T Y P E S O F E S S AY S You have been assigned dozens of essays during high school. They might have been a response
to something you read, an argument about a particular topic, or an explanation of an event
or other subject of study. In fact, there are countless types of essays. However, almost all
timed essay exams fall into one of two major categories: expository or persuasive. In fact,
the SAT I essay exclusively calls for persuasive essays.
EXPOSITORY An expository essay gives directions, instructions, or explanations. It informs by present-
ing the writer’s knowledge about the topic to the reader. You might be asked to define, com- pare and/or contrast, or explain cause and effect. In fact, think of the verbs used in your topic
as key words that clue you in to the fact that you are being asked to write an expository essay.
These key words include:
■
compare: examine qualities or characteristics to note and discuss similarities
and differences
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contrast: examine two or more ideas, people, or things, stressing their differ-
ences
