Another important way to learn about a discipline is to identify its stylistic features. Study some pieces of writing in the field with the following in mind:
Genres and media. What kinds of texts do people in the discipline typically create? Are typical texts in print or digital formats (or both)?
Design and visuals. What role, if any, do headings and other formatting elements play in the writing? Do writers typically use visual elements such as graphs, tables, maps, or photographs? How are visuals integrated into the text? How are they labeled?
Overall tone. How would you describe the tone of the writing?
Stance. To what extent do writers in the field strive for distance and objectivity? What strategies help them to achieve this stance?
Titles. Are titles generally descriptive (“Findings from a Double-
Sentence length. Are sentences long and complex? Simple and direct?
Voice. Are verbs generally active or passive? Why?
Person. Do writers use the first-
Documentation style. Do writers use MLA, APA, Chicago, or CSE style? Are sources cited in some other way?
Talking the Talk: The first person