Computer Mediated Communications Tutorial
INTERPRETIVE WRITING
The type of writing that we'll call "interpretive" in this pamphlet is writing that seeks to present an individual interpretation, analysis, or evaluation of something else. It's the type of writing where your personal opinion and insight (supported, of course, by evidence) are expected and valued. It's writing where your main purpose is usually not just to present information, but, more importantly, to persuade your reader to accept your point of view or interpretation of that information. This type of writing may be assigned in any class, but is most frequently emphasized in humanities classes such as literature, philosophy, history, and art, as well as in many writing classes.
SCIENTIFIC WRITING
The type of writing that we'll call "scientific" in this pamphlet is writing in which you are expected to lay out facts or data as objectively and concisely as possible. Your feelings, intuitions, and speculations do not belong in such writing, nor do attempts to entertain the reader or to argue for your point of view. Your purpose is simply to present information in as clear, unbiased, and organized a manner as possible.