Writing Styles – What Are The Different Writing Styles?

Answers To The Question: What Are The Different Writing Styles?

Writing Styles – In literature there are four basic types of writing styles, and in this article, we will be learning their examples and how to use them.

Writing Styles - What Are The Different Writing Styles?
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The four different types of writing styles are “Expositor, Descriptive, Persuasive, and Narrative“. Each of these styles reflects the personality of the writer.

Expository – the main purpose of this style is to explain. This has a more subject-focused narrative where the author draws you into a certain topic without giving their own opinion.

These types of writing styles use relevant facts but do not give the writer’s thoughts on the topic.

When do you use Expository writing?

  • Textbook writing.
  • How-to articles.
  • Recipes
  • News Stories (Not including opinion and editorial works)
  • Business, technical or scientific writing

Example: Many people in the Manila experience traffic. This has been one of the main issues the capital of the Philippines faces. Here are some tips to beat the Manila traffic.

This writing is expository because it is explaining. In this case, you already tell that the piece will be about how to beat traffic in Manila.

Descriptive Writing – Its main purpose is to describe. According to an article by owlcation, this style of writing focuses on describing characters, events, or settings in detail.

Example: Instead of writing ” The vampire killed his lover” you could write “The bloody, red-eyed vampire, sunk his rust-colored teeth into the soft skin of his lover and ended her life”.

You use descriptive writing in:

  • Poetry
  • Journal or diary writing
  • Descriptive passages in fiction

Persuasive – The main purpose of this writing style is to convince. This type of writing focuses heavily on the opinion and thoughts of the writer.

Example: “Although it is expensive to host the Olympics. If done right, they can provide real jobs and economic growth. This city should consider placing a bid to host the Olympics”

You use persuasive writing in:

  • Opinion and editorial newspaper pieces.
  • Advertisements
  • Letter of complaint.
  • Cover letters

Narrative – Its main purpose is to tell a story.

Example: “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Audrey.
“You never used to be such a girl!” retorted Ki, pushing open the door.
Reluctantly, Audrey followed.

This is a narrative because it’s telling a story with different characters having a conversation. Adding to it, there is a plot being revealed.

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