8 Types of Writing Styles with Examples
Narrative Writing
Narrative writing tells a story or recounts events, often with characters, a plot, and a clear sequence.
- “As Mia stepped onto the creaky wooden floor, a chill ran down her spine.”
- “He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream.”
Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing paints vivid pictures using sensory details to immerse readers in a scene or moment.
- “The beach stretched out before me, a ribbon of golden sand kissed by turquoise waves.”
- “Out of the gravel there are peonies growing, their buds testing the air like snails’ eyes.”
Expository Writing
Expository writing explains or informs with facts, evidence, and clear organization without personal opinion.
- Textbooks explaining scientific concepts.
- How-to articles guiding readers step-by-step.
Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader to adopt a viewpoint or take action using arguments and appeals.
- Opinion editorials advocating for policy changes.
- Advertisements encouraging purchases.
Technical Writing
Technical writing provides clear, precise instructions or explanations about specialized topics or processes.
- User manuals for software or devices.
- Scientific research reports.
Creative Writing
Creative writing uses imagination and originality to create fiction, poetry, or other artistic works.
- Short stories and novels.
- Poems and scripts.
Journalistic Writing
Journalistic writing reports news and current events in a clear, concise, and objective manner.
- Newspaper articles covering local events.
- Broadcast news scripts.
Academic Writing
Academic writing presents research, analysis, and arguments in a formal, structured, and evidence-based style.
- Research papers and theses.
- Scholarly journal articles.
