Modes of Writing

There are Four Modes of Writing Narrative Descriptive Expository Persuasive

Narrative Writing

Tells a story Uses characters, dialogue Has a plot with a climax and resolution

Beginning Middle End

Descriptive Writing

Describes in great detail Uses the five senses

Taste Smell Touch Sight Hearing

Expository Writing

Explains something to the reader May include directions or “how to” information May explain why or how something was done History books and science books and math

books contain expository writing

Persuasive Writing

Persuades the reader to do something or believe a certain way

Commercials are persuasive writing Politicians’ speeches are persuasive writing Letters to government officials or businesses

may be persuasive writing

Writing Prompts on the ADAW You must be able to recognize what mode of

writing a writing prompt requires Practice with the following prompts

What kinds of things do you do to relax? Identify your favorite way to relax, and explain why its your favorite.

Bees make honey in their hive. Many bees spend their entire lifetime doing nothing but helping to make honey. Write a story about meeting a bee that hates honey.

You love the way your neighborhood looks when it’s decorated with Christmas lights. Compose a letter to your neighbors to convince them to keep their lights up all year.

Describe a home that would be an appropriate place for a clown to live.

Quick Check Quiz

1. List the four modes of writing. 2. Give an example of persuasive writing. 3. List a “clue word” for expository writing.