Styles of Writing

You may have observed that different people have different styles of communicating or expressing ideas or beliefs.  Not all the musicians have the same style of composing songs. Different dancers have different styles and genres of dancing. There is nothing alike or similar in two different things. They all are unique in their own ways. Similarly, in writing also we have different writing styles. In this section, we will make ourselves familiar with different writing styles.

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Writing Styles

It is observable that different writers write different kinds of stories. Some of them are good at writing horror stories while other would be good at the dramatic one. Every day we see different styles or genres of movies written by the writers. The way in which one expresses his or her ideas and thoughts forms different writing styles. There are mainly four different types of writing styles.

1. Expository
2. Descriptive
3. Persuasive / Argumentative
4. Narrative

Writing Styles in details

The style of writing depends upon the objective of writing, mood, tone, and ideology of the writers. For a writer, it is very important to know about these writing styles for proper and effective writing

I. Expository

The main purpose of this type of writing is to explain. In expository writing, the author focus and emphasis on telling or explaining a given topic or subject. This is the most common types of writing. There is no place for the writer’s opinion, emotions, biases or points of view. The main motive of this writing style is to spread information.

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Highlights

• It has fact and figures
• Organized in a logical order and in proper sequence
• It explains the subject

Areas of Usage

• Textbooks Writing
• Business writing
• Research Papers
• Encyclopedias
• Technical Writing
• Essays
• Reports
• Recipes Writing
• Scientific Writing

Sample

The elephant is the largest and the strongest of all living animals. It has thick legs, small tail, little eyes, large ears, long white tusk, and a long nose which is its trunk. Elephants are found in Indian and in Africa. They live in herds in jungles. The elephant is a very intelligent animal and has great strength. Elephants can carry heavy loads. They live their lives entirely on leaves of trees, grass, and roots.

The above sample tries to provide information about elephants. This is an expository style of writing.

II. Persuasive / Argumentative

The main purpose of this type of writing is to convince. It contains the opinions, thoughts, and biases of the author. The writer uses justifications, arguments, and reasons to make the readers agree to his or her points.

Highlights

• It asks the readers to do something for the situation
• It has reasons, arguments, and justification

Areas of Usage

• Speeches
• Cover Letters
• Editorial Pieces
• Letters of Complaints
• Letter of Recommendation
• Newspaper Opinion
• Review
•  Critical Analysis
• Business Idea
• Advertisements or Commercials

Sample

1. Our store has the lowest prices and the best collection of footwear in the entire town. Visit us today for a great experience.
2. An LMN mattress is the most comfortable one you will ever sleep on. Highly recommended by doctors. Give yourself a peaceful sleep today.

In the above examples, the writer is trying to convince the reader for the trial as used in an advertisement. This is the persuasive style of writing.

III. Descriptive

The main purpose of this type of writing is to describe. It focuses on describing a character, a place, an event, an object or an action. There is a very slight difference between expository and descriptive writing styles. The descriptive style is more detailed, personal and subjective.

Highlights

• It uses figures of speech
• The writer makes the readers feel, hear, and visualize the situation the way he wants
• It describes places, people, events, situation, or locations in a highly – detailed manner

Areas of Usage

• Poetry
• Novels
• Diaries Writing
• Plays
• Journals Writing

Sample

A grand exhibition was held in the town. The first impression on entering the ground was of walking in some fairyland. The vast space was decorated with so many colourful lights. The stalls, there, were like small shops and they had all the needful items. All types of amusements could be seen there. The children were enjoying the ride on merry – go – round, the giant wheel, railway train and other. The excitement and joy could be seen easily.

In the above sample, the writer wants to describe his visit to the exhibition. It is a descriptive style of writing.

IV. Narrative

The main purpose of this type of writing is to tell or narrate a story. The writer creates different characters and tells you what happens to them. The writer uses first person narration. Narrative writing is mostly personal, imaginative, and self-expressing.

Highlights

• The inclusion of dialogues
• Use of metaphor, imaginative language, and figure of speech
• Addition of emotional words
• Have a beginning, intervals, and endings

Areas of Usage

• Novels
• Short stories
• Poetry
• Fairy Tales
• Autobiographies
• Anecdotes
• Screen scripts
• Play
• Legends
• Songs

Sample

It was a hot, sunny day. I finally visited Disneyland. It was a dreamland. I always wanted to visit there. Being there it was like dream come true experience. On entering, the very first thing that I said, “Oh wow! What a wonderful place!” People were walking and enjoying their time with all the Disney characters. Children over there were so happy and excited. I think it is a must visit place for everyone.

Here the writer is sharing his or her personal experience and emotions. It is a narrative style of writing.

Significance of Writing

• Improves communication skills
• Essential for self-understanding
• Encourages creative expression
• Helps in reviewing and remembering recently learned material
• Future career prospects

Solved Example on Writing Styles

Problem: How can you distinguish between the expository and descriptive writing styles?

Solution: The main point of distinction between the two is to decide whether the writing is subjective or objective. Expository writing is based on facts whereas descriptive writing is more personalized and tries to hold the interest of the readers.