Personal Details:-
Name: Drashti Joshi
Batch: M.A. Sem.4 (2022-2024)
Enrollment N/o.: 4069206420220016
Roll N/o.: 05
E-mail Address: drashtijoshi582@gmail.com
Assignment Details:-
Topic:- Academic and Non-Academic Writing
Paper: 209
Subject code & Paper N/o.: 22416
Paper Name:- Research Methodology
Submitted to: Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.
Date of submission: 26 April 2024
Abstract:
This assignment explores the distinctions between academic and non-academic writing, examining their respective purposes, audiences, styles, and approaches to sourcing and evidence. Academic writing, characterised by its formal tone, structured format, and reliance on scholarly sources, aims to contribute to the body of knowledge within specific fields or disciplines. In contrast, non-academic writing encompasses a diverse range of genres and styles, catering to various audiences and purposes, and prioritising creativity, accessibility, and engagement. By analysing these differences, this study provides insights into the unique characteristics and roles of academic and non-academic writing in scholarly discourse and broader communication contexts.
Keywords: Academic writing, non-academic writing, purpose, audience, style, tone, sources, evidence, scholarly discourse, creativity, accessibility.
What is Academic Writing?
Academic writing maintains a formal, objective, and technical tone. Its formality is upheld through the avoidance of casual language and colloquialisms, such as contractions or informal vocabulary. The writing remains impersonal and objective by prioritising the presentation of objects, facts, and ideas over direct references to individuals or emotions. Additionally, academic writing employs technical vocabulary specific to the discipline to enhance precision and clarity.
Furthermore, distinct disciplines exhibit varying styles and structures of writing. For instance, disciplines within the humanities often feature longer paragraphs, each containing a clear topic sentence that outlines the organisation of the argument. Conversely, fields such as the sciences typically utilise shorter paragraphs without explicit topic sentences, focusing instead on densely packed factual information to convey key concepts.
To be a good academic writer, you will need to learn the specific styles and structures for your discipline, as well as for each individual writing task. Some ways to do this are to:
ask for more information from your lecturer/supervisor/tutor
study the writing style of the academic articles in the most prestigious journals in your discipline
look at the successful writing by other students in your subject area.
Formal language
You can make your writing more formal through the vocabulary that you use. For academic writing:
choose formal instead of informal vocabulary. For example, ‘somewhat’ is more formal than ‘a bit’, ‘insufficient’ is more formal than ‘not enough’.
avoid contractions. For example, use ‘did not’ rather than ‘didn’t’.
avoid emotional language. For example, instead of strong words such as ‘wonderful’ or ‘terrible’, use more moderate words such as ‘helpful’ or ‘problematic’.
instead of using absolute positives and negatives, such as ‘proof’ or ‘wrong’, use more cautious evaluations, such as ‘strong evidence’ or ‘less convincing’. (“Writing”)
Academic articles are written by professionals in a given field. They are edited by the author's peers and often take years to publish. Their language is formal and will contain words and terms typical to the field. The author's name will be present, as will their credentials. There will be a list of references that indicate where the author obtained the information they are using in the article.
Academic articles can be found in periodicals similar to the Journal of Psychology, Childhood Education, or The American Journal of Public Health. (“Academic vs Non-Academic Articles”)
What is Non-Academic Writing?
Non-academic writing encompasses a wide variety of written forms and styles that aren't typically found in academic settings. It's about communicating ideas, stories, information, or opinions in ways that are accessible and engaging to a general audience, rather than following strict academic rules. This expansive category includes genres like creative writing, journalism, blogging, social media content, advertising, and personal narratives.
Creative writing, such as novels, short stories, poetry, and plays, allows writers to use their imagination and storytelling skills to entertain and inspire readers. These works often explore themes, characters, and emotions in ways that resonate with people on a personal level.
Journalism involves reporting on current events, trends, or human interest stories through articles published in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. Journalists aim to inform, educate, and engage readers by presenting factual information in a clear and compelling manner.
Blogging offers a platform for individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, expertise, or interests in an informal and often conversational style. Bloggers cover a wide range of topics, from travel and food to fashion, technology, and personal development.
Social media content, including posts, tweets, photos, and videos on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, allows users to share updates, opinions, and experiences with their followers in real-time. Social media writing is characterised by brevity, creativity, and the use of multimedia elements to capture attention and spark conversations.
Advertising and marketing copywriting involves creating persuasive messages, slogans, product descriptions, and promotional materials to attract customers and drive sales. Copywriters use language and visuals to communicate the benefits and features of products or services in a compelling way.
Personal essays and memoirs offer writers the opportunity to share their own stories, reflections, and experiences with readers. These writings delve into personal challenges, triumphs, and moments of self-discovery, inviting readers to connect with the author's journey on an emotional level.
Overall, non-academic writing is about connecting with people through words, whether it's by entertaining them, informing them, persuading them, or simply sharing a piece of oneself. It's about creativity, expression, and communication in ways that resonate with a broad audience beyond the confines of academia.
Non-academic articles are written for the mass public. They are published quickly and can be written by anyone. Their language is informal, casual and may contain slang. The author may not be provided and will not have any credentials listed. There will be no reference list. Non-academic articles can be found in periodicals similar to Time, Newsweek, or Rolling Stone.
As a general rule religious texts and newspapers are not considered academic sources. Do not use Wikipedia as an academic source. This website can be altered by anyone so any information found within its pages cannot be considered credible or academic. (“Academic vs Non-Academic Articles”)
1. Purpose and Audience:
Academic Writing:
Academic writing serves the primary purpose of contributing to the body of knowledge within a specific field or discipline. It aims to present new findings, theories, or analyses in a scholarly manner. The audience for academic writing typically includes other researchers, scholars, academics, and students who are knowledgeable about the subject matter. Consequently, academic writing tends to be formal and structured, catering to an audience that expects a high level of rigour, clarity, and precision.
Non-Academic Writing:
Non-academic writing, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of purposes and audiences. It can be tailored to entertain, inform, persuade, or express personal viewpoints. The audience for non-academic writing is more diverse and can include the general public, consumers, clients, or specific interest groups. As a result, the tone, style, and content of non-academic writing can vary significantly based on the intended audience and purpose.
2. Style and Tone:
Academic Writing:
Academic writing adheres to a formal style and tone, characterised by objectivity, clarity, and precision. It avoids the use of first-person pronouns (e.g., "I," "we") unless necessary and focuses on presenting arguments or analyses based on evidence and logic. Academic writing also follows specific conventions regarding structure, citation, and referencing, such as the use of academic jargon and citation styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
Non-Academic Writing:
Non-academic writing allows for more flexibility and creativity in style and tone. Depending on the audience and purpose, non-academic writing can be formal, informal, conversational, or even humorous. It may incorporate storytelling, descriptive language, or persuasive techniques to engage readers and convey messages effectively. Non-academic writing also tends to use more accessible language and may include colloquialisms, slang, or cultural references to connect with readers on a personal level.
3. Sources and Evidence:
Academic Writing:
Academic writing relies heavily on credible sources and evidence to support arguments or hypotheses. Authors are expected to conduct thorough research and cite relevant literature to provide a solid foundation for their work. Citations and references are essential for acknowledging the contributions of other scholars, avoiding plagiarism, and allowing readers to verify the accuracy and validity of the information presented.
Non-Academic Writing:
While non-academic writing may also draw from sources to provide information or support arguments, the standards for citation and referencing are generally less strict compared to academic writing. Non-academic writing places more emphasis on originality, creativity, and engaging storytelling rather than exhaustive documentation of sources. Depending on the context, non-academic writing may prioritise the author's voice and perspective over extensive citation of external sources.
4. Examples:
Academic Writing:
Examples of academic writing include research papers, scholarly articles, conference papers, theses, dissertations, and academic essays. These forms of writing are typically published in peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, or academic institutions and contribute to the ongoing conversation and advancement of knowledge within a particular discipline.
Non-Academic Writing:
Non-academic writing encompasses a broad spectrum of genres and formats, including novels, short stories, poetry, newspaper articles, magazine features, opinion pieces, blog posts, social media content, advertising copy, and creative writing. These forms of writing cater to diverse audiences and purposes, ranging from entertainment and information dissemination to marketing and personal expression.
In summary, academic writing and non-academic writing serve distinct purposes, audiences, and stylistic conventions. While academic writing prioritises rigour, objectivity, and scholarly discourse, non-academic writing offers more flexibility for creativity, expression, and engagement with a broader range of readers. Both forms of writing play valuable roles in communicating ideas, advancing knowledge, and shaping public discourse in their respective contexts.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the distinctions between academic and non-academic writing are stark yet complementary. Academic writing, characterised by its formal, objective, and technical nature, serves to advance scholarly discourse and contribute to the body of knowledge within specific disciplines. It upholds rigorous standards of research, evidence-based argumentation, and adherence to disciplinary conventions. On the other hand, non-academic writing encompasses a broad spectrum of styles and genres, each tailored to engage, entertain, inform, or persuade general audiences. It thrives on creativity, accessibility, and emotional resonance, offering diverse avenues for expression and communication.
While academic writing prioritises precision, objectivity, and adherence to disciplinary norms, non-academic writing celebrates innovation, authenticity, and connection with readers. Both forms of writing play essential roles in shaping our understanding of the world, disseminating information, and fostering meaningful dialogue. By recognizing the unique strengths and purposes of each, we can harness the power of both academic and non-academic writing to enrich our collective knowledge, inspire imagination, and bridge gaps between diverse communities. Whether advancing scholarly research or sharing personal stories, writing remains a powerful tool for communication, expression, and engagement across various contexts and audiences.
References
“Academic vs Non-Academic Articles.” Mid Michigan College, https://www.midmich.edu/services/lls/library/articles/academic-vs-non-academic-articles. Accessed 24 April 2024.
“Writing.” The University of Sydney, 21 June 2023, https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/writing.html. Accessed 24 April 2024.
(Words-1848)
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