Essays Writing Topics and Ideas

We have explained below regarding each type of essay which you should learn about:

1. Descriptive Essay – In this type of essay, we describe something - like a place, a person, or a thing. We generally write about how it looks, smells, sounds, and feels. It’s like telling a friend what you see around you so they can imagine it too. Example: “The flower is red, soft, and smells sweet like candy!”

Why Do We Write Descriptive Essays?
a) To share how something looks or feels
b) To make the reader feel like they are there with you
c) To make your writing more interesting and fun

What Can You Describe in a Descriptive Essay?
You can describe anything, like:
a) A beautiful place (e.g. a park, a beach, or your village)
b) A favorite person (e.g. your mother, teacher, or best friend)
c) A yummy food (e.g. mango, biryani, or jalebi!)
d) A fun event (e.g. your birthday party or Diwali celebration)
e) A pet or animal (e.g. your dog, a cat, or even an elephant!)

2. Narrative Essay – This is a story essay. We write about what happened -  like in a movie! It has a beginning, a middle, and an end. We write about people, places, and what they did. It has people, places, and things that happen — just like a cartoon or bedtime story! You are the storyteller, and your job is to make your reader feel like they are part of your story
Example: “One day, I went to the zoo. I saw a big lion. Then it roared loudly!”

Why Do We Write Narrative Essays?
a) To share a real or made-up story
b) To tell others about something funny, exciting, or important that happened
c) To learn how to write like a storyteller

What Can You Write a Narrative Essay About?
You can write about:
a) A fun day at the zoo or park
b) Your birthday party
c) A time you got hurt and felt better
d) A trip to your grandma’s house
e) A funny thing your pet did
f) A dream or imagination story

3. Expository Essay – This kind of essay is for explaining things clearly. We tell our ideas step by step. We also add reasons or facts to support our ideas. An Expository Essay is like explaining something clearly. You don’t tell a story, and you don’t try to convince anyone. You just give information, share facts, or teach something new — like a little teacher!
Example: “We should drink water every day because it keeps us healthy.”

Why Do We Write Expository Essays?
a) To explain a topic in a clear and easy way
b) To help others understand something
c) To practice writing with logic and steps

What Can You Explain in an Expository Essay?
You can write about:
a) A festival like Diwali or Holi
b) A fruit like mango or banana
c) An animal like elephant or cat
d) A place like your school or India
e) A thing like how a fan works or why we brush our teeth

4. Persuasive Essay – This essay is for making someone agree with us. We share our opinion and try to convince others to think like us. We must give good reasons for what we say. A Persuasive Essay is when you try to make someone agree with you. You share your opinion (what you think), give reasons, and try to convince the reader to believe you or do something. It’s like saying:
"I think this is best, and here’s why you should agree with me!" 
Example: “I think school should start at 10 AM, not 8 AM, because kids need more sleep!”

Why Do We Write Persuasive Essays?
a) To share our opinion
b) To make others agree with us
c) To learn how to speak and write with confidence

What Can You Write a Persuasive Essay About?
You can try to convince others about:
a) Why ice cream is better than chocolate
c) Why homework should be less
d) Why playing outside is important
e) Why school should have more holidays
f) Why everyone should keep the Earth clean

5. Argumentative Essay – In this essay, we talk about a big topic where people have different opinions. We write what we think, and also what others may think. We give proof and examples to show why we are right. An Argumentative Essay is when you talk about two sides of a topic — like a debate. Then you pick your side, give strong reasons, and try to prove you are right using facts. 
It’s like saying: “Some people think this... but I believe that... and here’s my proof!”
Example: “Some people say video games are bad. But I think they help us learn new skills.”

Why Do We Write Argumentative Essays?
a) To learn how to think clearly
b) To look at both sides of a topic
c) To explain your opinion with good facts
d) To help people see your point of view

What Can You Write an Argumentative Essay About?
You can write about things like:
a) Should school have uniforms?
b) Is watching TV good or bad for kids?
c) Should children have mobile phones?
d) Is playing outside better than video games?
e) Should exams be removed from schools?

Here’s a simple list of exams (school level to competitive) where essays are commonly asked:

School Exams
CBSE / ICSE / State Board Exams (usually from Class 5 onwards)
- Essays are asked in English and regional language papers
- Topics are often about festivals, nature, daily life, environment, etc.

College Admission & Academic Exams
Undergraduate Entrance Exams like:
- CUET (Some universities ask for essays in their own admission process)
- Private universities like Ashoka, Flame, or OP Jindal ask for essays

Civil Services Exam (UPSC - Mains)
- Essay Paper is worth 250 marks
- Topics can be social, philosophical, current affairs, or abstract ideas

State PCS (like UPPSC, MPSC, BPSC, etc.)
Essay is a full paper in mains - just like UPSC

Language Proficiency & Scholarship Exams
English Olympiads (like IEO by SOF)
- Essay-type writing questions are sometimes asked

NTSE (National Talent Search Exam) – Stage 2 (past pattern)
Includes descriptive questions — short essays or paragraphs

KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) – Past Format
- Some parts tested written communication, though more science focused

Law Entrance & Other Competitive Exams
CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) – Some universities (NLUs)
In past and some other law entrances, essay or paragraph writing is part of the English section

AILET (All India Law Entrance Test) – BA LLB
Sometimes includes short essays

Defence Exams
SSB Interview (after NDA/CDS/AFSB/NSB)
You may be asked to write an essay or narrative during psychology tests or interviews

Other Competitive Exams
Bank PO (like SBI PO, IBPS PO)
Descriptive Paper includes essay writing and letter writing

SSC CGL Tier 3
- Also includes essay/letter/precis writing

RBI Grade B / NABARD
- Descriptive English paper includes essay writing

University-Level Exams
In college/university semester exams for arts, humanities, and social sciences, essay-type answers are required