As a writer, one always tells a story in some way or the other. Everybody writes in their lifespan with their own unique type of writing style. Be it in business, in a job, or telling a story as a writer or a poet, writing is something that everybody experiences.
Every writer has their own unique personality, their own voice, their own way of approaching their audience. This uniqueness is reflected in their writing style.
It’s often correct that there are no rules when it comes to writing a bestseller, but as a writer, it is useful to know about the types of writing styles to maintain that uniformity.
In this article, we will cover 5 different types of writing styles to add more value to your writing!
1. Narrative
You must have heard the word ‘Narrative’ many times from your writer and reader friends. A Narrative is defined as a story or a series of related events or experiences that are whether fictional or non-fictional.
Going by this definition, in a Narrative style of writing, the author creates characters and narrates the story, the events affecting each of the characters, their relationship with each other, or the events happening in their lives, conflicts, etc. Sometimes, the author makes this happen with the help of one of the characters.
He chooses one of the main characters to tell the story to the reader from their point of view (first-person narration). Poetry, Novels, Novellas, short stories, biographies are the ones that are written with the Narrative Writing Style.
Example –
‘Human nature, in short, was on him – the repulsive brute, with the blood-red nostrils. Holmes was on him. Dr. Holmes came quite regularly every day. Once you stumble, Septimus wrote on the back of a postcard, human nature is on you. Holmes is on you. Their only chance was to escape, without letting Holmes know; to Italy – anywhere, anywhere, away from Dr. Holmes.’ ‘But Rezia could not understand him. Dr. Holmes was such a kind man. He was so interested in Septimus. He only wanted to help them, she said.’ (p. 81) (Taken from Mrs. Dalloway (1925), the author - Virginia Woolf)
2. Expository
Expository writing style focuses more on providing explanations about a given topic or a subject. The catch is that they can’t give their personal opinion about it. The best example is writing about politics. The author may include facts and figures in his essay or an article without his personal opinion.
The live examples of expository writing styles that you may see in your life are the textbooks and how-to articles. The author simply explains how to do something or in the case of a subject like politics, the author can explain the success or failure of the government using facts and figures without any personal remarks.
Also Read – 10 Effective Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block
3. Persuasive
Persuasive writing style, as the name suggests is meant to persuade, to convince. It is similar to the Expository writing style we discussed above with the difference that in the persuasive writing style, the author has the power to be biased or raise an opinion about the subject.
The author has the right to share his opinion or be biased, but with a valid justification or a valid reason. the persuasive writing style is seen in letters of complaint, advertorials, cover letters, affiliate marketing pitches, newspaper editorials, product reviews, testimonials, etc.
Example –
Are you tired of seeing your paychecks slashed by unjust tax deductions? We work hard to provide for our families and then wind up only being able to live paycheck to paycheck. If you vote for me, I’ll make sure your taxes are lowered and you get the government services that you depend on. Imagine everything you’ll be able to do with more wiggle room in your monthly income. Cast your vote today.
4. Argumentative
The argumentative writing style is similar to persuasive writing style with a difference that in argumentative writing style, scientific studies, statistics, and quotes from the experts are needed to be cited
The author can also prepare his or her own survey questionnaire and record the responses (primary research) or can also take data from the internet and other sources to complete the essay or the article (secondary research).
In novel/fiction writing, this is often used when the author mentions some event(s) in history.
An example is seen very well in mythological novel writers. Like one of the highest-selling authors in the mythological genre Ashwin Sanghi’s The Vault of Vishnu alternates between the present and Xuanzang’s journey to India between 627 and 645 CE. Do read his stories to check how beautifully the author portrays the events in history attuned to the present times.
Also Read – 7 Different Types of Poetry to Write Better Poems
5. Descriptive
As the name suggests, the descriptive writing style is used to describe. It is used to provide a description of a character, event, place including all the details.
Descriptive writing style can be poetic also if the author plans to be more specific in his descriptions.
Example –
"The idiosyncrasy of this town is smoke. It rolls sullenly in slow folds from the great chimneys of the iron-foundries and settles down in black, slimy pools on the muddy streets. Smoke on the wharves, smoke on the dingy boats, on the yellow river--clinging in a coating of greasy soot to the house-front, the two faded poplars, the faces of the passers-by." Taken from Rebecca Harding Davis's Life in the Iron Mills
Conclusion –
We discussed five different types of writing styles above. As a writer, you should know about these different writing styles in order to fulfill the purpose of whatever you are writing.
The overall purpose of your writing should be clearly communicated to your readers. Moreover, it will also keep your focus in place. What writing style do you normally use? Comment below your take on this topic and if you feel we missed something, please let us know that as well in the comments section below.
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