Skip to Main Content

Types of Academic and Scholarly Papers

This guide breaks down the major categories of scholarly papers and provides insight into their key components, writing tips, and strategies for effective reading and comprehension.

Essays are among the most common assignments in university coursework. They test your ability to develop and articulate ideas on a specific topic.

Types of Essays

Purpose: 

  • These essays examine a subject by breaking it down into components for detailed analysis.

Structure:

  • Introduction with a clear analytical thesis
  • Body paragraphs examining different aspects/components of the topic
  • Conclusion synthesizing your findings

Key Characteristics:

  • Objective analysis rather than personal opinion
  • Clear criteria for analysis
  • Evidence-based reasoning
  • Balanced consideration of multiple perspectives

Tips for Writing:

  • Begin by identifying the specific components or aspects you'll analyze
  • Establish clear, specific criteria for your analysis
  • Use transitions to show relationships between components
  • Balance depth and breadth of analysis
  • Maintain an objective, scholarly tone throughout

Tips for Reading/Understanding:

  • Identify the analytical framework being used
  • Note how the author breaks down the subject into components
  • Pay attention to the criteria used for evaluation
  • Look for patterns in how evidence is presented and analyzed
  • Consider whether all relevant perspectives are addressed

Purpose: 

  • To convince readers of a position through logical reasoning and evidence.

Structure:

  • Introduction with an argumentative thesis statement
  • Body paragraphs presenting claims with supporting evidence
  • Acknowledgment and refutation of counterarguments
  • Conclusion reinforcing the main argument

Key Characteristics:

  • Clear position or claim
  • Logical reasoning
  • Credible evidence
  • Consideration of opposing views

Tips for Writing:

  • Develop a specific, debatable thesis statement
  • Research both supporting evidence and counterarguments
  • Use strong topic sentences to introduce each argument
  • Incorporate diverse types of evidence (statistics, expert opinions, examples)
  • Address counterarguments respectfully but firmly

Tips for Reading/Understanding:

  • Identify the central claim or thesis early on
  • Evaluate the quality and relevance of evidence presented
  • Note how counterarguments are addressed (or if they're ignored)
  • Assess the logical progression of arguments
  • Consider unstated assumptions underlying the argument

Purpose: 

  • To explain a topic clearly and provide factual information.

Structure:

  • Introduction with an informative thesis
  • Body paragraphs developing different aspects of the topic
  • Conclusion summarizing key information

Key Characteristics:

  • Clarity and conciseness
  • Factual accuracy
  • Logical organization
  • Objective presentation of information

Tips for Writing:

  • Focus on explaining rather than persuading
  • Define technical terms and concepts clearly
  • Use examples, analogies, and illustrations to clarify points
  • Organize information in a logical sequence
  • Prioritize clarity over complexity

Tips for Reading/Understanding:

  • Look for clear definitions of key terms
  • Identify the main topics and subtopics being explained
  • Pay attention to examples and illustrations
  • Note the organizational pattern (chronological, spatial, process, etc.)
  • Consider what information may be missing or simplified

Purpose: 

  • To examine personal experiences and their significance.

Structure:

  • Introduction presenting the experience and its importance
  • Body paragraphs analyzing aspects of the experience
  • Conclusion discussing lessons learned or implications

Key Characteristics:

  • Personal perspective
  • Critical self-analysis
  • Connection to academic concepts
  • Thoughtful consideration of meaning

Tips for Writing:

  • Balance personal narrative with critical reflection
  • Connect your experience to relevant theories or concepts
  • Be honest about limitations in your perspective
  • Show how your thinking evolved through the experience
  • Use specific details from your experience to ground your reflections

Tips for Reading/Understanding:

  • Distinguish between description and reflection
  • Identify connections between personal experience and academic concepts
  • Look for evidence of critical thinking and self-awareness
  • Consider how the author's perspective may have changed
  • Evaluate the depth of insight gained from the experience