Writing Styles

Literary Analysis

Literary analysis is a style of paper particular to the study of English literature. This essay focuses on a specific theme, idea, or literary technique which makes the work an effective and interesting study. In this essay style, a claim statement sets out to prove a student's idea about a specific facet in the selected literature. Then quotations from the novel/short story are used to support the student's claim. Students are called upon to discuss author's craft and other elements of literary style. This is why we dedicate so much time to the understanding of literary terms.

Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing, previously called persuasive writing, is writing that seeks to change one's opinion or call the reader to action. Argumentative writing begins with a claim and seek to prove the claim with numerical, factual, or anecdotal data. Usually, the reader will be able to identify at least two rhetorical elements within a text: ethos, pathos, logos, bandwagoning, limited opportunity, and repetition. One strength of this type essay is the connection between the support and the claim. The language in Argumentative writing is mostly academic vocabulary, though it may also include elements of literary language as well.

The links below will help you determine the layout of your essay.

• UW Argumentative Paper format link

Rhetorical Analysis

Informational Writing

• Article of the Week
• iSearch papers
• Author Research papers

Narrative Writing

• This I Believe
• College Acceptance Essays

Creative Non-Fiction Writing

Poetic Writing