Final answer:
Academic writing varies by genre and includes analytical and research papers, reflective essays, and lab reports, each with specific expectations. Citation styles and a formal tone are essential in academic writing, which differs from business writing in its style and required formats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Academic Writing
Academic writing involves various genres and structures, each with their own set of expectations and conventions. In college, you'll encounter different types that cater to the specific requirements of academic disciplines. Some common types of academic writing include analytical papers, research papers, reflective essays, and lab reports. Reflective essays, for example, may be appraised differently based on whether they are submitted for an English class or an anthropology class.
Expectations of Academic Writing
In the realm of academic English writing, three key expectations are clarity, coherence, and formality. First, your writing should be clear and understandable to your audience. Secondly, the content should be coherent, with logical flow and organization. Lastly, a formal tone is generally expected, avoiding slang and colloquial language.
Citation Styles
Varying citation styles are used in academic writing, with the choice often reflecting the associated discipline. Some major citation styles include APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard, and they guide how you credit sources in your work.
Academic vs. Business Writing
When comparing academic writing to business writing, two main differences are style and form. Business writing requires a formal style and adherence to specific document formats, such as letters and memos, which may not be suitable for academic essays.
Whether it's a formal report in the sciences or a reflective essay in the humanities, the quality of academic writing is judged by how well it meets the expectations within a particular discipline or genre. As a student, your challenge is to showcase your unique voice while adhering to these academic conventions.