WRITING STYLE

Writing styles are basically another way of saying the form or type of written work you are
creating. Think of it as a classification for being able to identify what kind of writing you are
creating.
For example, if you are writing a cookbook, that is a completely different style of writing
than if you were writing a steamy romance novel!
Each writing style has a different purpose – and therefore, different characteristics are
present when you are writing each type of different work.
Now that we understand what a writing style is – let’s talk about the 4 main writing styles
which are commonly talked about amongst writers and literary educators.
1. 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.
Key points

 Usually describes something in progress.

 Often supplemented with facts and figures.
 Usually in a logical and continuous order.
Examples of Expository Writing

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

Example #1: The Pleasures of Imagination (By Joseph Addison)

“The pleasures of the imagination, taken in their full extent, are not so gross as those of
sense. … A man of polite imagination is let into a great many pleasures … A man should
endeavour, therefore, to make the sphere of his innocent pleasures as wide as possible, that
he may retire into them with safety … Delightful scenes, whether in nature, painting, or
poetry, have a kindly influence on the body, as well as the mind, and not only serve to clear
and brighten the imagination, but are able to disperse grief and melancholy …”
This is an example of expository writing style, in which the author describes advantages of
imagination with facts and logical sequence, and tells his delight of imagination. Then, he
discusses its benefits and finally gives opinions in its favor.
2. 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.
Key points

 It is often poetic in nature

 It describes a place, person, event, situation, or location in a very detailed way.
 The writer will create what he sees, hears and feels
Examples of Descriptive Writing

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

Example #2: Summer Shower (By Emily Dickinson)

“A drop fell on the apple tree,
Another on the roof,
And made the gables laugh,
The breezes brought dejected lutes,
And bathed them in the glee;
And signed the fete away.”
This poem gives an example of descriptive style. Ms. Dickinson describes a summer
rainstorm in detail, with beautiful images, so that the readers can visualize this storm in
their own minds as if it is actually happening.

3. 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.
Key points

 Persuasive comes with reasons, arguments, and justifications.

 In writing Persuasive, the author asks you to agree with the opinion he conveys.
 Ask the reader to take an action and a call to action.
 Examples of Persuasive Writing

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

4. 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.
Key points

 Someone tells a story or event.

 Has character and dialogue.
 Have a definite beginning, interval, and logical ending.
Often has situations such as actions, events, motivations and disputes or conflicts with an
eventual solution.
Examples of Narrative Writing

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

Example #5: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (By Mark Twain)

“Pretty soon it darkened up and begun to thunder and lighten; so the birds was right about
it … and here would come a blast of wind that would bend the trees down and turn up the
pale underside of the leaves …”
Here, Twain has demonstrated a narrative style, as well as used colloquial words in
presenting this passage, as expressed through the voice of a young Southern-American boy.
1. Text Structure
The narrative text is composed of 4 main components, including:
• The orientation or introduction to the story, in the form of a description of the time, place,
character, character of each character and what is happening.
• Complications or problems among the characters in the form of elaborating the causes of
problems between the characters, incidents resulting from these problems, and describing
the peak of the conflict.
• Resolution or problem solving in the form of conflict begins to decline and is finally
resolved
• Re-orientation or expressions that show that this story has ended and the author reports a
moral message that is expressed and implied in the narrative text
2. Linguistic Features
The characteristics of this one narrative text show language. In this feature there are 6
components in it, including:
• Nouns that serve to replace a third person or character, for example a stepbrother
• Adjectives that describe a character's description, for example long hair
• Adverbs of time describe stories of the past
• Adverb or adverbial phase to show the location of the incident in the story
• There are verbs, such as to say, to tell, etc.
• The action verb in the past tense is played for example
3. The story is sequential
In narrative text, the chronology of the story is sequential and the story line should not go
back and forth. The chronology of the story must be sequential and not confused and
understand what the story means
4. Using conjunctions
Because the stories are sequential, in narrative text you must use conjunctions. The event
liaison is here so that the story is not interrupted and there is a continuation from before. In
addition to using conjunctions, it is also hoped that they can understand the content and
meaning of the story completely and completely
5. Focus on People
In a narrative text that focuses on the main character, namely the story in it, the main
character always takes precedence. This main character will be a message to readers. Events
that make headlines serve as role models for readers to read.
An example of the Rakayat Malin Kundang story, with the main character Malin Kundang
who is disobedient with his biological mother. At the end of the story cursed Malin Kundang
to stone and instantly Malin Kundang became stone. The narrative text of Malin Kundang as
the main character, the writer conveys a moral message to the readers so that they are
never disobedient to parents, especially biological mothers.
6. There is a dialogue
In the narrative text, there is a dialogue that connects the main character with the
supporting characters.

SHORT EXAMPLES OF STYLE IN SENTENCES

1. If it sounds like I’m writing, then I prefer to rewrite it.
(Conversational)
2. “I think it’s a good ide,.” said Jenny.
“You can imagine the outcomes!” retorted Emma, pushing the door open.
Reluctantly, Jenny followed.
(Narrative)
3. The sunset fills the entire sky with the lovely deep color of rubies, setting the clouds
ablaze.
(Descriptive)
4. The waves waltz along the seashore, going up and down in a gentle and graceful rhythm,
like dancing.
(Descriptive)
5. A trip to Switzerland is an excellent experience that you will never forget, offering
beautiful nature, fun, and sun. Book your vacation trip today.
(Persuasive)
6. She hears a hoarse voice, and sees a shadow moving around the balcony. As it moves
closer to her, she screams to see a gigantic wolf standing before her.
(Narrative)
7. From the garden, the child plucks a delicate rose, touching and cradling it gently as if it is
a precious jewel.
(Descriptive)
8. What if you vote for me? I ensure you that your taxes will be very low, the government
will provide free education, and there will be equality and justice for all citizens. Cast
your vote for me today.
(Persuasive)
9. The deep blue color of the cat’s eyes is like ocean water on the clearest day you could
ever imagine.
(Descriptive)
10. The soft hair of my cat feels silky, and her black color sparkles as it reflects sunlight.
(Descriptive)
11. This painting has blooming flowers, rich and deep blues on vibrant green stems, begging
me to pick them.
(Descriptive)
12. Our criminal investigators are famous for recovering clients’ assets, as we not only take
your cases but represent truly your interests.
(Persuasive)
13. Our headache medicines will give you relief for ten hours, with only one pill – and
without any side effects. Try it today.
(Persuasive)
14. Tax raising strategy is wrong because it will cripple businesses. We should reduce taxes to
boost growth.
(Persuasive)

HOW TO USE THE 4 MAIN DIFFERENT WRITING STYLES AS A WRITER

1. EXPOSITORY STYLE WRITING:
In this type of writing your goal is to inform your readers about research or data.
When writing expository style pieces, follow these guidelines:

 Avoid using words which have a positive or negative connotation

 Do not insert your opinion or attempt to persuade your audience into thinking,
feeling, or doing something based on your beliefs
 Use research and cite your sources
 When writing online, link to additional resources or websites
 quotes, illustrations or informative graphics to highlight the information
 Give concise and clear directions
2. DESCRIPTIVE WRITING STYLE:
This type of writing has the goal to describe something and bring into your reader’s
imaginations

 Here are some tips for writing with descriptive writing styles:
 Use literary devices such as metaphors and similes.
 Use well thought out adjectives and adverbs to describe nouns and verbs.
 Bring attention to small details
 Use the 6 senses: sight, touch, taste, smell, sound, and feeling
3. NARRATIVE WRITING STYLE:
In narrative writing style, your goal is to convey a storyline to your readers.
Here is how to achieve this type of writing style:

 Outline a storyline, plot or timeline sequence of events

 Include detailed descriptions of your characters and scenes
 Give your readers insight into the inner thoughts or behind-the-scenes information to
elements of your story
 Answer the 6 W questions in your writing: Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why?
 Make it so your piece of work conveys an important lesson or insight – what is the
moral of the story? What was the outcome of this experience?
 Use concrete language which gives readers a specific image to visualize and relate to

4. PERSUASIVE WRITING STYLE:

When you are writing to persuade, your intention is to convince your readers to side with
you. This can be as simple as convincing them to buy your latest new product, or even
writing about important social and humanitarian issues.
Here are some tips for writing persuasively:

 Include information, data, and facts to back up your argument

 Cite your sources and give readers access to additional information
 Appeal to your readers on an emotional level – how will siding with your opinion
connect with them and make them feel?
 Take into consideration your reader’s needs, wants, and desires and how your
message will help your reader achieve these.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Jeffrey, R., 2016. Types Of Writing styles. Available

at:https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/aboutwriting/chapter/types-of-writing-styles/
[Accessed 7 November 2020].
2. LiteraryDevices Editors. (2013). Style. Available at: https://literarydevices.net/style/
[Accessed 8 November 2020].
3. Prast, H., 2018. 6 Ciri-Ciri Narrative Text dalam Bahasa Inggris. Azbahasainggris.com,
[online] Available at: https://azbahasainggris.com/ciri-ciri-narrative-text-dalam-bahasa-
inggris [Accessed at 7 November 2020].
4. Stein, C., 2018. The Main Types Of Writing Style And How To Use Them As A Writer.
Think Written, [online] Available at: https://thinkwritten.com/writing-styles/ [Accessed
8 November 2020].
5. Tapuih, P., 2016. 4 Jenis Writing Style Dalam Bahasa Inggris. iTapuih.com, [online]
Available at: https://www.itapuih.com/2016/12/4-jenis-writing-styles-dalam-
bahasa.html [Accessed 7 November 2020].