This document provides an overview of the different types of essays. It defines an essay as a short written piece that tests a student's skills in analysis, comparison, and developing ideas on a topic. The main purposes of an essay are to get students to think deeply about their own ideas and to develop new concepts through writing. The main genres of essays discussed are expository, descriptive, narrative, and argumentative. Expository essays require research and making an argument. Descriptive essays involve describing people, places or experiences using imagery. Narrative essays are personal and allow self-expression through storytelling. Argumentative essays aim to persuade the reader to a particular viewpoint on an issue.