Assignment: Paper 209: Research Methodology

Name: Divya Sheta

Roll No.:06

Paper Name: Paper 209: Research Methodology 

Paper Code no.: 22419

Topic Name: Difference between Academic Writing and Non-Academic Writing

Enrollment No.:4069206420210033

Email ID: divyasheta@gmail.com

Batch:2020-23

MA SEM-IV

Submitted to: Smt.S.B.Gardi Department of English, MK Bhavnagar University.



Difference between Academic Writing and Non-Academic Writing


What is Academic Writing?

For a scholarly audience, academic writing is a formal and generally impersonal style of writing. It frequently relies extensively on study, verifiable data, and the viewpoints of knowledgeable academics. Academic writing includes things like research papers, dissertations, and scholarly writings. All of these styles of writing have a set format and structure that includes an introduction, thesis statement, summary of the subjects covered, and a strong conclusion. Academic writing's primary goal is to inform the reader while giving objective information and supporting the writer's arguments with substantial proof.

Additionally, the vocabulary used in academic writing frequently belongs to that particular field. A list of references or sources, together with citations, is a crucial component of academic writing. Additionally, academic writing should always be neutral and formal in tone.


Several Writing Academic Tips

  • Always address formally. Do not use slang or colloquialisms.

  • Avoid using contractions. (shortened verb forms).

  • Avoid using the first-person perspective and instead use the third.

  • Instead of asking questions, turn them into statements.

  • Avoid using hyperbole or exaggeration.

  • Don't generalise in a broad sense.

  • Avoid repetition and be concise and straightforward.


What is Non Academic Writing?

Writing that is not meant for an academic readership is referred to as non academic writing.  They are written with the general public or lay readers in mind. This kind of writing might be subjective, impressionistic, or personal in tone.

Non-academic writing uses informal or colloquial language. Even slang can be used in some non-academic writing styles. Examples of non-academic writing include newspaper articles, autobiographies, magazine articles, personal or business letters, novels, websites, text messages, etc. Unlike academic writing, which primarily concentrates on a particular field, the content of these articles frequently covers a broad range of subjects. A work of non-academic writing's primary goal is to enlighten, amuse, or persuade the audience.


The majority of non-academic texts lack references, citations, and source lists. Additionally, they are not as thoroughly researched as academic writing. Furthermore, compared to academic writing, non-academic writing frequently lacks the same tight framework. It frequently flows freely and exhibits the author's sense of humour and individuality.


What is the Difference Between Academic Writing and Non Academic Writing?


While non-academic writing is informal and frequently subjective and is targeted at the general public, academic writing is a formal, impersonal style of writing that is designed for a scholarly or academic audience. Writing for academic purposes differs from writing for non-academic purposes in a number of ways, including audience, purpose, language, format, and tone. While non-academic writing targets the general audience, academic writing targets academia. Additionally, the major goal of academic writing is to inform the audience using accurate information and strong support. But the goal of academic writing might also be to educate, amuse, or persuade the reader. This is a significant distinction between academic writing and other types of writing.


The style of academic writing and non-academic writing is another distinction. Non-academic writing is personal, impressionistic, emotive, or subjective in nature, whereas academic writing is formal and impersonal. This might be viewed as the primary distinction between academic writing and other types of writing. And while the latter employs informal and casual language, the former uses formal language while avoiding colloquialism and slang. Another significant distinction between academic writing and non-academic writing is the use of citations and sources. Citations and references are a part of academic writing, but they are not typically a part of non-academic writing. Research papers, dissertations, and scholarly articles are some examples of academic writing, whereas newspaper and magazine articles, memoirs, letters, digital media, etc. are instances of non-academic writing.

Academic writing is a unique form of writing that is designed to convey complex information and ideas to a specific audience. The primary audience for academic writing is scholars and researchers in a particular field, such as professors, students, and professionals. The purpose of academic writing is to explore, analyze, and communicate ideas in a clear and concise manner.


Unlike non-academic writing, which is often written for the general public, academic writing is highly formal and objective in its approach. It follows a specific set of guidelines and conventions that are designed to ensure clarity and precision. In academic writing, authors must use evidence to support their arguments and ideas, and must carefully cite their sources in order to avoid plagiarism.


Academic writing also differs from non-academic writing in terms of language and tone. Academic writing often employs technical jargon and specialized terminology that is unique to a particular field. It also tends to be more precise and analytical in its use of language. The tone of academic writing is typically formal and objective, avoiding the use of personal pronouns and emotional language.


The format of academic writing is also highly structured and follows a specific set of conventions. It often includes a clear introduction, a main body, and a conclusion, and may also include sections such as a literature review, methodology, or results. In addition, academic writing typically includes a bibliography or reference list that cites all sources used in the research. Academic writing is a highly specialized and formal form of writing that is designed for a specific audience and purpose. It requires careful attention to detail and adherence to a specific set of guidelines and conventions in order to effectively communicate complex ideas and information. 


Writing that isn't academic or technical is referred to as general writing. In our daily lives, we write in a manner similar to this. All types of writing are written in a generic writing style, including letters, emails, newspaper articles, advertising, posters, and diaries and journals. While proper grammar and spelling are still required in common writing, the standards are less stringent than in academic writing. The usage of slang, contractions, clichés, and other terminology is also not restricted. Academic writing is more complex and difficult to grasp than general writing, which can be colloquial, formal, or semi-formal. Additionally, there is no requirement for formal reference or citation in non-academic writing.

DOs & DON'Ts

In academic writing, the use of pronouns can be a tricky issue. According to Björk, Knight, and Wikborg, the informal choice is to use the pronouns I, us, and you. However, it's important to note that different disciplines may have different preferences when it comes to the use of pronouns. Some may allow their use throughout the text, while others may advise against them, except in the opening and conclusion.


Therefore, it's essential to check the style rules of the discipline or field you are writing in to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. It's also vital to consult departmental policies at the institution you are affiliated with for guidance. Additionally, reading widely across different academic fields can give you a better understanding of the decisions made by researchers in those fields.


In order to make things clearer, a table of typical DOs and DON'Ts of academic writing at the university level has been provided. However, it's worth noting that these guidelines may vary depending on the writing style and the specific rules of the department or institution. Therefore, it's important to check the specific guidelines provided by your institution or discipline before beginning any writing process

What not to do

 

          What to do

Do not use slang, jargon, colloquialisms, or sexist language.

Use formal language

Do not use shortened verb forms (contractions), such as they're, isn't, can't.

Use the full verb form instead, e.g. they are, is not, cannot

Do not use common vocabulary, such as have got, a lot, nice, the other thing.

Make more formal vocabulary choices, e.g. have found,a great deal , attractive/ advantageous,  the other issue/problem/notion/idea/topic etc..

Do not use conversational opening phrases, such as Well, you see, Yes…, Let's move on.

Leave out conversational phrases. Use appropriate connectors and introductory phrases.

Do not write I think - especially not at the beginning of a sentence, i.e. do not write, for example, I think James (2008) believes that global warming will…

Leave out I think, e.g. James (2008) believes that global warming will…












Works Cited

“Difference Between Academic Writing and General Writing | Features, Choice of Language, Use.” Pediaa.Com, 17 August 2016, https://pediaa.com/difference-between-academic-writing-and-general-writing/. Accessed 30 March 2023.

“DOs & DON'Ts.” Academic Writing in English, https://www.awelu.lu.se/language/register-and-style/dos-donts/. Accessed 30 March 2023.

Youngson, Nick. “Difference Between Academic Writing and Non Academic Writing | Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms.” DifferenceBetween.com, 1 February 2019, https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-academic-writing-and-non-academic-writing/. Accessed 30 March 2023.


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