Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

Which type of writing generally focuses on concrete details and storytelling?

1. Technical writing

2. Narrative writing

3. Descriptive writing

4. Persuasive writing

The correct answer is: Narrative writing

Narrative writing is the type of writing that focuses on concrete details and storytelling. It involves the creation of a structured account of events or experiences, often featuring characters, a plot, and a setting. This form of writing engages readers by inviting them into a story, making use of vivid descriptions and emotional connections to convey the action and significance of the narrative. The emphasis on storytelling allows for a dynamic exploration of both fictional and real-life events, providing readers with a sense of experience and immersion in the text. Narrative writing can be compellingly detailed and is often structured to create a beginning, middle, and end, which helps to guide the reader through the unfolding story. In contrast, technical writing typically aims to convey clear and straightforward information, focusing less on storytelling and more on clarity and functionality. Descriptive writing is primarily concerned with painting a picture through sensory details but does not necessarily incorporate a narrative structure. Persuasive writing, while it may use storytelling to some degree, primarily seeks to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or action rather than to narrate an event or experience.