Ensayo vs. redacción
The words 'ensayo' and 'redacción' in Spanish both refer to types of written works, but they carry different connotations and are used differently. Both terms can be translated into English as 'essay', but don't convey the exact same meaning.
Ensayo
An 'ensayo' is a type of composition that presents an argument or a narrative from a personal perspective. It's often characterized by the author’s point of view, with an effort to convince the reader about an idea or topic. It serves as a tool for critical thinking where authors express their ideas, analysis, interpretation, or reflections on a particular topic or issue.
Mi profesor pidió que escribamos un ensayo sobre el calentamiento global.
(My professor asked us to write an essay about global warming.)
El ensayo que escribiste sobre la literatura clásica fue muy convincente.
(The essay you wrote on classic literature was very persuasive.)
Voy a publicar un ensayo sobre las tendencias económicas en el periódico local.
(I am going to publish an essay on economic trends in the local newspaper.)
Redacción
'Redacción' refers to the activity of writing, especially for academic, journalistic, or professional purposes. It involves the creation and organization of ideas to produce a coherent piece of writing following rules of syntax, punctuation, and spelling. While it can also refer to an 'essay', 'redacción' leans more towards 'composition' or 'writing' in English.
La profesora nos pidió una redacción sobre nuestras vacaciones.
(The teacher asked us for a composition about our vacations.)
Mi redacción sobre la historia de mi ciudad obtuvo una buena nota.
(My composition on my city's history got good grade.)
Tengo trabajo de redacción para la revista de la universidad.
(I have some writing work for the university magazine.)
Summary
'Ensayo' is used in Spanish to refer to an argumentative or reflective form of written work while 'redacción' refers more to the activity of writing itself and can refer to any type of composition. Use 'ensayo' when referring to a thought-out piece from a personal perspective like an opinion essay and use 'redacción' when referring to writing or composition in general.