The words "what" and "why" serve different purposes in academic writing and can lead to different types of essays.
When using the word "what" in an academic context, it prompts the writer to provide an objective analysis or description of a subject. It requires the writer to present facts, information, or a clear understanding of a topic. For instance, an essay that focuses on answering the question "What are the causes of climate change?" would require the writer to provide a comprehensive explanation of the various factors contributing to this phenomenon. In this case, the writer's primary goal is to provide a thorough understanding of the topic by presenting factual information or evidence.
On the other hand, when using the word "why," it prompts the writer to explore the reasons, motivations, or justifications behind a particular phenomenon, event, or concept. Essays that delve into the question "Why is climate change an urgent issue that requires immediate action?" would require the writer to analyze and provide arguments that justify the significance and urgency of addressing climate change. In this case, the writer's main objective is to provide a persuasive and logical reasoning behind a particular subject.
While both "what" and "why" address different aspects, they are equally important in academic writing. "What" questions focus on providing an objective analysis, while "why" questions require a more critical evaluation and exploration of reasons or justifications. Both types of writing contribute to a holistic understanding of a subject matter and help develop different skills, such as research, analysis, and critical thinking.
Explain how the word "what" asks for a different kind of writing than "why". (referring to academic writing/essay writing)
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