A wise man once described the effectiveness of well-crafted writing, noting that, “The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.”[1] Communication is most effective when it engages and tests critical thought, and one of the best ways to engage and test critical thought is to write.
There is value in academic writing on multiple levels. Expressing thoughts and ideas in writing helps us to organize our thoughts and critically assess the validity and quality of our ideas. Writing also allows us to communicate more precisely with others, as we fine tune and refine ideas in order for them to be understood by others. While there are many tools and structures for writing that can be effective, we are introducing here twelve of the most recognizable forms of academic writing and providing some of their basic structure. These twelve forms can help thinkers and writers as they consider how to best communicate their ideas, and what might be the most effective tools for accomplishing their writing goals.
It is helpful (and often required) to preface academic writing with an abstract, a brief 100–300-word statement that explains what the writing accomplishes and how. The abstract should be rewritten and refined as the project progresses, but an effective and well-written abstract, even in its initial form – can help a writer determine which form of paper is best utilized for accomplishing the writing goal. So, before choosing the type and structure of paper to use, craft a basic abstract. Once the rough abstract is written, consider the followings twelve types and structures for the paper, and choose the one that will best meet the writing requirements and which will best help accomplish the goal stated in the abstract.
1. Analytical Paper – addresses a research question from multiple angles and from multiple primary and secondary sources. Typically, the analytical paper is written from a more neutral perspective, rather than to prove or disprove a thesis statement.
Sample Structure:
- Research Question
- Introduction of Sources
- Summary of Perspectives
- Conclusion and Implications
2. Argumentative Paper – establishes a position in a thesis statement and supports that thesis with data from primary and secondary sources and from other evidence that might be available.
Sample Structure:
- Thesis Statement
- Introduction of Sources
- Summary of Perspectives
- Conclusion and Implications
3. Cause and Effect Paper – considers a condition, assesses potential causes, and provides analysis.
Sample Structure:
- Introduction of Condition
- Potential Cause(s) (Discussion and Affirmation or Denial of Causes)
- Significance and Implications
4. Compare and Contrast Paper – compares two (sometimes more) perspectives and explores similarities or differences.
Sample Structure:
- Introduction
- Perspective #1
- Perspective #2
- Similarities and Differences
- Significance and Implications
5. Definition paper – describes a topic as objectively as possible, providing data and information that can be the basis of further analytical study.
Sample Structure:
- Thesis (including definition)
- Justification and Explanation
- Conclusion
6. Editorial Paper – an opinion paper reflective of one’s subjective analysis and perspective on a topic. Often based on anecdotal or experiential data.
Sample Structure:
- Introduction of Topic
- Examples
- Conclusion
7. Exegetical paper – applying normative hermeneutic principles, explaining a passage in a text, including background and context, meaning of the text, and significance.
Sample Structure:
- Background and Context
- Structural Keys
- Linguistic and Grammatical Keys
- Contextual Ideas (Near and Far Contexts)
- Summary of Meaning
- Summary of Significance
8. Experimental paper – a detailed discussion of the practical application of the scientific method to an issue, including the stating of a hypothesis, explanation of an experiment, and discussion of results.
Sample Structure:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Implication and Discussion
- References
9. Interpretative paper – utilizing existing knowledge or research, interprets the data to draw and support a conclusion or thesis. Expositions and commentaries can often fit this category.
Sample Structure:
- Thesis (stating interpretation)
- Introduction of Subject Matter to be Interpreted (author’s methods, background, etc., writings, etc.)
- Interpreter’s Methods
- Interpreted Summary
- Implications
10. Problem-Solution Paper – attempts to resolve a problem, proposing a solution based on data and research.
Sample Structure:
- Introduction of Topic
- Problem and Implications
- Resolution and Implications
- Conclusion
11. Report paper – presents data discovered through research, can be quantitative or qualitative, and can also be an experimental or survey paper, depending on the type of research involved. This can be original research, or build on the research of others.
Sample Structure:
- Executive Summary / Abstract
- Introduction
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
12. Survey paper – collects data from respondents, analyzes the data, and reports findings and impact of findings.
Sample Structure:
- Abstract
- Literature Review
- Methodology
- Findings
- Limitations
- Areas for Future Research
- Significance
Each style of paper is complemented by a particular structure that helps accomplish the goal of the paper. While there is some degree of flexibility in structure, of course, it is the structure that really defines the type of paper, and it is the type of paper that determines what the paper can accomplish. Choosing the right type of paper is like choosing the proper tool for a job. First, the writer has to determine the goal of the project, then the best method to accomplish the objective.
Regardless of which paper type is selected, remember that every paper should be written in the style (Turabian, Chicago, APA, MLA, etc.) appropriate to the discipline being covered, including appropriate citations and bibliographic material.
While it can be fairly easy to communicate in writing, making that communication most effective means attending to the details like goals, type of communication, structure, and style. The better a writer handles those details, the more likely it is that the audience will connect with what the writer has said.
[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Ec 12:11.
