Which of the following is a type of writing that explains how to perform a task?

• A. Narrative
• B. Procedural
• C. Expository
• D. Descriptive

Answer: (B)

Understanding the purpose behind the writing helps you see why it’s put together the way it is. Procedural writing explains how to perform a task by giving step-by-step directions in the order you should follow. It often lists materials or tools and uses clear, action-forward language—like first, next, and finally—to guide you through each step. You’ll recognize it in recipes, manuals, and how-to guides because the goal is to teach someone exactly how to do something.

Other kinds of writing have different aims: narrative tells a story with characters and events, expository shares facts and explains ideas, and descriptive focuses on painting a vivid picture with details. Since this prompt asks for writing that shows how to complete a task, procedural writing is the best fit because its main purpose is to lay out the sequence of steps to do it.