Essay

Short Definition

Essay is a written composition required by some colleges and universities as part of the admissions process or as an assignment in a course.

In-depth Overview

Essay

Long definition: An essay is a written piece of academic or literary composition that presents an author's argument, analysis or perspective on a specific topic or subject. It is a structured and organized form of writing that typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Essays are used as a means of assessing a student's critical thinking, writing skills and understanding of a subject. They are commonly assigned in educational institutions, ranging from high schools to universities and can cover a wide variety of subjects and themes.

Etymology: The word "essay" is derived from the French word "essayer", which means "to try" or "to attempt". This reflects the idea that an essay allows the author to make an attempt at expressing their thoughts and ideas on a particular topic.

Synonyms or related academic terms: Composition, Paper, Article, Report, Discourse, Treatise.

Examples of Use:

• Students were required to write an essay on the impact of climate change on global ecosystems.
• The essay explored the historical context of the Renaissance period in Europe.
• Her essay on gender equality in the workplace received critical acclaim.

Translations:
Spanish: Ensayo
French: Essai
German: Aufsatz
Italian: Saggio
Portuguese: Ensaio
Japanese: エッセイ (Essei)
Chinese (Simplified): 散文 (Sǎnwén)
Hindi: निबंध (Nibandh)

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Wikipedia Article

Essay

unirank Glossary Classification

Miscellaneous higher education terms > University academic terms