Types Of Writing Styles

There are four main types of writing: expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative. Each of these writing styles is used for a specific purpose. A single text may include more than one writing style.

Expository

Expository writing is one of the most common types of writing. When an author writes in an expository style, all they are trying to do is explain a concept, imparting information from themselves to a wider audience. Expository writing does not include the author’s opinions, but focuses on accepted facts about a topic, including statistics or other evidence.

Examples of Expository Writing:

• Textbooks
• How-to articles
• Recipes
• News stories (not editorials or Op-Eds)
• Business, technical, or scientific writing

Descriptive

Descriptive writing is often found in fiction, though it can make an appearance in nonfiction as well (for example, memoirs, first-hand accounts of events, or travel guides). When an author writes in a descriptive style, they are painting a picture in words of a person, place, or thing for their audience. The author might employ metaphor or other literary devices in order to describe the author’s impressions via their five senses (what they hear, see, smell, taste, or touch). But the author is not trying to convince the audience of anything or explain the scene – merely describe things as they are.

Examples of Descriptive Writing:

• Poetry
• Journal/diary writing
• Descriptions of Nature
• Fictional novels or plays

Persuasive

Persuasive writing is the main style of writing you will use in academic papers. When an author writes in a persuasive style, they are trying to convince the audience of a position or belief. Persuasive writing contains the author’s opinions and biases, as well as justifications and reasons given by the author as evidence of the correctness of their position. Any “argumentative” essay you write in school should be in the persuasive style of writing.

Examples of Persuasive Writing:

• Cover letters
• Op-Eds and Editorial newspaper articles
• Reviews of items
• Letters of complaint
• Advertisements
• Letters of recommendation

Narrative

Narrative writing is used in almost every longer piece of writing, whether fiction or nonfiction. When an author writes in a narrative style, they are not just trying to impart information, they are trying to construct and communicate a story, complete with characters, conflict, and settings.

Examples of Narrative Writing:

• Oral histories
• Novels/Novellas
• Poetry (especially epic sagas or poems)
• Short Stories
• Anecdotes

Poetry Writing

Benefits

Even if you aren’t looking to become a full-time poet, or even attempt to publish a single poem, writing poetry can be beneficial in several ways.

1. It strengthens your skills in writing solid imagery. Poetry is a very image-based form of writing, so practicing poetry will improve your imagery in other forms as well.
2. Poetry is concise and impactful—it uses active verbs, strong language, and no more words than are necessary. If you have an understanding of how to write a poem, your prose when writing a novel will become crisper and stronger.
3. Poetry helps you to connect with emotions in a tangible way. Other forms of writing have the plot to hide behind—with poetry, all you’ve got are emotions. (Unless it’s a narrative poem, of course.)
4. You can become a professional poet and earn a living writing. Even if you just want to enjoy poetry for the above reasons, you can also make a full-time income this way. A great way to get started is to apply for a poetry scholarship in addition to the rest of the tips here.

Form of a Poem

The form of your poem is the physical structure. It can have requirements for rhyme, line length, number of lines/stanzas, etc.

Here are different types of poetry forms:

• Sonnet – A short, rhyming poem of 14 lines
• Haiku – A haiku poem consists of 3 lines where the first is 5 syllables, the middle is 7 syllables, and the last is 5.
• Acrostic – A poem where the first letter of each line spells a word that fits with the theme of the poem or exposes a deeper meaning.
• Limerick – This is a 5-live witty poem with the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme as do the other two with each other.
• Epic – This type of poetry is a lengthy narrative poem celebrating adventures or accomplishments of heroes.
• Couplet – This can be a part of a poem or stand alone as a poem of two lines that rhyme.
• Free verse – This type of poem doesn’t follow any rules and is free written poetry by the author. The majority of poets, specifically less experienced ones, write what’s called free verse, which is a poem without a form, or with a form the poet has made up for that specific piece.

Letter Writing

Letter of Applications

Job Application Letters

The terms job application letter and cover letter are often used interchangeably, although some distinction may be made between them. A cover letter is always accompanied by a résumé. It is very brief, and its purpose is to persuade the reader to review the résumé. An application letter may be longer and more comprehensive than a cover letter when it serves as a stand-alone document unaccompanied by a résumé.

SAMPLE COVER LETTERS

Example: 1

Amitha Sagari
No. A89, Spandana Apartments
DCM Layout, Mysuru 577002
20 June 2025

Social Welfare Department
Paduvarahalli East
Mysuru 570012

Dear sir,

Sub: Application for the post of a First Division Assistant Ref. Your advertisement in the Times of India dated 18 June 2025

I feel that I have the right qualifications and experience for the post of a First Division Assistant which you have advertised. I request you to please consider my application for the post.

I have enclosed my curriculum vitae and photocopies of all testimonials for your perusal. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my skills and this position, and would be grateful you could please grant me an interview to prove my eligibility and suitability for the role. I will be happy to provide any other information you may require of me during the interview.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
Anitha Sagari

Encl:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Attested copies of testimonial