What is Writing in the Disciplines?

The second category of WAC is often called Writing in the Disciplines (WID). Writing assignments of this sort are designed to introduce or give students practice with the language conventions of a discipline as well as with specific formats typical of a given discipline. For example, the engineering lab report includes much different information in a quite different format from the annual business report.

Because WID is used by a large number of WAC programs, this guide presents a great deal of information on WID, including a detailed rationale, examples, and logistical tips.

• A fuller definition of WID
• Alternate forms/formats that mimic professional writing
• Combining WTL with WID
• Sequencing tasks
• Responding to student writing
• Improving the research essay
• Resource: Improving the research proposal
• Teacher commentary
• Selected print resources
• Related Web Sites