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Difference between Academic Writing and Non Academic Writing

Last Updated : 18 Sep, 2020
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1. Academic Writing :
Academic writing refers to a piece of writing which focuses on specific academic subject/topic. Through academic writing the writer intends to prove a theory or viewpoint in one way or the other. Mainly academic writings are based on academic findings and academic research and is intended for a scholarly audience. The writer can explain a specific subject matter by providing his/her own point of view. It includes scholarly essays, research papers, dissertations, etc.

For example suppose a professor writing on a concept related to Chemistry and that published on college’s monthly magazine.

2. Non Academic Writing :
Non Academic writing refers to a piece of writing which focuses on a general topic rather than any academic topic. It is not intended for an academic audience. It is intended for a lay audience or the mass public. Non academic writing focuses on lay audience or the mass public. These types of articles are mostly personal, impressionistic, emotional, or subjective in nature. It includes magazine articles, personal or business letters, novels, websites, text messages, etc. are some examples of non academic writing.

For example you are an employee of an company and you are writing a business letter to your colleague related to the current project.



Difference between Academic Writing and Non Academic Writing :

S.No. ACADEMIC WRITING NON ACADEMIC WRITING
01. Academic writing refers to a piece of writing which focuses on  specific academic subject/topic. Non Academic writing refers to a piece of writing which focuses on a general topic.
02. Academic writings are based on academic findings and academic research etc. Non Academic writings are based on any general conversation or topic.
03. Its reader includes academicians. Its reader includes family and friends.
04. Its purpose is to inform the readers with solid evidence. Its purpose is to inform, entertain or persuade the readers.
05. It may include some complex sentences. Simple and short sentences are always preferable.
06. Its content is based on serious thought. Its thought is based on conversational.
07. It contains citations and references. It often do not contain citations and references.
08. Academic writing is structured in manner. Non Academic writing is not structured in manner.
09. It always follows a formal way of writing. It may follow formal or informal way of writing.
10. It is organized in a clear and well planned manner. It is less likely to be clear and organized.
11. In grammar point of view academic writing is error free. In grammar point of view it may contain error but mostly avoided.
12. In academic writing technical and academic language used accurately. In non academic writing use short forms, idioms and slang.
13. For example suppose a professor writing on a concept related to Chemistry and that published on college’s monthly magazine. For example you are an employee of an company and you are writing a business letter to your colleague related to the current project.


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