Styles of writing SAMPLE PERSUASIVE WRITING

“Time is currency. Be frugal with whom, how and where you spend it.”

– Melissa McKenzie

IN THIS lesson, we will be focusing on the different styles of writing. It is important that you demonstrate an ability to produce these writing styles as well as show that you are able to read and analyse them. The English A examination will test your ability to produce and analyse them.

WHAT IS A WRITING STYLE?

This refers to the specific way a writer chooses to express his ideas or thoughts. It encompasses sentence structure, word choice, tone, etc. There are four main styles: narrative, persuasive, expository and descriptive. A text can use more than one writing style based on the writer’s purpose. For example, although primarily narrative in nature, stories are known for their use of descriptive language.

NARRATIVE WRITING

This style involves the writer relating a sequence of events which may be fiction or non-fiction. Common features of this writing style are: a plot, characters, setting, point of view and conflict. We will explore narrative writing in greater details in upcoming lessons.

Oral histories, novels/ novellas, poetry (especially epic sagas or poems), short stories, anecdotes.

Mary walked in the room gingerly, her heart racing with every step she took. She did not know what to expect and prayed that it would not be anything that would be too traumatic. What she saw next caused her to release a piercing scream.

This kind of writing seeks to convince the audience about a specific belief or position. The writer seeks to substantiate or justify a stance by using persuasive techniques. The aim of the writer is to establish the merit of his position.

Examples: Cover letters, essays, editorials, newspaper articles, reviews, letters of complaint, advertisements, letters of recommendation.

SAMPLE

Uniforms are cheaper than regular clothes. Anyone who suggests that regular clothes should replace uniforms have not thought about the financial difficulties that many parents would face. At present, with uniforms being worn to schools, students can own only two uniforms which can serve for an entire year. Nobody will ever know this unless these students disclose this. Research shows it is much cheaper for parents to buy the necessary material and make the number of uniforms they can afford than to burden their pockets by buying a variety of clothes.

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

This style of writing involves the writer painting a picture of a person, place or thing using words. It shows rather than tells what someone or something looks like, using carefully selected language such as adjectives or figures of speech. The language used is aimed at appealing to the five senses.

Descriptive writing can stand alone, but it is also included in narrative pieces when a specific place or character is described.

Examples: Poems, nature magazines, travel guides, novels, short stories.

SAMPLE:

The scent of the seasoning, on what promised to be succulent chicken, filled the air as if it were seasoned by God himself. I could not control myself as my stomach jumped eagerly in expectation of the spicy goodness that beckoned to me from across the street. I imagined sinking my teeth in a juicy leg and closing my eyes in ecstasy as the tender flesh entered my mouth and sent a million tiny fireworks of flavour exploding on my excited taste buds.

EXPOSITORY WRITING

This style of writing is big on facts and providing information in a straightforward way. Its intent is not to sway your opinion, but just to widen your knowledge on a specific subject or task either through explanation or illustration. This writing can be based on classification, causes and effects, problem and solutions, comparison and contrast, and the outline of a process.

Examples: News reports on events, nonfiction books, textbooks, scientific and medical research, instruction manuals, cookbooks.

SAMPLE

Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. These unexpected weather patterns can make it difficult to maintain and grow crops in regions that rely on farming, because expected temperature and rainfall levels can no longer be relied on.

Look out for features such as: definitions, comparison and contrast, examples

Why is knowing the different writing styles such a big deal? Well, this knowledge can be helpful in making summary writing easier, showing you what each style requires if you are to write one, and enabling you to be more competent in reading for comprehension. As you read the different texts, pay attention to how they are written and determine their writing styles.

KEY TERMS

Below are key terms you should know as you interact with the different writing styles.

TONE

This is the writer’s attitude to the subject matter he or she is writing about. The tone is revealed through the words that are used by the writer to express his views. A writer’s tone can be sarcastic, disapproving, disgusted, pensive, nostalgic or admiring.

WRITER’S PURPOSE

This refers to the writer’s main intention for writing a piece of communication or text. The writer’s purpose in a text may be to describe, entertain, explain, inform, criticise or express his her views.

WRITER’S MAIN IDEA

This is the central idea or primary focus of a piece of writing.

NOTE: Even after completing the examination you will encounter these styles of writing. Knowledge of them is of lifelong benefit, so do not take exposure to them at this level for granted.

As the lessons progress you will encounter these styles of writing. Please read through what we have covered today and do further research.

Until our next lesson, take care!

Answers for the last week equivalent sentence activity: 1. A 2. D 3. B 4. C 5. D