Writing Types

EDSS 620Summer 2013

Expository Writing

• Expository writing is a type of writing where the purpose is to explain, inform, or even describe.

• It is considered to be one of the four most common rhetorical modes.

• The purpose of exposition (or expository writing) is to explain and analyze information by presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion.

• Use the Expository Writing Rubrics in EngageNY

Expository Writing• Examples include:• Business letters• How-to essays, such as recipes and other instructions• News stories• Personal letters• Press releases• Reports• Scientific reports• Term papers• Textbooks• Wills• Encyclopedia articles• Cuisines

Narrative Writing

• The purpose of narration is to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events.

• This writing mode frequently uses the tools of descriptive writing.

• Narrative writing coveys an experience, either real or imaginary and uses time as its deep structure.

• Narration is an especially useful tool for sequencing or putting details and information into some kind of logical order, usually chronological.

• The purpose of a narrative may be to entertain, instruct, or inform.

• Use the CCSS Narrative Writing Rubrics

Narrative Writing

• Examples include:• Anecdotes• Autobiography• Biography• Memoir• Fictional Stories• Novels• Oral history• Short story

Argumentative Writing

• The purpose of argumentation (also called persuasive writing) is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convince the reader.

• Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation with the additional aim to urge the reader to take some form of action.

• An argument is a reasoned, logical way of demonstrating the writer’s position, belief, or conclusion.

• Argument takes the form of opinion in the elementary grades and evolves into argument in the middle and high school grades.

• Use the CCSS Argumentative Writing Rubric

Argumentative Writing

• “While all three text types are important, the Standards put particular emphasis on students’ ability to write sound arguments on substantive topics and issues, as this ability is critical to college and career readiness.” (From Appendix A, page 24 of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.)

Argumentative Writing

• Examples include:• Advertising copy• Critical review• Editorials• Job evaluation• Job application letter• Letter of recommendation• Letters to the editor• Résumés

Informative Writing

• Informational/ explanatory writing conveys information accurately

• Writers draw information from what they already know and from primary and secondary sources.

• Writings that exemplify this text type include summaries and instructions.

Writing Across the Curriculum

http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/writing/secondary/writingtypes.html#

Scholastic “Write-It”

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writeit/