essays

An essay is a short piece of nonfiction prose that examines a topic from a defined perspective, often aiming to inform, argue, or reflect. The word essay comes from the French essai, meaning "attempt" or "trial," and the form originated in the 16th century with Michel de Montaigne's Essais. The term was later adopted in English and broadened by writers such as Francis Bacon, who used concise, argumentative pieces to explore knowledge and opinion.

Essays span a range of aims and styles. Expository essays explain a subject; argumentative or persuasive essays advance a claim and defend it with evidence; narrative essays tell a story; descriptive essays evoke sensory impression; and reflective or critical essays analyze ideas or works. Many essays blend modes, and the boundaries among genres are fluid in modern writing.

Structure typically centers on a clear thesis or central idea. An essay usually opens with an introduction that states the purpose or thesis, followed by body paragraphs that develop the argument or exploration with evidence, observation, or example, and a concluding section that restates the main point or leaves a provocation for further thought. Clarity, coherence, and disciplined argument are valued in most contexts; citation and sourcing differ by genre.

In education and publishing, essays appear in textbooks, journals, magazines, and online platforms. They range from brief school assignments to long-form essays in literature and criticism. The form remains a flexible instrument for inquiry, expression, and argument across cultures and eras.