GENRES OF WRITING

Also referred to as: types, discourse, modes or categories of writing.

These are grouped, based on the form and technique of writing.

GENRE PURPOSE CHARACTERISTICS EXAMPLES

NARRATIVE/  To tell a story - Plot, character, setting, theme, conflict, 1. Short stories
 To entertain resolution. 2. Novels
DESCRIPTIVE - Narrative incorporates description in order to 3. Journal entries
 To create an image
in the reader’s mind create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. 4. Essays
-This is an account of - Use of literary devices 5. Poetry
of what someone or
events or experiences something is like, - Use of sensory detail. 6. (auto) biographies
that are imagined or feels like, looks like - Carefully selected words to convey a particular
real. etc. mood.
 To give a verbal - Uses of chronological or sequential organization
-gives information picture - Use of time order
about a person, object  To relate a series of - Spatial ordering
or situation, using the events
five senses.

ARGUMENTATIVE/ - To convince or - Use of devices that emphasise logic and clear 1. Critical reviews/
persuade reasoning. essays
PERSUASIVE - To influence or - Verifiable evidence and facts used to support 2. Advertisements
change the reader’s writer’s point of view. 3. (Political) speeches
thoughts and - Citing the informed view of experts in a 4. News editorials
actions. particular field – that is, use of authoritative 5. Letters to the
- To inquire, assert, opinion. editor
dominate or - Use of emotional appeal e.g. fear, hate, greed, 6. Letters of
negotiate love recommendation
differences. - Repetition used in persuasive writing for 7. Opinion pieces
emphasis.
- Use of rhetorical questions for dramatic effect
and to grab the attention of the audience.
 GENRES OF WRITING
Also referred to as: types, discourse, modes or categories of writing.
These are grouped, based on the form and technique of writing.

EXPOSITORY - To explain/ analyse - Use of typographical organizers such as 1. Explanatory essays

information headings, subheadings, varying fonts etc 2. Speeches
- To inform - Use of graphic aids such as illustrations, charts 3. Newspaper reports
- To bring clarity to and pictures. 4. Textbooks
ideas - Always addresses one or more of the following 5. Scientific reports/
- To analyse a questions: How? What? Why? Where? When? essays
situation Who? 6. Business letters
- To define given - Strategies: division and classification 7. Instructions
terms - Cause and effect 8. Directions
- To instruct - Definition 9. Articles in journals
- To give steps in a - Comparison and contrast 10. Reference manuals
process - Process explanation / analysis