Considerations in

Academic and
Professional Writing
PURPOSEFUL WRITING
IN THE DISCIPLINES
AND
Subtitle
FOR
PROFESSIONS
 Objective
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
1. determine the factors to consider in writing an academic or professional paper.
2. write an academic paper
• What is a academic writing? What is professional writing?

What is the difference between an academic and a professional style of writing?

What are the factors to consider as one writes an academic and professional paper?
Title and Content Layout with Chart
• Academic Writing and Professional Writing
• Before writing a paper, one must determine the purpose of writing. It can
either be for academic purposes, business or professional purposes.
There are two styles of writing, and it includes Academic Writing and
Professional or Business Writing.
• Academic writing is a style practiced by teachers or students as they
produce educational materials. Professional writing, also known as
‘business writing,' is a style used in the workplace. The factors to consider
in writing an academic and professional paper are the format, focus and style.
Use the table below as a quick reference of the lesson.
Two Content Layout with Table
• Considerations in Academic
Writing

• Formats
• Academic Writing has a serious
tone and is written for its
knowledgeable audiences. It is
the standard of writing used in
scholarly articles. Different
formats that use academic writing
are abstract, book report,
conference paper, thesis or
dissertation, essay and research
paper.
Two Content Layout with SmartArt
Focus
The focus of the academic writing is
on stating facts and issues, not on
the opinion of the writer (unless
otherwise followed by evidence or
claim from another author that has the
same stand or opinion as of the writer).
Example:
Benjamin Disraeli argues that the change is
inevitable, change is constant.
Explanation:
This sentence focuses on the fact
stated by the author.
• Style
• An academic paper is a formal type
of paper and must be in third
person point of view. Use the
pronoun he, she, it or they instead of
I, me, you and yours. Avoid jargon
and slang words. Jargon words are
utilized by a particular industry (an
example of medical jargon: BP for
blood pressure, FX for bone
fracture). Slang words are
considered as very informal
language (e.g. "bae" for "babe" or
acronym for "before anyone else,"
"turnt" for "full party mode").
Academic paper can also have short
or long sentences.
Example:
The author states that there is a need to reform the system of government so that the officials can protect and serve the citizens to its fullest. He
also emphasizes that the need must be done immediately.

Explanation:
The example shows that the third person point of view must be used in writing an academic paper. It also shows formal type of
writing. Slang and jargon words are not used. The example is also composed of short and long sentences.
• Considerations in Professional Writing
• Formats
• Professional writing is the standard of writing used in journalism,
advertising, military and technical writing to name some. Different formats that
can be used in professional writing are letter, memo, business e-mail,
press release and resume writing.

• Focus
• The focus of professional writing is on giving opinion, since this type of
writing style is used in workplace communication. It is advisable to focus on
state of action (e.g. recommend, endorsed) rather than the mental state (e.g.
think, believe).
Example:
We recommend Mr. John Smith to provide an appropriate response to the issue raised by the committee.

Explanation:
This example shows that the focus is on giving opinion or recommendation.
• Style
• A professional or business paper is a less formal type of paper. The
sentence should be short or not more than twenty five words. It can also use
first, second and third point of view (e.g. I, me, you, yours, he, she, it and
they). The writer should also avoid qualifiers such as would be, maybe and
probably because these weaken the tone of the paper. Use active voice
rather than passive voice. Active voice describes a sentence where the
subject carries out the action verb (e.g. Active Voice - I would like to remind
you of the company policy. Passive Voice – The company policy was
reminded by him.)
Example:
I would like to apply for the Editorial position posted on your website.

Explanation:
The sentence is short, less formal but still in its professional tone, uses first person point of view, does not have any qualifier and is in
active voice.

There are number of factors to consider in writing academic and professional papers, but always keep in mind that both are used to convey
information. That is why it must be written clearly and accurately.
• Tips
• In academic writing, it is best to outline the topics to be included in your
paper. Note that critical thinking and reasoning must be done to produce
quality academic paper.
• In professional or business writing, it is best to construct sentences that have
lesser adjective and adverb. It must be direct to the point, without losing the
essence of what the writer wants to express.
• It is recommended to use MLA writing style in English academic paper and
APA in Psychology and Science academic paper. Chicago Writing Style is
commonly used and is recommended in writing any business document.
•