Nonfiction Types of Writing and Text Features

Front

Essay

Back

Short writing on a particular subject written by a student for a class and/or by a writer intending to publish the work.

Front

Problem and Solution Essay

Back

An essay in which a problem is identified and one or more possible solutions are presented.

Front

How-To Essay

Back

A written, step-by-step explanation of how to do or make something. This could include instruction manuals and recipes.

Front

Expository/Informational Writing

Back

Writing presenting facts, discussing ideas, or explaining a process; does not include the writer’s opinion.

Front

Reflective Writing

Back

Writing that addresses an event or experience and includes the writer’s insights/opinion about the event’s importance.

Front

Persuasive Essay

Back

Meant to convince the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a certain course of action.

Front

Compare and Contrast Essay

Back

Writing that analyzes the similarities and differences between two or more related subjects.

Front

Humorous Essay

Back

Nonfiction writing meant to entertain and invoke laughter. Humor can also be used to address serious issues.

Front

Biography

Back

The story of a person’s life and times written by someone other than the subject.

Front

Autobiography

Back

The story of a person’s life and times written by the subject of the story.