Writing is one of the most complex forms of expression, thanks to the numerous styles of writing. The writing style of a writer speaks volumes about their personality. It is common to come across a writer who aces at specific genres of writing but struggles with others. A writer is meant to be all-round in writing to be able to create quality content despite the style. Different types of writing are, however, dependent.
In this article, we took a look at the different styles of writing you need to know as a writer. As a writer, being conversant with different styles puts you a step ahead of others. Once you master the art of writing in different styles, you not only develop yourself as a writer, but you also get to connect with your audience. Types of writing styles help you find your own voice through learning where you can do best and where you need further training and practice. Let’s take a look at the different styles of writing. Here are the main types of writing.
Expository
The term expository is derived from the word expose, which gives us a peek at what this genre of writing is all about. Expository writing is a fact-driven style that aims to expose or inform. Expository writing seeks to explain or describe and give factual, well-researched information about a specific topic. The most types of writings that fall in this category provide a detailed definition of a topic and insight on the subject.
Examples of types of writings that are expository include newspapers, textbook writing, how-to articles, scientific and academic writing. A business newspaper is an excellent example of expository writing as it clearly outlines the factual information about the days or weeks events, and provides insight on a number of topics. Expository writing does not try to persuade the reader but fill them in on whatever they need to know about the topic or item.
To learn this type of writing, the writer should be able to organize their thoughts and follow a detailed plan. The writer should also be able to carry out research to ensure every item they put on their expository is factual and straight to the point.
Descriptive
Descriptive writing is very much self-explanatory. Descriptive writing and expository have a thin line between them. The types of writings differ in that descriptive writing is more in-depth and more detailed than expository.
Descriptive writing gives details and factual information about the topic at hand. Descriptive writing goes more in-depth into detail, providing additional information other than the facts only. Unlike Expository writing, where a writer cannot give personal opinions about the topic, descriptive writing allows the writer room for full expression. The writer can include devices like similes and sayings literally while keeping the writing factual and full of information.
Descriptive writing aims at involving the writer in the topic such that they feel they are part of it. The writing style allows the writer to experience writing first hand. Descriptive writing includes some fictional works and non-fictional types of writing, such as memoirs, poetry, personal journals, and songwriting.
To learn descriptive, the learner or writer needs to let their mind think extensively. They should also put themselves in the writer’s shoes to be able to connect with their audience.
Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing is used to persuade the reader or audience. The name says it all! To persuade means to influence or convince someone to believing something or taking action in your favor. The goal of the type of writing is to persuade the reader or your target audience to think or align in your own thoughts and goals. For instance, you can convince someone on why a cat is a better pet than a dog.
Since you will be trying to persuade someone or talk them into a specific direction, you can’t just right. You need to be armed with some facts about the topic at hand. Therefore, research is mandatory before undertaking any type of writing, including persuasive writing.
To learn this writing skill, the writer needs to be able to bring forth a logical and passionate argument. The writer should also appeal to the readers on an emotional level to create a bond. Once the minds and emotions are synched, the reader can be persuaded.
Some examples of persuasive writing include business proposals, political speeches, copywriting, editorial and opinion pieces in newspapers and magazines, and advertisements. Any piece of work that tries to convince the reader falls into this “art of the deal “category.
Narrative Writing
As simple as the name suggests, Narrative writing is more complicated that any form of writing we have covered. Narrative writing and Descriptive writing are closely related, as you may have already noticed that all the types of writing. The name suggests that there is a narration in this writing.
Narrative writing carries all forms of fictional works and long epic poems. In narrative writing, the writer is required to tell a story that is factual and informative. There is a clear plot in this type of writing with a complete setting, characters, and dialogue or conflict. The narrative also provides conflict resolution, which becomes the oral of the narrative.
A narrative can easily be confused with descriptive writing. The two types of writing have a slight difference, which sets it them apart. A plot or storyline is the signature of narrative writing. The presence of either clearly informs you that you are reading Narrative writing.
Narrative writing is known as the first-person narration as the writer creates characters and tells you about them. The writing includes logical beginnings and endings. Novels, short stories, epic poems, myths, legends, and fables fall under this category.
Creative writing
Creative writing is the most common genre of writing you will come across. It’s also the easiest style of writing even for newbies to writing. Creative writing comes off as easy since you solely depend on your imagination and creativity. For some, it may be a walk in the park, but some need time to organize their thoughts.
Creative writing is used to evoke thoughts, imagination, and creativity in the target audience. The style of writing is typical for children’s books. An excellent example of creative writing is fiction writing. There are tons of fiction books everywhere you look. Fiction requires little or no facts to write. Apart from fiction, other writing genres may employ creative writing where needed. For instance, in poetry, creativity is fundamental.
Research writing
Research writing is another of the types of writing, which involves writing research papers. Research writing, as the name suggests, involves carrying out research on select products. Research writing is a common type of writing.
Whether you are doing a research paper or school assignment, the Research assignment is there. It is common in the types of writing. Research writing includes writing to carry out research before undertaking any piece of writing. Therefore, research writing contains a little of everything, as other types of writing involve some research.
Research writing is factual and straightforward. The writing is presented in fact-filled prose with no fluff. The writer should know how to carry out different research methods before undertaking any writing since different jobs require their own techniques. Research writing also requires extensive knowledge if a variety of the topic.
The typical examples which make use of research writing include academic writing and research assignments.
Business writing
Among the types of writing, we have business writing may come as easy, but it’s one of the toughest forms of writing because there is a very thin line between getting it right or wrong. Business writing aims at the writer being understood as fast as possible and efficiently. The writing genre is assumed to be read by people who have a lot to do. Therefore they have little time to go through fluff looking for the critical point of the writing.
In business writing, the prose does not need to be thrilling or charming. The reader is deemed to have no time for pleasantries. If you joke or include metaphors and imagery, you are doing it wrong. Also, the shorter, the better in business writing. If you can clearly write on a single page or less is better than two.
Examples of types of writings in the business genre include office memos, apology letters, and business proposals.
Conclusion
Writing is everywhere you can think about. With technology, many writers have taken the writing from a hobby or pass time activity to economic activity. Writing puts food on a lot of tables countrywide. Therefore, what do you need to stand out?
The types of writing are an essential part of a writer’s career or development journey. If you are not writing for money but just to share or connect with your audience, familiarity with types of writing sets you apart and enables you to grow as an individual. To be a better writer, start with the writing style that you enjoy most and then explore all others. Have fun writing!