Habib University essay topics, the three shapes you'll see

You're given a claim, or a short passage taking a position, and asked to argue for or against it. The rubric expects a thesis in the first paragraph, body paragraphs that each make one argument with concrete evidence, and a counter-argument that's actually engaged, not name-checked.

You're given a quote or a short passage and asked to respond to it from personal experience. This is not a personal essay in the college-application sense, it's still an argument. The evidence just comes from your life instead of the world.

You're asked to weigh two ideas, two positions, or two texts against each other. The trap is treating both sides evenly, that's a summary, not a comparison. Pick the side you believe more and defend it, while giving the other side its due.

• A specific, arguable thesis, not a vague framing.
• Body paragraphs that make one argument each, not three.
• Concrete evidence, an example, a story, a fact, not generalities.
• A counter-argument that's actually engaged.
• A conclusion that adds something, not one that summarises.