Differences Between Academic Writing and Technical Writing In

Differences Between Academic Writing and Technical Writing In this section we will discuss the three major components of written communication: • Purpose, • Format, • Language.

Communication Structure: Shape of Composition Academic Writing Technical Writing Communication Triangle Communication Rectangle Topic Text Sender Reader Text Receiver Sender Receiver

Academic Writing Technical Writing Communication Triangle Communication Rectangle Topic Text Sender Receiver Academic Writing has a receiver, but • may have a reader or • may not have a reader. Reader Sender Receiver Technical Writing will always have a reader. • the primary reader Ø the person who ordered the report

Purpose Academic Writing Technical Writing Entertain Persuade inform Inform Persuade • Research No Definite purpose Definite Purpose • Poem • Story Supervisor: Order a report Definite purpose • Article • Book • Assignment Employee: Write a report • Needed ØRead for Information

Format Academic Writing Technical Writing Paragraphs • Topic Sentences Major Headings Sub Headers Markers • Bullets • Underlings • Bold type White Space. Pictures Illustrations • Graphs • Tables • Pictures • Drawings

Language Academic Writing Technical Writing Words • Elaborate • Transitions • Subjective • Cogitative • Multiple meaning Words • Active vocabulary ØPlain ØEasily understood • Objective • Non-sexist • Avoid pronouns Sentence Structure • Complex • Embellishment • Excessive words • Synonyms • Passive voice Sentence Structure • Uncomplicated • Repetition • Active voice

Conclusion • This presentation included an extended definition of Technical Writing, expressing the need for easy access to information, and briefly defined the differences between Academic Writing and Technical Writing, according to purpose, format and language. • Think about the significance of a technical writer communicating in clear straightforward vocabulary and sentence structure to convey information. • Remember; if the intended reader is not able to quickly understand the message or misinterprets the information, the writer failed; the purpose of the message was lost. • Click on screen to end the presentation.

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References The references for the “The Definition of Technical Writing and the Differences Between Academic Writing and Technical Writing, ” Power. Point Presentation came from sources used over the last 14 years of my studying and teaching Technical Writing. “The Definition of Technical Writing and the Differences Between Academic Writing and Technical Writing, ” Power. Point Presentation is the sole property of Dr. Elizabeth Lohman. This Power. Point presentation cannot be copied or duplicated in any way or presented in any way without the written consent of Dr. Elizabeth Lohman. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Lohman at Tidewater Community College (757 -822 -2539).