1. A focused piece of writing that explores a specific topic or idea. This definition emphasizes the purpose of an essay: to explore, analyze, argue, or persuade. It allows for a wide range of styles and approaches, making it suitable for various academic and personal contexts.
2. A short, non-fiction prose composition that presents a particular viewpoint or argument. This definition highlights the form of an essay: short, non-fiction, and focused on a singular perspective. It helps distinguish essays from other forms of writing like novels or research papers.
Ultimately, the "best" definition depends on the context and what you want to emphasize. Both definitions highlight the key elements of an essay: focused, argumentative, and concise.
Here are some additional points to consider:
* Essays can be formal or informal. Formal essays are typically written for academic purposes and follow a strict structure. Informal essays can be more personal and creative.
* Essays can be subjective or objective. Subjective essays explore personal opinions and experiences, while objective essays focus on factual information and analysis.
* Essays can be descriptive, narrative, persuasive, or analytical. The type of essay will determine its purpose and structure.
It's important to remember that these are just general guidelines. The best way to understand what an essay is is to read and write different types of essays.