Sciences

Academic writing in the sciences is mainly done to inform the readers or to persuade them (by
supporting a claim).

For whatever reason, the information you will present must be based on verifiable data gathered
through research or experimentation.

Some examples of writing genres in the sciences are laboratory reports, research papers, and journal
articles.

Writing in the sciences requires precision in the use of terminology, simple and direct language,
objectivity, and clarity.

Humanities

This discipline deals with the study of the human culture and experience.

The common writing genres in the humanities include literature reviews, book reports, literary analyses,
essays, critical reviews, and argumentative papers.

Using a subjective tone in writing which reveals your thoughts, opinions, attitudes, and feelings on the
topic is typical in this discipline.

Example:

The movie 300 has received a lot of criticisms for its historical inaccuracy and overuse of visual effects.
Perhaps those critics should see the movie as it is—pure entertainment. Personally, I think it was
imaginative. Zack Snyder, the director of the film and one of the writers of the screenplay, adapted the
graphic novel of the same title by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. Faithful to the novel, the movie with its
stunning visuals retells the Battle of Thermopylae, the famous battle between the Greeks and the
Persians.

Business

Business writing is often audience-centered and action-oriented. Business papers aim to motivate a
specific audience to perform an action.

Writing in business includes documents (e.g., memos, claim letters), economic research papers,
résumés, school application essays, scholarship application letters, and business proposals.

It uses straightforward and concise sentences to deliver the message quickly and clearly. Usually,
business papers are structured or formatted for proper organization and optimal readability.

Example:

Dear Mr. Raymundo,

I am writing this letter to apply for the University of Manila Scholarship. I came to hear about it through
an advertisement on campus, and I believe that I am qualified for it. I graduated with honors from
Ramon Magsaysay High School. As a student, I actively participated in various school activities. I was the
president of our student council; I served as captain of our debate team; and I was the editor in chief of
our school paper.