ISFJ

INTROVERT

• Writes best in isolation.

• Finds writing easier than extroverts.

• Engages in prewriting activities such as outlines.

• Writes much of the paper in their head.

• Seldom ask for other's advice.

• Needs a quiet place to complete writing tasks.

• We encourage introverts to seek advice and counseling if they have problems writing.

SENSING

• Writes best when given explicit, detailed directions.

• Finds revision easier when given step-by-step instructions.

• Collect lots of data and facts before writing.

• Have difficulty deciding what to include in the paper.

• Very concerned with making the paper mechanically correct.

• May fail to notice content weaknesses.

• We encourage sensors to include more creative writing and examples if appropriate.

FEELING

• Writes best when motivated by personal concerns or issues that concern humanity.

• Draw upon personal experience when writing.

• Focus on their audience and the impact of their writing.

• May search excessively for the right wording or phrase.

• Write best when given personal encouragement and feedback.

• Writing may be unorganized or overly sentimental.

• We encourage feelers to clarify their content without using rigid outlines.

PERCEIVING

Strengths

• Investigate their topics thoroughly and present carefully considered ideas
• Select broad topics and dive into research
• Pause often in writing to consider numerous alternatives

Weaknesses

• May write on topics that are too broad or may lose sight of their original goals
• Writing may lack a clear thesis
• May only begin to write when there is an external deadline for an assignment

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.