What is the Difference Between Expository and Narrative?

The main difference between expository and narrative writing lies in how the ideas and information are presented. Here are the key differences between the two writing styles:

Expository Writing:

• Focuses on explaining, describing, or informing in a clear and accessible fashion.
• Primarily presents factual information, often involving research, and has a more formal style.
• Can be characterized by being concise and simple, with no room for fiction and descriptive literary tools.
• Examples include textbooks, encyclopedia articles, and scientific publications.

Narrative Writing:

• Tells a story or conveys an experience, often involving characters, plot, setting, conflict, and resolution.
• Can be both factual and fictional, with a more creative and versatile approach.
• Often presents information and events in chronological sequence, but can also include flashbacks or shifts between time periods.
• Examples include novels, short stories, poems, and personal narratives.

In summary, expository writing focuses on informing and educating readers with factual information, while narrative writing engages readers in a storytelling format that can be both factual and fictional.

Comparative Table: Expository vs Narrative

Here is a table that highlights the differences between expository and narrative writing styles:

In summary, expository writing focuses on presenting information and explaining a topic, while narrative writing focuses on telling a story and conveying an experience.