From TV shows to novels, literature is present in every media type. Writing can be divided into two general categories within media; expository and interpretive writing. Movies, shows, plays, and/or books are all considered media. Expository writing conveys the author’s message directly, often using dialogue or narration to get the point across. This can be telling the viewer what the story is about or how the characters are feeling. On the other hand, interpretive writing is when some of these details are left unexplained. The meaning of certain events and concepts in the media is up to the viewer to decide. So, which form of writing is most effective in media?

PROS OF EXPOSITORY WRITING

1. Sense of fulfillment

Humans have a natural tendency to inquire and attempt to understand things that evoke our curiosity. This proves difficult to achieve with interpretive writing. We’ve all read at least one book with a “cliffhanger,” which typically ends with the fate of the characters unknown to the reader. With these types of books (using a technique known as interpretive writing), the reader is often left unsatisfied, confused, and most likely frustrated as well. Chances are, the abrupt ending ruined the reader’s entire perception of the book. Through expository writing, however, the reader is able to fully understand the plot, meaning that the ending will be understandable and logical. The reader will not be left with a plethora of questions and irritating what-ifs. Viewers are instead able to feel that satisfying sense of fulfillment at the end.

2. Clear communication

The whole point of media is to entertain or create feelings of enjoyment for the viewer. In order for the viewer to even judge the media that they have sought for entertainment, they must first be able to understand the plot and messages within the media. Expository writing achieves exactly this. There are fewer misunderstandings since the author directly communicates the point. Therefore, the author expresses their message more effectively and efficiently. This results in a thorough, reliable, and well-rounded plot. Again, the entire purpose of media relies on the type of writing that conveys its messages, and expository writing is able to execute this more successfully.

3. Eliminates opinion and personal preference

Creating an unclear scenario where the message is confusing can lead to misconceptions that are avoidable with expository writing. Children’s books are a great example of why too many viewpoints can be harmful in media. For instance, children could see the moral of Cinderella as an encouragement to disobey their parents instead of perseverance or forgiveness. If a book is too open-ended, the viewer may interpret it in a different way than was intended. People are influenced to a large extent by the media they take in, so when the point of the media is hazy, their outlook and behaviour in the world could be negatively impacted.

PROS OF INTERPRETIVE WRITING

1. Promotes thought and perspective

Interpretive writing encourages creativity and open-mindedness by allowing viewers to view the media as they wish. This is extremely important for children and adolescents, who make up a significant portion of media consumers. Interpretive writing strengthens the imagination, which is crucial for healthy mental development. Children can use their imagination to create fiction, while young adults can take their own stance on the topic while thinking outside the box. Moreover, media should not teach you facts like a science textbook. Rather, media inspires and motivates, as well as boosts creativity. Interpretive writing in media provides hints for the viewer to uncover its hidden messages and gives them as much information as required. Oftentimes, media has more than one interpretation, and interpretive writing propels these perspectives.

2. Offers flexibility instead of structure

The structure that expository writing follows weighs down the entire purpose of media. Again, media should inspire and foster creativity in individuals. By leaving some events and messages unexplained and open-ended, the material becomes more engaging for the viewer. Entertainment is, after all, the main motive of media. Diverging from convention, interpretive writing allows room for different viewpoints that depend on the viewers themselves. Media should not deliver facts like a textbook and should be open to many perceptions. Instead of boring the viewer time after time and providing an expansive explanation for every single event, interpretive writing allows the viewer to find joy in their imagination. Imagine the world of media if all there was is one scene, explained to the point of boredom, after another. Blunt realities replace all the interesting components that media uses to define itself.

3. Increases engagement with the media

Interpretive writing builds a deeper connection and relatability with the media. Rather than being straightforward, allowing the viewer to connect with the media on their own level is beneficial for both the viewer and the author. Due to the reasons listed above, interpretive writing attracts many. As such, higher profits for the author are possible. In addition, media is a means to let creativity and imagination run free and provide us with joy. Only interpretive writing achieves this, by allowing other viewpoints of the concepts presented. As humans, nothing is more exciting than the unknown, and therefore, interpretive writing proves to be of greater interest to viewers.

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