Broadly speaking, formal written communication is classified into four blanket categories according to purpose. Exposition is any writing that seeks to simplify a complex subject, fill gaps of understanding or analyse a problem. Descriptive writing sets out to present the features or characteristics of a person, place, object or even an abstract entity. Narrative writing relates a sequence of events or a step-by-step process that unfolds over time. Persuasion looks to impress on the readers the significance of an issue, change their opinion, or mobilize action.
An essay must have a single primary purpose. That does not preclude the possibility of drawing on other modes of communication. If your essay thesis is persuasive in purpose—let’s say you want to convince the reader that the solution to the water crisis in Pakistan that you are offering is the most effective solution—you can still make use of explanatory, descriptive and narrative resources. If, however, the use of any of these resources becomes over-blown to the point of blurring the core essay purpose itself, that’s a problem.
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