Academic writing is distinguished by certain characteristics and is supposed to go along with strict rules. It aims at informing through factual information on a specific topic targeting a specific audience. First, academic writing is complex in the sense that it uses a language different from the spoken language. Usually, the vocabulary used is more complicated and grammatically correct. Second, academic writing is characterized by its formal nature. Colloquial expressions used in daily dialogues are not used in academic writing. Third, academic writing is objective and focuses on the major theme and purpose of the information. Fourth, accuracy is most observed in academic writing. An academic writer pays extra attention to the spelling of the words and how the words are supposed to be used. A slight mistake in word usage could distort the information. Fifth, academic writing is audience-specific. The information being put across by an academic writer is meant to inform a specific group of people. Other characteristics of academic writing are precision, clarity, and responsibility. Notably, none of the characteristics is more important than the other. When all these characteristics are incorporated into a piece of writing, any reader can distinguish it from non-academic writing.
Academic writing differs significantly from non-academic writing. The differences could be well understood by considering a research article on diabetes an academic writing piece and the New York Times as a non-academic writing piece. While the target audience in academic writing is specific, non-academic writing targets the mass public. The purpose of academic writing is solely to inform the reader by providing factual evidence to support an argument or a finding. The purpose of non-academic writing, on the other hand, is to inform people on a general topic or societal concern, entertain the readers or even persuade them to take a certain stand without a clear statement of facts. The writing style used in academic writing is impersonal and formal while the style used in non-academic writing is often subjective, personal and in some instances emotional. The language used in academic writing is purely formal while the language used in non-academic writing is casual and contains colloquial statements. Examples of academic writing include dissertations and research papers. Newspapers, letters, and magazines are examples of non-academic writing. Academic writing differs from personal, informal and creative writing in terms of audience, style, purpose, and language.
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The first article in my search “Education and Ohio” is The State of Post-Secondary Correctional Education in Ohio. The journal article was published in 1997 to demonstrate the positive implications of scholastic programs in Ohio. The publication date of this information is not acceptable as of today and the information is outdated, hence the currency aspect of the article. The accuracy of the article has been compromised since the final findings and conclusions are made from history other than current research. Ellen, however, outlines all the facts and figures that could be applicable in the final decision. The Authority and credentials aspect of the article is guaranteed. The information was published in the Journal of Correctional Education which is a reputable source of information. The audience of the information is scholars interested in correctional matters and the state authority. The information presented is free from gender or race bias. The source is peer-reviewed and could be used as an academic reference in future research.
The second article is a dissertation titled; No Child Left Behind: Determining the Impact of Policy on Music Education. The article was published in 2009 and the research aimed to determine the general point of view towards music education in public schools located in Ohio. Attitude changes with time and therefore this information is outdated but could be used to layout facts in other researches. The authority aspect of the article is definite since the writer provides a committee of four doctors who approved his dissertation. The primary research conducted in the study guarantees the reader the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. The audience of the information is academic. The information provided is not biased or discriminates against anyone. The language used in this article is formal and complex. The writer focuses on the main purpose of the article which is to inform. The article could be used as a reliable source of information and is, therefore, an academic writing piece.
References
Batiuk, M. E. (1997). The state of post-secondary correctional education in Ohio. Journal of Correctional Education , 48 (2), 70-72.
Davis, L., & McKay, S. B. (1996). Structures and strategies: An introduction to academic writing . Macmillan Education AU.
Gerrity, K. W. (2009). No Child Left Behind: Determining the impact of policy on music education in Ohio. Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education , 79-93.
