Ms. Conti's Literature Lab

Types of Writing

Narrative Writing

Purpose: To tell a story
Key Features: Characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution
Examples: Personal narratives, short stories, memoirs
Tone/Style: Creative, engaging, and often emotional

Narrative writing invites readers into a story. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, the goal is to transport the audience through a sequence of events, complete with vivid characters and meaningful moments. This type of writing helps develop imagination, empathy, and storytelling skills.

Descriptive Writing

Purpose: To paint a picture with words
Key Features: Sensory details, figurative language, vivid imagery
Examples: Character sketches, scene descriptions, poetry
Tone/Style: Detailed, imaginative, immersive

Descriptive writing brings moments, places, and people to life through rich sensory language. It’s all about showing rather than telling, helping readers visualize and experience what’s being described. This style is often used to enhance other writing types, especially narrative.

Expository Writing

Purpose: To explain or inform
Key Features: Clear structure, factual content, logical organization
Examples: Essays, how-to articles, reports, textbook passages
Tone/Style: Objective, straightforward, analytical

Expository writing focuses on delivering information clearly and effectively. It’s all about breaking down complex ideas, answering questions, or providing instructions. This is the go-to style for academic work and nonfiction writing that aims to teach or explain.

Persuasive Writing

Purpose: To convince or influence
Key Features: Claims, supporting evidence, counterarguments, call to action
Examples: Opinion pieces, advertisements, speeches, editorials
Tone/Style: Assertive, logical, emotionally appealing

Persuasive writing is designed to sway the reader’s opinion or prompt action. Writers use rhetorical strategies, emotional appeals, and solid reasoning to make their case. This type encourages critical thinking and helps students develop strong argumentative skills.

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Why Write?

To write is to harness the power within your soul.

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Individual Lessons