A college essay topic may or may not be freely determined by the student depending on the course and the professor. In fact, during one’s academic career, some essay topics will be very specifically assigned, generally assigned, or subject to the student’s total discretion.
Specifically Assigned Essay topics
Assignment of General Essay Topics
Open-Ended Essay Assignments
The Process of Choosing an Essay Topic
Explanatory, Definition, Descriptive, Process, Observational, Comparison/Contrast, and Interview: These essays will rely heavily on factual information and/or data without necessarily positing opinions. Some may require research while others may require the use of the five senses and figurative language. The purpose of these essay types is largely to inform the reader.
Critical Analysis, Argumentative, Persuasive, Response, Reflective, Position, and Evaluative: These essay types may require research and careful thought and presentation of ideas, opinions, and personal responses. The purpose of these types is to go beyond the presentation of basic information and/or data. These essay types provide the reader with insights, arguments, and “food for thought.”
Narrative Essays: Generally, a narrative is in its own category because it involves telling a story, whether that story is autobiographical or a piece of fiction. Personal experience essays are narratives; short stories are narratives. The purpose is not only to inform but to provide personal reflection and philosophies through the story-telling as well.
Admissions Essays: Essay topic ideas in this type are not of personal choice, for most admissions essays are a result of specific prompts. “What can you contribute to our academic community?” or “What life events lead you to your current career choice?” are typical admissions essay prompts, and the writer must reflect on his/her life experiences and present them in creative and unique ways.
Here are pages with topics for different types of essays, enjoy:
- argument essay topics
- argument paper topics
- argumentative essay topics
- argumentative essay topics for college
- argumentative paper topics
- Controversial topics
- persuasion topics
- persuasive essay topics
- persuasive essay topics high school
- persuasive paper topics
- persuasive topics
- presentation topics
- problem solution essay topics
- problem solution topics
- process analysis essay topics
- proposal essay topics
- psychology paper topics
- research essay topics
Determining interesting essay topics is a challenge. Within each essay type and purpose, the most important criteria for topic selection will be the passions, interests, and beliefs of the writer. Without an inherent interest in the topic, the finished product may be a “flat” piece of writing that lacks enthusiasm, and the reader therefore will ultimately be disappointed.