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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. For the
intent of this page, I have added a fifth mode for creative
writing. These basic modes can then be broken down into
subcategories. I have tried to list subcategories here as well,
but I am still in the process of collecting them. If you have
some ideas or suggestions, please send me an email message.
BASIC MODES:
 Creative Writing
 | The primary
purpose of creative writing is to entertain the reader.
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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.
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Expository Writing
| The primary
purpose of expository writing is to provide information
such as an explanation or directions.
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Narrative Writing
| The primary
purpose of narrative writing is to describe an
experience, event, or sequence of events in the form of a
story.
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Persuasive Writing
| The primary
purpose of persuasive writing is to give an opinion and
try to influence the reader's way of thinking with
supporting evidence.
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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
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Business Writing
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of
communicating with others in the work place.
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Comparison and Contrast Writing
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of showing
the similarities and differences between two
subjects.
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Expressive Writing
| This form of
creative writing has a primary purpose of sharing
thoughts, ideas, and feelings on the topic.
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Informative Writing
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of providing
information in a clear, concise manner.
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Literary Response
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of providing
a personal reaction to a piece of literature.
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Personal Narrative Writing
| This form of
narrative writing has a primary purpose of sharing an
experience or event from the author's own life.
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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.
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Process Writing
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of
explaining the steps or procedure of something.
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Reaction Writing
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of providing
a personal response to something.
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Research Writing
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of reporting
new information that has been learned by studying
available resources.
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Technical Writing
| This form of
expository writing has a primary purpose of conveying
technical information in a simple, no-nonsense
manner.
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