Writing Styles

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Writing Styles

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Contents

Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Writing Styles .............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1

Basic Writing Formats ................................................................................................................ 4

1.1.1

Comparative ........................................................................................................................ 4

1.1.2

Descriptive........................................................................................................................... 4

1.1.3

Evaluative ............................................................................................................................ 5

1.1.4

Persuasive ............................................................................................................................ 5

1.2

Planning and Drafting ................................................................................................................ 5

1.3

Main Aspects of Writing............................................................................................................. 6

Exercises ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

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Context
This document contains exercises to be completed as a part of the module- Writing Styles

Writing Styles
The first key to successful business writing is to know your audience. The second important aspect is to
know the purpose of your writing. If you are clear about these two elements- Purpose and Audience,
then when you actually start writing, factors such as composition and style considerations will help the
process. The choice of format is also important and can help you communicate your message better.
In this module we will look at some of the commonly used styles of writing. Here are some of the tips to
acquire good writing skills. They are used in business writing such as reports, proposals, white papers,
research reports as well.
1. Use logic to present an idea or a piece of information in an impactful manner
2. Use a well-knit and concise structure to get across even complex ideas in limited words.
3. Weave together ideas and information so that the reader can understand and be
influenced by them.
4. Use simple but well-crafted phrases to appeal to the readers sense of verbal elegance
and beauty.
5. Intelligently develop ideas to evoke the right emotions in the reader and prompt
him/her to action
6. Use a neat format for quick reading and accurate comprehension.
7. Directly or indirectly present a new way of looking at things which can be a solution to
an existing problem.
Note: The ability to write using different styles ensures these Fundamentals of Writing:

logical and coherent presentation of ideas and information

persuasive structuring and formatting
the use of simple but elegant expression

With these fundamentals, one can adapt ones writing skills to different writing context at the
workplace.

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1.1 Basic Writing Formats

There are 4 basic writing formats:
1. Comparative
2. Descriptive
3. Evaluative
4. Persuasive

1.1.1 Comparative

Comparative Writing demonstrates similarities and differences between two topics. We use comparison
and contrast thinking when deciding which university to attend, which car to buy, or whether to drive a
car or take a bus or an airplane to a vacation site. To write a comparison or contrast passage the writer
will have to first decide what are the

Similarities or differences.
Which are more significant, the similarities or the differences?

For example:

Art films versus commercial flicks

Eastern culture Vs. Western culture
Dog Vs. Cat as a pet
Capital punishment is more effective than life imprisonment

1.1.2 Descriptive

Descriptive Writing contains detailed descriptions about something. When you need to describe a thing,
a picture or an emotion, it would help to list the way you see, think and feel about the subject or topic.
The style of the writing should be as if you were selling the idea or as if you will be paid if you can
convince the person to buy your idea.
For example:

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The Infosys campus at Mysore

An interesting training program you have attended so far
Your role model
A memorable holiday
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Writing Styles

1.1.3 Evaluative

Evaluative Writing is about thinking and evaluating the topic, forming a point of view about it,
presenting your point to the readers and may be to make them agree with your view point. Evaluation
can be used in book and movie reviews or it can be used to describe a work process. We evaluate
employees and employers; we evaluate the success of particular programs in government or education.
For example:

Is the I-Pad the best technological innovation in the last five years?
Work in India or work abroad
Why doesnt India produce more Olympic medal winners?
Is engineering still considered the best career option?

1.1.4 Persuasive

Persuasive Writing also known as Argumentative Writing utilizes logic and reason to show that one
idea is more legitimate than another idea. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid
evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.
For example:

Soft skills for a career edge.

Pledge your body organs.
Steven coveys books
Lets save hockey.

1. In which kinds of business writing do these different formats and style put to use?
2. Can all these formats get used within a single piece of writing? Can a descriptive text be
narrative and an argumentative text persuasive?

1.2 Planning and Drafting

Remember: Five pillars of Writing.
1. Ideas and content
2. Structure and organization
3. Conventions
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4. Sentence fluency
5. Word choice

1.3 Main Aspects of Writing

The main aspects of writing are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Purpose and Audience

Sketch your plan, research and put your Initial thought together
Use various techniques to put your ideas on paper-Mind map, Doc Spider
Select the appropriate Style and Approach
Create the structure with the help of the 5 pillars

Exercises
Objective: To understand the different styles of writing.
Problem Description:
a) Identify the style required to write on the topics given below. Write a 200 word essay and get it
reviewed by your buddy/mentor.

i. In today's world what plays an important role? Is it the Knowledge that you
possess or the Money that you earn? Compare both the aspects.
ii. Persuade your friend on your view that reality show provides a platform for the
youth of today to display their talents

iii. Evaluate the adage, First Impression is the best impression and this impression
always plays an important role in the life of an Individual.
iv. Describe the beautiful Infosys Campus ay Mysore DC

b) Categorize the topics into the right slot:

1. Fresh Food Vs. Canned Food

2. White tiger is a great book
3. My cat has blue eyes
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Global climate change is made by man

Harry Potter series is one of the best, I have ever read
Spectacles Vs. Contact lenses
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
My watch has three colors with a leather strap
Soft skills add value to an individual
Star movies Vs. HBO
This weekend let us go bowling instead of dancing
Infosys campus, Mysore
Bollywood Vs. Hollywood
Teens should be allowed to decide for themselves.

Summary of this assignment:

By the end of this assignment, the learner will be able to:

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Know about the different styles of writing.

Identify the style of writing in a given message so that response can be specific.
Use the right writing style according to the purpose required.

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