Exposition & Argumentation:
2 broad types of essay

Expository
The function of "expository" essays is to describe, analyse or explain something. You are expected to demonstrate understanding of a topic, or at least that you have covered it adequately. You may find it useful to use illustrations or examples to answer a question. However, it is unusual in the Social Sciences to be asked questions which only ask you to write in an expository manner.

To Critique an Expository Essay click here

See Essay-writing "styles" for a breakdown of this type

Argumentative
Argumentative
types of assignment are more intellectually and linguistically challenging than the expository type - and much more common in the Social Sciences.
Argument here consists loosely of

  • debating differences of interpretation, or
  • evaluating both sides of an argument.

To Critique an Argumentative Essay click here

So, it is more likely that you will be set tasks which test your ability to summarise and evaluate positions or assertions rather than merely reproduce them.

See Essay-writing "styles" for a breakdown of this type