When you write an article, there are basically four types of writing styles that you can choose from. These styles are written expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive. To choose which one depends on your purpose. Meanwhile, there can be several writing styles in an article.
Table of Contents
1. Expository Writing
Expository writing is the most common writing style. This type of writing is telling facts and information to the reader. It is very useful when you want to explain a process, give your opinion on certain topics, or just pass on some knowledge.
An example of this would be a scientific journal article where results are being presented to other researchers in one’s field. This writing style allows the reader to learn new things and also move in a logical order from one point to another.
Other common expository writing are:
- How to articles
- Recipes
2. Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing is used when you want to try and change the viewpoint of your reader or have them take up an opinion about something. A writer could write a persuasive piece by taking a stance on current events or writing a letter to the editor advocating for a cause. In a persuasive piece, emotions are evoked to move the reader from their initial perspective.
An example of this would be an editorial where the writer argues for or against a certain topic.
Other common persuasive writing are:
- Speeches
- Product reviews
- Opinion columns
- Sales presentations
- Letters of complaint
3. Narrative Writing
Narrative writing is meant to tell a story with an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action and conclusion. This style really gets the reader involved in something that has happened to someone else rather than telling them something factual.
An example of this would be an autobiography or a novel. This type of writing is meant to tell the details of what happened in chronological order, not with facts and information.
Other common narrative writing are:
- Short Stories
- Poetry
- Anecdotes
4. Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing is used when you want to set the scene for your reader by giving them all of the sensory information you can. You want to describe the atmosphere, the environment and what is happening in this piece of writing.
An example of written descriptive writing would be an essay about a memorable place or some sort of scene like a sunset. This type of writing gives the reader all of the information that they need to paint a picture in their mind about what is happening.
If you want to improve your descriptive writing skills, one way to do so is by analyzing college essay examples about personal growth. For instance, personal narratives about leadership can demonstrate how to use sensory details to tell a story and make it more engaging.
Other common descriptive writing are:
- Journals
- diary writing
- Love letters
Final Thought
Now that you know about the four types of writing styles, it is time to pick which one fits your purpose when you write an article. Having knowledge of these types of writing will also improve your writing skill.
Take a look at what kind of message you want to send and how you can convey it in a logical order so that the reader will understand it in a similar manner.
