Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Academic Writing Genres colored-books - Coggle Diagram
Academic Writing Genres 
-
REPORT
Definition
A research report is a structured academic writing of an investigation conducted to address a specific problem or research question. It documents the research process, presents findings, and proposes solutions or recommendations
Purpose in academic writing
-
-
-
-
-
Practice in academic writing
-
-
-
-
Evaluate different solutions, make a choice, and provide recommendations.
Structure of research report
Title Page , title, date, researcher details.
-
-
Background that introduces the problem, justification, and literature support.
-
-
-
-
SURVEYS
Definition
A survey is a systematic method used to collect primary data from a group of respondents to gain information about attitudes, opinions, behaviours, or characteristics of a population. Surveys are widely used across academic disciplines because they allow researchers to gather quantitative and qualitative data efficiently in order to generalize findings to a larger population when designed properly.
Purpose in academic writing
-
-
Measure variables which includes perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours.
Support arguments or discussions in essays, case studies, and research reports.
Practice in academic writing
Designing the stud,y start by defining clear research questions and objectives.
Sampling, Choosing appropriate participants (random, stratified, or purposive).
Creating research instrument by designing questionnaires or interview schedules that align with the research aim.
-
Data analysis: Using statistical tools such as SPSS, Excel in order to identify patterns, relationships, or trends.
Reporting results: Presenting findings clearly in tables, charts, or graphs, and interpreting their implications.
Structure in academic writing
-
Instrument
Include clear, unbiased, and relevant questions.
-
Administration
Explain how the survey was distributed by email, online, face to face.
Mention ethical considerations (consent, confidentiality, anonymity).
-
Analysis
-
Present findings using graphs, charts, and tables.
-
ESSAYS
Definition
Essays are the most common forms of academic assessment across all disciplines because they demonstrate understanding, reasoning, and communication skills.An essay is a structured piece of academic writing that presents and supports a central argument or perspective. It reflects the ability of the writer to think critically, organise ideas logically, and engage with evidence to persuade or inform readers. Types of essays includes argumentative, explanatory and expository .
Purpose of academic writing
-
Critically analyze concepts, theories, and data.
-
-
Practice of academic writing
Planning and researching,writers gather academic sources and outline key arguments.
Critical engagement: Instead of merely describing, writers analyse and interpret information.
Evidence based writing: Claims are supported with citations from credible sources (books, journal articles, and case studies).
Academic tone and style: Essays use objective language, third person voice, and clear transitions.
Referencing: Accurate citation (e.g., Harvard or APA) is required to acknowledge sources.
Structure in academic
-
Body Paragraph
-
Begins with a topic sentence, followed by explanation, evidence, and analysis.
-
-
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definition
A literature review is a systematic summary and evaluation of existing scholarly work on a specific topic. It establishes the academic context for new research by identifying what is already known, what debates exist, and where research gaps remain.
Purpose in academic writing
-
-
-
It is a foundation for new research, it demonstrates that the researcher has engaged with relevant scholarship before embarking on a study.
Practice in academic
-
Evaluating: Assess the credibility, relevance, and quality of each source.
Synthesizing: Integrate findings by grouping them thematically, chronologically, or methodologically.
Critical Analysis: Go beyond summarizing; highlight contradictions, agreements, and limitations across studies.
-
Structure of a literature review
-
-
-
-
-
-
Provide analysis and critical evaluation, not just summaries.
Highlight points of agreement, disagreement, and areas still under discussion.
-
CASE STUDIES
Definition
A case study is an examination of a real life situation, problem, or phenomenon. It explores events from multiple perspectives to provide deeper understanding of how and why things happened. Case studies are widely used across disciplines because they capture the complexity of real world contexts
Purpose in academic
-
Understanding processes, behaviours, and outcomes rather than just surface-level facts.
-
For example: In education, a case study might examine how a school principal uses transformative leadership to promote digital teaching and learning in under resourced schools.
Practice in academic writing
Contextualisation: Writers introduce the real life situation with background information and significance.
Integration of theory: Writers link the case to academic theories/frameworks. For example, transformative leadership theory in education.
Evidence based analysis: Writers support arguments with data, observations, interviews, and statistics.
Critical reflection: Writers evaluate the case highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and implications.
Structure of the case
Introduction
-
Explain why the case was chosen (unique, typical, or critical example).
-
Case Description
Present background of the case (school, organisation, or individual).
Describe the context, stakeholders, and relevant history.
Analysis
-
Identify patterns, themes, or causal factors.
-
-
Conclusion
-
Highlight implications for practice, policy, or further research.
-