4 Types of Writing



There are four main types of writing: expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive.

  • Expository – Writing in which author’s purpose is to inform or explain the subject to the reader.
  • Persuasive – Writing that states the opinion of the writer and attempts to influence the reader.
  • Narrative – Writing in which the author tells a story. The story could be fact or fiction.
  • Descriptive – A type of expository writing that uses the five senses to paint a picture for the reader. This writing incorporates imagery and specific details.

Identify which type of writing is being described.

  1. ______________ A story about the time you got lost at Disneyland
  2. ______________ A web page telling how to create a web page
  3. ______________ The Harry Potter books
  4. ______________ A letter to the governor explaining why the tax increase is a bad idea
  5. ______________ Writing in which you record details of a trip taken
  6. ______________ An essay discussing a theme from Romeo and Juliet
  7. ______________ An article attempting to convince readers to boycott a store chain
  8. ______________ A poem about the sights and sounds of rainfall
  9. ______________ A paper about the horrible treatment of the people in Darfur
  10. ______________ The cover story in the morning newspaper
  11. ______________ A brochure advertising a luxury hotel and resort
  12. ______________ A paper discussing the after effects of a war

37 Responses

  1. Ioane Toauru says:

    i need more explaining of the types writing but how can use in the sentence

  2. Christina says:

    This helped a lot with my homework! Thanks for making this because without it I would be failing my class and I would be stupid! SO THANKS!!!

  3. Christina says:

    Lol Just Kidding! I’m not stupid or failing but still it helped a lot so THANKIES!!!

  4. Robin says:

    I am confused about what type of writing to use when a short story is given but its incomplete n am ask to complete the short story.please can u help me on how to complete or which type writing am I goin to use.

    • Admin says:

      It sounds like your assignment involves narrative writing. If I understand you correctly, your teacher is asking you to finish a story. Ask your teacher if it is supposed to be factual or fictional. That will give you a better idea of how to continue.

  5. michael says:

    It has really been of great help

  6. Ibsa says:

    thankyou its really impressive help

  7. HAshim LAwandi TELa says:

    Thanks!
    It is very interesting and educative.

  8. claudia says:

    answers please!

  9. stenier says:

    i have find it useful. thanks

  10. lana says:

    will you post the answers so i can check please?

    • Admin says:

      Here is my key:
      1. Narrative
      2. Expository
      3. Narrative
      4. Persuasive
      5. Descriptive
      6. Expository
      7. Persuasive
      8. Descriptive
      9. Expository
      10. Expository
      11. Persuasive (all of the other types of writing come together to persuade the audience to visit the luxury hotel)
      12. Expository

  11. Mahi .. says:

    Thnks it has proved helpful in my assignment question …..

  12. hamna says:

    good explanation

  13. angel says:

    this explains a lot but I want to know how do I approach a qstn dat says discuss the characteristics dat set academic writing apart from any othr writing style

    • Admin says:

      Here are some general characteristics of academic writing that I hope will help you:
      – Formal, academic tone
      – Unbiased
      – Good evidence and research for claims
      – Clear structure
      – Accurate and honest information

  14. Abdu Rahman says:

    A great activity for learners to help undersatnd

  15. Kaity says:

    How do you know that they are right

  16. asfaw yadessa says:

    hi guys am confused to identify the type of writing and categorizes of writing

  17. The cool chick says:

    You need examples of each type of writing

  18. ian charles says:

    thanks….but i still need more

  19. celestin says:

    what mode is more used in writing history ?

  20. domino says:

    thanks for education 🙂

  21. bandar99 says:

    Thanks for sharing admin, Great Blog !

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  23. sarah saeed says:

    i want more data about it

  24. Timothy kasulu says:

    wow it has really helped me………..
    nice one

  25. Abcdefg says:

    What is the other forms of writing?

  26. Thessa says:

    Can’t believe this could be easy to understand. Thanks so so much.

  27. hunter says:

    1. Narrative
    2. Expository
    3. Narrative
    4. Persuasive
    5. Descriptive
    6. Expository
    7. Persuasive
    8. Descriptive
    9. Expository
    10. Expository
    11. Persuasive
    12. Expository

  28. ojambo says:

    waiting for the fifth type thanks

  29. benjamin says:

    thanks for this impressive types

  30. cecelia says:

    Thank you! Very useful. Good examples.