Students in the United States typically have a variety of essays to complete as part of their academic requirements. These essays serve multiple purposes, including demonstrating critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively. The most common types of essays include argumentative, expository, narrative, and persuasive essays. Argumentative essays require students to present a clear thesis and support it with evidence. Expository essays aim to inform the reader about a topic, often through the use of facts and examples. Narrative essays involve storytelling, allowing students to express their personal experiences or perspectives. Persuasive essays seek to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action.

The prevalence of these essays is due to their role in developing essential academic skills. According to a study by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), 90% of students engage in writing assignments that require them to analyze and synthesize information (NSSE, 2019). This data underscores the importance of essay writing in higher education, as it is a fundamental tool for assessing students' ability to engage with complex material and express their thoughts coherently. Moreover, the Common Core State Standards, adopted by most states, emphasize the importance of writing across the curriculum, making essay writing a staple in K-12 education as well. The standards specifically mention the expectation that students will produce a variety of written texts, including narratives, informative/explanatory texts, and argumentative texts (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2010). This emphasis on essay writing across different educational levels reflects its integral role in the American educational system.