay, but use it as a reference to get an idea of the structure, tone, and style of writing.

  • Properly cite your sources

    When using any idea or information from an essay example, make sure to give proper credit to the author. This can be done by using in-text citations, footnotes, or a bibliography.

    Looking for help in finding good references?

    Our AI citation finder will take care of it! Try it out now.

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  • Paraphrase and summarize

    If you need to use a direct quote, make sure to put it in quotation marks and properly cite the source. Otherwise, paraphrase or summarize the information in your own words.

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  • Use plagiarism checkers

    Use plagiarism checkers like Grammarly or Turnitin to make sure your work is original and does not contain any unintentional plagiarism.

By following these tips, you can use essay examples to improve your writing skills without committing plagiarism.

Tips for Writing a Good Essay

Writing a good essay requires time, effort, and attention to detail.

Here are some tips to help you write a strong essay:

  • Understand the assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the assignment requirements. This includes the essay type, word count, and topic.
  • Research and gather information: Conduct thorough research on your topic to gather information and ideas. This will help you develop a strong argument and provide evidence to support it.
  • Create an outline: Organize your ideas into an essay outline before you begin writing. This will help you stay focused and ensure your essay has a clear structure.
  • Write a strong introduction: The introduction is the first impression your reader will have of your essay. Make sure it is attention-grabbing and clearly states your thesis statement.
  • Use clear and concise language: Use simple language and avoid unnecessary words or jargon. This will help ensure your essay is easy to understand and engages your reader.
  • Provide evidence and support: Use examples, statistics, and other evidence to support your argument. This will help convince your reader of your point of view.
  • Stay on-topic: Make sure all of your arguments and evidence related directly to the topic of your essay. Avoid including irrelevant information.
  • Edit and revise: Once you have completed your first draft, take the time to edit and revise your essay. Check for spelling and grammar errors, ensure your arguments are clear and concise, and make sure your essay flows smoothly.

Check out this video to learn more essay writing tips.

You now have a wealth of knowledge on essay writing with our range of examples and do’s and don’ts tips.

Remember, writing an essay is a skill that can be improved with practice and dedication.

Start writing your best essay today!

Cathy A.

WRITTEN BY

Cathy A. (Mass Communication, Education)

Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.

Cathy is a highly dedicated author who has been writing for the platform for over five years. With a Master's degree in Mass Communication, she is well-versed in various forms of writing such as articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As an essay writing guide author at PerfectEssayWriter.ai, she has been helping students and professionals improve their writing skills by offering practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style.

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