A scholarly essay is a piece of writing that presents a well-researched and carefully thought-out argument or perspective on a particular subject. It is typically written by an expert in the field and is intended for an academic audience, such as a college or university student or a professional researcher.
One example of a scholarly essay is a research paper. A research paper is a detailed and systematic examination of a particular topic, typically one that is related to a specific field of study. It involves gathering and analyzing data, synthesizing information from multiple sources, and presenting the findings in a clear and logical manner.
A research paper typically begins with an introduction, which provides an overview of the topic and explains the purpose of the research. It then presents the research question or hypothesis being tested, as well as the methods used to gather and analyze data. The body of the paper is usually divided into several sections, each of which presents a different aspect of the topic. The conclusion summarizes the main findings and implications of the research, and may also suggest future research directions.
Another example of a scholarly essay is a literature review. A literature review is a summary and analysis of the existing research on a particular topic. It is often used as a prelude to a research paper, as it provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on the topic and helps to identify gaps in the research. A literature review typically begins with an introduction, which provides an overview of the topic and explains the purpose of the review. It then presents a synthesis of the existing research, including a summary of the key findings and limitations of each study. The conclusion summarizes the main findings of the review and may also suggest future research directions.
In both research papers and literature reviews, it is important to use credible sources and to properly cite them in the text and in a bibliography or reference list. This demonstrates that the argument or perspective being presented is based on solid evidence and helps to establish the writer's credibility as an expert in the field.
Overall, a scholarly essay is a well-written and well-researched piece of writing that presents a careful and thoughtful argument or perspective on a particular subject. It is intended for an academic audience and is typically written by an expert in the field.
