Types of Writing

There are four main types of writing: 

Expository, Persuasive, Narrative, and Descriptive.

·          Expository –         Writing in which author’s purpose is to inform or explain the subject to the reader.

·            Persuasive –         Writing that states the opinion of the writer and attempts to influence the reader.

·          Narrative –           Writing in which the author tells a story. The story could be fact or fiction.

·          Descriptive –        A type of expository writing that uses the five senses to paint a picture for the reader. This writing incorporates imagery and specific details.

Exercise: Identify which type of writing is being described below.

______________ A story about the time you got lost at Disneyland

______________ A web page telling how to create a web page

______________ The Harry Potter books

______________ A letter to the Prime Minister explaining why the tax increase is a bad idea

______________ Writing in which you record details of a trip taken

______________ An essay discussing a theme from Romeo and Juliet

______________ An article attempting to convince readers to boycott a store chain

______________ A poem about the sights and sounds of rainfall

______________ A paper about the horrible treatment of the people in Sri Lanka

______________ The cover story in the morning newspaper

______________ A brochure advertising a luxury hotel and resort

______________ A paper discussing the after effects of a war