The Main Four Types May 2023

of Writing Style

INSIDE
__

PERSUASIVE
Write in this style to
convince the reader of
something.
__

NARRATIVE
Write in this style to tell a
story.
__

EXPOSITORY
Write in this style to
explain or expose a topic.
__

DESCRIPTIVE
Write in this style to create
an image in the reader's
mind.

The four main types of writing styles are persuasive, narrative,

expository, and descriptive.

The key to knowing when and how to use these styles is mostly about being
aware of what you want to convey to your reader.

Furthermore, what are the 4 main purposes of writing?

These are to inform, to explain, to narrate, and to persuade. There are other
purposes for writing as well, but these four are emphasized to best prepare
students for college and career readiness.
The Main Four Types of Writing Style

Persuasive Style
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;
Narrative Style argumentative essays for
academic papers
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 Reference:

Writing styles. The Graduate

Writing Center. (2020, January 27).
https://web.uri.edu/graduate-
Expository Style writing-center/writing-styles/

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 Style
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
1.Expository Writing
Before we explore the basic tenets of expository writing, let’s look at what exposition means. At its simplest, it means
explaining something. The purpose of the expository writing style is to enlighten or instruct. In other words, it means to
present an idea or relevant discussion that helps explain or analyze information. Some of the most common examples of
expository writing include scientific reports, academic essays and magazine articles.
An expository writer can’t assume that potential readers have prior knowledge or understanding about the information
that they present. It’s best to avoid beating around the bush and highlight things as they are. The main features of
expository writing style include the following:
• It needs to be informative and highlight relevant details for better understanding.
• There should be clarity and an expository writer should know what they’re talking about.
• Well-written expository pieces continue to focus on the main topic and list events in an organized manner.
• The use of the first-person narrative should be avoided; instead, second-person instruction is much more
effective.
• It should steer clear of personal thoughts and opinions and present an unbiased version of the information.

2. Narrative Writing (Tell a Story)

Narrative writing tells a story, real or fictional. Whether or not the events described really happened, this type of writing
is all about presenting the story in a way that readers will enjoy and understand. The events don’t have to happen in
chronological order, but they must capture and hold the reader’s attention.
Types of Narrative Writing
Narrative writing can take many forms. It can be your own story, such as a memoir or a personal essay. It can also be the
story of a historical event or a work of fiction, such as a short story or novel.
Tips for Writing in the Narrative Style
If you’re writing a narrative, keep in mind that you are telling a story. It is advisable to start in the middle of the action
that will keep your readers engaged.
For example;
He threw the document at me and told me to get lost. Saying it was people like me who’d never make it in life. He sounded
so sure and I wondered if he was my creator. And what was my offense?…
Then you can start building the back story that lead to the main action.
• Include all the pieces of the story. How did it start? What happened to make it exciting? How did it end?
• Know why you’re telling the story. Even though the story is the purpose, keep your reason for telling it in mind.
• Keep the point of view consistent throughout the story.
• Stick to the story. Avoid extraneous details that will distract the reader.

3. Persuasive Writing ( Convince the Reader)

Persuasive writing is unique because it has a very clear and important purpose: convincing the reader to do something or
think something. To succeed at this type of writing, you need a clear goal. Know what you want the reader to do or believe
after reading your work.
Types of Persuasive Writing
Any writing designed to sell readers on something is an example of persuasive writing. It can take many forms.
• advertisements
• business proposals
• college admissions essays
• cover letters
• elevator pitches
• letters of recommendation
• opinion/editorial articles
• product reviews
• sales pitches
Persuasive Writing Example
Listen…
Persuasive writing is only successful if you are clear about your goal and then support that goal with relevant points. This
builds a case for your reader.

4. Descriptive Writing (Form a Picture for the Reader)

This type of writing is about sharing perspective. In effective descriptive writing, you create a picture in the reader’s mind
using your descriptions. Often, this type of writing includes vivid imagery and involves many of the five senses.
Types of Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing can be fiction or nonfiction. It often uses figurative language, but also provides concrete information.
There are many types of descriptive writing.
• first-person accounts
• freewriting
• journal writing
• poetry
• product descriptions
• reflective writing
• statement of teaching philosophy
• travel writing
Descriptive Writing Example
An example of descriptive text can help you understand how this type of writing works. Bringing in sensory details can
create a much more vivid picture for the reader.
Peruse a few brief examples of descriptive writing…
The hiking trail appeared very well kept. The gravel trail was even, with no accumulation of leaves or debris. Trees lined
both sides of the trail. She could make out the river just to the east of the trees.
Tips for Writing in the Descriptive Style
When you use this style of writing, you are creating an image for your reader. Don’t include details that distract the reader
from the image you are creating.
• Before you begin your description, imagine you’re in the scene. Consider what you experience with your senses.
• Use sensory descriptions instead of adverbs as much as possible.
• This writing style requires thought, so take your time.
• Focus on details that are important to the story.