Name
Date
Hr
Types of Writing
1.
Expository Writing
 This type of writing

explains
and
gives information
about a topic.
Examples of expository writing include: Letters, instructions, catalogs, newspaper
articles, magazine articles, manuals, pamphlet, textbooks, reports and research
papers, etc.

Key words: “
Explain
” and “
tell how
”.
The general characteristics of expository writing include:

2.
Focus on main topic

Logical

Details
supporting facts
,
explanations

Strong
organization

Unity and coherence

Logical order and smooth transitions
, and
examples
and clarity
Descriptive Writing
 Descriptive writing vividly portrays a
person
,
place , or
thing
so that
the reader can visualize the topic clearly.
 This type of writing uses the
five senses
to give specific details to the reader.

Examples of descriptive writing can be found in: novels, poetry, journals, etc.

Key words: “
Describe
or smell
” or “ Tell what you see, hear, feel, taste,
”.
The general characteristics of descriptive writing include:

Elaborate use of sensory

Rich, vivid, and lively detail

Figurative language
language
such as similes, hyperbole,
metaphor, symbolism, and personification

Showing
active verbs and precise modifiers.
, rather than telling through the use of
3.
Narrative Writing
 Narrative writing tells a story

. The story could be fact or fiction.
Examples of narrative writing appears in: novels, short stories, biographies,
autobiographies, historical accounts, essays, poems, and plays.

Key words: “
Write about when
“ and “
Tell a story about
“
The general characteristics of narrative writing include:
Plot structure

-introduction, rising action, climax,
falling action, resolution.

Narrative writing also includes- conflict
setting
4.
,
,
themes
characterization
,
,
point of view , etc.
Persuasive Writing
 Persuasive writing is meant to
influence
or
convince
the reader to
think or act in a certain way.

Example of persuasive writings: speeches, letters to the editor, advertisements,
pamphlets, petitions, scholarly writing, and opinion pieces.

Key words: “
persuade
” or “
convince
”.
The general characteristics of persuasive writing include:

A clear or direct opinion statement

Specific

facts
Examples
and/or
your opinion

Logical

Call to action
argument
statistics
to back up