Writing Styles

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In primary education, children start to learn about types of writing. These are called writing styles. Each writing style has distinct traits to have a specific impact on the reader. Your child will learn about writing styles to improve their reading comprehension when facing a text, and to understand how to write their own texts using appropriate techniques for the style.

There are two broad categories of writing styles: expository writing and narrative writing. Expository writing is writing to inform: be that factual explanation, instruction, opinion, persuasion or reporting. Narrative writing covers story writing and poetry.

This guide talks through each of these writing styles in turn and explains what your child needs to know.

Expository Writing Styles

Explanation writing

Explanation writing is used to communicate ideas, topics, or processes clearly. Through this type of writing, children learn to organize their thoughts logically, using descriptive writing to clarify each step or idea. Explanation writing is often used for first-hand accounts of events, and scientific writing, where clear sentence structure and accurate diction are essential.

Instruction writing

Instruction writing focuses on giving clear, concise directions to a reader. It requires concision and good sentence structure with clear syntax to successfully guide the reader through each step of a process, making it ideal for recipes, project steps and how-to articles!

Opinion writing

Opinion writing is the style where the writer states their views on a topic and supports it with reasons. Editorials and personal essays are two common forms of opinion writing.

Persuasive writing

Persuasive writing is similar to opinion writing, but seeks to convince readers of a particular point of view, rather than merely state it.

Through persuasive writing, children learn how to use vivid language, literary devices like similes, and well-reasoned justifications to make their case to the reader. They will write argumentative essays and letters to persuade to practice these skills.

Report writing

Report writing is the presentation of factual information, such as news stories, historical accounts, or specific topics.

This writing style requires clear sentence structure, organized sections, and precise use of language. Report writing teaches children to present information accurately and objectively.

Narrative Writing Styles

Poetry

Poetry is a creative writing form that relies on rhythm and metre to help convey its message. It is typically unique in its frequent use of literary devices such as similes, metaphors and stream of consciousness to convey different emotions and vivid imagery.

Story writing

Stories are at the heart of fictional writing forms, such as the novel.

This style encourages children to practice descriptive writing, using sensory details and literary devices like similes and metaphors to engage the reader. Stories can be written in third person or first person. By constructing stories, children learn how to use language to build worlds, create characters and keep their readers entertained. This style is great for fostering creativity and developing an individual writing style.

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper is an award-winning reading & writing program that makes learning different writing styles easy and fun for children through interactive lessons, creative prompts and engaging games! Children also received personalized feedback from qualified tutors on their pieces of writing to help them hone their craft.