Writing, form of human communication by means of a set of visible marks that

are related, by convention, to some particular structural level of language.

This definition highlights the fact that writing is in principle the representation
of language rather than a direct representation of thought and the fact that
spoken language has a number of levels of structure, including sentences, words,
syllables, and phonemes (the smallest units of speech used to distinguish one
word or morpheme from another), any one of which a writing system can “map
onto” or represent. Indeed, the history of writing is in part a matter of the
discovery and representation of these structural levels of spoken language in the
attempt to construct an efficient, general, and economical writing system capable
of serving a range of socially valuable functions. Literacy is a matter of
competence with a writing system and with the specialized functions that written
language serves in a particular society.

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

The Characteristics of Good Writing

So, what constitutes good writing? Opinions on the matter vary widely. There
will be different traits that make good fiction versus good poetry or good
nonfiction. However, we can cull together a general list of the characteristics of
good writing (in no particular order):

1. Clarity and focus: In good writing, everything makes sense and readers
don’t get lost or have to reread passages to figure out what’s going on.
Focused writing sticks with the plot or core idea without running off on
too many tangents.

2. Organization: A well organized piece of writing is not only clear, it’s

presented in a way that is logical and aesthetically pleasing. You can tell
non-linear stories or place your thesis at the end of an essay and get away
with it as long as your scenes or ideas are well ordered.

3. Ideas and themes: Is the topic of your paper relevant? Does your story
come complete with themes? Can the reader visualize your poem? For a
piece of writing to be considered well crafted, it has to contain clearly
identifiable ideas and themes.

4. Voice: This is what sets you apart from all other writers. It’s your unique
way of stringing words together, formulating ideas, and relating scenes or
images to the reader. In any piece of writing, the voice should be consistent
and identifiable.

5. Language (word choice): We writers can never underestimate or fail to

appreciate our most valuable tools: words. Good writing includes precise
and accurate word choices and well crafted sentences.

6. Grammar and style: Many writers would wish this one away, but for a
piece of writing to be considered good (let alone great), it has to follow the
rules of grammar (and break those rules only when there’s a good reason).
Style is also important in ensuring that a piece of writing is clear and
consistent. Make sure you keep a grammar book and style guide handy.
7. Credibility or believability: Nothing says bad writing like getting the
facts wrong or misrepresenting oneself. In fiction, the story must be
believable (even if it’s impossible), and in nonfiction, accurate research can
make or break a writer.

8. Thought-provoking or emotionally inspiring: Perhaps the most

important quality of good writing is how the reader responds to it. Does
she come away with a fresh perspective and new ideas? Does he close the
cover with tears in his eyes or a sense of victory? How readers react to your
work will fully determine your success as a writer.