Academic writing different other types writing genres
Another difference is that with general writing — content, blogging, and copywritingfor example — the topics tackled may deal more with actionable and concrete concepts, while academic writing deals more with abstract ideas. Given this, the question you should ask yourself while proofreading is: why begin with a list in the first place rather than just starting with systematic analysis of each item arranged in separate paragraphs?
However, there are some genres which have a different structure in each discipline e. This is also one of the main functions of academic writing--examining and explaining the significance of complex ideas as clearly as possible.
Characteristics of academic writing
This is particularly true in academic writing because words and terminology can evolve a nuanced meaning that describes a particular idea, concept, or phenomenon derived from the epistemological culture of that discipline [e. This is also one of the main functions of academic writing--examining and explaining the significance of complex ideas as clearly as possible. When reading an academic text, we can try to identify the different speech acts. Sometimes the whole text is constructed as a narrative, for example in the form of a biography of a leading expert, or by recounting historical events. When presenting a position or argument that you disagree with, describe this argument accurately and without loaded or biased language. Moreover, you will need to keep developing your technical vocabulary for the specialised areas within each discipline. Whichever kind of freelance writer you are, we can all agree that there are different types of writing that have different requirements. Structure and Style Referring to style, using the first person is not acceptable in some disciplines, while it is allowed in other disciplines. We often encounter texts that combine genres or breach the conventions of specific genres.There should be narrative links between sentences and paragraphs so that the reader is able to follow your argument. An outline can be a helpful tool for good planning. For example, the idea of being rational may hold the same general meaning in both political science and psychology, but its application to understanding and explaining phenomena within the research domain of a each discipline may have subtle differences based upon how scholars in that discipline apply the concept to the theories and practice of their work.
Consult the meaning of terms in specialized, discipline-specific dictionaries by searching the USC Libraries catalog or reference database [see above]. Subject-specific dictionaries are the best places to confirm the meaning of terms within the context of a specific discipline.
However, what is valued in academic writing is that opinions are based on what is often termed, evidence-based reasoning, a sound understanding of the pertinent body of knowledge and academic debates that exist within, and often external to, your discipline.
Therefore, it is important that you use unambiguous language.