Writing in the Disciplines
HUMANITIES
Typical Documents:
- Analysis & interpretation of texts
- Critiques
- Analyses
- Responses
- Creative works
Document Formats:
- Single-focus text
- May use illustrations
Documentation:
- Modern Language Association (MLA) in some disciplines
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) in others (e.g., history)
Organization:
- Thesis-driven
- Logical structure derived from thesis
- Transitions
Evidence / Detail:
- Examples
- Facts
- Expert opinion
- Reasons
- Numerical data
- Sensory detail
- Primary source = existing documents
Style and Language Focus:
- Individual perspective of writer
- Creative word choices, language
- Active voice verbs
- First person may be appropriate
- Present tense verbs to discuss literature
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NATURAL SCIENCES / HEALTH SCIENCES
Typical Documents:
- Lab reports
- Reviews
- Articles
- Proposals
Document Formats:
- Headings used
- Emphasis on replicability
- Many graphics
- IMRD format (scientific method; see below)
Documentation:
- APA or discipline-specific documentation
Organization:
- IMRD:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Lit. review
- Methods/materials
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusions
- References
Evidence / Detail:
- Research data & studies, both primary and secondary
- Precise facts
- Graphics
- Primary source = experiments
Style and Language Focus:
- Observations of natural & human phenomena
- Technical language, precise vocabulary
- Passive voice verbs appropriate
- Third person
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SOCIAL SCIENCES
Typical Documents:
- Case studies, interviews
- Reports
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
Document Formats:
- Headings used
- Charts and graphs
- Includes an abstract
Documentation:
- American Psychological Association (APA) or;
- CMS/Turabian
Organization:
- Based on type of document
- Typical structure:
- Abstract
- Problem
- Study
- Findings
- Conclusion
Evidence / Detail:
- Quantitative research data, results
- Qualitative research data, results
- Primary source = direct study, observations
Style and language Focus:
- Behavior of people as a group
- Professional jargon
- Accessible language for some audiences, purposes
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BUSINESS
Typical Documents:
- Letters
- Memos
- Reports
- Proposals
Document Formats:
- Format specific to type of document (e.g., letter)
- Visual appearance important
Documentation:
- CMS/Turabian or instructor preference
Organization:
- Specific to purpose, type of document
- Short paragraphs, sentences
- Structured to "sell"
Evidence / Detail:
- Charts
- Statistics, data
- Graphics
- Writer's persona
Style and Language Focus:
- Based on audience & purpose
- First & second person
- Simple vocabulary
- Active verbs
- Direct language
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