A Good Essay?

First, lets look at my essay. Its not all that bad, but it needs alot of work. There are several misplaced paragraphs and one paragraph that should probably just be deleted. Also, the wording within the paragraphs is simply weird at times. It is rife with grammatical errors, not to mention the need for clarity of the extended metaphor. Also, my views of flying changed in the last hour, so that might make it into the essay. Its hard to support flying when you know someone who survived a fatal plane crash.

"Professional Essays" (is there such a thing?) are obviously different from mine in several ways, so I need to look to see what the fundamental differences are. I think it is easier to swim across the English channel than define an essay, but most essays share some common themes. Essays are not poems for starters, and they often tell a story or illustrate a point. It is simply a well constructed and illustrated opinion/observation. "Good essays" are compelling to the reader and convey an experience or idea effectively and neatly. Sometimes it is easier to spot what an essay isn't, and then steer clear of that. Poor essays seem impersonal and erratic, fake and incomplete, and simply painful to read. A good essay is enjoying to read and enlightening, whether that be about an experience or idea.