As a student at any academic institution, you must know the main academic writing types. Various types have their unique purposes and require unique skills. Depending on the requirement, a writer may have to use more than one type in different sections of a paper. 

Identifying specific keywords in the instructions will tell you the type you need to write. For instance, you may have to write descriptively when presenting a case study and analytically in the discussion section.

This article will look more closely at the different types of academic writing and elaborate on their different aspects.

Descriptive Writing

The assignment instructions that indicate you need to use descriptive writing include: “report,” summarize,” “record,” or “define.” 

In most essays, there’s an opportunity to write a description. You may have to describe an event, a case study, or a report on your research findings. descriptive writingIn a descriptive essay, it is vital to share details and do it in a way that appeals to the five senses. Don’t use too much jargon or vague terms or try to convince or persuade readers. Present a clear picture using powerful, relevant words. It helps to use metaphors and similes to create compelling descriptions. 

Analytical Writing

The instructions that indicate you have to write an analytical essay include words like “analyze,” “examine,” “compare,” “contrast,” and “relate.” 

The primary purpose of an analytical essay is to come out with a deeper meaning through proper analysis. It answers questions like “why,” “how,” “where,” and “what.”  analytical writingYou may have to write an analytical essay about a novel, movie, idea, issue, or process. To do so, it helps to reorganize information into:

  • categories
  • parts
  • types
  • relationships
  • or groups

In an analytical essay, you may use color coding, tables, flow charts, etc., to highlight similarities and differences. You can build each section and paragraph around the various categories or parts. 

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Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing has all the elements of analytical writing but also includes your point of view. The instructions that indicate you need to write a persuasive essay include words like “argue,” “discuss,” or “evaluate.” Any writer’s claim must be backed up with evidence from trusted sources. 

How to form your point of view: You need to read research on the topic to help you form a point of view. Identify which research is most convincing and presents the most substantial evidence. You should look at several interpretations and consider the real-life implications. Is one point of view more beneficial than the other? Discussing the topic with batchmates or anybody who mentors you can help you to present your opinion honestly and confidently. pursuasive writingHow to develop your argument: Your work should be able to convince the audience that your viewpoint in writing uses suitable logic and reason. This involves presenting statistics and other evidence to support your opinion. Also, consider how your opinion is similar to or different or varies from the opinions of other research work by people in your field.

Critical Writing

Instructions for critical writing may include words like “evaluate,” “critique,” “disagree,” and “debate.” It has all the elements of persuasive writing but must include at least one other point of view. 

When you write a critical essay, you must present why to accept or reject the conclusions of other researchers. This will include identifying their main assumptions, methodology, or interpretations. You could point out problems with the work and propose another approach. Alternatively, you could defend the work and give evidence to prove its validity. critical writingYou must also present your own opinion with evidence to support it. The type of evidence you present should include authoritative research data. 

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FAQs

What is academic writing style?

Academic writing is a style that avoids using informal, conversational, or colloquial language. It uses neutral words rather than formal jargon. However, numerous factors are more scholarly when seeing loads of stuff.

What acts as academic writing's primary objective?

The most typical objective of academic writing is to explain a concept or research finding and persuade the audience that your theory or explanation is the right one.

What is the structure of academic writing?

Academic writing is distinguished by having a distinct framework. However, it often signifies that the texts have different sections and an end. The core organizational elements of a literary text—introduction, primary body, and discussion/conclusion—are sometimes depicted as an hourglass.

What is an introduction in academic writing?

The viewers will learn a lot from the introduction. They can understand the issue, its significance, and how you intend to move the conversation. Hence, the introduction should include a thesis statement stating the critical point in most academic fields.

What is the conclusion of academic writing?

The conclusion is a crucial component of academic writing. The reader receives closure while reminded of the paper's significance and contents. Hence, you can turn your attention away from the specifics and examine the overall organization of the document.

Where can you use academic writing?

Academic publications and educational institutions use a formal style of writing called academic writing. One can find it in academic publications and journal articles, and academic writing is necessary for your essays, research papers, and dissertation.

Conclusion

Learning to use different academic writing styles is part of developing strong writing skills. Descriptive writing is often the easiest to master, and critical writing is the most complex. This is because you must analyze information from various sources and develop your argument supported by reliable evidence. Mastering the different types of academic writing will improve your overall writing skills.