Types of Writing

Exposition

Purpose:

The main goal of an expository text is to inform or explain. It aims to provide the reader with comprehensive information about a specific topic. This type of text gives out facts and provides deep insights, explaining complex concepts or procedures in a manner that the reader can understand.

Style:

The style of an expository text is systematic and straightforward. It has an emphasis on clarity. It avoids ambiguity and confusion.

Structure:

Beginning with an introduction that briefly outlines the topic, an expository text then offers a well-structured exploration of distinct aspects of the topic. Each paragraph introduces a different point related to the topic. The conclusion summarises the main points and offers final insights. 

Expository writing covers all types of academic writing that do not have a persuasive aspect. It includes comparison and contrast, cause and effect, exemplification, definitions etc. Please watch the videos, look at the pdf and go to the other parts of the Writing Lab Moodle page for more details.

COMSATS University video: expository writing

Please watch the video below

We are very grateful to the authors of this video and for making it available on YouTube. We would like to state clearly that we do not have any rights to this material and that the link here is simply for the benefit of our students who might not otherwise have found this video.

This is the first in a series of videos on expository writing - but they are VERY long:

Please note that in video 2, the presenter changes topic from expository writing to narrative writing and continues with the other writing types later using a similar categorisation to Drew (2024):

COMSATS university: expository writing

Academic Writing Skills pdf: expository writing

Please read the pdf below

This is part of a book published by Cambridge University press and is made available as an excerpt (part of the book).

We are very grateful to the CUP for making this available on the internet and would like to state clearly that we do not have any rights to this material and that the link here is simply for the benefit of our students who might not otherwise have found this resource.

Academic Writing Skills 2 excerpt

Writing Lab Moodle page link: Writing the Essay

Please read follow the link to the other main section on the Writing Lab moodle page on this type of writing.

How to write an essay

Writing the Essay (Writing Lab Moodle page)

Persuasive

This type of writing may be to defend a position or stance, or to argue for or against a particular proposal, or to justify a 'to what extent' claim. It is similar to discussion writing (below) but the aim is to persuade the reader that your logic, evidence and support proves that you are right in your viewpoint.

In this respect, it is essential to acknowledge and critique opposing points of view and, perhaps, to concede that the opposing point of view has merit.

This is the type of writing we expect you to do in semester 2 ESAC courses.

Purpose:

An argumentative or persuasive text is structured to persuade the readers by presenting a point of view. It defends a position regarding an issue or topic, using reasoned arguments, facts, statistics, and real-life examples to convince readers and lure them into adopting this point of view.

Style:

These texts should be precise, logical, and grounded in evidence. The use of rhetorical devices like ethos, logos, and pathos can help persuade and appeal to the reader’s sense of ethics, logic, or emotions.

Structure:

Key here is to map out a clear and structured argument, often presenting the most compelling points at the beginning and end of the piece. Consider using an essay plan. Your piece may start with a clear statement of the thesis or position. Then, provide supporting evidence and arguments, section by section. Each paragraph can offer a different reason or piece of evidence supporting the thesis. A conclusion is then needed to sum up the argument, restate the thesis, and call the reader to action.

Please read the pdfs below (one is a powerpoint slideshow in the form of a pdf)

Humber College pdf: guide to persuasive writing

Please read the pdf below

We are very grateful to the authors of this material and for making it available on the internet. We would like to state clearly that we do not have any rights to this material and that the link here is simply for the benefit of our students who might not otherwise have found this material.

Humber College Writing Centre pdf: guide to persuasive writing

GlowScotland pdf: guide to persuasive writing

Please read the pdf below

We are very grateful to the authors of this material and for making it available on the internet. We would like to state clearly that we do not have any rights to this material and that the link here is simply for the benefit of our students who might not otherwise have found this material.

GlowScotland pdf: guide to persuasive writing

WritingBetter video: persuasive essay writing

Please watch the video below

We are very grateful to WritingBetter for this video and for making it available on the internet. We would like to state clearly that we do not have any rights to this material and that the link here is simply for the benefit of our students who might not otherwise have found it.

WritingBetter video: persuasive essay writing

Introduction

As the Academic Phrasebank (2024) points out

The term ‘discussion’ has a variety of meanings in English. In academic writing, however, it usually refers to two types of activity: a) considering both sides of an issue, or question before reaching a conclusion; b) considering the results of research and the implications of these.

Discussion sections in dissertations and research articles are probably the most complex sections in terms of their elements. They normally centre around a ‘statement of result’ or an important ‘finding’. As there is usually more than one result, discussion sections become more complex to write and structure. When offering explanations and suggesting implications the language used is very tentative or cautious.

Drew's classification of 'Text Types' focusses more on the first type of writing -- 'considering both sides of an issue'

Purpose: This type of discussion text is intended to present multiple perspectives on a specific issue, allowing the reader to consider all angles before forming their own viewpoint. It aims to deepen understanding and foster a broader perspective by objectively exploring diverse opinions and arguments related to a topic.

Style: Discussion texts use neutral, unbiased language. The writer presents all sides of the argument fairly and objectively, without leaning towards supporting one over another (note, however, that sometimes the writer's own personal opinion is required).

Structure:

1. introduction of the issue at hand.
2. presenting point and counterpoint for each aspect of the issue, examining arguments in favour and against it.
3. conclusion or summary that encapsulates the multiple perspectives without indicating a personal preference.

This is a very common type of IELTs writing where you have to show the 'pros and cons' of a point, the arguments 'for and against' a point or the 'advantages and disadvantages' of certain policy. This is not the type of writing expected in CELE EAP classes, though there may be parts of paragraphs that are similar. CELE writing wants you to go beyond this and use either more analytical skills or more argumentative writing.

The videos below from Better Writing focus on three different types of 'advantages and disadvantages' essays. The types are

1. (objectively) explain the advantages and disadvantages of X 
2. justify whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages (or not)
3. argue in your own opinion whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of X  

We are grateful to Better Writing for making these videos and making them available on YouTube. We would like to be clear that we have no rights over these videos and the links here are solely as a convenience for our students who might not otherwise have found these resources. 

Writing Better advantages and disadvantages video 1

Writing Better advantages and disadvantages example 1 (no opinion)

Writing Better advantages and disadvantages type 2 (do advantages outweigh disadvantages)

Writing Better advantages and disadvantages type 3 (with opinion)

Advice from the University of Waterloo (adapted):

While Preparing for the Exam:

Become familiar with the course content or what you will need to write about (for RWAC, you KNOW this will be a compare / contrast and explain essay - you just don't know what the topic will be).

Therefore, review your notes and ensure you understand everything that has been introduced about compare and contrast writing (and academic style, cause and effect, paraphrasing and academic caution). 

Consider practising writing under time pressure. Students often struggle to complete the full essay within the time constraints, particularly if they have to write longhand when they’re accustomed to working on the computer. For this reason, it can be helpful to simulate the conditions of a timed exam before the actual day: pick a practice question, find some lined paper, set a stopwatch, and see how you do!

In the exam, before you start writing:

Read the question carefully.

The most critical part of the essay-writing process actually happens before you write your first word. Make sure you read the essay question it as carefully as you can, noting the difference between words such as ‘contrast’ and ‘analyse’ and highlighting all details that should be included.  It’s not uncommon for excellent essays to receive low marks because the student answered a question other than the one that was asked.

Make a clear and specific plan.

Some students react to the time pressure of essay exams by scribbling down their introduction as soon as they’ve read the question and figuring out their points as they go. While it might seem counter-intuitive, taking five or ten minutes before you start writing in order to draw up a plan will be an enormous time saver.

Decide on your thesis, the topic of each paragraph, and the arguments which you intend to cover, then jot down some quick point-form notes. This process won’t take long, and, once you complete it, all that’s left will be to expand those notes into a well-organised essay. Without a clear plan, you run the risk of realising partway through that you’ve drifted off topic. Schedule a set time for each paragraph. On the topic of planning, it’s important to sketch out an idea of how long you want to spend on each section of your essay.  Take note of the amount of time allotted for the exam and split it into reasonably-sized segments, leaving some time at the end for revision if possible. Without a schedule to follow, it’s easy to become too focused on a single paragraph and run out of time to finish the essay.

While You’re Writing:

Write clearly and double-space. This tip may seem basic, but it’s easy to forget and it can make a big difference. Both these measures won’t just make it easier for the marker to read your paper; they'll also help you write it. If you have time left at the end of the exam for review, having the ability to skim quickly through your work and write revisions in blank spaces will be incredibly helpful.

Keep yourself on schedule. Keep an eye on the clock to ensure you’re always on track.  Don’t worry too much about editing and revision before you finish.  Perfecting paragraphs is a time-consuming process, and, if you spend too much time editing before the essay is finished, you might have to rush through the last few sections or leave them out entirely. For this reason, it’s best to focus on producing a complete first draft before you worry about edits and revisions.

After You’ve Finished Writing:

Re-read the question and ensure you’ve addressed all parts. The most important part of writing an essay exam is ensuring that you’re answering the question was posed. Before you submit, read the prompt again and make sure your completed essay matches up! Edit if you have time. If you have enough time left over, read your essay again and make corrections.

When you’re working under time pressure, it’s easy to make grammar mistakes or produce hard-to-follow sentences; the final few minutes are your chance to clean up those errors. 

The original website is below

University of Waterloo Tips to Ace Timed Writing: website

BBC Learning English

BBC Learning English have prepared this video which offers 6 tips on preparing for examination essay writing.

BBC Learning English Exam Preparation

Prompts

This website gives arguments for and against many different topics. There is an American bias to the topics but the information is balanced and non-partisan.

It is a very useful resource to find information for a discussion essay. 

Please click on the image or the link below

Pro Con.org