Writing in the Disciplines
Each discipline or field of study has different conventions for writing, conventions that reflect the values, roles, and practices within that discipline. The table below summarizes these conventions.
| Humanities | Social Sciences | Natural Sciences/ | Business | |
| Typical | Analysis & interpretation of texts | Case studies, interviews | Lab reports | Letters |
| Document formats, documentation | Single-focus text | Headings used | Headings used Emphasis on replicability Many graphics IMRD format (scientific method; see below) Documentation: APA or discipline-specific documentation | Format specific to type of document |
| Organization | Thesis-driven Logical structure derived from thesis Transitions | Based on type of document Typical structure: Abstract Problem Study Findings Conclusion | IMRD: Abstract Introduction Lit. review Methods/materials Results Discussion Conclusions References | Specific to purpose, type of document |
| Evidence, | Examples | Quantitative research data, results | Research data & studies, both primary and secondary Precise facts Graphics Primary source= experiments | Charts |
| Style, | Focus: individual perspective of writer Creative word choices, language Active voice verbs First person may be appropriate Present tense verbs to discuss literature | Focus: behavior of people as a group Professional jargon Accessible language for some audiences, purposes | Focus: observations of natural & human phenomena Technical language, precise vocabulary Passive voice verbs appropriate Third person | Focus: based on audience & purpose First & second person Simple vocabulary Active verbs Direct language |