Essays discuss an idea or topic and are written in logically ordered paragraphs of complete sentences. Generally, essays do not have headings, tables or figures. When assessing your essay, the tutor or lecturer will be looking for evidence of your ability to select and use sources critically, to formulate your own views, to argue and draw conclusions logically and coherently, and to present these in a clearly written piece. Essay format is most commonly used in the humanities, the arts, and the social sciences.