Different types of academic writing

In this section you are going to further explore features of academic writing. Here is a list of statements. Decide whether each one is true or false based on your reading in the previous section.

• There is only one type of academic writing.
  • True
    • Incorrect. The main types of academic writing are summarize, define, classify, compare/contrast, analyze, argue and synthesize. Remember, larger papers may use involve all these types of writing.
  • False
    • Correct. The main types of academic writing are summarize, define, classify, compare/contrast, analyze, argue and synthesize. Remember, larger papers may use involve all these types of writing.
• In an assignment, “What” questions usually prompt the writing of analysis essays.
  • True
    • Incorrect. “What” questions usually prompt the writing of summaries, definitions, classifications, and sometimes compare-and-contrast essays. For example, “What does Jones see as the main elements of Huey Long’s populist appeal?” or “What happened when you heated the chemical solution?”
  • False
    • Correct. “What” questions usually prompt the writing of summaries, definitions, classifications, and sometimes compare-and-contrast essays. For example, “What does Jones see as the main elements of Huey Long’s populist appeal?” or “What happened when you heated the chemical solution?”
• Understanding the terms of the assignment is as important as good writing.
  • True
    • Correct. Successful academic writing starts with recognizing what the instructor is requesting, or what you are required to do. Paying close attention to the assignment is key.
  • False
    • Incorrect. Successful academic writing starts with recognizing what the instructor is requesting, or what you are required to do. Paying close attention to the assignment is key.
• One of the main differences between secondary school and college/university level writing is that writing is a part of almost every class.
  • True
    • Correct. In classes other than English, many high school teachers must focus on an established body of information and judge students using tests. Often writing itself is not directly addressed in such classes.
  • False
    • Incorrect. In classes other than English, many high school teachers must focus on an established body of information and judge students using tests. Often writing itself is not directly addressed in such classes.

(: There’s a problem with the bullet lists.)