For this writing activity, your task will be to compose a short paragraph on one topic in each of the four types of creative nonfiction writing.

Question

You learned in the unit that within the genre of creative nonfiction, there are four major types, all of which deal with the truth in varying degrees while focusing on different topics. What really separates them all is perspective and intent. If you will recall, the four types are:

Narrative: Sometimes referred to as creative nonfiction or fact-based storytelling.
Persuasive: Persuasive nonfiction presents solid facts and reasoning like expository writing, but it adds an extra layer of opinion as well.
Expository: Expository writing is often used in educational spheres; expository prose seeks to inform a reader about a certain topic with solid facts and details.
Descriptive: Because it is nonfiction, this type of writing uses solid facts but it also employs all five senses to help the reader get a strong visual of what is being described.
Please choose a topic from the list of possible topics below. You will create one paragraph of a minimum of four to five sentences about that topic for each of the four types of creative nonfiction. For the narrative paragraph, you may have to fabricate a personal story for the purpose of this assignment, though it should be done in a way that is believable as creative nonfiction. Your grade will be based on the rubric below. Please remember, you are choosing ONE topic and writing a paragraph about that topic in four different styles.

Topic Choices:

Guns and gun control
Education
Cancer
Science fiction films
Camping
Dating
Bullying
Gardening
Weight loss
Video games

Answer 1

Topic: Bullying

Narrative: When I was in middle school, the cafeteria felt more like a battlefield than a place for lunch. I still remember the day when Jenna, a girl with bright pink hair and an even brighter personality, sat alone, her tray untouched while others laughed at her from across the room. I had seen her being teased for weeks, each jeer piling on like a weight, and I finally mustered the courage to sit with her. As we shared a slice of pizza, Jenna opened up about how the constant harassment affected her. In that moment, I realized that standing up for someone could forge a connection deep enough to combat the loneliness inflicted by bullying.

Persuasive: Bullying is not just a harmless rite of passage; it’s a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for victims. Numerous studies have shown that bullied children experience long-lasting emotional trauma, often leading to anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Schools must enact stricter anti-bullying policies and foster a culture of inclusion and kindness. By addressing this issue head-on, we can change the narrative around bullying, creating safer environments for all students. Implementing educational programs on empathy and respect would not only help those being targeted but also promote understanding among peers.

Expository: Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. This behavior can manifest in various forms, including physical aggression, verbal harassment, and social exclusion. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, approximately 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying in the 2019 school year. The effects of bullying can be profound, often leading to academic decline, mental health challenges, and even physical health issues. Understanding the types and consequences of bullying is essential to developing effective prevention strategies.

Descriptive: The sound of laughter echoed in the hallway, mingling with the muted whispers of students exchanging rumors, creating a cacophony that often drowned out the cries of the bullied. Imagine a crowded cafeteria, bustling with energy, and then focus on a solitary figure at a table in the corner. Jenna sat hunched over, her pink hair stark against the dull brown of the wooden surface, while a group of kids nearby pointed and snickered. The air felt heavy with tension and the bitterness of unspoken words. In that moment, the vibrant colors of social life contrasted sharply with the gray shadows of isolation, highlighting the pain that bullying inflicts on its victims.