NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Which type of writing is specifically used to explain or inform the reader?

1. Narrative Writing

2. Descriptive Writing

3. Expository Writing

4. Persuasive Writing

The correct answer is: Expository Writing

The correct answer is expository writing, as this style is designed specifically to explain, inform, or clarify a topic for the reader. It provides clear and straightforward information, often using facts, statistics, and logical reasoning to ensure that the reader understands the subject matter. Expository writing is commonly found in textbooks, articles, and essays where the goal is to deliver information without the author's opinions or emotional language. In contrast, narrative writing focuses on storytelling with characters and a plot, immersing the reader in a specific experience rather than directly informing them. Descriptive writing emphasizes the use of sensory details to create vivid imagery for the reader, but it does not primarily aim to explain or convey factual information. Persuasive writing seeks to convince the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take action, often appealing to emotions or ethical considerations rather than providing straightforward explanations.