types of essays 8th grade

• Essay Topic Generator
• Summary Generator
• Thesis Maker Academic
• Sentence Rephraser
• Read My Paper
• Hypothesis Generator
• Cover Page Generator
• Text Compactor
• Essay Scrambler
• Essay Plagiarism Checker
• Hook Generator
• AI Writing Checker
• Notes Maker
• Overnight Essay Writing
• Topic Ideas
• Writing Tips
• Essay Writing (by Genre)
• Essay Writing (by Topic)

8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

If you find yourself on this page, you are probably going to another level of your education – the final year of Middle school!

Isn’t it exciting?

One of the most common assignments in the 8th grade is an essay. Indeed, it gains new features. An eighth-grade essay is not the same as the sixth or seventh-grade one. It has more requirements and needs a deeper level of analysis.

How to write an 8th-grade essay? How many paragraphs should it contain? What is a standard 8th-grade essay format? On this page, you’ll find the answers to these and other questions that might arise. We’ve prepared creative 8th-grade essay topics, examples, and tips to write an A+ informative, narrative, or persuasive essay.

• 🧩 8th Grade Essay 101
• 📑 8th-Grade Essay Types
• 💾 Topics for the 8 th -Graders

🍎 8th Grade Essay Examples

🧩 8th-grade essay format explained.

Once again: the 8th-grade essay format is a bit different from that of the previous years.

Below, we thoroughly explain how long an 8th-grade essay should be and how to write it. We guarantee you’ll have no questions about the format and assessment of this type of work.

What Is the 8 th Grade Essay Format?

In this section, you’ll know which parts comprise any 8th-grade essay.

The first thing to remember: you’ve got onto an entirely new level. So, your writing isn’t as simple and short as it used to be in the previous school years.

Let’s start with the structure. The fundamental parts are the same as in any type of essay:

8th Grade Essay: How to Write & Typical Mistakes

With the help of this section, you’ll get to know the most straightforward and helpful tips for 8th-grade essay writing.

These are the things that any 8th grader should know!

8 th Grade Essay Do’s

• Look for reliable sources to find arguments and evidence.
• Try to arouse eagerness for writing: it surely will ease the whole process for you.
• Choose the topic that is interesting for you if you have such an option.
• Use academic language, special terms, consistent phrases, and correct grammar.
• Use good quotations from reputable sources to solidify your ideas.

8 th Grade Essay Don’ts

• Don’t write dully: an essay is a story. It should be exciting and consistent.
• Don’t make all your examples too similar: diversity is of the essence.
• Don’t let your text look like an unreadable pile of words: use graphic tools to highlight the most critical points.
• Don’t use unreliable sources and websites for citation.
• Don’t be afraid of honest self-expression. Your identity and thoughts are what make your 8th-grade essay unique.
• Don’t forget to revise your text after you’ve finished writing it.

8th Grade Essay Rubric

Meet the assessment strategies for 8th-grade writing. Here you’ll also find some prompts that improve your essay and lead you to a higher score.

So, the assessment pattern of a written piece comprises several main points. These are the things that assessors pay attention to:

📑 Eighth Grade Essay Types

We suppose that you come across different types of assignments during middle school. Among them, there indeed were descriptive and narrative essays.

However, now you are to face other exciting formats of writing. In the section below, you’ll get to know a few new types.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing where you make a claim and prove your point of view with solid arguments. Your aim at this point is to make readers nod in contempt while reading and share your opinion.

The structure may be pretty familiar to you:

In your argumentative essay, you should back up your opinion with some exact data: statistics, figures, research studies, and polls.

To solidify your claim, you can use three types of arguments:

• Aristotelian . The classical way – you make a statement and try to persuade the audience that it is the one that is fair and right.
• Rogerian . First, you display an issue, then present the opposing view. After that, reveal your own opinion and start convincing readers why they should take up your point.
• Toulmin . Present your thesis statement, then provide the audience with the grounds to support it. The final touch is to connect these parts.

PRO TIP: Explain why you disagree with the opposing point of view on your issue.

8th Grade Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is very similar to argumentative writing. There you have to pick up a mainly burning issue and establish a firm opinion towards it. The primary goal is the same as in the argumentative essay: to make your readers believe you.

Remember the three essentials of persuasive writing:

• Logos appeals to logic, which is apparent. Deliver your thoughts cohesively and reasonably.
• Ethos is about persuading the readers, appealing to their sense of ethics and morality.
• Pathos helps you convince through emotions.

8th Grade Essay – Informative

An expository essay brings concepts to complete understanding. In other words, you explain something to give a clue about the subject in question. Successful expository writing makes the audience get the whole picture, leaving no questions or misunderstandings.

To familiarize yourself with expository essay structure, check our recently updated guide on writing an expository essay .

And briefly look at six major types of expository essays:

💾 8th Grade Essay Topics

8th grade argumentative essay topics.

• What is the main challenge you’ve ever met?
• What was the happiest moment of your childhood?
• Tell about the accomplishment you’re most proud of.
• What are the personal qualities you like most?
• Write about an inspiring celebrity.
• What does emotional intelligence mean?
• Write about the largest challenge of getting older.
• How is adolescence different from childhood?

Read the list of topics we’ve prepared for an 8th-grade essay. Choose your favorite or use our Free Essay Topics Generator to find the best one.

Persuasive Essay Topics for 8th Grade

• Would limited screen time be beneficial for health?
• Will the global use of electric vehicles save us from the ecological crisis?
• The government should provide citizens with more qualified psychological help.
• What are the pros and cons of buying a pet for a child?
• Should people use paper and textile bags instead of plastic ones?
• Is it necessary to attend PE classes in school?
• Is it ethical to use smartphones during the lesson?
• Should parents forbid their children from watching TikTok?
• Pros and cons of cheating on exams: immoral or beneficial?
• Should there be only healthy snack vending machines at schools?
• Is it acceptable for a teacher to raise the voice at a student?
• Should modern rappers’ songs be put through censorship?
• Is it ethical for students to discuss their teachers?
• Should all cosmetic products become cruelty-free?
• Should we stop the overconsumption of sugar for the sake of our health?
• Should zoos and circuses be banned forever?

8th Grade Informative Essay Topics

• Compare and contrast the environmental policies of the USA and Europe.
• What are the harmful effects of CO 2 emissions on the environment?
• How is the concept of freedom reflected in 20th-century literature?
• Reveal the details of the famous friendship of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
• Brush off or fight: how to act when you come across bullying at school?
• What are the most significant challenges school attendees usually face?
• How to overcome your fears without getting traumatized?
• How to prepare for the exam period and overcome anxiety?
• Freedom or despair: the history and concept of trailer parks in the USA.
• Explain the concept of sustainability and what benefits it has.
• Provide a classification of American lifestyles based on location.
• A reasonable person: describe the concept and the features.

Look at our 8th grade essay examples. These are mostly just excerpts, but we included the most significant parts. Approach us in case you need a similar paper or have any questions.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (#1)

The most notorious substance in the ecological discourse: is CO 2 really that bad?

Did you know that it’s better for the earth if you work out or jog with your mouth tightly shut? It’s not common knowledge, but professionals know: we need a considerable amount of CO 2 in our blood. In some terms, it’s even more vital than oxygen. Undoubtedly, there has to be a proper balance, and here is the point: CO 2 can be beneficial.

Though what good does it make to nature and the environment?

It’s all the same as with our body: CO 2 is not evil on earth, but there must be a proper balance. Now, this balance is critical, and we must make serious efforts to change the situation.

• According to last year’s research, the USA is in the second place among countries producing the most significant part of CO 2 in the whole world. The website statista.com published striking figures. 4.57 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced in 2020 by the energy consumption sphere in the United States.
• Besides, a recently published report from the IEA agency reveals another piece of statistics. Compared to the previous year, the amount of CO 2 emissions will rise to 5% in 2021. This year we’re facing 33 billion tons of this greenhouse gas.
• These figures mean nothing without context. Here you are: nature suffers greatly from CO 2 influence. Due to the greenhouse effect caused by an excess of CO 2 , the water temperature in oceans and seas is rising. This process is not positive at all because the natural habitat for sea creatures is altering. The changes are dramatic and lead to the extinction of many species.

In conclusion, we need to find an efficient way to improve the ecological situation regarding CO 2 emissions. The key is global social and individual awareness and consciousness. Each and every inhabitant of the Earth has to understand the meaning of CO 2 for global warming clearly. So, try to jog with your lips closed and choose a bike instead of a car.

Example #2: 8th Grade Persuasive Essay

Is it essential to stay away from social media for the sake of mental health?

Nielsen Company conducted research that says that the average US adult spends more than 10 hours interacting with social media each day. Indeed, social media plays a very considerable role in the life of a modern person. Most of us are more likely to spend time watching short videos than reading a good book. But is it harmful to our mental health to the extent that we have to quit using social media platforms?

To my mind, we are greatly dependent on our Instagram and TikTok accounts, and the content posted there. It certainly has a negative impact, too. However, the complete cancellation of social media is not a way out. The key to good mental condition is in the skill of managing your relations with them.

• One of the recent surveys by the Lancet reports that Facebook users who scroll the newsfeed before sleep tend to be more depressed. Apparently, the deprivation of sleep affects mental well-being to a great extent.
• FInancesOnline has recently posted the results of the research. According to this data, Facebook constitutes 72% of people’s FOMO and anxiety. Posts about traveling and active social life create most of these feelings.
• At the same time, healthy rivalry can motivate development and growth. There’s a reasonable quotation saying that one should compare themselves yesterday instead of comparing to others. The best thing one can do to take care of their mental health is to take a digital detox for a while.

Thus, it is vital to trace your obsessions with social media and negative feelings caused by comparison with others on the Internet. Try to get more aware of it, take your time to rest from social media, and plunge into real life.

5 Paragraph Essay Example for 8th Grade (#3)

The Financier and American Tragedy : compare and contrast two main characters of Dreiser’s novels.

Do you know that Theodore Dreiser is sometimes called an American Fyodor Dostoevsky? Both writers touched upon the most sensitive social and existential issues. However, the subject of this paper is not the comparison of the authors but two famous Dreiser characters: Clyde Griffiths and Frank Cowperwood.

Both of these young American men were striving to reach financial and social success in a world of brutal struggle and hardships.

• Clyde Griffiths represents the desperate strive for American Dream. Born in a poor and religious family, he grows greedy for money and status. In his blind obsession with gaining a high social position, he doesn’t notice his spiritual degradation. He is smart enough to struggle his way into high society but not so witty to solidify his standing with decent means. He cheats, lies, and finally commits a murder: Clyde seems to be already born guilty at times. On reading the story, there doesn’t appear any sympathy toward him. On the contrary, he provokes feelings of abomination and disgust.
• Frank Cowperwood also aims to become wealthy and socially firm. He wants to improve his family’s life quality. Still, his ways and means astonish. Frank is a natural-born predator and strategist. His sophistication and sharp wit show up in him since his very childhood. He isn’t a man of high moral standards: Frank doesn’t mind cheating on his wife and manipulating city treasure money. However, he’s a passionate man, honest and open in his heart urges and impulses. That is the reason why fortune favors him.

However, having similar goals but different personalities and mindsets, Griffiths and Cowperwood reach completely different destination points.

How to Write an Essay in 8th Grade?

– You should pick up a good topic and formulate your attitude to the problem. – Write an outline. – Make a clear and brief thesis statement. – Think of at least 3 firm arguments if the essay type demands it. – Impress your readers with a firm conclusion. Voila! Do not forget to proofread!

How Long Is an Essay in 8th Grade?

The length of the 8th-grade essay slightly depends on the format and the particular type of writing. However, it varies from approximately 500 to 800 words. Within this framework, you have to make yourself clear and deliver all necessary points.

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph for 8th Grade?

The size of a paragraph in the 8th-grade essay has to be not less than 8 sentences in each. Besides that, mind that the sentences are primarily compound or complex, error-free, and coherent. Also, remember to connect the sentences and paragraphs with particular language means.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay in 8th Grade?

Choose an exciting and acute topic. Make up a thesis statement out of the problem. Draft an outline or a brief plan. Explore some reliable sources for the evidence and arguments for your essay. Organize the facts and information into a cohesive structure.

I’m an 8th grade student at a private school, and my teacher assigns us up to 4-6 pages most to write. First of all we get other essays on top of this, and usually have nearly to a week to finish. Me and my classmates struggle with this. Do you guys think this is too much for an average 8th grade student?

i am writin apaper right now and it is averreding and its about the changes we woud make to our cafeteria it has to be 5 paragraphs long

Thanks for stopping by at our blog. We would be happy to help you with your paper. You can be interested in some other posts on this blog (https://overnightessay.com/blog/category/essay-tips/) or contact our friendly Support Team to get professional writign help from experienced writers. Good luck with your paper! Best regards,

Academic Editing and Proofreading

• Tips to Self-Edit Your Dissertation
• Guide to Essay Editing: Methods, Tips, & Examples
• Journal Article Proofreading: Process, Cost, & Checklist
• The A–Z of Dissertation Editing: Standard Rates & Involved Steps
• Research Paper Editing | Guide to a Perfect Research Paper
• Dissertation Proofreading | Definition & Standard Rates
• Thesis Proofreading | Definition, Importance & Standard Pricing
• Research Paper Proofreading | Definition, Significance & Standard Rates
• Essay Proofreading | Options, Cost & Checklist
• Top 10 Paper Editing Services of 2024 (Costs & Features)
• Top 10 Essay Checkers in 2024 (Free & Paid)
• Top 10 AI Proofreaders to Perfect Your Writing in 2024
• Top 10 English Correctors to Perfect Your Text in 2024
• Top 10 Essay Editing Services of 2024
• 10 Advanced AI Text Editors to Transform Writing in 2024

Academic Research

• Research Paper Outline: Templates & Examples
• How to Write a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Write a Lab Report: Examples from Academic Editors
• Research Methodology Guide: Writing Tips, Types, & Examples
• The 10 Best Essential Resources for Academic Research
• 100+ Useful ChatGPT Prompts for Thesis Writing in 2024
• Best ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing (100+ Prompts!)
• Sampling Methods Guide: Types, Strategies, and Examples
• Independent vs. Dependent Variables | Meaning & Examples

Academic Writing & Publishing

• Difference Between Paper Editing and Peer Review
• What are the different types of peer review?
• How to deal with rejection from a journal?
• Editing and Proofreading Academic Papers: A Short Guide
• How to Carry Out Secondary Research
• The Results Section of a Dissertation
• Checklist: Is my Article Ready for Submitting to Journals?
• Types of Research Articles to Boost Your Research Profile
• 8 Types of Peer Review Processes You Should Know
• The Ethics of Academic Research
• How does LaTeX based proofreading work?
• How to Improve Your Scientific Writing: A Short Guide
• Chicago Title, Cover Page & Body | Paper Format Guidelines
• How to Write a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips
• Chicago Style Citation: Quick Guide & Examples
• The A-Z Of Publishing Your Article in A Journal
• What is Journal Article Editing? 3 Reasons You Need It
• 5 Powerful Personal Statement Examples (Template Included)
• Complete Guide to MLA Format (9th Edition)
• How to Cite a Book in APA Style | Format & Examples
• How to Start a Research Paper | Step-by-step Guide
• APA Citations Made Easy with Our Concise Guide for 2024
• A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Formatting Style (7th Edition)
• Top 10 Online Dissertation Editing Services of 2024
• Academic Writing in 2024: 5 Key Dos & Don’ts + Examples
• What Are the Standard Book Sizes for Publishing Your Book?
• MLA Works Cited Page: Quick Tips & Examples
• 2024’s Top 10 Thesis Statement Generators (Free Included!)
• Top 10 Title Page Generators for Students in 2024
• What Is an Open Access Journal? 10 Myths Busted!
• Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Definition, Types & Examples
• How To Write a College Admissions Essay That Stands Out
• How to Write a Dissertation & Thesis Conclusion (+ Examples)
• APA Journal Citation: 7 Types, In-Text Rules, & Examples
• What Is Predatory Publishing and How to Avoid It!
• What Is Plagiarism? Meaning, Types & Examples
• How to Write a Strong Dissertation & Thesis Introduction
• How to Cite a Book in MLA Format (9th Edition)
• How to Cite a Website in MLA Format | 9th Edition Rules
• 10 Best AI Conclusion Generators (Features & Pricing)
• Top 10 Academic Editing Services of 2024 [with Pricing]
• Additional Resources
• Plagiarism: How to avoid it in your thesis?
• Final Submission Checklist | Dissertation & Thesis
• 7 Useful MS Word Formatting Tips for Dissertation Writing
• How to Write a MEAL Paragraph: Writing Plan Explained in Detail
• Em Dash vs. En Dash vs. Hyphen: When to Use Which
• The 10 Best Citation Generators in 2024 | Free & Paid Plans!
• 2024’s Top 10 Self-Help Books for Better Living
• Citation and Referencing
• Citing References: APA, MLA, and Chicago
• How to Cite Sources in the MLA Format
• MLA Citation Examples: Cite Essays, Websites, Movies & More
• Citations and References: What Are They and Why They Matter
• APA Headings & Subheadings | Formatting Guidelines & Examples
• Formatting an APA Reference Page | Template & Examples
• Research Paper Format: APA, MLA, & Chicago Style
• How to Create an MLA Title Page | Format, Steps, & Examples
• How to Create an MLA Header | Format Guidelines & Examples
• MLA Annotated Bibliography | Guidelines and Examples
• APA Website Citation (7th Edition) Guide | Format & Examples
• APA Citation Examples: The Bible, TED Talk, PPT & More
• APA Header Format: 5 Steps & Running Head Examples
• APA Title Page Format Simplified | Examples + Free Template
• How to Write an Abstract in MLA Format: Tips & Examples
• 10 Best Free Plagiarism Checkers of 2024 [100% Free Tools]
• 5 Reasons to Cite Your Sources Properly | Avoid Plagiarism!
• Dissertation Writing Guide
• Writing a Dissertation Proposal
• The Acknowledgments Section of a Dissertation
• The Table of Contents Page of a Dissertation
• The Introduction Chapter of a Dissertation
• The Literature Review of a Dissertation
• The Only Dissertation Toolkit You’ll Ever Need!
• 5 Thesis Writing Tips for Master Procrastinators
• How to Write a Dissertation | 5 Tips from Academic Editors
• The 5 Things to Look for in a Dissertation Editing Service
• Top 10 Dissertation Editing & Proofreading Services
• Why is it important to add references to your thesis?
• Thesis Editing | Definition, Scope & Standard Rates
• Expert Formatting Tips on MS Word for Dissertations
• A 7-Step Guide on How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
• 350 Best Dissertation Topic Ideas for All Streams in 2024
• A Guide on How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper
• Dissertation Defense: What to Expect and How to Prepare
• Creating a Dissertation Title Page (Examples & Templates)
• Essay Writing Guide
• Essential Research Tips for Essay Writing
• What Is a Mind Map? Free Mind Map Templates & Examples
• How to Write an Essay Outline: 5 Examples & Free Template
• How to Write an Essay Header: MLA and APA Essay Headers
• What Is an Essay? Structure, Parts, and Types
• How to Write an Essay in 8 Simple Steps (Examples Included)

8 Types of Essays | Quick Summary with Examples

• Expository Essays | Step-by-Step Manual with Examples
• Narrative Essay | Step-by-Step Guide with Examples
• How to Write an Argumentative Essay (Examples Included)
• Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
• How to Start an Essay: 4 Introduction Paragraph Examples
• How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay (Examples Included!)
• How to Write an Impactful Personal Statement (Examples Included)
• Literary Analysis Essay: 5 Steps to a Perfect Assignment
• Compare and Contrast Essay | Quick Guide with Examples
• Top 10 Essay Writing Tools in 2024 | Plan, Write, Get Feedback
• Top AI Essay Writers in 2024: 10 Must-Haves
• 100 Best College Essay Topics & How to Pick the Perfect One!
• College Essay Format: Tips, Examples, and Free Template
• Structure of an Essay: 5 Tips to Write an Outstanding Essay

Still have questions? Leave a comment

Add Comment

Checklist: Dissertation Proposal

Enter your email id to get the downloadable right in your inbox!

Examples: Edited Papers

Need editing and proofreading services.

• Tags: Academic Writing , Essay , Essay Writing

An essay is a highly versatile, non-fictional piece of writing aimed at persuading, informing, or entertaining the reader. It can serve multiple functions, such as taking a stance on topics, disproving widely believed myths, and sharing interesting anecdotes. 

There are various styles and types of essay writing that can be used to serve specific functions. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the four main types of essays, along with the combinations and derivations of these types. Let us understand what are the different types of essays.

Upgrade your essay to perfection with our expert editing services today! Learn more

What are the four main types of essays?

There are four types of essays you can write depending on the message you want to convey. They include narrative essays, descriptive essays, argumentative essays, and expository essays.  

Narrative and descriptive essays aim to tell a story or describe an immersive experience with the help of sensory descriptors. Expository and argumentative essays aim to educate and inform the reader on a particular topic. 

There are many more types of essay that are a combination or derivation of these four essay types. Here are the four main types of essays. To help you better understand these essay types, we’ve also constructed relevant example essays. 

1. Narrative essay 

A narrative essay  is a type of writing that involves telling a story using either highly specific or open-ended prompts. It is a form of personal and creative nonfiction that tests your ability to build up your story in a well-structured format. The use of storytelling techniques such as similes, metaphors, alliteration, imagery, and dialogue is common in narrative essay writing.

It typically begins with the introduction of the settings and characters of the story. The body consists of the highlights of your life, often described with the help of vivid imagery. The conclusion includes reflections on the meaning or significance of the events, as well as any lessons learned or insights gained from experience.

A personal statement is one example of a narrative essay, where you tell a story about yourself in order to convince the reader of your suitability for a particular role or position.

Let’s understand the structure of a narrative essay better with the help of this example: 

My First Job as a Server

My first job as a server was a crash course in hard work, patience, and resilience. I was eager to work and earn my own money, but I had no idea what I had signed up for.

I soon discovered that this job was no walk in the park. I had to constantly be on my feet, multitasking and juggling multiple orders at once. But with the help of my manager and fellow servers, I was quickly able to learn the ropes.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was being patient with irate customers. Initially, their harsh words made me doubt my abilities. But, over time I developed a thick skin and became immune to their comments. 

These experiences taught me to be patient with myself as well as with others. I developed a sense of empathy, that I never would have otherwise and learned not to take things personally. Due to the fast-paced restaurant environment, I also learned how to multitask and manage my time efficiently.

Looking back, I can confidently say that these experiences shaped me into the person I am today.  These lessons have stayed with me throughout and continue to influence the way I approach challenges.

2. Descriptive essay

A descriptive essay aims to provide an immersive experience for the reader by using sensory descriptors. Unlike a narrative essay, which tells a story, a descriptive essay has a narrower scope and focuses on one particular subject or aspect of a story.

For example, a descriptive essay about a beach may describe the warmth of the sand underfoot, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the salty smell of the ocean breeze, and the taste of saltwater on the lips. These sensory details bring the reader into the experience and allow them to imagine themselves in the setting.

One key tip for a descriptive essay is to choose your words carefully, using language that is both specific and evocative. By doing so, you can create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the subject of the essay. The goal is to make the reader feel as though they are a part of the setting, experiencing it firsthand.

Let’s understand this in more detail with the help of an example:

Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom season is a magical time of year when the country is covered in a sea of pink and white petals. The colors are striking and seem to change with the light and angle of the sun. 

The soft, delicate petals dance in the wind, filling the air with a sweet fragrance that can be smelled everywhere. The sound of the petals rustling and swaying in the breeze is soothing and calming. 

Families and friends gather beneath the trees, enjoying picnics and drinks, adding to the festive atmosphere. The taste of the cherry blossom is subtle but distinct, and many Japanese sweets and drinks are flavored with sakura. 

The essence of the cherry blossom is hope and renewal, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of savoring each moment. It is a time when the entire country comes together to celebrate life’s beauty and the present moment. 

Witnessing the cherry blossom in Japan is a sensory feast that evokes feelings of joy, wonder, and gratitude. It is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

3. Argumentative essays

An argumentative essay is an extended argument that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular stance based on factual information and statistics. It is one of the most common forms of college essays.

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to present a well-reasoned and well-supported argument in favor of a particular position. You must provide relevant evidence, logical reasoning, and convincing arguments to support your stance. The goal is to convince the reader to accept your point of view.

To write an effective argumentative essay, you must conduct thorough research. This involves gathering reliable sources of information, analyzing it, and synthesizing it into a coherent argument. You should also consider counterarguments and address them in your essay to strengthen your position.

Let’s take a look at an example:

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for motivating individuals and increasing performance efficiency. It involves rewarding desired behavior, rather than punishing negative behavior. Research has shown that positive reinforcement can be highly effective in both school and workplace settings.

In a study conducted by the University of Melbourne, researchers found that students who received positive feedback from their teachers were more likely to be engaged and motivated. They were also more likely to participate in class and have better academic performance.

Similarly, in a corporate setting, positive reinforcement has been shown to improve employee morale and job satisfaction. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 89% showed high levels of motivation when their achievements were recognized and appreciated. Additionally, 86% of employees showed increased job satisfaction.

Positive feedback, also helps individuals think creatively and develop strong problem-solving skills. A study conducted by the University of Illinois involved participants engaging in a brainstorming task, where some were provided with positive feedback and others were not. The results showed that those who received positive feedback demonstrated significantly greater creativity and better problem-solving abilities than those who did not.

Positive reinforcement is proven to be powerful tool that should be implemented in both academic and corporate settings. It not only improves academic and workplace achievements but also promotes creativity and problem-solving skills. 

4. Expository essays

An expository essay is a common format used in school and college exams to assess your understanding of a specific topic. The purpose of an expository essay is to present and explore a topic thoroughly without taking any particular stance or expressing personal opinions.

An expository essay does not require an original argument and requires less research as compared to an argumentative essay. However, you should be able to cover a topic from all angles and provide factual information to support your argument. You should also be able to structure your essay in a well-organized, logical format, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.  

The term “expository essay” is an umbrella term used to describe several different types of essays. They include classification essays, definition essays, compare and contrast essays, and cause and effect essays.

The Legacy of Thomas Edison 

Thomas Edison was one of the most important inventors in history, credited with over 1,000 patents during his lifetime. He was born in Ohio in 1847 and grew up in Michigan, where he received very little formal education. Despite this, Edison showed a strong interest in science and technology from an early age and began conducting experiments in his spare time.

In his early career, Edison worked as a telegraph operator and began to develop his own inventions, including an improved stock ticker and a quadruplex telegraph system. In 1877, he invented the phonograph, a device that could record and play back sound. This invention helped establish Edison as a leading inventor and made him a household name.

One of Edison’s most famous inventions was the incandescent light bulb, which he developed in the late 1870s. This invention revolutionized the way people lived, allowing them to work and live comfortably even after sunset. Edison’s work on the light bulb led to the development of the electrical power grid, which helped bring electricity to homes and businesses across the country.

Throughout his career, Edison remained committed to the idea of practical invention, focusing on creating devices that would have a real impact on people’s lives. He famously said, “Anything that won’t sell, I don’t want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.”

Overall, Thomas Edison’s impact on the world of invention and innovation cannot be overstated. His inventions helped transform the world and set the stage for many of the technological advances that we enjoy today.

Other types of essays

Now that we’ve looked at the four main types of essays, let’s take a look at the combinations and derivations of these types.

These different types of essays include:  

1. Persuasive essays

These types of essays aim to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. They achieve this by using personal anecdotes and experiences, which are backed up by factual evidence. Although they share some similarities with argumentative essays, persuasive essays place greater emphasis on emotion and personal narratives, on top of providing factual evidence.

Persuasive essays follow three methods of persuasion: Ethos, pathos, and logos. These methods are utilized to effectively convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. 

• Ethos involves establishing the writer’s strong moral character, creating a sense of trustworthiness and reliability with the reader. 
• Pathos aims to evoke an emotional response from the reader in order to sway them toward the writer’s viewpoint. 
• Logos relies on providing the reader with hard facts, statistics, and evidence to convince them to adopt the writer’s standpoint.

Here’s an example: 

Importance of Mental Health Days in Corporate Settings

Employees need mental health days for their overall wellbeing and productivity. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people globally are affected by mental health disorders, which can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased productivity in the workplace.

Taking a mental health day can provide a necessary break from work-related stress and allow employees to focus on their mental well-being. It can help prevent burnout and reduce the risk of developing serious issues such as depression or anxiety. Employees who feel supported in taking mental health days are more likely to return to work feeling refreshed and recharged, leading to increased productivity and creativity.

Furthermore, promoting mental health days in the workplace can foster a culture of transparency and support. When employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns with their employers and colleagues, it creates a sense of trust and understanding. This can lead to a more positive work environment and a higher level of employee morale.

In conclusion, mental health days are not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining employees’ mental health and wellbeing. Employers who recognize the importance of mental health days and actively promote them in the workplace can create a more productive, positive, and healthy work environment for their employees.

2. Critical essays

A critical essay is not necessarily an evaluative piece of writing, but rather a thoughtful and analytical approach to interpreting a work of art. Through this process, you can provide valuable insights that enhance the reader’s appreciation and understanding of a piece.

These types of essays are common projects assigned to students in school or college. They involve the analysis and interpretation of a text or a visual medium. It goes beyond criticism despite the negative connotation of the term “critical”. It analyzes themes, characters, plots, and other crucial aspects to gain a deeper insight into the message or purpose of a literary or visual piece.

The critical essay-writing process involves actively reading or observing a piece of art or literature and forming a central idea or thesis statement on the basis of these observations. The body paragraphs consist of topic sentences that bolster the thesis statement, along with pieces of evidence proving these statements. The conclusion consists of the summary of the most impactful parts of your essay along with a powerful concluding statement.

While writing a critical essay or literary analysis essay , it is crucial to inspect every little aspect of a piece. For example, when writing a critical essay on a poem, it is essential to analyze its structure, the specific use of language, and the various literary devices used by the poet. By examining these elements, you can effectively explain its intended message.

Take a look at an example: 

The Surreal Narrative of Virginia Woolf’s A Haunted House

Virginia Woolf’s A Haunted House is a surreal narrative that explores the interplay of light and shadow, the instability of time, and the haunting silence of an old house. The narrator’s state of mind is between sleep and wakefulness, which is reflected in the hazy lighting of the setting. The events of the night are narrated in the present tense, while the narrator’s waking hours are narrated in the past tense, heightening the sense of eeriness. The story takes place inside the narrator’s mind, bearing an imprint of their unconscious.

The provocation that “nothing really happens in A Haunted House” is inappropriate because it assumes there is one absolute reality in which events naturally unfold. In Woolf’s essay Modern Fiction , she reflects on the essential thing one looks for in fiction, which is often lost due to stagnant literary conventions like plot. Woolf rejects the realistic mode of storytelling to find a better form for the essential thing, which she creates out of the consciousness of her narrator.

One may argue that the narrator’s consciousness imagines the disembodied selves of old writers as the ghostly couple and gives form to “the light in the heart” when the ghosts bury it inside the house. The act of giving form to “the light in the heart” connects the new writer to the ghostly selves of old writers. These are the things that happen in the story.

In conclusion, the surreal narrative of A Haunted House is an exploration of the interplay of light and shadow, the instability of time, and the haunting silence of an old house. Through her rejection of stagnant literary conventions and the creation of a new reality shaped by the consciousness of her narrator, Woolf gives form to “the essential thing” in fiction.

3. Reflective essays

These essays provide an opportunity for you to share your personal insights, opinions, and reflections on an experience. They are highly creative and typically employ the first-person point of view. 

Through this form of writing, you can take the time to reflect on the meaning and significance of certain life events and their impact on you. It also allows you to share your key takeaways or lessons you’ve learned from these events. 

Here’s an example:

A Trip to My Home Country

My trip to Kenya, my home country, was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting impact on me. As a Kenyan-American, I had grown up hearing stories about my parents’ home country, but nothing prepared me for the reality of it. The vibrant colors, the delicious smells, and the welcoming people all contributed to a truly inspiring trip.

One of the most memorable moments was visiting a rural village and meeting a group of young girls who were determined to receive an education. Despite facing significant obstacles, such as the societal pressure to prioritize marriage over education, these girls were highly committed to their goals. It was truly inspiring to see their resilience and made me reflect on my own privileges and opportunities in life.

The trip also made me realize the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage. As a Kenyan American who was born and raised in the United States, I had never fully appreciated the richness and diversity of Kenyan culture. However, being immersed in it made me realize the importance of keeping these traditions alive.

Overall, my trip to Kenya inspired me to be more appreciative of my cultural heritage, to work towards social justice and equality, and to never take my privileges for granted. It was a truly life-changing experience that will stay with me forever.

The next step to creating a perfect essay is thorough editing. You can either choose to edit it yourself or make things easier for yourself by consulting a professional essay editing service . Which you all the best in your essay-writing journey!

Keep reading with more resources from your loyal editors and proofreaders:

• How to Write an Essay Outline: 5 Examples & Free Template
• How to Start an Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four elements of an essay, what are the three stages of essay writing, which is the most common type of essay in colleges, how do i identify different types of essays.

Found this article helpful?

Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Your vs. You’re: When to Use Your and You’re

Your organization needs a technical editor: here’s why, your guide to the best ebook readers in 2024, writing for the web: 7 expert tips for web content writing.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get carefully curated resources about writing, editing, and publishing in the comfort of your inbox.

How to Copyright Your Book?

If you’ve thought about copyrighting your book, you’re on the right path.

© 2024 All rights reserved

• Terms of service
• Privacy policy
• Self Publishing Guide
• Pre-Publishing Steps
• Fiction Writing Tips
• Traditional Publishing
• Academic Writing and Publishing
• Partner with us
• Annual report
• Website content
• Marketing material
• Job Applicant
• Cover letter
• Resource Center
• Case studies

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
• The body presents your evidence and arguments
• The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/essay-types/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write an argumentative essay | examples & tips, how to write an expository essay, how to write an essay outline | guidelines & examples, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

8th grade writing

by: Hank Pellissier | Updated: February 12, 2024

Print article

Verbal has a double meaning for eighth grade writing: it refers to the oral presentations the kids will do and to this year’s focus on grammar — gerunds, participles, and infinitives.

Argument essays

Written in formal language, argument essays should start with an introduction that clearly presents the writer’s position and flows into a well-organized, research-backed argument that advocates for their position and argues against opposing claims. Your child’s writing should exhibit a profound understanding of the topic. Arguments should be logical and fueled by evidence from credible sources. Papers should end with a persuasive conclusion that summarizes the viewpoint and declares the topic resolved. Topics will vary, but you’ll often see teen issues such as: Are video games harmful to mental health? Should our school have uniforms? Should bullies be suspended or given a chance to make amends?

Informative and explanatory writing

In their informative and explanatory papers , students use formal language to explain complex topics with relevant data, precise ideas, and logical analyses. Kids should start with an intriguing introduction that previews the subject matter. Next, they present well-organized information that’s backed by evidence from credible sources. Eighth graders should use a variety of “strategy tools,” including:

• Classifying information.
• Defining terms.
• Using subject-specific, academic , and transition vocabulary words.
• Quoting sources.
• Incorporating factual details.
• Making comparisons.
• Contrasting different situations.
• Explaining cause-and-effect relationships.
• Including graphics (charts, tables, images) and multimedia.
• Using formatting (headings, bullet points).

Finally, the concluding paragraph should provide a synopsis of the main point of the essay. Your child’s papers are likely to cover topics that students are familiar with — but still need to research in order to answer, like If there is a drought, how can we save water? Or Explain how a specific invention has changed your life .

Narrative writing

Eighth graders write narratives or stories that describe events in their lives (personal histories, memoirs) or imagined scenarios (fiction, fantasy). Junior J.K. Rowlings learn effective storytelling techniques, such as introducing the narrator and characters, establishing context for the setting, and conveying a point of view. Students practice letting the sequence of events unfold, giving characters depth, and developing the plot through actions, dialogue, and reflection. Your future F. Scott Fitzgerald should use transition words to guide readers from one place and time to another. For example: Four hours later, Jack opened his locker to discover a shocking surprise . Or, Returning to the cafeteria, Tinsley saw the cute new boy sitting with her best friend, Amanda . Remember that even narratives have a conclusion, hopefully one that helps readers ponder the meaning of the story.

Changes and more changes

Grit. Concentration. Determination. Eighth graders strengthen their literary skills by revising their papers over and over again, following advice from teachers and classmates to re-imagine, re-outline, redraft, re-edit, rewrite, and try new approaches. Is this just a form of perfectionistic punishment? No, the practice helps teens learn to tighten their prose, pick stronger verbs, use more accurate descriptors, and organize their writing in the most effective and interesting ways.

Internet interaction

Your eighth grader will likely need the internet to create, type, and share their work, which will often have links to web sources and include graphics and multimedia. Also, these are typically typed. Your child should be tying about 40 words per minute. (Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction recommends a typing speed 5 times your grade . If your child needs practice, there are free typing classes for middle schoolers available online .)

It’s increasingly common for kids to be required to collaborate on projects online, often in Google Docs or Slides. What’s more, drafts and completed assignments are often turned in via email or by uploading to an online portal. So if your child’s technical skills aren’t up to snuff, think about getting your child a little extra help so these requirements don’t hold him back.

Evaluating their sources

Eighth graders do short projects that require research from multiple sources. Teens learn to evaluate the credibility of their sources. For example, Is Saturday Night Live as reliable as National Public Radio? No. Kids need to be careful about how they present information, paraphrasing information or using quotes to avoid plagiarizing, which Merriam-Webster defines as “to use the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own words or ideas.” The standard way to end all research projects? A bibliography, formatted correctly, of course, that shows both the quality and quantity of their sources.

Student critiques

Students get to do the critiquing this year — whether it’s a book or their classmate’s essay. Eighth graders analyze how modern fiction uses the plot, themes, and characters. Students look for connections and explain how a contemporary text borrows from, comments on, or changes the old foundation. For example, How does The Hunger Games trilogy use the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur?

Students also evaluate the evidence their peers use in essays and to back up arguments. It helps them become more skilled at determining fact from fiction, legitimate truth from biased propaganda, scientific theories from fraudulent nonsense.

Eighth graders learn to identify verb voice. If the subject in a sentence does the action, then the verb is in the active voice, like this: The whale ate the shrimp. However, if the subject in a sentence is the target of the action, then the verb is in the passive voice, like this: The shrimp was eaten by the whale .

Presenting their work

Expect quite a few oral reports in eighth grade. In these presentations, kids need to deliver their arguments and the results of their investigations to the class. Key skills for a solid presentation include:

• using formal language;
• making eye contact;
• pronouncing things clearly and loudly enough for all to hear.

Your child’s presentations should be coherent, organized, logical, supported by evidence, and, in many cases, jazzed up with costumes, props, maps, music, sound effects, charts, and visual projection. Teens (and adults) often suffer from sweaty, knee-knocking stage fright. Inform your adolescent that this is totally normal; remind them to breathe and enjoy the attention.

Here’s a preview of the presentation skills required in high school.

Homes Nearby

Homes for rent and sale near schools

6 ways to improve a college essay

Quick writing tips for every age

Writing on the wall

Why parents must teach writing

Yes! Sign me up for updates relevant to my child's grade.

Please enter a valid email address

Thank you for signing up!

Server Issue: Please try again later. Sorry for the inconvenience

• Book Lists by Age
• Book Lists by Category
• Reading Resources
• Language & Speech
• Raise a Reader Blog
• Back to School
• Success Guides by Grade
• Homework Help
• Social & Emotional Learning
• Activities for Kids

The Guide to 8th Grade: Reading and Writing

Review reading and writing curricula for 8th grade, including what to expect and resources to support learning..

In their last year of middle school, 8th graders immerse themselves in preparation for high school by practicing and strengthening skills they learned in earlier years of middle school while also learning new (and often more complex) skills.

In many ways, 8th grade is a year of transition, as students are expected to have mastered the ways of middle school and begin becoming “high-schoolers.” Specifically, 8th graders are expected to be independent thinkers and workers analyzing and explaining what they learn in both their writing and verbally. 

8th Grade Reading

In 8th grade, students continue to practice many of the skills they learned in earlier grades, specifically paying attention to details like text evidence, language, and cross-text comparisons in different genres of text. However, 8th graders push their analyses of texts further as they examine the details and writing structure and assess how those elements affect the text. 

In order to build reading skills, your 8th grader :

• Evaluates the evidence in texts to determine the strongest supports of an idea and analysis.
• Determines the main idea or theme of a text using evidence from the text to support it.
• Provides an objective summary of a text.
• Understands, summarizes, and tracks the progress of the main idea of a text, using evidence from the text.
• Analyzes how elements such as specific dialogue, events, or word usage impact the characters, the decisions they make, and other events and actions in the text.
• Understands the use of language in a text, including figurative language, analogies, and allusions to other texts.
• Compares and contrasts the different structures of texts including the structures of paragraphs and sentences.
• Analyzes the difference between characters’ points of view and how these differences affect the text.
• Analyzes the pros and cons of using different forms of text and media to present a topic or idea.
• Compares a text to a film or play version of a text, paying specific attention to the way in which the film or play veers from the text.
• Analyzes texts that include conflicting information on the same topic and decipher when those are due to conflicting facts or interpretations.

8th Grade Writing

In 8th grade, students continue to practice and refine many of the writing skills they learned in 7th grade while also learning some additional complex writing skills. Given that refining one’s writing can take time and practice, students are not expected to cover a great deal of new skills. However, they do learn some new techniques and skills that enhance their writing and enable them to become better writers.

In order to build writing skills, your 8th grader :

• Introductions
• Acknowledgements of opposing claims
• Logical and orderly presentation of reasons and evidence
• Graphics, special formatting, and multimedia, when appropriate
• Support of the claims through the use of evidence from credible sources
• A concluding sentence or paragraph that supports the argument made
• A formal tone and style
• Use supporting claims and evidence based on credible texts and resources
• Provide an introduction that includes an explanation of what follows
• Develop topics through the use of facts, details, quotations, examples, and subject-specific terms and definitions
• Include transitions that connect concepts, events, and paragraphs
• Include a conclusion that supports the presented idea(s)
• Maintain a formal “essay type” style
• Integrate other forms of media and formats such as graphs, charts, headings, audio, or video when appropriate
• A narrator, characters, and a point of view
• Descriptive detail and sensory language to describe characters, settings, and experiences
• Dialogue, pacing, reflection, and details and descriptions of characters, setting, and experiences
• Thought-out word choice
• A clear structure with a logical order and flow, as shown through the use of transition words and phrases and a logical sequence
• A conclusion that is connected to and builds on the narrative
• Plans, revises, and edits writing, specifically with guidance from teachers and peers, focusing specifically on trying new approaches and making sure the writing has a purpose and appeals to its audience.
• Uses technology and the Internet to produce and publish writing, work with others, and cite sources.
• Works on multiple short research projects that answer specific questions and cite multiple sources, while gathering additional questions for later research.
• Uses both print and digital resources to conduct research, focusing on using appropriate search terms and reliable sources.
• Uses quotes and a standard format for citation.
• Uses research to analyze and make inferences.

Shop the best resources for seventh grade below! You can find all books and activities at  The Scholastic Store . 

Explore other grade guides: 

• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade  
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade

Your Eighth Grade Book Checklist

Sign up and get 10% off books.

• Online Calculus Tutors
• Online Geometry Tutors
• Online Algebra Tutors
• Online Trigonometry Tutors
• Online Statistics Tutors
• Online Chemistry Tutors
• Online Macroeconomics Tutors
• Online English Tutors
• Online Physics Tutors
• Online Computer Science Tutors
• Online Accounting Tutors
• Online Biology Tutors
• Online Business Studies Tutors
• Online Finance Tutors
• Online Programming Tutors
• Online Management Tutors
• Online Science Tutors
• Year 2 Maths
• Year 3 Maths
• Year 4 Maths
• Year 5 Maths
• Year 6 Maths
• Year 2 English
• Year 3 English
• Year 4 English
• Year 5 English
• Year 6 English
• Year 7 Maths
• Year 8 Maths
• Year 9 Maths
• Year 10 Maths
• Year 10 Advance Maths
• Year 7 English
• Year 8 English
• Year 9 English
• Year 10 English
• Year 11 General Maths
• Year 11 Chemistry SA,NT
• Year 11 General Mathematics VIC
• Year 11 Mathematical Methods
• Year 11 Mathematics Standard
• Year 11 Chemistry ACT
• Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1
• Year 11 Mathematical Methods SA, NT
• Year 11 Mathematical Methods VIC
• Year 11 Mathematical Applications
• Year 11 Chemistry QLD
• Year 11 Literature ATAR
• Year 11 English - QLD
• Year 11 English Advanced NSW
• Year 11 EALD Level 3
• Year 11 English Language
• Year 11 Essential English M
• Year 11 Essential Skills TAS
• Year 11 Essential English
• Year 11 Bridging EAL
• Year 11 EALD Level 1
• Year 11 Stage 1 Essential English
• Year 11 English General
• Year 11 Mathematics Advanced
• Year 11 EAL
• Year 11 English Standard
• Year 11 EALD ATAR
• Year 12 Mathematics Standard
• Year 12 Further Mathematics
• Year 12 Mathematics Applications
• Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1
• Year 12 Mathematics Methods
• Year 12 Mathematics Advanced
• Year 12 Mathematics Methods VIC
• Year 12 Mathematics Methods - TAS
• Year 12 General Mathematics TAS
• Year 11 English T
• Year 12 Mathematical Methods - QLD
• Year 12 General Mathematics SA, NT
• Year 11 Foundation English
• Year 11 English Studies
• Year 11 Literacy Short Course
• Year 11 English Preliminary
• Year 12 English ATAR
• Year 11 EAL/D
• Year 12 English Extension 2
• Year 12 EAL/D
• Year 12 EALD ATAR WA
• Year 12 English Foundation
• Year 12 English Extension 1
• Year 12 Literature
• Year 12 Stage 2 Essential English
• Year 12 English Literature ATAR
• Year 12 Stage 2 English
• Year 12 EALD Level 2 - TAS
• Year 12 English Advanced NSW
• Year 12 Chemistry VIC
• Year 12 English Language
• Year 12 English Literature T - ACT
• Year 12 English Foundation WA
• Year 12 English Standard NSW Learning Programs
• Year 11 Chemistry WA
• Year 11 Chemistry - VIC
• Year 12 Chemistry - QLD
• Year 12 Chemistry - TAS
• Year 12 Chemistry - WA
• Year 12 Chemistry - NSW
• Year 12 Chemistry - ACT
• Online Tutors in Sydney
• Online Tutors in Melbourne
• Online Tutors in Brisbane
• Online Tutors in Gold Coast
• Online Tutors in Perth
• Online Tutors in Canberra
• Online Tutors in Adelaide
• Online Tutors in Newcastle
• HSC Papers 2019
• HSC Papers 2018
• HSC Papers 2017

Book a Free Demo

Math Calculus Geometry Algebra Trigonometry Statistics Chemistry Economics Macroeconomics English Physics Computer Science Accounting Biology Business Studies Finance Programming Management Science Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 College

Search Here

Recent posts.

• General Achievement Test Australia
• ESL vs English Tutoring – What Makes Them Different?
• Know the Grading System in Australia
• GED vs HiSET: All You Need To Know
• HSPT vs PSAT: Which One Is Beneficial For You?
• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Support Forums

Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

Types of Essays

Learn about different types of essays here. We have examples of different kinds of essays, definitions of different kinds of essays. With this resource you’ll have no problem distinguishing between different kinds of essays.

Putting your ideas into writing can be challenging, but the structure of an essay can help you organize and express your thoughts more clearly. An essay can vary in length, but it is typically a nonfiction piece of writing organized into paragraphs that includes a clear introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Different types of essays are useful for communicating information, persuading an audience, sharing a personal story, or analyzing the various aspects of a piece of literature or art or a moment in history or politics. The ability to write a clear, structured essay is a skill students typically begin to build during their grade school and high school years. College courses will continue to build this skill so that students can write longer and more complicated types of essays and be better prepared to transfer these skills into professional settings or the pursuit of graduate degrees.

When writing an essay, it’s important to understand which type of essay format will work best for your topic. Read on for a brief description of some of the most common types of essays.

Expository Essays

One of the most common types of essays are at your disposal, the expository essay is used when the writer wants to clearly communicate information. An expository essay can be strictly informative, such as a research report, but expository types of essays can also include examples and analysis to support a larger point. When writing expository types of essays, you can tailor your essays in several different ways. Two of the most common approaches are the “compare and contrast” essay and the “cause and effect” essay. The compare and contrast types of essays are structured to allow the writer to present information and examples and then point out the similarities and differences. This is a good way to provide information without inserting any opinion or argument. The cause and effect essay also relies on the presentation of information, but the information is typically structured to explain the root cause of a later effect. This type of essay is useful when providing background information on a historical topic and can even be appropriate for constructing lab reports in some science courses.

Descriptive Essays

While less common in high school and college, descriptive types of essays are frequently used as a way to begin thinking creatively in elementary and middle school classrooms. A descriptive essay uses creative language to bring the subject of the essay to life. These types of essays can focus on a person, a place, an animal, a moment in time — there are nearly limitless possibilities for a descriptive essay. Descriptive essays typically rely on figurative language to capture the reader’s interest and can be a great opportunity for students to apply some of the more interesting tools in their writing tool kits, including simile , metaphor and personification .

Narrative Essays

A narrative essay can focus on the writer’s personal experience or take a close look at someone else’s experience. These essays typically sound similar to a fictional story in that they have a clear beginning, middle and end and usually include some sort of main event that prompts new understanding or a change in the subject of the essay. A narrative style offers more room to bring in emotion and unique descriptive details than an expository essay, but it usually includes more of a “story” than a descriptive essay. Prompts for narrative types of essays often ask students to consider an important moment in their lives and then create an essay that walks the reader through that moment.

Argumentative (Persuasive) Essays

Argumentative types of essays are all about presenting an opinion to readers and backing it up with evidence to persuade them to agree with your position. Argumentative types of essays, also known as persuasive essays, can be used to discuss an opinion on a work of literature, art or film or to discuss a current event or moment in history. The main feature of this type of essay is a clearly articulated argument in the first paragraph of the essay. This is often called the “thesis statement” of the essay. The goal of an argumentative essay is to include enough evidence and explanation to prove that the argument in the opening paragraph is sound. Writers do this by providing evidence, explaining the source and credibility of the evidence, and even explaining why the counter-argument is not believable. These essays should have a clear conclusion that summarizes the argument and makes a final appeal to the reader to consider and accept the writer’s opinion.

Question and Answer forum for K12 Students

Essay Writing For Class 8 Format, Topics, Examples, Exercises

Essay writing for class 8 worksheet.

Essay writing is an essential skill that students must develop to succeed academically. It is a form of writing that requires students to express their ideas and thoughts on a particular topic in a clear and concise manner. Class 8 is a crucial year for students as they begin to learn more complex writing skills, including essay writing.

In this article, the focus will be on essay writing for Class 8 students. The article will provide an overview of the different types of essays, including narrative, English Grammar , and descriptive essays. It will also discuss the importance of coherence of ideas, grammar, and spelling when writing an essay.

Furthermore, the article will provide a list of essay writing topics for Class 8 students to aid in their practice sessions. These topics will be presented in simple language for students to read and understand on their own. By the end of this article, Class 8 students will have a better understanding of essay writing and be equipped with the necessary skills to write an effective essay.

Also Check: How To go about writing an essay

Understanding The Essay Topic

When writing an essay, understanding the topic is crucial. It is the foundation upon which the entire essay is built. Without a clear understanding of the topic, the essay will lack direction and coherence. In this section, we will discuss how to understand an essay topic and what steps to take to ensure that you are on the right track.

The first step in understanding an essay topic is to read it carefully. It is essential to pay attention to the wording of the topic and to note any key terms or phrases. These can provide valuable clues as to what the essay is asking for and what approach to take.

After reading the topic, it is important to brainstorm ideas. This involves jotting down any thoughts or ideas that come to mind, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Brainstorming can help to generate ideas and to narrow down the focus of the essay.

Once the ideas have been generated, it is time to organize them. This can be done by creating an outline, which can help to structure the essay and ensure that all the important points are covered. An outline can also help to identify any gaps in the argument and to ensure that the essay flows logically.

It is also important to consider the audience when writing an essay. Who is the essay aimed at, and what do they already know about the topic? This can help to determine the level of detail to include and the tone to use.

In summary, understanding the essay topic is essential for writing a successful essay. By carefully reading the topic, brainstorming ideas, organizing them, and considering the audience, the writer can ensure that the essay is well-structured, coherent, and relevant to the topic at hand.

Research and Gathering Information

When it comes to writing an essay, research, and gathering information are crucial steps that should not be overlooked. This section will cover two essential sub-sections of research and gathering information: Using Reliable Sources and Note Taking Techniques.

Using Reliable Sources

Using reliable sources is crucial when conducting research for an essay. Reliable sources are those that provide accurate, trustworthy, and unbiased information. Examples of reliable sources include academic journals, books, and reputable websites.

It is important to note that not all sources are created equal. Sources such as personal blogs, Wikipedia, and social media posts may not always be reliable. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the credibility of sources before using them in an essay.

To evaluate the credibility of sources, one should consider the following factors:

• Authorship: Who wrote the source? Are they an expert in the field?
• Publication Date: How recent is the source? Is it up-to-date?
• Objectivity: Is the source biased? Does it present a balanced view?
• Evidence: Does the source provide evidence to support its claims?

Note Taking Techniques

Note-taking is an important part of the research process. Good note-taking techniques can help organize information and make it easier to write an essay.

One effective note-taking technique is to use a graphic organizer. A graphic organizer is a visual tool that helps organize information in a logical and structured manner. Examples of graphic organizers include mind maps, Venn diagrams, and flowcharts.

Another effective note-taking technique is to use bullet points. Bullet points are a concise and organized way to record information. They help break down complex information into smaller, more manageable pieces.

In conclusion, research and gathering information are essential steps in writing an essay. Using reliable sources and effective note-taking techniques can help make the research process more efficient and organized.

Essay Structure

When it comes to writing an essay, it is important to have a clear structure in mind. This not only helps the writer to organize their thoughts and ideas but also makes it easier for the reader to follow along. The basic structure of an essay consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

Introduction

The introduction is the opening paragraph of the essay and serves as a way to grab the reader’s attention and provide some background information on the topic. It should include a thesis statement, which is a sentence or two that summarizes the main point or argument of the essay.

The body of the essay is where the writer presents their main arguments and supporting evidence. It is important to organize the body of the essay in a logical and coherent manner, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point or idea. One effective way to do this is to use subheadings or bullet points to break up the text and make it easier to read.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of the essay and should summarize the main points and restate the thesis statement in a new way. It is also a good idea to leave the reader with a final thought or question to encourage further reflection on the topic.

Overall, a well-structured essay is essential for conveying ideas and arguments clearly and effectively. By following the basic structure of an introduction, body, and conclusion, writers can ensure that their essays are organized, coherent, and easy to follow.

Drafting the Essay

Drafting is a crucial step in essay writing. It is the process of developing a complete first version of a piece of writing. Here are some tips for drafting an essay for Class 8:

Writing the Introduction

The introduction is the first part of the essay that the reader will see. It should be short, to the point, neat, and informative. The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear idea of what the essay is about. One way to do this is to start with a hook, such as a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. The introduction should also include a thesis statement that clearly states the main point of the essay.

Developing the Body

The body of the essay is where the writer presents their arguments and evidence to support the thesis statement. Each paragraph in the body should focus on a single idea or argument and should be well-organized. The writer should use transition words and phrases to connect the paragraphs and make the essay flow smoothly. It is also essential to provide evidence to support each argument, such as examples, statistics, or quotes from experts.

Concluding the Essay

The conclusion is the final part of the essay, where the writer summarizes the main points and restates the thesis statement. The conclusion should not introduce any new ideas but should provide a sense of closure to the essay. One way to do this is to end with a memorable statement or a call to action. The writer should also proofread the essay to check for any spelling or grammar errors.

In conclusion, drafting is an essential step in essay writing, and it requires careful planning and organization. By following these tips, students can improve their essay-writing skills and produce high-quality essays.

Revision and Proofreading

Revision and proofreading are essential steps in the essay writing process. These steps allow the writer to make necessary changes to their work, ensuring that the final product is error-free and of high quality. In this section, we will discuss the importance of revision and proofreading, and provide tips on how to effectively execute these steps.

Self-Review

Self-review is the process of reviewing one’s own work. This step is crucial because it allows the writer to identify areas that need improvement. When revising their work, the writer should consider the following:

• Content: Does the essay address the topic? Is the thesis statement clear and concise? Are the supporting arguments relevant?
• Structure: Are the paragraphs organized logically? Does the essay have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
• Language: Is the language used appropriate for the target audience? Are there any grammatical errors? Are the sentences clear and concise?

Peer Review

Peer review is the process of having someone else review one’s work. This step is beneficial because it allows the writer to receive feedback from another perspective. When seeking feedback from a peer, the writer should consider the following:

• Ask for specific feedback: Ask the peer to focus on specific aspects of the essay, such as the thesis statement or the organization of the paragraphs.
• Be open to criticism: Accept constructive criticism and use it to improve the essay.
• Consider the peer’s perspective: Consider the peer’s perspective and use it to improve the essay’s clarity and relevance.

In conclusion, revision and proofreading are essential steps in the essay writing process. By following the tips provided in this section, writers can ensure that their essays are error-free and of high quality.

Recommended Reading: Essay Writing For Class 8

Essay Presentation

When it comes to presenting an essay, there are certain guidelines that need to be followed in order to ensure that the essay is presented in a clear and professional manner. This section will cover the formatting guidelines, referencing, and citation for essay writing for Class 8.

Formatting Guidelines

The formatting guidelines for essay writing for Class 8 are as follows:

• Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a font size of 12.
• Use double spacing throughout the essay.
• Include a header on each page with the student’s name, the title of the essay, and the page number.
• Use one-inch margins on all sides of the page.
• Use headings and subheadings to organize the essay and make it easier to read.

Referencing

Referencing is an important part of essay writing, as it gives credit to the sources used in the essay. When referencing sources, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Use in-text citations to indicate where information was obtained.
• Include a reference list at the end of the essay, listing all sources used.
• Use a recognized referencing style, such as APA or MLA.

Citation is another important part of essay writing. When citing sources, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Use quotation marks to indicate direct quotes.
• Paraphrase information obtained from sources, using one’s own words.

Overall, following these guidelines will ensure that the essay is presented in a clear and professional manner and that the sources used are properly credited.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

A Plus Topper

Improve your Grades

Class 8 Essay Topics List for Students & Children | 8th Std English Essays

May 2, 2023 by Veerendra

Writing essays is one of the arts & teaches everyone to communicate with others professional with their own thoughts & ideas. Students of standard 8 should show some interest in writing essays and improve their writing skills. To aid in your practice sessions, we have compiled a variety of  essay writing topics for class 8  in a simple language for students to read and understand their own. Subject Specific Class 8 Essay Topics will help kids to improve their creativity and broaden their mindset and intellect.

List of Class 8 Essay Writing Topics for Kids & Children in English

Students who are looking for Class 8 Essay Topics & Ideas can stop your search right away and refer to this section. Here, we have curated the most & frequently asked  Essay Writing Topics for Class 8 Students  to understand and learn who to write down the imaginary views on the particular topic in just less time. Writing skills & vocabulary skills are the two eyes to complete an essay in an attractive way to engage the audience. So, check out the prevailing Short & Long Essays for 8th Std and add your creative writing ideas in essays.

• Essay on School’s Surroundings and Examinations
• Essay on Festivals
• Essay on Persons We Come Across
• Essay on About Myself
• Essay on Relationships
• Essay on Visits
• Essay on Scenes, Sights, and Journeys
• Essay on Health and Fitness
• Essay on Personalities/People
• Essay on Events
• Essay on Monuments
• Essay on Vacation/Holidays
• Nature Essay
• Essay on Sports
• Essay on Cities
• Essay on Life
• Essay on Animals
• General Essays
• Global Warming
• Essay on Environmental Issues & Awareness
• Essay Topics Based on Proverbs
• Essay on Moral Values
• Education Essay
• Essay on India
• Essay on Science & Technology
• Essay on Social Issues & Social Awareness
• Argumentative Essay Topics

FAQs on Essay for Class 8 Students

1. How to become perfect at writing essays?

First and foremost, you should be strong at obtaining a solid understanding of grammar, punctuation. Utilize Vocabulary in a correct way and write down attractive Intro lines then go for topic-related body thesis and conclusion which aid your thoughts.

2. From where can I attain Class 8 Essay Topics in English?

You can attain different categories of grade 8 Essay Topics & ideas in English from the AplusTopper provided Class 8 Essay Topics page.

3. Is there any online web portal that offers the free 8th Grade Essays Writing Topics?

Yes, Aplustopper.com is a reliable and genuine online portal that offers the 8th Class Subject Specific Essay Writing Topics free of cost. These free resources will surely improve your writing skills.

Final Words

Hoping that the details and list of Class 8 Essay Topics shared above benefit you while writing essays at competitions. So, make use of these several ideas on  Essay Writing Topics for Class 8  & improve your analytical, writing, vocabulary skills. Want to give any suggestions or need to ask some other essay topics for Grade 8 students? Shoot your comments below and get the answers at the earliest. Meanwhile, visit Aplustopper.com & find different Classes and Topics of English Essays.

• Picture Dictionary
• English Speech
• English Slogans
• English Letter Writing
• English Essay Writing
• English Textbook Answers
• Types of Certificates
• ICSE Solutions
• Selina ICSE Solutions
• ML Aggarwal Solutions
• HSSLive Plus One
• HSSLive Plus Two
• Kerala SSLC
• Distance Education

65 Engaging 8th Grade Writing Prompts for Creative Essays

Creative writing is a discovery process, and 8th grade is a great time to encourage your students to find their voices. It’s the final grade before high school, and it’s a time when students are really discovering themselves and their place in the world as they leave middle school.

Journal Writing Prompts

Journaling is a great way to get your students’ creative juices flowing. It’s also a great way to get them thinking about their own thoughts and experiences. Here are some journal prompts to get your eighth graders started:

2. Do people require a compelling reason to live? How would you characterize the purpose’s evolution over time?

4. When it comes to writing, how do you feel? Consider something else in your life when comparing your feelings about writing to it.

6. Write about your favorite movie or book. Why do you love it so much?

8. Consider what you value in life and how it relates to where you want to be in five years. Make a personal vision statement for your life.

9. What are your thoughts on the notion of vulnerability? Have you ever been anxious when you’ve felt weak or exposed?

11. Choose someone older, such as a grandparent. What is the most significant lesson you’ve learned from that individual?

Creative Writing Prompts

12. If you had one opportunity to make a difference in the world, what would it be and why?

15. Who would you invite for dinner if you could choose any famous person?

18. Name one thing you’d want to accomplish in the future. Describe why it is so essential for you and how you intend to achieve it.

19. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Have you ever heard that? What’s your take on it? To support your standpoint, utilize precise details and scenarios.

21. What would your brain be like if it were a physical location?

Expository Writing Prompts

23. What’s the most unusual location you’ve ever visited? Describe it in detail.

26. How do you get to your grandparents’ house or another family member home?

29. What unique characteristics do you possess as a member of this generation? How are people your parents’ or grandparents’ age different from yours?

30. What are three fun ways your family might spend a family vacation together?

31. Why do you think someone you know should be regarded as a leader?

33. If you had to be an animal, which one would you choose and why?

Precise Language Writing Prompts

36. What is your earliest memory of feeling fear? Write a brief story about that experience.

39. What exactly makes something “made from natural components” distinct from anything grown in your backyard?

41. What is the difference between music and sound?

43. How can you tell the difference between an opinion and a fact?

44. Is it correct to refer to an 8th grader as a “young person”? Why or why not?

Counter-Argument Writing Prompts

To become better writers, students of this age group need to be able to anticipate and refute counter-arguments to their own claims. Here are some counter-argument writing prompts to get your reluctant writers thinking:

45. An old saying goes, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Explain why this might not be true.

46. Some individuals believe that crying is a sign of weakness. Disabuse them of this misconception.

47. Some schools enforce a dress code to discourage bullying and encourage learning. Explain why you disagree with forcing students to wear uniforms.

49. Cats are widely regarded as the greatest pets. Why might dogs be a better choice?

50. Some people think that nothing is more essential than fame or popularity. Why do you feel differently?

52. Some people believe that there should be no restrictions placed on freedom of speech. Defend your position by explaining why freedom of speech should be limited on occasion.

53. People sometimes believe that important core principles, such as religion and politics, must be shared by good friends. Explain why this isn’t necessary.

55. Many individuals think it’s better to be single than in a relationship. Why might being in a relationship be preferable?

Informational Writing Prompts

57. What do you know how to do well? Write detailed instructions for someone else to perform this task.

58. Consider a destination that you’ve been to. Describe the site to someone who has never been there before.

60. Choose a subject you’re well-versed in, like a favorite sports team, movie star, musical genre, or anything that fascinates you. Explain the topic to someone else in three pages.

61. What impact has new technology had on your life?

63. Tell us about a typical day in one of your parents’ lives.

64. What would you do if you won the lottery?

65. How do people in your community show their support for local businesses?

Fun Fact : There are aids available to assist your students to create correct sentences (free and paid). I researched a particular tool that I believe will improve your learners’ writing skills. Learn more about it here — Complex Sentence Generator: 7 Tools To Build Good Statements .

Get Your Middle School Students Hooked on Writing With These Engaging Prompts!

8th grade is an important time for students to focus on their writing skills. As they prepare to transition to high school and beyond, they must develop a strong foundation now.

Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by Emily

Follow her on Twitter , Pinterest , and Instagram for more teaching fun!

• Clerc Center | PK-12 & Outreach
• KDES | PK-8th Grade School (D.C. Metro Area)
• MSSD | 9th-12th Grade School (Nationwide)
• Gallaudet University Regional Centers
• Parent Advocacy App
• K-12 ASL Content Standards
• National Resources
• Youth Programs
• Academic Bowl
• Battle Of The Books
• National Literary Competition
• Youth Debate Bowl
• Youth Esports Series
• Bison Sports Camp
• Discover College and Careers (DC²)
• Financial Wizards
• Immerse Into ASL
• Alumni Relations
• Alumni Association
• Homecoming Weekend
• Class Giving
• Get Tickets / BisonPass
• Sport Calendars
• Cross Country
• Swimming & Diving
• Track & Field
• Indoor Track & Field
• Cheerleading
• Winter Cheerleading
• Human Resources
• Plan a Visit
• Request Info

• Areas of Study
• Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• American Sign Language
• Art and Media Design
• Communication Studies
• Data Science
• Deaf Studies
• Early Intervention Studies Graduate Programs
• Educational Neuroscience
• Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
• Information Technology
• International Development
• Interpretation and Translation
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Philosophy and Religion
• Physical Education & Recreation
• Public Affairs
• Public Health
• Sexuality and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Theatre and Dance
• World Languages and Cultures
• B.A. in American Sign Language
• B.A. in Art and Media Design
• B.A. in Biology
• B.A. in Communication Studies
• B.A. in Communication Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Deaf Studies
• B.A. in Deaf Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
• B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Elementary Education
• B.A. in English
• B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Government
• B.A. in Government with a Specialization in Law
• B.A. in History
• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Spanish
• B.A. in International Studies
• B.A. in Mathematics
• B.A. in Philosophy
• B.A. in Psychology
• B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.A. in Social Work (BSW)
• B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology
• B.A. in Theatre Arts: Production/Performance
• B.A. or B.S. in Education with a Specialization in Secondary Education: Science, English, Mathematics or Social Studies
• B.S in Risk Management and Insurance
• B.S. in Accounting
• B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Biology
• B.S. in Business Administration
• B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program
• B.S. in Data Science
• B.S. in Information Technology
• B.S. in Mathematics
• B.S. in Physical Education and Recreation
• B.S. In Public Health
• General Education
• Honors Program
• Peace Corps Prep program
• Self-Directed Major
• M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
• M.A. in Deaf Education
• M.A. in Deaf Education Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
• M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
• M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in International Development
• M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research
• M.A. in Interpretation: Interpreting Research
• M.A. in Linguistics
• M.A. in Secondary Education and Deaf Education
• M.A. in Sign Language Education
• M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Au.D. in Audiology
• Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership and Administration in Deaf Education
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners
• Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
• Ph.D. in Linguistics
• Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies
• Psy.D. in School Psychology
• Individual Courses and Training
• Fall Online Courses
• Summer Online Courses
• National Caregiver Certification Course
• Certificates
• Certificate in Sexuality and Gender Studies
• Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities (online, post-bachelor’s)
• American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5 (online, post-bachelor’s)
• Early Intervention Studies
• Certificate in American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5
• Online Degree Programs
• ODCP Minor in Communication Studies
• ODCP Minor in Deaf Studies
• ODCP Minor in Psychology
• ODCP Minor in Writing
• University Capstone Honors for Online Degree Completion Program

Quick Links

• PK-12 & Outreach
• NSO Schedule

Resources for Writing Different Types of Essays

202.448-7036

An essay is a short piece of writing that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can range in length from one paragraph to more than twenty. It can be about anything, and be written in almost any style. It can be serious or funny, straight-forward or symbolic. It can describe personal opinions, or just report information.

Writing Argumentative Essays

Search for a topic which interests you (perhaps in your major field). Try to come up with something fairly controversial, but avoid subjects that have been overdone (abortion, capital punishment). Try a heuristic strategy (free writing, brainstorming, clustering, journal writing, journalistic formula, etc.). After doing...

Resource Type: Learning Materials

Structure of an Essay: Outline

This is an outline of what a five-paragraph essay looks like. To view a "written text" version of a five-paragraph essay/outline, click here: Five Paragraph Essay Sample and Outline. Introduction Introductory statements Thesis statement Introduce supporting ideas (optional) II. Body First supporting idea Transition, topic...

Structure of an Essay

The following is an explanation of the structure of a five-paragraph essay. It is important to remember that an essay can be any length. This is just an example of one kind of essay which can be adapted for your own writing purposes. If you...

Short Essay “My Job in an Apple Plant”

Introduction/Thesis Working in an apple plant was the worst job I ever had. Body First of all, the work was physically hard. For ten hours a night, I took cartons that rolled down a metal track and stacked them onto wooden skids in a tractor-trailer....

Short Essay and Outline “The Hazards of Movie Going”

By John Langan From College Writing Skills with Readings Introduction/Thesis Although I love movies, going to see them drives me slightly crazy. Body First of all, getting to the movie can take a lot of time. I have a thirty five-minute drive down a congested...

Sample Essay- “The Real Meaning of Honesty”

(Sample Definition Essay) I think it was my mother who taught me the meaning of honesty. Not because she actually was honest, but because she lied all the time. She felt that the easiest way out of any given situation was generally the best way...

Resource Type: Student Support

Guide to Different Kinds of Essays

An essay is a paper that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. It can describe personal opinions, or just report information. An essay can be written from any perspective, but essays are most commonly...

Comparison/Contrast Essays: Two Patterns

By Rory H. Osbrink Abortion is an example of a very controversial issue. The two opposing viewpoints surrounding abortion are like two sides of a coin. On one side, there is the pro-choice activist and on the other is the pro-life activist. The argument is...

5-Paragraph Essay ” My Job in an Apple Plant”

Introductory paragraph (Thesis) In the course of working my way through school, I have taken many jobs I would rather forget. I have spent nine hours a day lifting heavy automobile and truck batteries off the end of an assembly belt. I have risked the...

5-Paragraph Essay and Outline “The Hazard of Moviegoing”

The Hazards of Moviegoing By John Langan From College Writing Skills with Readings Introductory paragraph (Thesis) I am a movie fanatic. When friends want to know what picture won the Oscar in 1980 or who played the police chief in Jaws, they ask me. My...

202-448-7036

At a Glance

• Quick Facts
• University Leadership
• History & Traditions
• Accreditation
• Consumer Information
• Our 10-Year Vision: The Gallaudet Promise
• Annual Report of Achievements (ARA)
• The Signing Ecosystem
• Not Your Average University

Our Community

• Library & Archives
• Technology Support
• Interpreting Requests
• Ombuds Support
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Profile & Web Edits

Visit Gallaudet

• Explore Our Campus
• Virtual Tour
• Maps & Directions
• Shuttle Bus Schedule
• Kellogg Conference Hotel
• Welcome Center
• National Deaf Life Museum
• Apple Guide Maps

Engage Today

• Work at Gallaudet / Clerc Center
• Social Media Channels
• University Wide Events
• Sponsorship Requests
• Data Requests
• Media Inquiries
• Gallaudet Today Magazine
• Giving at Gallaudet
• Financial Aid
• Registrar’s Office
• Residence Life & Housing
• Safety & Security
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• University Communications
• Clerc Center

Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Copyright © 2024 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.

• Accessibility
• Cookie Consent Notice
• Privacy Policy
• File a Report

800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

88 Writing Prompts for 8th Grade

By the end of junior high, most students have grasped the basics of storytelling, essay writing, and poetry.

However, these skills still need to be practiced and strengthened in order to keep their writing fresh and exciting throughout high school—where they will learn even more skills that will carry them through college.

We’ve put together a list of prompts to keep your 8th graders interested in writing, searching their emotions, and analyzing topics.

Using This List

Your students are probably pretty disciplined writers by now, but they still need a little guidance. Use this list to help challenge their writing skills and take them out of their comfort zone.

The Prompts

• Write about your favorite experience at school so far.
• Tell the story of how you met your best friend.
• Do you think social media increases or decreases bullying? Explain.
• Write a news article about something that recently happened in your school or community.
• What new extracurricular activity do you wish your school offered? Why?
• Do you think you are a good listener? What makes a good listener?
• Explain the plot of your favorite movie.
• Do you see the glass as half-full or half-empty? Why?
• Write an acrostic poem using your name.
• What are you most looking forward to in high school? Why?
• Do you think eSports are a viable career path? Explain.
• What is the hardest thing about getting older? Why?
• Is it more important to be well-read or well-traveled? Why?
• Explain the difference between being wise and being smart. Use examples.
• Are you a cat person or a dog person? Why?
• What is your favorite song? Why?
• What does feminism mean to you? Are you a feminist?
• How do you feel about dog-earring or annotating your books? Why?
• Explain the plot of your favorite video game.
• Why is it essential to examine multiple points of view when forming an opinion?
• Write a letter to a teacher or administrator who has impacted your life.
• Where is your favorite place? Explain it in detail to someone who has never been there.
• Do you think social media is helpful or harmful to teens? Explain.
• What do you wish adults understood about teenagers?
• Do you prefer watching TV or playing video games? Why?
• Write the recipe and steps for creating your favorite meal.
• Do you have any family traditions? Explain.
• Choose a prominent athlete in history and write an essay about them.
• Do you think society relies too much on technology? Why or why not?
• Write about a time when you gave in to peer pressure.
• Do you think the voting age should be lowered to 16? Why?
• Write about a time you felt embarrassed.
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
• Are boys and girls treated equally?
• Describe the movie you saw most recently.
• If you could have dinner with any prominent figure in history, who would it be? What would you talk about?
• Debunk or support a popular conspiracy theory.
• Why is important that our media includes diverse characters, creators, and actors?
• Imagine and describe, in detail, your dream home.
• If you were granted three wishes—and you weren’t allowed to ask for more wishes—what would you wish for? Why?
• Write a news article to accompany the headline, “Bears Seen Ransacking Ice Cream Truck”.
• What are three things you can do to help the environment?
• Some people say crying is a weakness. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
• Explain your favorite board game to someone who’s never played it before.
• What do you think is the most important moment in US history? Why?
• Explain the plot of your favorite book.
• What is a job you’d like to have one day? Why does it appeal to you?
• Describe your favorite children’s story.
• Write a story that takes place at your favorite park.
• Which season is your favorite? Why?
• Explain the qualities of a good friend.
• Describe your earliest memory.
• If you could have one question answered, what would you ask? Why?
• Write a letter to yourself five years from now.
• Write a letter to yourself five years ago.
• Write a letter to someone who inspires you.
• Write about the day in the life of an animal from their perspective.
• Write about your favorite song and why it’s important to you.
• Describe what you would do if you witnessed an act of racism.
• Write a story about an astronaut who finds dragons on Mars.
• Explain three things you like to do when you’re bored.
• If you could have any mythical creature as a pet, which would you pick? Why?
• Write a description of the day from the point of view of your pet (or another animal if you have no pets).
• What is your greatest fear? What can you do to overcome this fear?
• Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken.
• Why is it important for schools to offer free meals to all students?
• Choose a random object and describe it in as much detail as possible. Don’t reveal it until the end.
• Write an alternate ending to your favorite fairy tale.
• Write a poem about your favorite food in the shape of this food (example: a triangle-shaped poem about a slice of pizza).
• Choose a famous woman in science and write an essay about their accomplishments.
• Compare and contrast the best and worst day of your life so far.
• Describe the difference between a privilege and a right. Give examples of each.
• Why is plagiarism a bad thing?
• Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Explain.
• Write an essay about something you’re proud of and why.
• Compare and contrast eBooks, physical books, and audiobooks. Which do you prefer?
• Do you think your generation will change the world? How?
• Do you believe people deserve second chances? Explain.
• Should we continue to explore space, or should we focus more on exploring the oceans? Why?
• What do you think is the most important technological advancement of the past century? Explain.
• Should controversial topics be discussed in the classroom? Explain your reasoning.
• In the novel The Giver, society decides to erase history and feelings, in order to create a simpler lifestyle. Explain the pros and cons of this decision.
• Explain the most important thing you’ve learned from a family member.
• Write about a time when you were surprised.
• Do you think aliens exist? Explain.
• How much time do you spend on your phone daily? What are some days you can reduce this amount of time?
• Do you think homework is beneficial or detrimental to student success? Explain.

Looking for More?

We’ve got an abundance of content and resources for teachers, guardians, and students.

If you’re looking for something specific but we don’t have it, let us know and we’ll put something together for you. We are here to help you!

Jump to navigation

• Inside Writing
• Teacher's Guides

Student Models

• Writing Topics
• Minilessons
• Shopping Cart
• Inside Grammar
• Grammar Adventures
• CCSS Correlations
• Infographics

Student Writing Models

How do I use student models in my classroom?

When you need an example written by a student, check out our vast collection of free student models. Scroll through the list, or search for a mode of writing such as “explanatory” or “persuasive.”

Jump to . . .

Explanatory writing.

• How Much I Know About Space Explanatory Paragraph
• My Favorite Pet Explanatory Paragraph
• Sweet Spring Explanatory Paragraph

Narrative Writing

• A Happy Day Narrative Paragraph
• My Trip to Mexico Narrative Paragraph

Creative Writing

• Happy Easter Story Paragraph
• Leaf Person Story

Research Writing

• Parrots Report
• If I Were President Explanatory Paragraph
• My Dad Personal Narrative
• The Horrible Day Personal Narrative

Response to Literature

• One Great Book Book Review
• A Fable Story
• Ant Poem Poem
• The Missing Coin Story
• Winter Words Poem
• Horses Report
• Ladybugs Report
• How to Make Boiled Eggs How-To

Persuasive Writing

• Plastic, Paper, or Cloth? Persuasive Paragraph
• The Funny Dance Personal Narrative
• The Sled Run Personal Narrative
• Hello, Spring! Poem
• Cheetahs Report

Business Writing

• Dear Ms. Nathan Email
• My Favorite Place to Go Description
• My Mother Personal Essay
• Rules Personal Essay
• Shadow Fort Description
• Adopting a Pet from the Pound Editorial
• Letter to the Editor Letter to the Editor
• Ann Personal Narrative
• Grandpa, Chaz, and Me Personal Narrative
• Indy’s Life Story Personal Narrative
• Jet Bikes Personal Narrative
• The Day I Took the Spotlight Personal Narrative
• A Story of Survival Book Review
• Chloe’s Day Story
• Did You Ever Look At . . . Poem
• Dreams Poem
• I Am Attean Poem
• Sloppy Joes Poem
• The Civil War Poem
• The Haunted House Story
• The Terror of Kansas Story
• When I Was Upside Down Poem
• Deer Don’t Need to Flee to Stay Trouble-Free! Report
• Height-Challenged German Shepherd Report
• Friendship Definition
• What Really Matters News Feature
• Cheating in America Problem-Solution
• Hang Up and Drive Editorial
• Musical Arts Editorial
• Summer: 15 Days or 2 1/2 Months? Editorial
• A Cowboy's Journal Fictionalized Journal Entry
• Giving Life Personal Narrative
• The Great Paw Paw Personal Narrative
• The Racist Warehouse Personal Narrative
• Limadastrin Poem
• The Best Little Girl in the World Book Review
• How the Stars Came to Be Story
• Linden’s Library Story
• My Backyard Poem
• The Call Poem
• I Am Latvia Research Report
• Mir Pushed the Frontier of Space Research Report
• The Aloha State Research Report
• The Incredible Egg Observation Report
• Unique Wolves Research Report
• Dear Dr. Larson Email

Personal Writing

• A Lesson to Learn Journal
• Caught in the Net Definition
• From Bed Bound to Breaking Boards News Feature
• If Only They Knew Comparison-Contrast
• Save the Elephants Cause-Effect
• Student Entrepreneur Reaches for Dreams of the Sky News Feature
• Internet Plagiarism Problem-Solution
• Mosquito Madness Pet Peeve
• Anticipating the Dream Personal Narrative
• Huddling Together Personal Narrative
• H’s Hickory Chips Personal Narrative
• It’s a Boy! Personal Narrative
• My Greatest Instrument Personal Narrative
• Snapshots Personal Narrative
• Take Me to Casablanca Personal Narrative
• The Boy with Chris Pine Blue Eyes Personal Narrative
• The Climb Personal Narrative
• The House on Medford Avenue Personal Narrative
• Adam’s Train of Ghosts Music Review
• Diary of Gaspard Fictionalized Journal Entry
• My Interpretation of The Joy Luck Club Literary Analysis
• Mama’s Stitches Poem
• The KHS Press Play
• Rosa Parks Research Report
• The Killer Bean Research Report
• Mid-Project Report on History Paper Email
• Vegetarian Lunch Options at Bay High Email

8th Grade Essays

• Most Popular
• Most Recent

• Turnitin Guides
• Administrator hub
• Release notes and known issues
• Welcome to Turnitin Guides

Welcome to Turnitin’s new website for guidance!

In 2024, we migrated our comprehensive library of guidance from https://help.turnitin.com to this site, guides.turnitin.com. During this process we have taken the opportunity to take a holistic look at our content and how we structure our guides.

This page is here to help you orientate yourself with these changes and update your resources

What's new?

We have restructured the content to help you navigate it more efficiently.

We are consolidating numerous pages to make our individual guides more valuable as well as removing duplicated content.

For example, our Similarity Report guidance on help.turnitin is repeated in numerous places to cater for each individual integration and license type. On guides.turnitin this content will exist in a single place to allow for users of all integrations and licenses to find it easily. We have made slight modifications to these guides to help you understand which guides are pertinent to you and your institution.

Our guidance search has greatly improved

As a result of our content restructure, the search functionality for guides.turnitin has improved. Use the search bar at the top of any page to locate the guidance you’re searching for.

Dedicated student and administrator guidance hubs

Visit the Student hub area to locate student guidance. For students who access Turnitin via an LMS or VLE, check out the subsection Submitting to Turnitin .

Visiting the Administrator hub area to locate administrator guidance and release notes. 

iThenticate and Crossref Similarity Check guidance is now located on a separate site

To improve the experience for our iThenticate and Crossref Similiarity Check customers we have move their help content onto a separate help site, guides.ithenticate.com . This will improve the search for all users.

We have also created an orientation page for this site to help users become acclimatised.

Some guidance is no longer grouped within the LMS umbrella

Some guidance which was previously provided under each LMS has been moved to sections that reflect those workflows’ outcomes. Use the table below as a cheatsheet to quickly locate guidance.

Articles in this section

• Turnitin release notes
• Integrations release notes