DEFINITIONS/PURPOSES FOR THE MODES OF WRITING

Modes of writing  |  Forms of writing  |  Types of writing  |  Domains of writing

Whatever you want to call them, there are different categories for writing. Each mode has a specific purpose. There are four basic modes, descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. And in this case I have added creative. These basic modes can then be broken down into subcategories.

  1. BASIC MODES:
  • Creative Writing

    • The primary purpose of creative writing is to entertain the reader.
  • Descriptive Writing

    • The primary purpose of descriptive writing is to describe a person, place, or event so that the topic can be clearly seen in the reader's mind. The writer must use vivid details that paint a picture for the reader.
  • Expository Writing

    • The primary purpose of expository writing is to provide information such as an explanation or directions.
  • Narrative Writing

    • The primary purpose of narrative writing is to describe an experience, event, or sequence of events in the form of a story.
  • Persuasive Writing

    • The primary purpose of persuasive writing is to give an opinion supported by pros and cons; try to influence the reader's way of thinking with supporting evidence.
  1. SUBCATEGORIES:
  • Argumentative Writing

    • This form of persuasive writing has a primary purpose of making a statement that the reader will disagree with, then supporting the statement with specific details that will convince the reader of the truth of the statement
  • Business Writing

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of communicating with others in the work place.
  • Comparison and Contrast Writing

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of showing the similarities and differences between two subjects.
  • Expressive Writing

    • This form of creative writing has a primary purpose of sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings on the topic.
  • Informative Writing

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of providing information in a clear, concise manner.
  • Literary Response

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of providing a personal reaction to a piece of literature.
  • Personal Narrative Writing

    • This form of narrative writing has a primary purpose of sharing an experience or event from the author's own life.
  • Poetry

    • This form of creative writing has a primary purpose of imaginatively reflecting on a subject, idea, or event. This is usually done in stanzas rather than paragraphs.
  • Process Writing

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of explaining the steps or procedure of something.
  • Reaction Writing

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of providing a personal response to something.
  • Research Writing

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of reporting new information that has been learned by studying available resources.
  • Technical Writing

    • This form of expository writing has a primary purpose of conveying technical information in a simple, no-nonsense manner.