Descriptive vs. Narrative:

Which one is better?

Diana Young

ENG121: English Composition I

Professor Garten

May 25, 2014

�

Descriptive vs. Narrative : Which one is better?

Descriptive and narrative writing are both two different styles of personal writing that are used to enhance a writer's portfolio. When looking at descriptive writing, a person is using words that describe a person, place, thing, or event to paint a vivid picture to their audience. Narrative writing is when a person is telling a story from the point of view of the narrator. However, there are times when these two writing forms overlap (Connell & Sole, 2011). In this comparison and contrast essay first the two forms of writing similarities will be examined. Then, the essay will go into how these two forms of writing differ.

An Essay concerning Humane Understanding in four b...

English: Title page of Thomas Robert Malthus's An ...

Deutsch: Titelblatt des dritten Bandes der Essais ...

Finally, the essay will conclude with how descriptive writing is more effective than narrative writing when it comes down to reaching the audience by making them feel like they are a part of the story.

When comparing the two writing patterns the first thing to look at is the point that the author is trying to make. Both writing styles paint pictures for the particular readers of the articles. The writer of both writing patterns idea is to intrigue and entertain their audience. When using both narrative and descriptive writing forms specific and enticing words are used to engage the mind of the reader. For instance in the essay "I Want a Wife" the author uses specific descriptions about what type of wife she would want, and in "Homeless" the author uses description to explain what is happening, what the woman looks like, and what is in the writer's mind.