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 Prompts and Paper Types" 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 (48:36): "Building Blocks for Academic Papers"