Types of Writing

TYPES OF WRITING

Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader to adopt an opinion or take action. A strong persuasive text is well-organized and clearly describes the issue.

Characteristics:

• Clear thesis on an issue

• Sound reasoning

• Powerful language

• Detailed evidence and references

• Alternatives and counterarguments presented

• Clear organization

• Clear conclusion

• Effective, error-free sentence structures

Types of Persuasive Writing:

1. Persuasive or Argumentative Essay: Influences audience attitudes or actions on a specific issue.

2. Editorial: Represents the opinion of news organization staff; often uses "we."

3. Editorial Column: Expresses one author's opinion; uses "I."

4. Letters to the Editor: Responses to previously published articles.

5. Op-Ed: Opposite-editorials attempting to persuade readers.

6. Reviews: Evaluates books, movies, etc.

7. Advertisements: Paid announcements persuading action.

8. Propaganda: Emotional appeals, often using biased information.

Responses to Literature

Responses to literature analyze and interpret an author's work, evaluating effectiveness.

Characteristics:

• Clear thesis or controlling idea

• Analysis and conclusion about the work's meaning

• Evidence from the text to show understanding

• Personal insights and evaluation

• Discussion on how literary elements affect quality

Types of Responses to Literature:

1. Critical Review: Evaluates aesthetic and content effects.

2. Interpretive Essay: Discusses personal experience with literature.

3. Compare and Contrast Essay: Explores similarities and differences between works.

4. Letters to Authors: Reader feedback to authors.

5. Blog Comments: Personal opinions shared about works.

Workplace Writing

Workplace writing communicates job-related details.

Characteristics:

• Well-organized, accurate information

• Targeted purpose and audience

• Formal language

• Reader-friendly formatting

• Effective, error-free sentence structures

Types of Workplace and Technical Writing:

1. Business Letters: Formal communication related to business matters.

2. Memos: Brief business notes that formalize communication.

3. Email: Common communication form, also includes memos and letters.

4. Forms: Requests for specific information.

5. Instructions: Step-by-step guidelines.

6. Resumés: Overview of qualifications for a job.

7. Job Applications: Documents for hiring purposes.

Research Writing

Research reports present organized evidence supporting a thesis statement.

Characteristics:

• Clear thesis statement

• Variety of reliable sources

• Supporting facts and examples

• Summary of findings

• Bibliography and citations

• Effective sentence structures

Types of Research Writing:

1. Experiment Journals and Lab Reports: Focus on scientific procedures and results.

2. I-Search Reports: Blend personal storytelling with research.

3. Scientific Reports: Analyze scientific data.

4. Historical Reports: Detail past events.

5. Health Reports: Current health-related information.

6. Theses and Dissertations: Advanced research papers.

Writing for Media

Media includes television, newspapers, and online platforms for information, entertainment, and advertising.

Questions to Consider:

• What message is being conveyed?

• How are visual design and composition used?

• What prior knowledge helps to judge the message's fairness?

Types of Writing for Media:

1. News Articles: Inform about topics/events.

2. Documentaries: Present facts in film/radio.

3. Web Pages: Provide information online.

4. Scripts: Written texts for various media productions.

5. Blogs: Regular personal writings on various topics.

6. Advertisements: Persuasive messages for products/services.