Writings : Types

Writing or composition of a text can be oral or written. It can be guided or spontaneous. The written composition is of the following types :

1. Expository Writing : Exposition might be called explanatory writing, for it may explain a process or an idea. It may define terms or give reasons. Much of the writing that the students do fits this broad category, so does much business and technical writing. Often, expository writing is interwoven with the other forms. Argumentative writing frequently requires the definition of terms early in the process of building a case. A fictional narrative uses expository writing to bridge time and to allow the omission of tedious detail. Descriptive writing may include expository writing, or expository writing may include description. Most of the expository writings begin with the definition in a positive or negative manner. It is the core of academic writing.

2. Narrative Writing : This kind of writing presents an event or a sequence of events involving animate beings in a narrative manner. The animate beings can be humans, insects, animals or fairies and demons. The subject of writing can also be moving mechanical devices, as a UFO from other planet. Narrative writing can be fictional or non-fictional. Narratives are usually chronological, as may be found in oral histories, accident reports and case studies. However, the news-reporting kind of narratives may begin from altogether a different place. It may include dialogue.

3. Argumentative Writing : This type of writing or composition attempts to strengthen a view already held by the writer, to weaken or undermine such a view, or to persuade the reader to adopt another in an argumentative way. Its name, argumentative writing, is somewhat unfortunate, though well established, because it can be taken to mean that it involves a contentious type of discussion. Perhaps, persuasive writing would have been a better name, because the aim is to incline another’s will to one’s own view rather than to controvert it or break it. The writer who strives to persuade must also assume that the reader has not taken a firm position, and as a reasonable person, would be delighted to follow the writer’s lead. It is up to the writer to plan the way he wants to arrange his arguments. He can start from the strongest point or a neutral fact, keeping in with the subject of his writing. He should present the facts in a lucid manner and then arrive at deduction. The writer should also anticipate any counter-arguments that may be raised, and should tackle them too.

4. Descriptive Writing : This kind of writing is used to depict objects, living things and static elements in fantasies. It is the vehicle through which we become acquainted with the world, its animals and machines and other dreams and visions. The writer must collect relevant material about the subject he is going to write.

5. Transactional Writing : By transactional writing is meant in which texts are meant for transaction of thought, idea or need, as happens in business letters.

6. Reflective Writing : In reflective writing or text, a person brings out his thoughts and emotions to the fore. It shows his deep thinking which he undertakes in relation to a particular topic or event, and can display his innermost feelings. He can give a commentary on different aspects of a topic or problem.