Writing is a form of communication that allows students to put their feelings and

ideas on paper, to organize their knowledge and beliefs into convincing arguments,
and to convey meaning through well-constructed text. In its most advanced form,
written expression can be as vivid as a work of art. As children learn the steps of
writing, and as they build new skills upon old, writing evolves from the first simple
sentences to elaborate stories and essays. Spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and
organization come together and grow together to help the student demonstrate more
advanced writing skills each year.

Main Types of Writing: Expository

Expository writing is a general category that includes all types of essays (with the exception of
persuasive essays). The main purpose of expository writing is to explain a concept or idea while
including details for support. Such writing is usually based on a subject and therefore requires facts,
not opinions, for examples and supportive detail. This type of writing is generally used in textbooks
or 'how to' articles and essays. As such, these essays and articles follow an organized and logical
sequence. An expository style of writing is more formal and straightforward, so the casual language
or slang that you would use with friends is not acceptable. Unlike jeans and a T-shirt, this writing is
more dressed up.

Main Types of Writing: Persuasive

Slightly similar to expository writing, persuasive writing is usually found in article and essay form. It
also relies on specific details and examples for support; however, persuasive writing does not rely
heavily on facts. In a persuasive piece, the writer is often expressing an opinion and trying to
persuade the audience to do something or to agree with the writer's point of view. It must be clear
and concise, but it can also be a bit more forceful and dramatic to help convince the reader. For
example, sometimes writers will exaggerate their details to affect the reader in a more emotional way
than in an expository essay.

Main Types of Writing: Descriptive

Fiction and poetry are filled with descriptive language, since the purpose is not to inform but to
entertain. Someone may read this type of writing to enjoy the beauty of the language and writing
itself. Therefore, this style tends to use more adjectives and adverbs, as well as figurative language
and imagery, to create detail that allows the reader to envision the scenery and events in their
minds.

Main Types of Writing: Narrative

Like descriptive writing, narrative writing aims to entertain the reader; however, instead of trying to
entertain the reader with the beauty of its language, the writer is trying to tell a story. If an author
adopts an expository writing style to tell a story, the author can quickly bore the reader. Narrative
writing will use more descriptive language and imagery, because the author wants the reader to
imagine the characters, scenes, and setting in order to become part of the story's world and to
connect to its plot. Narrative writers can also change their style depending on the type of story. For
example, if a writer wants to create a suspenseful story, they might use short, choppy sentences to
build up to the most exciting moment. Therefore, the genre or category of the narrative can influence
the style of writing as well.