What is an analytical style?
An analytical style is a written piece of content that illustrates the impact or consequence
of an action or event. Analytical styles examine individual parts of a process, event or
topic. Professionals who write analytical styles also strive to identify how these parts
interact with each other. While analytical styles often contain descriptive elements, they
also present a new perspective or argument for readers to consider.
They often offer more in-depth information, data and evidence to support abstract ideas
and theories than descriptive styles do. Analytical styles may also evaluate the strengths
and weaknesses of a specific topic, make informed judgments about it and draw
conclusions based on research. Some of the keywords writers often use in analytical
styles include contrast, compare and analyze.
What is a descriptive style?
A descriptive style is a written piece of content that simply focuses on what something is
or what happened. Descriptive styles provide straightforward facts to the reader instead
of presenting an argument. The goal of the writer is typically to describe something that
happened, to highlight key points or to summarize their knowledge about a specific
topic. Descriptive styles may focus on a specific person, place or thing, recount
something that happened or provide a brief overview of a theory.
Some keywords writers often use in descriptive styles include how, describe and
summarize. If you need to write a descriptive style, focus on making your main point
clear, accurate and precise. Use a logical order to present supporting facts and
important details.
Analytical style vs. descriptive style
While analytical styles and descriptive styles are both popular options in academic and
professional settings, there are some differences between these two writing styles that
are important to understand. Here are some of the most notable ways analytical and
descriptive styles differ from each other:
An analytical style focuses on the impact an event has, whereas a
descriptive style focuses on providing an overview of an event, person,
place or object.
An analytical style can expand on a relevant topic or theory by
introducing new questions and arguments, whereas a descriptive style
simply explains the facts.
An analytical style determines whether an action has a positive or
negative effect, whereas a descriptive style provides unbiased
information.
The main goal of an analytical style is to evaluate, analyze and compare
something, whereas the main goal of a descriptive style is to present
facts and details.
An analytical style draws a conclusion, whereas a descriptive style
allows readers to form their own judgments.
Analytical styles answer questions like why, what and what next,
whereas descriptive styles answer questions like what, when and where.
Examples of analytical and descriptive writing
Example one
Here's an example of how a professional could cover a local news story using either an
analytical or a descriptive writing approach:
1. Governor Martha Dually's recent announcement to upgrade the Sunset Hill Park
playground equipment seems premature. We polled over 200 local residents after
last week's board meeting and found that 70% of residents are concerned about
where the city plans to obtain funding for this project. While Governor Dually
stated that the city is looking for donors, construction for the $20,000 park
upgrade is set to begin in May 20222. If the city is unable to gather enough
donations and grants, a tax increase could be in the future for many residents
who live in the Sunset Hill neighborhood.
2. Governor Martha Dually recently announced the city's plan to upgrade the Sunset
Hill Park playground equipment. The estimated project budget is $20,000 and
blueprints include a sand volleyball court, basketball hoops and a jungle gym.
While the city is still looking for donors, construction is scheduled to begin in May
of 2022.
Example two
Here's an example of how a research student could write an academic article for a
graduate program using both the analytical and descriptive approaches:
1. The high concentration of polyfuoroalkyl substances (>3 ug/L) in blood samples is
concerning, especially since our participants live in a wide variety of rural and
urban areas throughout the state of Texas. The 1,243 participants we collected
samples from also range in age from one-year-old to 75 years old, which shows
that these substances affect individuals at each stage of their lives. Other studies
show that polyfuoroalkyl substances, also known as 'forever chemicals,' can take
hundreds or even thousands of years to degrade. These substances can
contaminate drinking water, travel through soil and accumulate in animals, which
impacts the food we eat. Additional research is required to study polyfuoroalkyl
substances, identify the effects they have on humans, learn how to prevent them
from spreading and develop ways to remove them from our environment.
2. The study our group conducted shows a significant concentration of
polyfluoroalkyl substances (>3 ug/L) in the blood samples we collected from
1,243 participants. These participants live in both rural and urban areas through
the state of Texas. They also range in age from one-year-old to 75 years old.
Example three
Here's an example of how a professional could use analytical or descriptive language in
a cover letter to discuss their academic ability when applying for a job:
1. During my freshman year of college at Alt North University, I found some of my
introductory level classes challenging, so I took proactive measures to obtain a
tutor and improve my academic performance. My senior year, I earned A's in all
of my science classes and graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.52. I believe my
dedication to the sciences and willingness to learn new things shows that I am a
strong candidate for the environmental scientist role at AVT Resources
Management.
2. I graduated from Alt North University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in biology
and a cumulative GPA of 3.52.
Analytical Type: CLAIM
Planes are beneficial vehicles for transportation as they are cheap and fast.
Descriptive Type: INFORMATION
Planes are made up of three main parts; the wings, the body and inner components.
1. Psychological disorders are classified under two headings as ……….
2. Psychological disorders are caused by many social factors ……
