INTROVERT

• Writes in isolation
• Finds writing easier than extroverts
• Engages in prewriting activities such as outlines
• Writes much of the paper in their head
• Seldom asks for other’s advice
• Needs a quiet place to do complete writing tasks
• We encourage introverts to seek advice and counseling if they have problems writing

INTUITION

• Likes general instructions that allow them to set their own goals and be original
• First drafts may be filled with unsupported generalizations and mechanical incorrectness
• Writes quickly, allowing one idea to suggest another
• Must concentrate on adding necessary support to papers
• Recognize your creativity, but realize it must be tempered to fit the situation and assignment
• Make sure facts support imaginative ideas

THINKING

• Prefers analysis
• Views assignments that are not clear or objective as meaningless
• Organizes ideas well
• Writes with clarity
• More concerned with clear content than interesting content
• Constructs an outline and follows it
• Papers may tend to be a dry listing of facts
• Should try to include vivid examples and add details
• Should add a more personal touch in place of cold, hard, descriptive phrases

PERCEIVING

• Selects broad topics
• Dives into reading before limiting the topic
• Often delays writing process because feels the need to read one more book or article
• First drafts are often too long and too inconclusive
• Needs a specific deadline in order to triger the writing process
• Should focus revision on cutting out the unessential
• Should try to use an outline to detect unneeded elements
• Should determine a point at which to cut off research and begin drafting

Prepared by Sara Fabrizio, from material by James S. Major and Jean S. Filetti, Defense Intelligence College, Washington, D.C.  Published in Writing Lab Newsletter.