What is the definition of interpretive writing?

Interpretive writing is characterized by its reliance on a variety of sources, including technical, informational, scientific, historical, and cultural materials. This type of writing involves analyzing and explaining complex ideas and concepts derived from these sources, interpreting their significance, and presenting an understanding that goes beyond mere description.

This means that interpretive writing seeks to make sense of information, highlight its relevance, and provide insights based on the data and evidence collected from diverse domains. For example, an interpretive essay might analyze a historical event by drawing on primary and secondary sources to discuss its impact on contemporary society, thereby demonstrating the writer's ability to synthesize information from various contexts into a coherent interpretation.

In contrast, creative expression focuses on personal feelings and imaginations, personal narratives are anecdotal reflections on experiences, and writing based solely on fictional content does not engage with factual, analytical, or interpretive processes. These other forms of writing do not involve the same level of analytical depth or reliance on a broad spectrum of informational sources that are central to interpretive writing.