Hear as many good stories as you can, and tell one whenever you find a listener.

155. The Study Of Common Forms Of Prose

In studying literature with a view to learning how to write, it has proved convenient to examine each of the four common forms of prose by itself. Now, as a matter of fact, we do not find a great many pure narratives, or pure descriptions, or pure expositions, or pure arguments; almost every composition is a combination of two or more of these forms. It is important, however, to acquire some skill in the use of each kind, for all are practical ways of using our mother tongue. If we tell a story, we wish to tell it so that it will make a definite impression; if we paint a word picture, we wish the picture to affect the reader as it affects us; if we give an explanation, we wish it to be so clear and orderly that every listener will follow step by step; if we champion one side of a question, we wish to present that side in such a straightforward, logical way that we shall be convincing.