Understanding the Differences between an Analytical, Argumentative and Critical Essay Types
There are many essay types that one can choose to write. The definitions and scope of writing these essays are very close, so much so that choosing which essay to write can be difficult. There are three major types of essays; these are analytical, argumentative and critical essays.
Analytical essays typically consist of four parts. The introduction tells the reader about what the essay will be discussing. Most topics have some sort of argument, and the introduction states this argument. Next is the analysis, which is a detailed description of the events being discussed. Here, the essay writer shows how the argument stated in the introduction comes about. What distinguishes analytical essays from the rest is the personal response part. This is where the essay writer shows their deeper understanding of the topic, giving their stand on the argument and supporting their sentiments. The conclusion then presents a relation between the analysis section and the personal stand.
Argumentative essay is a validation type essay. This is where the writer has an opinion or stand on a topic that elicits different reactions among many people. The point of the argumentative essay, therefore, will be to prove that the point held by the writer is more potent than others. These essays are meant to change people’s minds so the writer must consider their audience when writing. They must set a stand, defining it clearly and supporting it with solid evidence. The argumentative essay must not just show why the writer’s stand is the best but also why others fail. The argument must be based on well explained advantages and disadvantages. The structure must also be convincing and keep the reader glued and leave them convinced at the end. They typically contain an introduction where the writer declares their stand. After that in the next section they support their stand with evidence. This section also normally contains refutations. These are differing opinions of other people that the writer disagrees with and why, then the conclusion.
A critical essay is related to both the argumentative and analytical types but slightly different. It has an introduction that the essay writer uses to state their stand on an argument. After that they support their argument with solid points in the body part of the essay. It is like a journey, where the essay writer takes the reader through their position, giving evidence, explanations and examples. The conclusion is a recap of everything, giving the reasons and consequences of the line of thought the essay takes.