English 11 W.J. Mouat Ms.

Bergman

Writing Resource Sheet
Writing Forms

There are four major forms of writing that you will see in life and are expected to be able to do in grades
11 and 12 English. These four forms include Narrative (could include poetry), Expository, Persuasive,
and Descriptive. Descriptive writing is not really a separate form, but instead should be focused on
throughout each of these forms, because it includes using vivid language that allows the reader to visualize
what he/she is reading.

Use this sheet as a reference sheet to help you understand the forms of writing and as checklist for revising
your work.

Descriptive Writing: writing that describes a person, place, thing, or idea. This should be included in all
of your writing,

CHECKLIST FOR DESCRIPTIVE PIECES
Incorporate observations from a variety of senses
Sets a mood by using powerful nouns, verbs, adverbs, similes, and metaphors.
Shows, rather than tells, the reader what is going on


Form #1: Narrative Writing: writing (real or fictional) that tells a story or part of a story; purpose is to
entertain (e.g., from class: First Nation myths, reading exercises, mini mysteries, poetry examples). Real
life examples include most works of fiction, novels, shorts stories, non-fiction adventures that include
characters, fairytales, plays and poetry. A sub-category of narrative writing is personal narrative, or memoir.


CHECKLIST FOR NARRATIVE PIECES
Include all plot parts (into, rising, climax, falling, resolution) into a narrative piece of fiction or
non-fiction
Develop your characters, whether real or imagined, into types (static or dynamic & flat or round)
Have a defined setting
Create conflict, because there must be a problem to be resolved
Have a consistent point of view throughout your piece. Note: a personal narrative will most often
use first person (write as I)


Form #2: Expository Writing: writing to explain a short theme, idea, or issue. Your reaction to a work of
literature could be in the form of an expository essay; for example, if you just give your response and no
analysis. The expository essay can also be used to give a personal response to a world event, political debate,
football game, work of art and so on. Real life examples of this form include letters to the editor, ads (T.V.
and magazine), pamphlets, opinion pieces).

CHECKLIST FOR EXPOSITORY PIECES
Have a well-defined thesis. Do not wander from your topic.
Provide evidence to back up what you are saying. Support your arguments with facts and
reasoning. Do not simply list facts, incorporate these as examples supporting your position, but at
the same time make your point as succinctly as possible.
This essay should be concise. Do not overstate your case.


English 11 W.J. Mouat Ms. Bergman
Form #3: Persuasive/Argumentative Writing: writing to convince the reader of a stated opinion or
belief (e.g., from class reptiles as pets, debate in social studies, some speeches, reading responses,) Real life
examples of this form include letters to the editor, ads (T.V. and magazine), pamphlets, opinion pieces).

CHECKLIST FOR PERSUASIVE PIECES
a clearly stated belief or opinion (Thesis that lists your three reasons)
detailed facts that to support the opinion (from texts and schema)
a call to action



The Writing Process
Writing well involves many steps forward and backward as you thin, reflect, revise, detour, and sometimes
start over. By being deliberate and thoughtful as you write you can produce an effective finished product.

Writing steps:
Pre-writing: getting started
Drafting: getting it down
Revising: getting it good
Editing/proofreading: getting it right
Publishing: getting it out

Step #1: Pre-writing: practice for the real thing. This is the getting ready to write stage, and is crucial to
the writing process, because it sets the stage for what you want to write about.

Ways to perform pre-writing:
talking
brainstorming
drawing
reading
gathering ideas
making lists
researching
quick writing
outlining

creating graphic
organizers
Step #2: Drafting: here is where you get your ideas on paper. In this step you simply write what you are
thinking. Dont worry about spelling or other mechanics during this stage. The emphasis is on content.

Step #3: Revision: this is not editing! Revision is making changes based on feedback from your teacher or
a peer during conferences. Rereading your draft(s) will also help you revise. Read your piece aloud to
yourself, a partner, or to your imaginary friend to hear what it sounds like.

Step #4: Editing/Proofreading: here is where you give your writing its polish and correctness. You will
correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in preparation for sharing what you have written. This can be
done by you or with the help others.

Ways to perform editing/proofreading:
Capitalization
Punctuation
Verb/noun tense
Spelling
Handwriting
Main Idea
Quotations
Organization
Sentence variety
Word choice
Commas
Paragraphing

Step #5: Sharing/Publishing: this is where you share your finished piece of writing with others.
Publishing can take on many forms: reading a piece aloud, making a book, typing the paper, and using
digital tools.