Which type of writing requires knowledge of formal literary style?

Poetic writing requires knowledge of formal literary style because it often follows specific structures, forms, and conventions that define poetry. This includes understanding meter, rhyme schemes, and the use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions. Poets must be adept at manipulating language and structure to create rhythm and impact, adhering to the often intricate rules of poetic forms like sonnets or haikus.

While descriptive, narrative, and expository writing each have their own styles, they do not inherently require the same level of adherence to the formal literary conventions characteristic of poetry. Descriptive writing focuses on painting a picture through sensory details; narrative writing tells a story and may prioritize character and plot development; expository writing aims to inform or explain concepts, often adopting a more straightforward style to convey information clearly. Each of these forms can be effective in their own right but does not necessarily demand the nuanced understanding of literary style that poetic writing does.