1. Expository – Expository writing is used to describe, explain, inform, or give information. When writing expository text, it is best not to assume that the reader has a background of knowledge on the subject that is being written about; it would be best to be as informative as possible. It is important to use words that clearly describe what is intended for the reader to know rather than just bluntly telling the reader what is being discussed. Organizational skills are the key for improving one’s expository writing. The best way to improve on writing using the expository writing style is to improve on overall organizational skills.
2. Descriptive – The purpose of descriptive writing is to paint a picture in the reader’s imagination by describing a person, place or thing. Paying close attention to detail by using sight, smell, sounds, touch, and feel, will help when coming up with descriptive words for descriptive writing. Practicing writing more descriptively by concentrating on the five senses will improve one’s overall descriptive style of writing.
3. Compare and Contrast – Compare and contrast writing measures similarities and differences between two subjects. Compare and contrast writing has two goals in mind: 1) to show the differences between the two subjects being focused on, 2) to encourage the reader that one subject is better than the other. The informative compare and contrast writing can be viewed as sets of descriptions and definitions.
4. Narrative – Narrative writing is an account of connected events, given to the reader in written form. Narrative writing can be organized in categories: 1) non-fiction, 2) fiction proper, 3) historical events that are fiction. A story can be used in direct correlation with narrative writing. In the narrative writing, there can be smaller narrative within it.
5. Persuasive – Persuasive writing uses words to sway the reader to take the side that the writer is on about the issue of the topic. Persuasive writing can make the reader want to take action on the issue of the topic. The persuasive writing may simply consist of an argument or several arguments to convince the reader to take sides with the writer’s view of the issue. Persuasive writing gives a series of facts that helps the author argue his or her view of the issue. Along with facts, the author may also use hypothetical situations and anecdotes to make his or her case stronger. Persuasive writing is one of the most used writing styles by writers.
