We use the term genres to describe categories of written texts that have recognizable patterns, syntax, techniques, and/or conventions. This list represents genres students can expect to encounter during their time at Duke. The list is not intended to be inclusive of all genres but rather representative of the most common ones. Click on each genre for detailed information (definition, questions to ask, actions to take, and helpful links).
- Abstract (UNC)
- Academic Email
- Annotated Bibliography
- Argument Essay
- Autobiographical Reflection
- Blogs (Introduction)
- Blogs (Academic)
- Book Review
- Business Letter (Purdue)
- Close Reading
- Compare/Contrast: see Relating Multiple Texts
- Concert Review
- Cover Letter
- Creative Non-fiction
- Creative Writing
- Curriculum Vitae
- Essay Exams (Purdue)
- Ethnography
- Film Review
- Grant Proposals (UNC)
- Group Essays
- Letters to the Editor
- Literature Review
- Mission Statement
- Op-ed
- Oral Presentations
- Performance Review
- Personal Statement: Humanities
- Personal Statement: Professional School/Scholarship
- Poetry Explication
- Policy Memo
- Presentation: Convert your Paper into a Talk
- Program II Duke Application Tips
- Relating Multiple Texts
- Research and Grant Proposals
- Response/Reaction Paper
- Resume, Non-academic (useful list of action verbs from Boston College)
- Science Writing:
- Summary
- Timed Essays/Essay Exams
- Visual Analysis