Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ISTJ
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.
THINKING

Prefer clear, objective, analytical assignments.

Organize ideas well.

More concerned with clarity than creativity.

Write best when they follow an outline.

Papers tend to be a listing of facts.

May fail to use examples or details.

We encourage thinkers to use examples to highlight their facts.
SENSING

Writes best when given explicit, detailed directions.

Finds revision easier when given step-bystep 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.
JUDGING

Like to limit the topic.

First drafts are short and quickly written.

Later drafts are longer and expand on ideas.

Frequently begin writing before completing their research.

Adhere rigidly to plans.

May fail to include all requirements in a paper.

We encourage judgers to stop at intervals in drafting to reevaluate their writing.
Prepared by Rebecca Corcoran, from material by James S. Major and Jean S. Filetti,
Defense Intelligence College, Washington, D.C. Published in Writing Lab
Newsletter.
1

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
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.
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.
SENSING

Writes best when given explicit, detailed directions.

Finds revision easier when given step-bystep 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.
P ERCEIVING
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.
2

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
INFJ
I NTROVERT
 Writing is an isolated activity
 Find writing easier than extroverts
 May write much of the paper in their heads
I N TUITION


Like general instructions to allow them freedom
 First drafts lack mechanical correctness
Flights of fancy supplant facts
 Write quickly
F EELING



Motivated by assignments that relate to personal matters
Focus on audience
Ideas may need further organization
J UDGING
 Limit topics and get drafts done quickly
 Later drafts expand their ideas
 Begin writing before completing research
 Upset by an additional assignment that may be added to the syllabus
3

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
INTJ
I NTROVERT

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
I N TUITION

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
T HINKING

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
J UDGING

Limits the topic

Strictly adheres to plan

Gets first draft done quickly

First drafts are shorter than later drafts

Later drafts expand ideas and clarify bluntly worded statements contained in the first draft

Usually begins writing before completing research, which may make drafting slow

Should try to stop at intervals in their drafting to reevaluate and revise plans

Should look for places where research is curtailed
4

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ISTP
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.
THINKING

Prefer clear, objective, analytical assignments.

Organize ideas well.

More concerned with clarity than creativity.

Write best when they follow an outline.

Papers tend to be a listing of facts.

May fail to use examples or details.

We encourage thinkers to use examples to highlight their facts.
SENSING

Writes best when given explicit, detailed directions.

Finds revision easier when given step-bystep 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.
PERCEIVING

Select broad, unlimited topics.

Attempt to research or analyze the topic thoroughly before beginning writing.

Have difficulty organizing their writing into sections.

Write best when they have a large block of time to devote to writing.

Frequently stop writing to examine alternatives or ponder decisions.

Need a specific deadline.

We encourage perceivers to focus their papers in the revision process.
Prepared by Rebecca Corcoran, from material by James S. Major and Jean S. Filetti,
Defense Intelligence College, Washington, D.C. Published in Writing Lab Newsletter
5

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ISFP
INTROVERT FEELING

Writes best in isolation.

Writes best when motivated by personal concerns or issues that concern humanity.

Finds writing easier than extroverts.

Engages in prewriting activities such as outlines.

Draw upon personal experience when writing.

Writes much of the paper in their head.

Focus on their audience and the impact of their writing.

Seldom ask for other's advice.

May search excessively for the right wording or phrase.

Needs a quiet place to complete writing tasks.

Write best when given personal encouragement and feedback.

We encourage introverts to seek advice and counseling if they have problems writing.

Writing may be unorganized or overly sentimental.
SENSING

We encourage feelers to clarify their content without using rigid outlines.

Writes best when given explicit, detailed directions.
PERCEIVING

Finds revision easier when given step-bystep instructions.

Select broad, unlimited topics.

Collect lots of data and facts before writing.

Attempt to research or analyze the topic thoroughly before beginning writing.

Have difficulty deciding what to include in the paper.

Have difficulty organizing their writing into sections.

Very concerned with making the paper mechanically correct.

Write best when they have a large block of time to devote to writing.

May fail to notice content weaknesses.

Frequently stop writing to examine alternatives or ponder decisions.

We encourage sensors to include more creative writing and examples if appropriate.

Need a specific deadline.

We encourage perceivers to focus their papers in the revision process.
Prepared by Rebecca Corcoran, from material by James S. Major and Jean S. Filetti, Defense
Intelligence College, Washington, D.C. Published in Writing Lab Newsletter.
6

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
INTP
I NTROVERT

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
T HINKING

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
I N TUITION

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
P ERCEIVING

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.
7

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ESTP
E XTROVERT
 Benefit from bouncing their ideas off ideas
 Are impulsive, impatient drafters

Seldom write outlines
 Interested in seeing immediate results
S ENSING

Write best when instructions are detailed and explicit

Prefer step-by-step directions
 Have difficulty deciding what information to include
 Focus on mechanics and neglect content
T HINKING
 Prefer analysis and see unclear assignments as meaningless
 Organize ideas well and are concerned with content clarity

Construct outlines

Papers tend to be a dry list of facts
P ERCEIVING
 Tend to select broad topics

Feel the need for extensive research
 Revisions need to concentrate on cutting out the unessential
 Need a specific deadline
8

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ESFP
E XTROVERT
 Benefit from bouncing ideas off others
 Seldom write from outlines
 Are impulsive, impatient writers
 Need to see immediate results
S ENSING


 Prefer detailed, explicit instructions
 Like step-by-step instructions
Have difficulty deciding what to include
Focus on mechanics and neglect content
F EELING




Motivated by assignments that relate to a personal concern or connect one human to another.
Focus on audience and want their topic to be interesting; may search excessively for the right phrasing.
Ideas may need further clarification and reorganization.
Often use outlines.
 Tips: Try not to overdo personal insights. Cite the cons as well as the pros of the argument.
P ERCEIVING


Tend to select broad topics and dive into their reading before limiting the topic.
 Delay the writing because they feel they need to read on more book or article.
First drafts are often too long and inconclusive.
 Revision needs to concentrate on cutting out the unessential.
 Need a specific deadline.
 Tips: Use a milestone chart. Find a point to cut off research and begin drafting.
Use an outline.
9

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ENFP
E XTRAVERT
 Benefit from bouncing their ideas off others.
 Seldom write from outlines; impulsive drafters.
 Interested in immediate results.
 May not revise until they receive another
’ s comments.
I N TUITION





Need general instructions that allow them to be original; set their own goals.
Drafts may be filled with unsupported generalizations and may lack mechanical correctness.
Write quickly, allowing one idea to suggest another.
Must concentrate on adding necessary support to their papers.
Tips: Read the assignment, checking for deviation from what was asked. Check for facts that need support. Temper creativity.
F EELING




Motivated by assignments that relate to a personal concern or connect one human to another.
Focus on audience and want their topic to be interesting; may search excessively for the right phrasing.
Ideas may need further clarification and reorganization.
Often use outlines.
 Tips: Try not to overdo personal insights. Cite the cons as well as the pros of the argument.
P ERCEIVING



 Tend to select broad topics and dive into their reading before limiting the topic.
 Delay the writing because they feel they need to read on more book or article.
 First drafts are often too long and inconclusive.
Revision needs to concentrate on cutting out the unessential.
Need a specific deadline.
Tips: Use a milestone chart. Find a point to cut off research and begin drafting.
Use an outline.
10

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ENTP
E XTRAVERT
Strengths

Generate ideas best by talking about the topic and interviewing people

Do not make outlines; instead think better when writing quickly and impulsively

Use free writing as a means to develop ideas
Weaknesses

May write fragmentally (touching on too many ideas) or superficially

May lack awareness of the audience if the audience is not a part of their active outer experience

Can become blocked they are unable to develop an inner dialogue with themselves
I N TUITION
Strengths

Write best when given general directions from which they create their own goals

Try to develop unique approaches to topics

Tend to innovate organizational patterns
Weaknesses

Pay little attention to mechanics in writing

Tend to forget to include concrete examples and not provide background information

May fail to follow directions closely
T HINKING
Strengths

Tend to excel at writing logically, objectively, and analytically

Essays are often well organized

Select topics that can be written about with distance rather than self-involvement

Often establish a point of view and then argue against it
Weaknesses

May regard their beliefs as universally held and thus be abrasive and dogmatic

Objectify ideas and examples to a point where they lack personal interest

Readers may regard their writing as cold
P ERCEIVING
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 Kristin Zook, from material by James S. Major and Jean S. Filetti,
Defense Intelligence College, Washington, D.C. Published in Writing Lab
Newsletter.
11

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ESTJ
E XTROVERT
 Benefit from bouncing ideas off others
 Seldom write from outlines

Are impulsive, impatient writers
 Need to see immediate results
S ENSING

Prefer detailed, explicit instructions

Like step-by-step instructions
 Have difficulty deciding what to include
 Focus on mechanics and neglect content
T HINKING
 Prefer analysis and see unclear assignments as meaningless
 Organize ideas well

Are more concerned with clear content than an interesting topic

Tend to write a dry list of facts
J UDGING
 Tend to limit a topic and get the first draft done quickly

Later drafts expand their ideas
 Begin writing before completing research
 An additional paper assignment not on the syllabus upsets them
12

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ESFJ
E XTRAVERT
Strengths

May fail to see the unique demands of each assignment

Can lack cohesiveness throughout their writing
F EELING 
Generate ideas best by talking about the topic, interviewing people, or actively experiencing the topic

Do not make outlines; instead, think better when writing quickly and impulsively

Use free writing as a means to develop ideas
Weaknesses
Strengths

Good at making contact with the audience

Writing usually reflects a deep, personal conviction

Prefer topics that they care about

May write fragmentally (touching on too many ideas) or superficially

May lack awareness of the audience if the audience is not a part of their active outer experience

Can become blocked they are unable to develop an inner dialogue with themselves
Weaknesses

May lack a clear organizational structure

Can be overly sentimental

May need o clarify their content
J UDGING
S ENSING
Strengths

Excel at presenting factual information

Prefer explicit and detailed specific directions

Generate ideas best from direct experience or concrete observation
Strengths

Tend o write quickly and produce more writing

Limits their topics very quickly and set goals that are manageable

Divide paper into sections so that they write quicker
Weaknesses

May fail to present an idea behind the observation
Weaknesses

May be overly emphatic and set goals that are unambitious

Too rigidly adhere to their original plans

Content may lack development
13

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ENFJ
E XTRAVERT
 Benefit from bouncing their ideas off others.

Seldom write from outlines; impulsive drafters.
 Interested in immediate results.
 May not revise until they receive another
’ s comments.
I N TUITION
 Need general instructions that allow them to be original; set their own goals.
 Drafts may be filled with unsupported generalizations and may lack mechanical correctness.
 Write quickly, allowing one idea to suggest another.
 Must concentrate on adding necessary support to their papers.

Tips: Read the assignment, checking for deviation from what was asked. Check for facts that need support. Temper creativity.
F EELING

Motivated by assignments that relate to a personal concern or connect one human to another.
 Focus on audience and want their topic to be interesting; may search excessively for the right phrasing.

Ideas may need further clarification and reorganization.
 Often use outlines.
 Tips: Try not to overdo personal insights. Cite the cons as well as the pros of the argument.
J UDGING
 Limit the topic, and get the first draft done quickly.
 First drafts are shorter than later ones, which expand ideas and clarify later ones.

Frequently begin writing before completing the research.

Tips: Make sure all elements are treated appropriately. Stop at intervals to reevaluate and revise plans.
14

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
ENTJ
E XTRAVERT
 Benefit from bouncing their ideas off others.
 Seldom write from outlines; impulsive drafters.
 Interested in immediate results.
 May not revise until they receive another’s comments.
I N TUITION
 Need general instructions that allow them to be original; set their own goals.
 Drafts may be filled with unsupported generalizations and may lack mechanical correctness.
 Write quickly, allowing one idea to suggest another.
 Must concentrate on adding necessary support to their papers.
Tips: Read the assignment, checking for deviation from what was asked. Check for facts that need support. Temper creativity.
T HINKING


 Prefer analysis and tend to view assignments that are not clear, objective and job-related as meaningless.
 Organize their ideas well and are more concerned with a clear content than an interesting one.
Construct an outline and follow it.
Tips: Look for cold, hard, descriptive phrases and add more personal touches.
J UDGING Limit the topic, and get the first draft done quickly.


First drafts are shorter than later ones, which expand ideas and clarify later ones.
 Frequently begin writing before completing the research.
Tips: Make sure all elements are treated appropriately. Stop at intervals to reevaluate and revise plans.
Prepared by Maria Lorusso, from material by James S. Major and Jean S. Filetti,
Defense Intelligence College, Washington, D.C. Published in Writing Lab
Newsletter.
15

Check out your personality type for a description of your particular strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
16