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Writing Assignment Options for WIM

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When we think of student writing assignments, we may think first of the "essay," but there are a lot of other writing types (or genres) than that for our students to write. Many of these genres may allow students to communicate more effectively with scholars in your discipline or with a broader public. Here are some examples of written genres that you may want to explore in your WIM class.

Academic Writing Genres

  • Review/Reading Response
  • Literature Review
  • Archival Research
  • Ethnography
  • Research Paper

Public Writing Genres

  • Policy Report
  • Op-Ed
  • Community Planning Report
  • Grant proposal
  • Feature Article

Science Writing Genres

  • Technical Report
  • Lab Report