The Four Styles of Writing

Expository Writing

Expository writing sets out to explain. Often on the spare side, usually without great amounts of descriptive language, and typically free from opinion, expository writing focuses on facts and attempts to explain concepts to its audience. Successful expository writing relies on concise language to impart its information to readers, and it may employ diagrams, statistics, or other references in support of these efforts.

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Where you will find expository writing:

• Textbooks
• Research papers
• Newspaper articles
• Business and technical writing
• Instruction manuals
• Recipes
• Nonfiction books
• Newsletters

Persuasive Writing

Sometimes referred to as argumentative writing, persuasive writing strives to not only share a particular point of view but convince its audience that its opinion is the right one. With the help of evidence and anecdotes, as well as logical and emotional appeals, persuasive writing attempts to present its readers with a well-constructed and winning argument.

Where you will find persuasive writing:

• Resumes and cover letters
• Letters of recommendation
• Advertisements
• Political speeches
• Editorial or opinion columns
• Product reviews

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is just like it sounds. Using sensory language (language that appeals to the five senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste) and techniques like metaphor, descriptive writing represents a person, place, thing, event, or many of these things all at once for a reader.

Where you will find descriptive writing:

• Novels and short stories
• Poetry
• Nature writing
• Journals and diaries

Narrative Writing

In narrative writing you will find a plot or story that depicts the actions of characters over time. Whether it’s chock-full of action or is a slow, plodding tale, the passing of time leads to the unfolding of a narrative with a beginning and an ending.

Where you will find narrative writing:

• Screenwriting
• Novels
• Feature writing
• Mythology and fables
• Biographies
• Memoir

Now that you have these terms for styles of writing in mind, you’ll be able to more easily see them in action as you’re reading. Plus, once you notice them while reading, you’ll be able to take these styles and their typical strategies back to your own writing. And whether you’re explaining a concept, attempting to persuade someone, describing an event, or telling a story, you’ll be able to use what you’ve gained in your reading to bring out the best in your own writing.