Which type of writing usually requires presenting a viewpoint and providing support in CBEST prompts?

The type of writing that typically requires presenting a viewpoint and providing support is persuasive writing. This form of writing is aimed at convincing the reader of a particular stance or opinion on an issue. In persuasive writing, the author must not only clearly state their viewpoint but also offer reasons, examples, and evidence to support their argument, persuading the reader to agree or take action based on the presented information.

In contrast, narrative writing focuses on telling a story, often including characters, a plot, and a setting, rather than arguing an opinion. Descriptive writing aims to evoke sensory experiences by detailing specific characteristics of a person, place, or object, prioritizing vivid imagery over argumentation. Technical writing is designed to convey complex information clearly and concisely, often related to a specific field or subject, rather than to persuade the reader about a particular viewpoint. Thus, persuasive writing is uniquely characterized by its intent to influence the reader’s perspective or behavior through well-supported reasoning.