Text types, also known as genres, refer to different categories of writing that serve varied purposes. When writing, it is important to understand the common text types so you can select the appropriate genre for your purpose and audience. The four most universally used text types are descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. Each serves a distinct function and has unique attributes.
What is a Descriptive Text Type?
A descriptive text type paints a vivid picture of a person, place, object, or event using sensory details. The main purpose is to describe something in such a way that the reader can easily form a mental image. Some key features of descriptive writing include:
- Using adjectives and adverbs to add specific details
- Appealing to the five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch, taste
- Organizing details in spatial order (top to bottom, left to right, near to far, etc.)
- Using figurative language like metaphors and similes
Descriptive writing transports readers by engaging their imagination. It is often found in fiction, poetry, and personal narratives. Here is a short example:
The cabin was nestled among the pines overlooking the lake. A worn footpath wound from the sandy beach up to the weathered front porch. Brightly colored wildflowers danced in the gentle breeze, releasing a sweet floral scent. The rhythmic lapping of small waves kissing the shore was music to my ears.
This vividly describes the scene using adjectives, sensory imagery, and figurative language like personification. Descriptive text types allow readers to fully immerse themselves in an experience.
What is a Narrative Text Type?
A narrative text tells a story, either fictional or based on a real event. Its purpose is to narrate a sequence of events in an entertaining and engaging way. Typical features include:
- Plot with a beginning, middle, and end
- Characters and dialogue
- Descriptive details to set the scene
- Chronological order and transition words to sequence events
- Resolution to complete story arcs
Narrative writing has a cast of characters and conflict or plot problem to be resolved. It unfolds event by event to build suspense and interest. Short stories, novels, and personal essays often employ narrative writing. For example:
Julie awoke to darkness. As she tried to sit up, her head throbbed. Where was she? Squinting in the blackness, she could make out the outlines of trees bordering a dirt road. Her heart raced. The last thing she remembered was driving home from work. She reached for her cell phone to call for help but found her pockets empty.
This excerpt establishes a setting, character, and conflict to draw the reader into a story. Narrative text types bring stories to life.
What is an Expository Text Type?
Expository writing is designed to explain, inform, describe, or define something. The primary purpose is to educate, analyze or present information. Common features include:
- Accurate, factual information
- Relevant details and examples
- Definitions of key terms
- Logical organization with transitions between ideas
- Formal, objective tone
This type of writing is common for textbooks, news articles, instruction manuals, essays, research papers, and similar genres. Here is an excerpt:
Pluto was long considered the ninth planet in our solar system until 2006 when astronomers determined it was too small to qualify. According to the International Astronomical Union, a planet must orbit the sun, have enough mass and gravity to be nearly round, and have cleared its orbit of other objects. With a diameter of only 1,400 miles, Pluto is comparatively tiny and does not meet the third criterion. However, in 2008 it was granted dwarf planet status along with similar bodies like Ceres and Eris.
This informs the reader by clearly explaining a topic. Expository writing conveys factual information in a logical way.
What is a Persuasive Text Type?
Persuasive, or argumentative, writing aims to sway readers to agree with the writer’s point of view. Common traits include:
- Clearly stated position or claim
- Evidence, facts, and data to support claims
- Acknowledgement of opposing views
- Rhetorical strategies like imagery, repetition, hypotheticals
- Call to action conclusion
Advertisements, debates, editorials, and propaganda often demonstrate persuasive writing. For example:
For decades, the benefits of regular exercise have been scientifically proven. Studies show just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. However, many still avoid exercise because they claim a lack of time. But investing in your health need not mean hours at the gym each day. Simply walking briskly, gardening, or doing household chores can provide these advantages. We all have 30 minutes to spare for activities that promote longevity and improve quality of life. There are no more excuses – exercise is essential medicine.
This makes a claim about the importance of exercise, provides supporting evidence, acknowledges counterarguments, and concludes with a call to action using repetition and metaphors. Persuasive writing aims to sway opinion.
Conclusion
The four major types of writing each serve distinct purposes. Descriptive text paints vivid sensory images. Narratives tell stories with characters, setting and plot. Expository writing presents factual information. Persuasive texts argue a position and call readers to action. Understanding the core attributes of each allows writers to strategically select the appropriate genre to meet their goals and engage their audiences. With some practice, you can adeptly use descriptive, narrative, expository and persuasive text types to become an effective writer.
Comparison of Key Text Type Features
| Text Type | Purpose | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | Paint vivid images | Sensory details, figurative language, precise adjectives/adverbs |
| Narrative | Tell stories | Plot, characters, setting, chronological order |
| Expository | Inform or explain | Factual information, definitions, logical organization |
| Persuasive | Argue a position | Claim with supporting evidence, rhetorical devices, call to action |
