Types of Papers - Graduate Writing Center
Types of Papers
Papers (and the assignments that ask you to write them) come in many types, from the research paper to the compare-and-contrast assignment to the policy memo to the thesis. Knowing what type of paper you're being asked to write is crucial to producing a successful paper, so make sure to ask your professor when you have questions.
For assistance with understanding assignments and prompts, you're always welcome to meet with a coach; also check out our "Understanding Paper Types and Prompts" video.
For more information, see the following resources:
Types of papers links:
- Web page: "Specific Writing Assignments or Contexts," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
- Handout: "Comparing and Contrasting," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
- Video (2:33): "Comparing and Contrasting," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
- Web page: "How to Write a Comparative Analysis," Harvard University Writing Center
- GWC workshop video (48:29): "Building Blocks for Academic Papers"
All-Topics Index
The following index makes searching for a specific topic easier and links to the most relevant page for each item. We think we have all of them, but please email us at writingcenter@nps.edu if we're missing something!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
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advisor, selecting and working with appointment with GWC coaches, how to schedule |
B
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C
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commas, nonessential / nonrestrictive information |
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D
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E
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F
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G
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H
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I
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J
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L
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M
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N
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O
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P
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Q
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R
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S
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sources, engaging with / critiquing |
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T
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thesis advisor, selecting and working with |
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U
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V
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W
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Z
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