B-FACTORY WRITING STYLES
SELECTED WORDS BY: RAHUL SIR
Writing style means the various literary devices used by the author to organize the text. They
include the various figures of speech (non syllable and pronunciation ones are important for us).
CAT often bases its knowledge based questions on the writing style. Will run you through the
list of my favorites and important ones!
Before I go into the most important ones, let me tickle a bit with my favorites first 
SHOULD KNOW: MY FAVORITES!
36
Descriptive
Focus is on detailing of any event/ situation.
37
Analytical
More than a description. It also has opinions on what is being described.
38
Hyperbole
An exaggeration.
39
Euphemism
Using milder words in place of harsher ones
40
Oxymoron
Using contradictory words side by side. For ex. “Tiny beast”
41
Personification
Use of person like imagery for non humans/non living things
42
Pun
Double meaning sentences
43
Irony
Opposite of intended happens or means
 Now learn these all up as well in details boys and girls! 
MUST KNOW: Most Important ones!
1. Narrative
Narrative is a report of related events presented to the listeners or readers in words
arranged in a logical sequence.
A story is taken as a synonym of narrative. A narrative or story is told by a narrator who
may be a direct part of that experience and he or she often shares the experience as a
first-person narrator. Sometimes he or she may only observe the events as a thirdperson narrator and gives his or her verdict.
2. Anti Climax
Anti-climax is a rhetorical device which can be defined as a disappointing situation or a
sudden transition in discoursefrom an important idea to a ludicrous or trivial one. It is
when at a specific point, expectations are raised, everything is built-up and then
suddenly something boring or disappointing happens; this is an anti-climax. Besides
that, the order of statements gradually descends in anti-climax.
3. Antagonist
In literature, an antagonist is a character or a group of characters which stand in
opposition to the protagonist or the main character. The term antagonist comes from
Greek word “antagonistēs” that means opponent, competitor or rival.
It is common to refer to an antagonist as a villain (the bad guy) against whom
a hero (the good guy) fights in order to relieve himself or others. In some cases, an
antagonist may exist within the protagonist that causes an inner conflict or a moral
conflict inside his mind. This inner conflict is a major theme of many literary works
e.g. Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, Hamlet by William Shakespeare, and A
Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man by James Joyceetc. Generally, an antagonist
appears as a foil to the main character embodying qualities that are in contrast with the
qualities of the main character.
4. Argument
An argument is the main statement of a poem, an essay, a short story, or a novel that
usually appears as an introduction or a point on which the writer will develop his work in
order to convince his readers.
Literature does not merely entertain. It also intends to shape the outlook of the readers.
Therefore, an argument does not intend to serve only as an introduction but it attracts
the reader’s focus to an issue that will be made clear gradually.
5. Analogy
An analogy is a comparison in which an idea or a thing is compared to another thing
that is quite different from it. It aims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to
something that is familiar. Metaphors and similes are tools used to draw an analogy.
Therefore, analogy is more extensive and elaborate than either a simile or a metaphor.
Consider the following example:
“Structure of an atom is like a solar system. Nucleus is the sun and electrons are the planets revolving
around their sun.”
Here an atomic structure is compared to a solar system by using “like”. Therefore, it is a
simile. Metaphor is used to relate the nucleus to the sun and the electrons to the planets
without using words “like” or “as’. Hence, similes and metaphors are employed to
develop an analogy.
6. Caricature
Caricature is a device used in descriptive writing and visual arts where particular
aspects of a subject are exaggerated to create a silly or comic effect. In other words, it
can be defined as a plastic illustration, derisive drawing or a portrayal based on
exaggeration of the natural features, which gives a humorous touch to the subject.
During the 16th century, numerous painters (Holbein, Bruegel, and Bosch for example)
used particular aspects of caricature in their work. However, it did not involve anything
comic until the 17th century. . Later, in the 18th century, Carracci introduced caricature
in a witty way in his work. Caricatures started gaining popularity in England when artists
like Hogarth, Rowlandson, and Gillray followed Carracci’s footsteps. The genre slowly
developed to accommodate social and political satire as well.
7. Blank Verse
Blank verse is a literary device defined as un-rhyming verse written in
iambic pentameter. In poetry and prose, it has a consistent meter with 10 syllables in
each line (pentameter); where, unstressed syllables are followed by stressed ones and
five of which are stressed but do not rhyme. It is also known as un-rhymed iambic
pentameter.
8. Cliché
Cliché refers to an expression that has been overused to the extent that it loses its
original meaning or novelty. A cliché may also refer to actions and events which are
predictable because of some previous events.
All examples of Cliché are expressions that were once new and fresh. They won
popularity in public and hence have been used so extensively that such expressions
now sound boring and at times irritable due to the fact that they have lost their original
color. For instance, the phrase “as red as a rose” must have been a fresh and
innovative expression at some point in time but today it is considered universally as a
cliché and does not sound good to be used in everyday formal writing.
9. Dialect
The language used by the people of a specific area, class, district or any other group of
people. The term dialect involves the spelling, sounds, grammar and pronunciation used
by a particular group of people and it distinguishes them from other people around
them. Dialect is a very powerful and common way of characterization, which elaborates
the geographic and social background of any character.
10. Ethos
In rhetoric, ethos represents credibility or an ethical appeal which involves persuasion
by the character involved.
11. Epilogue
An epilogue or epilog is a chapter at the end of a work of literature which concludes the
work.
12. Parody
Parody is an imitation of a particular writer, artist or a genre, exaggerating it deliberately
to produce a comic effect. The humorous effect in parody is achieved by imitating and
overstressing noticeable features of a famous piece of literature, as in caricatures,
where certain peculiarities of a person are highlighted to achieve a humorous effect.
We, in our daily life, can employ the above technique to spoof somebody for the sake of
fun. For example, you have an Indian person in your classroom and one day, in a
gathering of a few friends, you say,
“Will you veddy much bring me a coke please?”
This imitation of an Indian accent is a parody.
Parody examples are often confused as examples of satire. Although parody can be
used to develop satire, it differs from satire to a certain extent. Parody mimics a subject
directly to produce a comical effect. Satire, on the other hand, makes fun of a subject
without a direct imitation. Moreover, satire aims at correcting shortcomings in society by
criticizing them.
13. Diction
Diction can be defined as style of speaking or writing determined by the choice of words
by a speaker or a writer.
Diction or choice of words separates good writing from bad writing. It depends on a
number of factors. Firstly, the word has to be right and accurate. Secondly, words
should be appropriate to the context in which they are used. Lastly, the choice of words
should be such that the listener or readers understand easily. Besides, proper diction or
proper choice of words is important to get the message across. On the contrary, the
wrong choice of words can easily divert listeners or readers which results in
misinterpretation of the message intended to be conveyed.
14. Nemesis
Nemesis is a literary device that refers to a situation of poetic justice where the good
characters are rewarded for their virtues and the evil characters are punished for their
vices.
The term nemesis comes from Nemesis in Greek mythology, the goddess of revenge or
divine retribution against the people guilty of hubris i.e. showing arrogance before gods.
In a general sense, nemesis refers to an indomitable rival or an inescapable situation
that causes misery and death. For instance, you may have encountered your nemesis
at school, a boy who is no more capable than you are, but who somehow always
finishes ahead of you in school examinations, making you feel frustrated.
15. Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to
come later in the story.
Foreshadowing often appears at the beginning of a story or a chapter and helps the
reader develop expectations about the coming events in a story. There are various
ways of creating a foreshadowing. A writer may use dialogues of characters to hint at
what may occur in future. In addition, any event or action in the story may throw a hint to
the readers about future events or action. Even a title of a work or a chapter title can act
as a clue that suggests what is going to happen. Foreshadowing in fiction creates an
atmosphere of suspense in a story so that the readers are interested to know more.
16. Fallacy
A fallacy is an erroneous argument dependent upon an unsound or illogical contention.
There are many fallacy examples that we can find in everyday conversations.
17. Slang
Words that are not a part of standard vocabulary or language and are used informally
are called slang. These words are mostly used in speech rather than in writing.
Slang can be divided into four different types; country slang, urban slang, gay slang and
common slang. Country slang is used by those who are in the rural parts of a country,
while urban slang is spoken by those from the city or by African-Americans. Gay slang
is used by gays, bisexual, homosexuals or transsexuals. Common slang is used by
almost everybody.
Every culture and every region has its own slang. Some of these include American
slang, Costa Rican slang, Spanish slang and South African slang. English regions such
as Wales, Ireland and Scotland also have their own slang.
18. Refutation
The literary term refutation denotes that part of an argument where a speaker or a writer
encounters contradicting points of view. Alternatively, refutation can be described as the
negation
of
an
argument,
opinion,
testimony,
doctrine,
or
theory,
through
contradicting evidence. It normally constitutes a part of an essay that disproves the
opposing arguments.
An important distinction to be appreciated is that of between refutation and counterargument. In the case of counter-argument, the writer acknowledges that there is
substance in the contradicting argument yet he provides evidence for his alleged
stance. On the other had refutation goes a bit further by presenting evidence that in turn
negates the opposing arguments.
In the circumstances where the writer happens to agree with certain aspects of the
opposing argument, he makes a concession. However, writers and speakers rarely
employ concession as it can very easily undermine their own stance.
19. Sonnet
The word sonnet is derived from the Italian word “sonetto”. It means a small or little
song or lyric. In poetry, a sonnet has 14 fourteen lines and is written in
iambic pentameter. Each line has 10 syllables. It has a specific rhyme scheme and a
“volta” or a specific turn.
Generally, sonnets are divided into different groups based on the rhyme scheme they
follow. The rhymes of a sonnet are arranged according to a certain rhyme scheme. The
rhyme scheme in English is usually abab-cdcd-efef-gg and in Italian abba-abba-cdecde.
20. Verse
The literary device verse denotes a single line of poetry. The term can also be used to
refer to a stanza or other parts of poetry. Generally, the device is stated to encompass
three possible meanings, namely a line of metrical writing, a stanza, or, a piece written
in meter. It is important to note here that the term “verse” is often incorrectly used for
referring to “poetry” in order to differentiate it from prose.
21. Transition
Transitions are words and phrases that provide a connection between ideas, sentences
and paragraphs. Transitions help to make a piece of writing flow better. They can turn
disconnected pieces of ideas into a unified whole and prevent a reader from getting lost
in the reading.
Since the goal of a writer is to convey information clearly and concisely, transitions help
achieve that aim by providing a logical connection between one or more sections of a
piece of writing. Transitions usually work best when used to link one paragraph to the
next, and are usually found at the beginning of the paragraph, although they can be
used
anywhere
when
needed.
Some examples of transition words or phrases: another key point, indeed, in fact, first
thing to remember, on the negative side, on the positive side.
A piece of writing usually contains two elements: the order in which different parts of a
discussion or argument are provided to the readers, and the relationship the writer has
used to link these parts together. Transitions cannot be used as a substitute for good
organization but they do aid in making the writing easier and clearer to follow by
keeping a constant, consistent flow from one paragraph to the next. Some clues which
show that a writer needs to use transitions:
1.
The
written
work
is
choppy,
abrupt
and
jumpy.
2. The writer has moved from one point to the next abruptly and quickly without a
visible
connection
between
the
two
ideas.
3. The readers have trouble following the writer’s train of thought or organization
of ideas.
Disjointed Sentence: We will be here for a few more days so we can finish up some
leftover work. We are staying longer because we do not want to miss the Tech Info
conference taking place next week.
Revised with Transition: We will be here for a few more days so we can finish up
some leftover work. Another reason why we are staying longer is because we do not
want to miss the Tech Info conference taking place next week.
In the first sentence, the two ideas are abruptly linked without a transition present to
connect the two together. In the revised version, the sentences are linked by a transition
to connect the two ideas for smoother flow, giving the reader a better understanding of
what the writer wanted them to know.
Transition examples are found:
1. Between Sections: In longer pieces of writing, transitional paragraphs summarize the information for
readers, and specify the relevance of the information in the sections to come.
2. Between Paragraphs: Transitions form a relationship between paragraphs by connecting them with
phrases, words or sentences that can be placed at the end of the first paragraph, the start of the second
paragraph or in both places.
3. Within Paragraphs: These help the reader anticipate what is to come by acting as cues. Within
paragraphs, transitions are usually short phrases or single words.
22. Utopia
he literary term utopia denotes an illusionary place that projects the notion of a perfect
society to the reader. Here, the “perfect society” refers to ideal conditions achieved
within the material world as opposed to the expected idealism of afterlife in Christianity
or other religions. Further, the citizens presiding in such utopias are bearers of a perfect
moral code, or at the least, every violator of the moral code is harshly punished. A
utopian society is one where all social evils have been cured.
An important distinction to be appreciated is that between imaginary utopias and live
heterotopias. However, the terms should not be treated as opposites of each other.
They denote a midway experience referring to instances that are real as well as unreal.
Most of the examples that Foucault provides of heterotopias include several utopian
aspects. However, the relationship between these two notions has tended to be ignored
in the interpretation of heterotopia.
23. Understatement
An understatement is a figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to
intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is.
For example, you win 10 million dollars in a lottery. When you tell a news reporter “I am
delighted”, you are making an understatement. Similarly, suppose a team loses to its
opponent 50 to 0 in a soccer match and the captain of the team says in a post-match
ceremony says, “We did not do well”, it is an understatement because he is trying to
decrease the intensity of the loss.
An understatement usually has an ironic effect as an equally intense response is
expected in severe situations but the statement in response is the opposite of what was
expected i.e. less intense but of course with an ironical tone. For instance, your friend
returns your new coat with blots all over it; in response, you make an understatement,
“It doesn’t look too bad”. Therefore, an understatement is opposite to another figure of
speech hyperbole or an overstatement.
24. Truism
The truism is a literary device defined as a statement that is based on self-evidence or
factual evidence and is accepted as an obvious truth in a way that further proof is not
considered necessary. It is also that a contradicting statement would be considered as
illogical, since truism is agreed to be truth. It is mostly used as a rhetorical device in
philosophy, specifically in logic. Several statements and aphorisms are also examples
of truism when they present a universally accepted opinion and when majority of the
people agree with them. Platitudes, clichés, and bromides are some of the truism
examples.
25. Exposition
Exposition is a literary device used to introduce background information about events,
settings, characters etc. to the audience or readers. The word comes from the Latin
language and its literal meaning is “a showing forth.” Exposition is crucial to any story,
for without it nothing makes sense.
There are many ways to present an exposition and they include monologues, dialogues,
in-universe media (newspaper, letters, reports, journal etc.), a protagonist’s thoughts or
a narrator’s explanation of past events. It is one of the four rhetorical modes of
communication – the other three being narration, description and argumentation.
26. Symbolism
Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic
meanings that are different from their literal sense.
Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another to
give it an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant.
Sometimes, however, an action, an event or a word spoken by someone may have a
symbolic value. For instance, “smile” is a symbol of friendship. Similarly, the action of
someone smiling at you may stand as a symbol of the feeling of affection which that
person has for you.
Symbols do shift their meanings depending on the context they are used in. “A chain”,
for example, may stand for “union” as well as “imprisonment”. Thus, symbolic meaning
of an object or an action is understood by when, where and how it is used. It also
depends on who reads them.
27. Tragedy
Tragedy is kind of drama that presents a serious subject matter about human suffering
and corresponding terrible events in a dignified manner.
28. Sarcasm
Sarcasm
is
derived
from
French
word sarcasmor and
also
from
a
Greek
word sarkazein that means “tear flesh” or “grind the teeth”. Somehow, in simple words it
means to speak bitterly. Generally, the literal meaning is different than what the speaker
intends to say through sarcasm. Sarcasm is a literary and rhetorical device that is
meant to mock with often satirical or ironic remarks with a purpose to amuse and hurt
someone or some section of society simultaneously. For instance:
“I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” (Mark Twain)
29. Self fulfilling prophecy
Self-fulfilling prophecy is defined as any expectation, positive or negative, about a
situation or event that affects an individual behavior in such a manner that it causes that
expectation to be fulfilled.
Let us assume a teacher, who expects a student to be slothful, is likely to treat that
student in such a way that it draws out the very same response he or she expects.
Similarly, if we start a day and think “I’ll have a bad day today,” such thinking may alter
our actions and the prediction might be fulfilled by our actions. The term “self-fulfilling
prophecy” was coined by Robert Merton in 1948. He described it as:
“A false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior which makes the
originally false conception come true”
Individuals react to a situation the way they perceive it and so their reaction is governed
by their perception of that particular situation. No matter what the situation means in
reality, their reaction toward the situation causes it to be fulfilled in accordance with their
perception.
30. Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between
two different thttp://literarydevices.net/simile/hings. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws
resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”. Therefore, it is a direct
comparison.
We can find simile examples in our daily speech. We often hear comments like “John is
as slow as a snail.” Snails are notorious for their slow pace and here the slowness of
John is compared to that of a snail. The use of “as” in the example helps to draw the
resemblance. Some more examples of common similes are given below.
31. Inversion
nversion, also known as anastrophe, is a literary technique in which the normal order of
words is reversed in order to achieve a particular effect of emphasis or meter.
Inversion Techniques
Inversion is achieved by doing the following:

Placing an adjective after the noun it qualifies e.g. the soldier strong

Placing a verb before its subject e.g. shouts the policeman

Placing a noun before its preposition e.g. worlds between
32. Extended metaphor
The term extended metaphor refers to a comparison between two unlike things that
continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph or lines in a poem. It is often
comprised of more than one sentence and sometimes consists of a full paragraph.
33. Flashback
Defining flashback, Merriam Webster says that it is:
“an interruption of the chronological sequence (as of a film or literary work) of an event of earlier
occurrence”.
Flashbacks are interruptions that writers do to insert past events in order to provide
background or context to the current events of a narrative. By using flashbacks, writers
allow their readers to gain insight into a character’s motivation and provide a
background to a current conflict. Dream sequences and memories are methods used to
present flashbacks.
When I went out of the drawing room, first thing that came into view in the open corridor
way was the picture of my brother. [I just got the point why my mother used to see that
portrait hours after he was killed in the WWII, and she left only when she saw any one
of us coming to her.] I just heard steps and when I looked back, there was nothing that I
could see. It was just a feeling of the past.
Sentence enclosed in brackets is a flashback. It has interrupted the current event in
form of a sudden thought giving us an insight into the past of the narrator.
34. Foil
In literature, a foil is a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the
qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other
character. The term foil, though generally being applied for a contrasting character, may
also be used for any comparison that is drawn to portray a difference between two
things.
What we observe in literature very often is that a foil is a secondary character who
contrasts with the major character to enhance the importance of the major character.
The etymology of the term foil testifies the aforementioned assertion as the word “foil” is
taken from the practice of backing gems with foil (tool) so that they shine more brightly.
35. Epithet
Epithet is a descriptive literary device that describes a place, a thing or a person in such
a way that it helps in making the characteristics of a person, thing or place more
prominent than they actually are. Also, it is known as a by-name or descriptive title.
One can find many examples of epithet in Shakespeare’s works. Many of which were
his own coinages. Like, “Thou mad mustachio purple-hued maltworms! (Henry IV) and
“Death lies on her like an untimely frost. Upon the sweetest flower of all the field…”
(Romeo and Juliet).