Narrative, explanatory and argumentative writing

Three modes of writing

Middle-school writing focuses on three major modes. Each has its own purpose, structure and techniques.

Choosing the right mode, and using its techniques well, is essential for both class assignments and tests.

Part 1: Narrative writing

Narrative writing tells a real or imagined story. At this level, narratives should do more than list events. They should reveal character and explore meaning.

Key elements

• Engaging opening that establishes context and point of view.
• Well-developed characters shown through action, dialogue and thoughts.
• Clear sequence with logical progression.
• Conflict that creates tension.
• Resolution that reflects on what was experienced or learned.

Narrative techniques

• Dialogue: reveals character and moves the plot. Keep it purposeful.
• Pacing: pacing is how fast the story moves. Slow down important moments with detail; summarize less important events quickly.
• Description: precise words and sensory language.
• Reflection: the narrator’s thoughts about the meaning of events.
• Transitions that signal time shifts: Two hours later…, Meanwhile…, That was when…

Show, don’t tell

Telling: I was terrified.
Showing: My heart hammered against my ribs, and the paper in my hand shook so hard I could barely read my own words.

Mini model

The ice groaned. I froze halfway across the pond, my brother’s warning echoing in my head: “Don’t go past the cattails.” I had laughed at him an hour ago. Now, staring at a thin black crack spreading like a vein beneath my boots, I wasn’t laughing.

Part 2: Explanatory writing

Explanatory writing (also called expository or informative) explains a topic objectively.

Key elements

• Introduction with a clear thesis or focus.
• Organized body using an appropriate structure (definition, classification, compare and contrast, cause and effect).
• Relevant facts, definitions, details, quotations and examples.
• Domain-specific vocabulary used accurately and explained when needed.
• Formal style and objective tone.
• Conclusion that follows from and supports the information.

Techniques

• Use headings for longer pieces.
• Include graphics (charts, diagrams) when helpful.
• Use transitions to show relationships: as a result, similarly, for instance, in contrast.
• Paraphrase sources and cite them.

Formal style

A formal style avoids slang, contractions and personal opinions.
– Informal: Volcanoes are super cool, and they blow up a lot.
– Formal: Volcanoes are openings in Earth’s crust through which magma, gases and ash erupt.

Mini model

Coral bleaching occurs when ocean temperatures rise above normal for several weeks. Under stress, corals expel the zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that live in their tissues and supply most of their food. Without these algae, corals lose their colour and, if conditions do not improve, may starve.

Part 3: Argumentative writing

Argumentative writing supports a claim with logical reasoning and credible evidence.

Key elements

• Clear claim (thesis) that takes a position.
• Reasons that support the claim.
• Relevant, credible evidence for each reason.
• Reasoning that explains how evidence supports the claim.
• Counterclaim acknowledged fairly, with a rebuttal.
• Formal style and logical organization.
• Conclusion that follows from the argument.

Argument vs. opinion

An opinion piece says what you think. An argument proves it with evidence and addresses opposing views. Arguments rely mostly on logic (logos) and credibility (ethos), with emotion (pathos) used carefully.

Mini model

Schools should provide free menstrual products in all washrooms. Surveys in Canada have found that many young people who menstruate have missed school or activities because they could not get products when they needed them. Providing them removes a barrier to learning. Some argue the cost is too high; however, school boards that already offer free products report that the cost per student is small, a modest price for equal access to education.

Choosing the right mode

Read prompts carefully for key verbs:

Blending modes

Real writing often blends modes. An argument may open with a short narrative anecdote. An explanatory article may include a brief story to illustrate a concept. The dominant purpose determines the overall structure.

Common mistakes

• Narratives that summarize instead of developing scenes.
• Explanatory essays that include opinions.
• Arguments without evidence or without a counterclaim.
• Informal language in explanatory and argumentative writing.
• Misreading the prompt and writing in the wrong mode.

Try it yourself

1. Identify the mode: Describe the process by which a bill becomes law in Canada.
2. Identify the mode: Should cellphones be allowed in classrooms? Take a position.
3. Rewrite in formal style: Bees are like, super important ’cause they help plants.
4. Slow down this moment with descriptive detail: I opened the envelope and read the results.

Answers: 1. Explanatory. 2. Argumentative. 3. Bees are essential pollinators that help many plants reproduce. 4. Example: My fingers fumbled with the flap. The paper inside crackled as I unfolded it, and for a second the words blurred together before one stood out in bold: Accepted.

Study tip

Create a three-column chart for the modes and list each one’s structure and techniques. Before every writing task, circle the mode and check the chart.

Quick recap

• Narrative writing tells a story using dialogue, pacing, description and reflection.
• Explanatory writing informs with organized facts, precise vocabulary and a formal style.
• Argumentative writing proves a claim with reasons, evidence and rebuttals.
• Prompt verbs signal the mode.
• Writing can blend modes, but one purpose should dominate.