Slides: Descriptive and Analytical Writing

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: