What type of writing has the primary purpose of teaching or instructing?

Didactic writing is specifically designed to teach or instruct the reader. This form of writing often conveys moral lessons or practical knowledge and is characterized by its educational intent. It may employ techniques such as direct addresses or examples that clearly illustrate the intended lesson.

In contrast, descriptive writing focuses on painting a vivid picture using sensory details to describe a scene, character, or event, without an inherent instructional purpose. Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or to take a specific action rather than to educate. Narrative writing, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with storytelling—creating plots and characters—rather than with delivering lessons or instructions. Each of these other types serves distinct functions that do not align with the goal of teaching inherent in didactic writing.