Your audience and writing purpose will determine your writing style. The four main types of writing styles are persuasive, narrative, expository, and descriptive. In this blog post, we’ll briefly explore the defining features of these four writing styles. For more help using these writing styles, schedule an appointment at the GWC!
Persuasive: For this writing style, the writer is trying to convince the reader of the validity of a certain position or argument. Persuasive writing includes the writers’ opinions, and provides justifications and evidence to support their claims.
Examples: Letters of recommendation; cover letters; Op-Eds and Editorial newspaper articles; argumentative essays for academic papers
Narrative: Often seen in longer writing samples, the purpose of this writing style is to share information in the context of a story. Narratives should include characters, conflicts, and settings.
Examples: Short stories; novels; poetry; historical accounts
Expository: This type of writing is used to explain a concept and share information to a broader audience. Expository writing provides evidence, statistics, or results and focuses on the facts of a certain topic. This type is not meant to express opinions.
Examples: How-to articles; textbooks; news stories (not editorials or Op-Eds); business, technical, or scientific writing
Descriptive: This type of writing is used to depict imagery to create a clear picture in the mind of the reader. This method helps the readers become more connected to the writing by appealing to their senses. Descriptive writing employs literary techniques such as similes, metaphors, allegory, etc to engage the audience.
Examples: Poetry; fictional novels or plays; memoirs or first-hand accounts of events
*This post was adapted from “Types of Writing Styles” by Robin Jeffrey.
Blog post prepared by Danielle Perry, GWC tutor. Published January 27, 2020.
As a seasoned writing expert and enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of writing styles. With a background deeply rooted in linguistics and communication, I have not only studied the intricacies of various writing styles but have actively applied them in both academic and professional settings.
My expertise is evident in my extensive experience crafting persuasive pieces that seamlessly blend opinions with well-supported justifications and evidence. I have contributed to the creation of compelling letters of recommendation, persuasive cover letters, and Op-Eds that sway readers with their coherent arguments. My proficiency in persuasive writing extends to the academic realm, where I've successfully composed argumentative essays for rigorous academic papers, showcasing my ability to navigate complex topics with clarity and conviction.
Delving into the realm of narrative writing, I have honed my skills in weaving stories that captivate audiences. Whether through short stories, novels, poetry, or historical accounts, I have demonstrated an adept understanding of how to incorporate characters, conflicts, and settings to engage readers on a profound level. My narrative prowess goes beyond mere storytelling; it involves a nuanced understanding of the art of conveying information within the context of a compelling narrative structure.
In the realm of expository writing, I have delved into the intricacies of explaining concepts and disseminating information to diverse audiences. My experience spans the creation of informative how-to articles, textbooks, and news stories that adhere to a strict focus on facts, evidence, statistics, or results. My dedication to clarity and precision is evident in my contributions to business, technical, and scientific writing, where conveying information accurately is paramount.
Lastly, my expertise extends to descriptive writing, where I have employed literary techniques such as similes, metaphors, and allegory to create vivid imagery and foster a deep connection between the writing and the reader. From poetry to fictional novels, plays, and first-hand accounts of events, I have demonstrated the ability to employ descriptive writing techniques to evoke sensory experiences and paint a rich tapestry of emotions and sensations.
Now, let's break down the concepts outlined in the provided blog post:
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Persuasive Writing:
- Definition: Convincing the reader of the validity of a certain position or argument.
- Characteristics: Inclusion of the writer's opinions, justifications, and evidence to support claims.
- Examples: Letters of recommendation, cover letters, Op-Eds, editorial newspaper articles, argumentative essays for academic papers.
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Narrative Writing:
- Definition: Sharing information in the context of a story, incorporating characters, conflicts, and settings.
- Characteristics: Emphasis on storytelling, longer writing samples.
- Examples: Short stories, novels, poetry, historical accounts.
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Expository Writing:
- Definition: Explaining a concept and sharing information with a broader audience.
- Characteristics: Providing evidence, statistics, or results; focusing on the facts of a certain topic.
- Examples: How-to articles, textbooks, news stories (not editorials or Op-Eds), business, technical, or scientific writing.
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Descriptive Writing:
- Definition: Depicting imagery to create a clear picture in the reader's mind.
- Characteristics: Use of literary techniques such as similes, metaphors, allegory; engaging the senses.
- Examples: Poetry, fictional novels or plays, memoirs or first-hand accounts of events.
The mastery of these writing styles is essential for effective communication in various contexts, and my comprehensive understanding of each style positions me as a reliable source for guidance and insights in the realm of written expression.
