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Lesson 3

The document discusses the similarities and differences between academic writing and technical writing. - Both styles prioritize clear communication, require strong language skills, and demand thorough research supported by credible sources. They also need logical organization and an understanding of the target audience. - However, academic writing aims to contribute new knowledge, while technical writing simplifies complex information for users. Academic writing targets scholars and students, uses a formal tone and citations, whereas technical writing uses jargon and visual aids to target specialized audiences. - Examples given are research papers for academic writing versus manuals and documentation for technical writing.

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26 views

Lesson 3

The document discusses the similarities and differences between academic writing and technical writing. - Both styles prioritize clear communication, require strong language skills, and demand thorough research supported by credible sources. They also need logical organization and an understanding of the target audience. - However, academic writing aims to contribute new knowledge, while technical writing simplifies complex information for users. Academic writing targets scholars and students, uses a formal tone and citations, whereas technical writing uses jargon and visual aids to target specialized audiences. - Examples given are research papers for academic writing versus manuals and documentation for technical writing.

Uploaded by

Flower Power
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 3: Academic Writing Versus Technical Writing

Good luck, and let's start with the similarities between academic and technical writing

3.1. Similarities between Academic Writing and Technical Writing


When comparing academic writing and technical writing, it becomes evident that
they share several similarities. Both styles prioritize clear and precise communication,
necessitating accurate and effective information delivery to respective audiences.
Proficiency in language and grammar, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
sentence structure, is demanded in both forms. Additionally, both types of writing require
thorough research, credible sources, and accurate references to support claims and provide
evidence. Logical organization and coherent structure are crucial for improved
comprehension and readability in both technical and academic writing. Understanding the
target readership is essential in effectively conveying the message in both cases.
Furthermore, both styles involve the revision and editing process to enhance the overall
quality, requiring multiple rounds of review to achieve a polished final document (See
Table A ).
Table A
Academic Writing and Technical Writing
Clarity and prioritize clear and precise communication, requiring accurate and
Precision effective information delivery to respective audiences.
Language and demand strong written language skills, including grammar, spelling,
Grammar punctuation, and sentence structure proficiency.
Research and demand thorough research, credible sources, and accurate references
Documentation to support claims and provide evidence.
Organization Logical organization and coherent structure are vital in both technical
and Structure and academic writing for improved comprehension and readability.
Audience Understanding the target readership is essential in both technical and
Consideration academic writing to effectively convey the message.
Revision and Both technical and academic writing require revision and editing to
Editing enhance quality. Multiple rounds of review are necessary for a
polished final document.
Explanation:

Let's start by looking at what these two types of writing have in


common. It's like finding the shared traits between two close friends.

- Clarity and Precision: Both academic and technical writing demand crystal-clear
communication. We want the reader to understand every word we write.
- Language and Grammar: In both styles, you need to be a master of the written
word. This means knowing your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence
structure inside and out.
- Research and Documentation: Whether you're writing an academic paper or a
technical manual, you need to do your homework. Solid research, credible sources,
and accurate references are non-negotiable.
- Organization and Structure: Think of your writing as a well-organized bookshelf.
It needs to make sense. Both academic and technical writing require a logical
structure for easy reading.
- Audience Consideration: Knowing your audience is key. Are you writing for
experts in a field or students learning about it? In both cases, you need to tailor
your message accordingly.
- Revision and Editing: Like a sculptor refining a masterpiece, both types of
writing require multiple rounds of revision and editing to polish your work.

We are done with the similarities and we are now moving to the difference.

Read this before the explanation.

3.3. Differences between Academic Writing and Technical Writing


Technical writing and academic writing have distinct differences in purpose,
audience, style, structure, and examples. Technical writing aims to simplify complex
information for users, enabling them to understand and effectively use technical products.
It targets specialized audiences with expertise or interest in the subject matter. The
technical writing style is concise, clear, and practical, utilizing technical jargon and
specialized terminology to convey accurate information. It employs structure, headings,
bullet points, and visual aids to enhance understanding and provide clear instructions.
Examples of technical writing include user manuals, technical specifications, installation
guides, software documentation, troubleshooting guides, and scientific reports.
On the other hand, academic writing is focused on contributing new knowledge and
ideas within a discipline. It informs and persuades in an academic context, targeting
scholars, researchers, and students within a specific field of study. Academic writing values
critical thinking, a formal tone, citation styles, and clarity with room for exploration. It
follows a structured format with sections and includes citations to acknowledge sources.
Examples of academic writing include research papers, dissertations, theses, scholarly
articles, conference papers, and academic essays. (See Table B)

Table B
Technical Writing Academic Writing
Purpose simplifies complex information for Academic writing contributes new
users to understand and use knowledge and ideas within a
technical products effectively. discipline, informing and persuading
in an academic context.
Audience targets specialized audiences with targets scholars, researchers, and
expertise or interest in the subject students within a specific field of
matter. study.
Style is concise, clear, and practical, values critical thinking, formal tone,
utilizing technical jargon and citation styles, and clarity with room
specialized terminology to convey for exploration.
accurate information.
Structure uses structure, headings, bullet has a structured format with sections
points, and visual aids to enhance and includes citations to
understanding and provide clear acknowledge sources.
instructions.
Examples user manuals, technical Research papers, dissertations,
specifications, installation guides, theses, scholarly articles, conference
software documentation, papers, and academic essays are
troubleshooting guides, and examples of academic writing.
scientific reports.

Explanation:

Now, let's explore the differences. Think of this as understanding the


unique personalities of two friends.

- Purpose: Academic writing's main goal is to contribute new knowledge to a


specific field. Technical writing, on the other hand, simplifies complex information
for users.
- Audience: Academic writing speaks to scholars, researchers, and students within
a specific field. Technical writing targets specialized audiences with an interest or
expertise in the subject.
- Style: Academic writing values critical thinking, a formal tone, and citation styles.
Technical writing is all about clarity and practicality, often using jargon and
specialized terminology.
- Structure: Academic writing follows a structured format with sections and
includes citations to acknowledge sources. Technical writing uses structure,
headings, and visual aids to enhance understanding and provide clear instructions.

Let's see how these differences play out in practice. We'll look at a paragraph and its
technical specifications for a CONDOR Microwave.

3.4. Examples of Academic and Technical Writing for the Same Topic (CONDOR
Microwave)
These two examples show how technical writing and other types of writing are different.
One is a paragraph about CONDOR Microwave, and the other is its technical
specifications.
CONDOR Microwave CMW-M2005W
is a versatile and efficient kitchen
appliance that comes in an elegant white
colour. It has a generous capacity of 20
litres, allowing for cooking, heating, or
defrosting of various food items. The
microwave features a 35-minute timer
for precise cooking results. Its 439.5 x
358 x 258.2 millimetres dimensions
make it compact and space-saving for
countertop placement. It operates at 700
watts, ensuring quick and even cooking.
Overall, the CONDOR Microwave
CMW-M2005W is a practical and
Source https://www.condor.dz/en/nos- reliable choice for modern households
produits/produit/726-microwave-cmw- with its range of features and
m2005w specifications.
Technical Card Descriptive Paragraph
CONDOR Microwave CMW-M2005W

Explanation:

Let's break down the differences:

Audience: The descriptive paragraph is likely written for consumers, offering a


general overview of the product's features and benefits. On the other hand, the
technical card provides specific details and specifications that would be useful to
technicians, sellers, or someone looking for precise technical information.
Style: The descriptive paragraph uses descriptive language and adjectives like
"versatile," "efficient," and "elegant" to appeal to consumers' preferences and
emotions. In contrast, the technical card uses concise and factual language, listing
specifications without unnecessary embellishments.
Purpose: The descriptive paragraph aims to persuade and inform potential buyers
about the product's advantages and why they should consider purchasing it. The
technical card aims to provide precise technical information for those who need it.
Format: The descriptive paragraph is presented in a narrative format, while the
technical card uses a table and bullet-point format for quick reference and easy
comparison of specifications.
This example clearly illustrates how the same product can be presented differently in
academic and technical writing to cater to distinct audiences and purposes.

Conclusion
Understanding the differences between academic and technical writing enhances
your versatility as a communicator. Both styles prioritize clarity, accuracy, and research but
serve distinct purposes and audiences

Now, it's time to put your understanding to the test. Are you ready for
some exercises to solidify your knowledge?

Formative Assessment:

To verify that you have understood this part of the


course, you must take:
- activity 3.1. : In this activity, you'll find a
series of multiple-choice questions. Each question
will present you with several options, and you need to
choose the correct answer from the provided choices.

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