descriptive writing
Goal:
Characteristics:
Descriptive writing vividly portrays a person, place, or thing in such a way that
the reader can visualize the topic and enter into the writer’s experience.
The general characteristics of descriptive writing include:
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Uses:
Exercises:
elaborate use of sensory language
rich, vivid, and lively detail
figurative language such as simile, hyperbole,
metaphor, symbolism and personification
showing, rather than telling through the use of active verbs
and precise modifiers
Descriptive writing appears almost everywhere and is often included in other
genre, such as in a descriptive introduction of a character in a narrative.
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Observe, and then describe an event.
Think of a person or object that stands out in your memory. Write a
description of that subject.
Find an example of descriptive writing; explain the elements that
make this a good example.
expository writing
Goal:
Characteristics:
Expository writing seeks to inform, explain, clarify, define or instruct.
The general characteristics of expository writing include:
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Uses:
Exercises:
focus on main topic
logical supporting facts
details, explanations, and examples
strong organization
clarity
unity and coherence
logical order
smooth transitions
Expository writing appears in and is not limited to letters, newsletters,
definitions, instructions, guidebooks, catalogues, newspaper articles,
magazine articles, manuals, pamphlets, reports and research papers.
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Write a story about a trip you are going to take and what friend you
want to take with you. Explain why this friend would be the best
person to go with you.
Describe the cause and effects of pollution in the environment.
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Narrow your topic to one form of pollution, such as something that
causes air, water or land pollution.
Explain the process of baking a birthday cake.
Find an example of expository writing; explain the elements that
make this a good example.
narrative writing
Goal:
Characteristics:
Narrative writing tells a story or part of a story.
The general characteristics of narrative writing include:
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Uses:
Exercises:
plot structure
o introduction
o rising action
o climax
o falling action
o resolution
conflict
characterization
setting
theme
point of view
sequencing
transitions
Narrative writing appears in and is not limited to novels, short stories,
biographies, autobiographies, historical accounts, essays, poems, and plays.
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Write a story about the best celebration you have ever had; tell why
this is your favorite.
Think of a time when you were nervous. It might be your first plane
ride or the first time you slept over night with a friend. Tell what
happened and how you reacted.
Write a fictional story about being an eyewitness at a historical event.
Find an example of a narrative; explain the elements that make this a
good example.
persuasive writing
Goal:
Characteristics:
Persuasive writing intends to convince the reader of a stated opinion or belief.
The general characteristics of persuasive writing include:
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Uses:
Exercises:
stated position or belief
factual supports
persuasive techniques
logical argument
call to action
Persuasive writing appears in and is not limited to speeches, letters to the editor,
editorials, advertisements, award nominations, pamphlets, petitions, scholarly
writing, and opinion pieces.
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Write a letter to your member of parliament telling him why you think
daylight savings time should or should not be changed.
Write a speech to be delivered to the school board to convince them to
require or not require school uniforms.
Find an example of persuasive writing; explain the elements that make
this a good example.
poetry
Goal:
Characteristics:
Poetry is an art form that uses evocative language and form to communicate an
idea or an experience. Because it is highly individual, the structure and elements
are varied and unlimited in scope.
The general characteristics of poetry may include:
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Uses:
Exercises:
figurative language
rhyme and euphony
meter
poetic devices
free verse
blank verse
Poetry appears almost everywhere, and examples include haiku, couplet, tercet,
quatrain, cinquain, limerick, ballad, lyrics, sonnet, etc.
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During a walk, pick up one item. Write about what you found.
Write about something you miss or crave. For example, in winter write
about summer.
technical writing
Goal:
Characteristics:
The goal of technical writing is to clearly communicate a select piece of
information to a targeted reader or group of readers for a particular purpose in
such a way that the subject can readily be understood. It is expository writing
that requires a response from the reader.
The general characteristics of technical writing may include:
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Uses:
Exercises:
objective point of view
clear, concise language
factual information
uncomplicated structure
logical order
identified audience
Technical writing appears in reports such as lab, accidents or progress reports,
directions to a destination, manuals, evaluation forms and questionnaires,
business letters, resumes, presentations, descriptions of the design and features
for new products, and instructions that help the reader visualize what they are
doing and what they are working with.
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write, in complete sentences or a paragraph, to explain what you did
wrong in solving a math problem.
create a product then describe how your product works to prospective
buyers!
Other ideas:
Action/Adventure
Biographical
Fantasy
History
Horror/Scary
How-To/Advice
Humour
Inspirational
Mystery
News
Opinion
Research
Review (book, movie, web site)
Romance/Love
Sci-fi
Scientific
Sports
Thriller/Suspense
Travel