Types of Writing in Third Grade

There are several different kinds of writing. In third grade, we focus most of our time on learning narrative, informative, and opinion writing. First, let's review the purpose (or reason) for writing each of these genres and the basic features of each one.

Narrative

Purpose: To entertain the reader with a story.

Features: Narrative writing includes characters (who), a setting (where & when), and a plot (what happens). The characters usually face a conflict (problem) that needs to be resolved (resolution) through a sequence of events. Narrative stories often have a theme or moral, which teaches the reader a lesson about life.

Informative

Purpose: To inform the reader by presenting ideas, explaining how something works, and giving directions or facts.

Features: Informative writing gives information about a topic (what you are talking about). The information is organized into main ideas (what you are saying about the topic) and supporting details (facts, examples, or explanations that tell more about the main idea).

Opinion

Purpose: To convince the reader to agree with your opinion.

Features: An opinion is a belief that a person holds to be true. Opinion writing always starts with an opinion statement about a topic. This statement is supported by reasons(feelings, experiences, facts, and examples).