Every passage that you read can be classified as one of several types of writing:

○Narrative○Persuasive○Poetic○ Informational○ Instructional

Knowing the type of passage you are reading can help you understand the passage better or even enjoy it more.

Narrative The word narrative means “story.” From

this definition, we know that a narrative must be a type of writing that tells a story.

There are many different ways an author can tell a story.

Dramas (plays) and fictional stories are all examples of narrative writing.

Informational

An informational piece explains something or gives information about a certain topic.

Textbooks, magazines, and newspapers all contain informational materials.

Instructional An instructional piece gives directions or

instructions on how to perform a certain action.

Examples:-Recipes

-User manuals -How-to books -So What Booklet instructions

Persuasive

Written for the purpose of influencing or persuading

Usually includes bias and propaganda techniques

Advertisements and speeches are good examples of the use of persuasive writing

Often includes words such as “should,” “must,” “ought,” or “necessary”

Poetic Poetic writing contains characteristics of

poetry. Poetry uses interesting language (figurative

language) and vivid images (imagery). Poetic pieces:

-are written in short, rhythmic lines

instead of sentences

-are written in stanzas, not paragraphs

- often rhyme, but do NOT have to

Question 1January 17, 2002

Dear Mrs. McGillicutty:

We are happy to notify you of the fact that your photograph entitled "Brightly Colored Fish" has won first place in the 2002 Photography Club Contest in the nature category. Your prize, $50 and a year's supply of film, will be shipped to you within the next several days.

Congratulations,The Contest Judges

What is the purpose of this letter?

A. to inform B. to express C. to influence D. to entertain

Answer: A

The letter says "We are happy to notify you" and then presents information about the contest Mrs. McGillicutty has won. It also tells her what her prize is and when she will receive it.

Question 2     Leslie and Clarence wandered aimlessly into the ominous

woods in search of adventure. They saw deer and squirrels but not much else. Fortunately, it was nearly twilight, the time of day when fairies come out to play. Leslie pointed excitedly at a bright point of flickering light just behind a grand oak tree. Perhaps they had found the magic they had been looking for!

The passage above is

A. informational. B. narrative. C. persuasive. D. instructional.

Answer: B

A narrative is a piece of writing that tells a story. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The correct answer tells the story of Leslie and Clarence in the woods.

Question 3   Cell phones are used today in many places—in the office, in the home, and in stores. One place that cell phones can be dangerous is the car. Many people drive and talk on their phones at the same time. Is this ever a good idea? Most police officers and researchers say no.     In North Texas, approximately one in four car crashes is caused by a driver talking on his or her cell phone. Cell phones distract drivers from the road, traffic signals, and even people walking. While people multi-task throughout their day, the car is one place where drivers should focus on only one thing—driving.     Many researchers say that hands-free headsets will not help this situation. The problem is not just with drivers having their hands full. It is more about drivers having their focus split in two. If a driver is talking on a cell phone, he or she is trying to listen and participate in a conversation while driving through traffic on the street. Often, both the phone call and the traffic suffer the consequences of the driver trying to focus fully on both.     Put down the cell phones while driving. It makes the roads much safer!

The passage above is

A. instructional B. narrativeC. persuasive

D. informational

Answer: C

The passage above is persuasive. The author has taken a position and uses facts and values to try to convince readers of his or her argument—that people should not talk on their cell phones while driving. Persuasive passages state opinions and try to convince readers to do or believe something.