Identify Types of Essays
How to use: Download the PDF to print the worksheet. Then use this page to repeat activities and check answers.
Learning Objectives
- 1Identify the three main essay types: narrative, persuasive, and expository
- 2Match the purpose of each essay type to the writer's goal
- 3Distinguish narrative from persuasive and expository writing using prompt verbs
- 4Choose the correct essay type for a given writing prompt
Mini Lesson
Writers do not all write for the same reason. Three common essay types each have a different purpose: a narrative essay tells a story, a persuasive essay argues a point, and an expository essay explains a topic. Knowing the type before you write helps you pick the right structure, voice, and details.
Narrative Essay — Tell a Story
- Purpose: entertain the reader by sharing a real or imagined experience.
- Includes characters, a setting, a problem, and a sequence of events.
- Often uses first-person words like "I" and "we" and time order.
- Prompt verbs to look for: tell, describe a time, share a memory, write a story.
Persuasive Essay — Argue a Point
- Purpose: convince the reader to agree with an opinion or take action.
- States a clear claim, then supports it with reasons and evidence.
- Addresses the other side with a counter-argument before the conclusion.
- Prompt verbs to look for: convince, argue, persuade, defend, support.
Expository Essay — Explain a Topic
- Purpose: inform the reader by explaining a topic clearly with facts.
- Uses an introduction, body paragraphs with main ideas, and a summary.
- Stays neutral — no strong opinions and no personal stories.
- Prompt verbs to look for: explain, describe, define, compare, inform.
Tip: read the prompt verbs first. "Tell about" signals narrative, "convince" signals persuasive, and "explain" or "describe" signals expository.
Guided Practice
Exercises
Read each topic and drag it into Narrative, Persuasive, or Expository.
Narrative
Persuasive
Expository
Flip each card to study what each essay type or prompt verb signals.
Narrative essay
(tap to flip)
Pick the best answer for each question.
1. Which essay type tells a story with characters and a setting?
2. The main purpose of a persuasive essay is to:
3. Which essay type is best for the prompt "Explain how a bicycle works"?
4. Which prompt asks for a narrative essay?
5. Which feature is found in a persuasive essay but NOT a typical expository essay?
6. An expository essay should mostly use:
7. Which prompt verb most clearly signals a persuasive essay?
8. Which sentence would best open a narrative essay?
Assessment
Parent / Teacher Checklist