Read assignment instructions carefully to determine the type of academic writing that is expected, as well as directions for layout, word count and structure. Here are some overviews of the main academic writing types you may encounter.
- Essays establish "a case" and prove it as fully and convincingly as possible by weighing the evidence. Simply put, an essay persuades readers of an idea, based on evidence.
- Reports are defined by highly structured, concise and targeted writing for a specific audience. Reports tend to present a problem or issue, analyse the facts involved, and propose solutions, using relevant research as evidence. Report headings vary but usually include an introduction, findings or results, discussion, recommendations and references.
- Literature reviews look to find and evaluate the current understanding about an aspect or topic of a particular field. It's best to explore key literature that is considered to be current and notable in the field of study, rather than trying to capture the full breadth of published works.
- Annotated bibliographies are about identifying and briefly analysing literature on a topic. Annotated bibliographies include the reference to the work itself, followed by a brief summary and analysis for each one.
- Reflective writing is a less formal process which can involve identifying feelings and evaluating and analysing experiences. It helps clarify your response to an experience, and reflect on mistakes and successes. It is written in the first person, and may pose questions that have no immediate answers.
Look at the guides on following pages to explore these types of writing in more detail.
