Final answer:
Business writing should be formal, follow specific forms and avoid slang, focusing on reliable information and a neutral tone. Academic writing depends on discipline norms and clarity, ensuring information is presented logically and with audience understanding in mind.
Step-by-step explanation:
Business writing and academic writing are differentiated primarily by style and form. In a business context, documents should adhere to a formal writing style, avoiding contractions and colloquialisms, and typically follow specific forms or templates. For instance, a business letter should utilize block formatting, be single-spaced, and use a font that ensures readability such as size 12 Times New Roman or Arial. On the other hand, academic writing is tailored to the norms of the specific discipline, including particular citation and formatting styles that facilitate understanding and professional presentation within that field.
The audience's familiarity with the topic determines the level of background detail required. In business writing, presenting reliable information effectively, defining terms, and maintaining a neutral tone are crucial. The goal is to establish credibility and trust with the readers. Similarly, in academic writing, clear and logical presentation of ideas, adhering to discipline-specific norms, and considering the reader's decoding of information are essential practices.
Whether in business or academic settings, writers must keep their audience in mind, provide necessary information to establish context, and ensure that the writing style and structure facilitate clear communication of the intended message.