Writing styles refer to the distinct ways in which authors express their thoughts and ideas through text. These styles can vary based on factors such as purpose, audience, and genre. Common writing styles include expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive, each serving a different function in communication. Each writing style has unique characteristics. For instance, expository writing aims to inform or explain, while narrative writing tells a story. Descriptive writing focuses on painting a vivid picture with words, and persuasive writing seeks to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. Understanding these styles helps readers and writers effectively engage with texts.