40 percent of students struggle to differentiate between various types of essays, and one common question is what a longer essay is called.
Essay Types
A longer essay is typically referred to as a dissertation or a thesis, depending on the context and purpose. In academic settings, these terms are often used interchangeably, although some institutions may make a distinction between the two.
Academic Context
In general, a longer essay is a detailed and in-depth analysis of a particular topic or subject. It requires extensive research, critical thinking, and effective writing skills. The term dissertation is often used to describe a longer essay that is submitted as part of a degree requirement, such as a master's or doctoral degree.
Writing a Longer Essay
Writing a longer essay can be a challenging task, as it requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. It involves conducting thorough research, organizing ideas, and presenting arguments in a clear and concise manner.
Expert opinions
I'm Emily J. Miller, a professor of English Literature and Composition at a prestigious university. As an expert in the field of academic writing, I'm delighted to share my knowledge with you on the topic "What is a longer essay called?"
In academic writing, essays are a fundamental component of a student's curriculum, and they come in various forms and lengths. While a standard essay typically ranges from 500 to 1,000 words, a longer essay is often referred to as a "dissertation," "thesis," or "term paper," depending on the context and purpose.
A dissertation is a lengthy, formal essay that is typically required for a doctoral degree. It is an original research work that showcases a student's expertise and contribution to their field of study. Dissertations can range from 10,000 to 50,000 words or more, and they often take several months or even years to complete.
On the other hand, a thesis is a longer essay that is usually required for a master's degree or an undergraduate honors program. It is also an original research work, but it is typically shorter than a dissertation, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 words. A thesis demonstrates a student's ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
A term paper, also known as a research paper, is a longer essay that is assigned to students at the end of an academic term or semester. It requires students to conduct research on a specific topic, analyze the data, and present their findings in a well-structured and coherent essay. Term papers can range from 2,000 to 5,000 words, depending on the instructor's requirements.
In addition to these types of longer essays, there are also other forms, such as a "treatise," which is a comprehensive and systematic written work that explores a particular subject or topic in great depth. Treatises are often written by experts in their field and can be several hundred pages long.
In conclusion, a longer essay can take many forms, depending on the context, purpose, and academic level. As a professor of English Literature and Composition, I hope this explanation has helped clarify the different types of longer essays and their characteristics. Whether you're a student or a scholar, understanding the various forms of academic writing is essential for producing high-quality work and achieving your academic goals.
By Emily J. Miller, Professor of English Literature and Composition.
Q: What is a longer essay called in academic settings?
A: A longer essay is often referred to as a thesis or a dissertation, depending on the level of study. These lengthy essays require in-depth research and analysis. They are typically submitted as part of a degree requirement.
Q: What is the term for a lengthy essay that explores a specific topic in detail?
A: A lengthy essay that explores a specific topic in detail is often called a treatise. This type of essay provides an exhaustive examination of the subject matter. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
Q: What do you call an extended essay that presents original research?
A: An extended essay that presents original research is often called a research paper. This type of essay requires the author to conduct thorough research and present their findings. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
Q: What is a longer essay called when it is written for a specific purpose or audience?
A: A longer essay written for a specific purpose or audience is often called a white paper. This type of essay provides detailed information and analysis on a particular topic. It is commonly used in business and government settings.
Q: What term is used to describe a lengthy essay that argues a particular point of view?
A: A lengthy essay that argues a particular point of view is often called a polemic. This type of essay presents a detailed argument and supports it with evidence. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
Q: What do you call an extended essay that provides a comprehensive overview of a topic?
A: An extended essay that provides a comprehensive overview of a topic is often called a monograph. This type of essay provides an in-depth examination of the subject matter. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
Q: What is the term for a lengthy essay that examines a topic from multiple perspectives?
A: A lengthy essay that examines a topic from multiple perspectives is often called a scholarly article. This type of essay provides a detailed analysis of the subject matter. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
Sources
- Swales John, Feak Christine. Academic Writing for Graduate Students. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012.
- “How to write a dissertation”. Site: The New York Times – nytimes.com
- Williams Joseph. Style: Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995.
- “Writing a thesis statement”. Site: Purdue Online Writing Lab – purdue.edu
