The essay is a commonly assigned form of writing that every student will encounter while in academia. Although these genres, also known as the modes of discourse, have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these genres and students’ need to understand and produce these types of essays. The four genres of essays (description, narration, exposition, and argumentation) are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. This resource begins with a general description of essay writing and moves to a discussion of common essay genres students may encounter across the curriculum.
Although these genres have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these approaches and students’ need to understand and produce them. The Modes of Discourse-Exposition, Description, Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)-are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students.
