Types of Writing
D.E.A.N.
So, what do I write?
 People write for different
reasons or purposes.
 These purposes can be
grouped under types of
writing.
Types of Writing
 Descriptive
 Expository
(A.K.A. Explain)
 Argumentative
 Narrative
(A.K.A. Story)
*Note: These writing
types can overlap.
Descriptive Writing
 uses vivid images to describe
a person, place, or event so
that the topic can be clearly
“seen” in the reader’s mind.
 Examples: menu, travel
brochure, poster
Expository Writing

Provides information that
explains, clarifies, or defines
 Examples: essay, research
paper, report, manual
Argumentative Writing
 builds an argument for or
against a claim. Use evidence to
support your claim and look at
the counterclaim.
 Examples: movie review,
restaurant critique, letter to a
newspaper editor, essay
Narrative Writing
 tells a (true or fictional) story
and always includes characters,
setting, and plot
 Examples: short story, novel,
narrative poem, journal
Which type is it?
A boy traveled a road alone
on a sunny day in winter. His
feet left tracks in the snow.
Because he had never
traveled alone, he was afraid.
He heard a noise behind him
and began to run.
Which type is it?
There are many reasons to get
rid of pennies. First, you can’t
really buy anything with just
pennies. Second, according to
an article, “Pennies actually
cost more to make than any
other coin.” Lastly, they are a
hassle to carry with you.
Which type is it?
“This all-meat juicy patty will
melt in your mouth. It’s
served on a warm sesame
seed bun, smothered with our
secret sauce, topped with
fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and
pepper-jack cheese.”
Which type is it?
“To make a cake first pre-heat
the oven to 425 degrees. Next,
mix the dry ingredients—flour,
sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Then add 3 eggs, a ¼ cup butter,
and ½ cup milk…”
Fact vs. Opinion
A fact is a specific detail that
can be proven as true.
An opinion is a feeling,
judgment, belief, or
conclusion that cannot be
proven true.
Separating Fact from
Opinion
 Ask yourself, “Can this be
proven?”
Fact: Spinach is a source of iron.
Opinion: Spinach tastes awful.
Fact vs. Opinion
 Minnie Verbermockle called the doctor and said, “My
husband had a fall and he’s lying unconscious on the
bathroom floor. I think he must have been taking a
shower and slipped on a cake of soap. I did not move
him. I threw a blanket over him and called you
immediately.”
When the doctor arrived, he saw the scene as depicted
and pronounced Horace Verbermockle dead as the result
of a fracture at the rear of his skull. Can you tell what
happened?
