A6-f: Understanding the features of writing assignments in the disciplines
When you are asked to write in a specific discipline, or field of study, start by becoming familiar with the distinctive features of the writing in that discipline. Read the assignment carefully and try to identify its purpose and the types of evidence you are expected to use.
On the following pages are examples of assignments in three disciplines—psychology, biology, and nursing—along with excerpts from student papers that were written in response to the assignments.
Writing in psychology
ASSIGNMENT: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
1Key terms
2Purpose: to report on and evaluate a body of evidence
3Evidence: research of other psychologists
Marginal annotations indicate appropriate formatting and effective writing.
Writing in biology
ASSIGNMENT: LAB REPORT
1Key terms
2Purpose: to describe the methods and interpret the results of an experiment
3Evidence: data collected during the experiment
Marginal annotations indicate appropriate formatting and effective writing.
Writing in nursing
ASSIGNMENT: NURSING PRACTICE PAPER
1Key terms
2Purpose: to provide client history, diagnosis, recommendations, and outcomes
3Evidence: interviews, health records, and research findings
Marginal annotations indicate appropriate formatting and effective writing.