Slides: Descriptive and Analytical Writing
Descriptive and Analytical Writing
Descriptive Assignment
Analytical Assignment
Identifies key issues
Evaluates strengths
Considers alternatives
Evaluates alternatives
Gives reasons for choices
Looks for links/causes
Challenges (logic, data, etc…)
Probes and tests: informed and reasoned
Gives a clear and confident account which refuses simply to accept what has been said
Gives a balanced account of pros & cons of ideas
Avoids unsubstantiated assertions
Does not assert or assume something is simply true
Uses paragraphs to develop and expand ideas
Gives a clear and precise account of the relevant
evidence and arguments
Backs up argument with evidence
Gives reasons for conclusion
Recognizes limitations (tends, suggests..)
Avoids simplistic conclusions
Slide 3
Differences between descriptive and analytical assignments
• Descriptive writing merely sets the background
– Represents the situation as it stands
– Does not analyze or challenge
• Descriptive writing is attractive because it is relatively simple
– Often used to ‘pad out’ essays and assignments
• Analytical or critical writing transforms the information
– Not reporting but constructing an argument
– Pushing the ideas forward
– Has a ‘line’ – a thread of ideas from start to finish
Assignments need a good balance between description (scene-setting) and analysis.
Slide 4
Common Ground of Descriptive and Analytical Assignments
• Outline key ideas, books, theories, concepts
• Research: account of method, process, etc.
• Personal reflection:
Be sure of the good traits of analytical assignments
Good critical thinking is systematic
– like a criminal investigation; you need to:
• Investigate the problem thoroughly
• Prosecute and defend the ideas
• Cross examine the witnesses (literature)
• Sum up and consider theory
• Reach an informed verdict
– In the light of this evidence, it seems that....