Tips for Formal Writing, Technical Writing, and Academic Writing

Posted by johan william on March 6th, 2018

Writing is an integral part of most of the professors, teachers, bloggers, professional writers and students who have to adopt different forms of writing as per their needs. There are various styles of writing and most common are known as formal, technical and academic writing. Those who don’t know the difference between these formats often get confused while they are instructed to write an assignment, essay, report or an email following one of these formats and therefore, it is quite important to learn the difference between them. The simplest way to differentiate is to go through the basic definition of every format that why it is used and how. Let’s check out the basis definition.  

Formal Writing

When you want to understand formal writing, you should also keep its opponent known as informal writing in focus because these two styles are connected with each other. You can take these two examples: “I am sorry, we don’t have any vacant positions OR we don’t need any computer operators”. You see the meaning is same i.e. you don’t want a computer operator but you used two different types of words to deliver the same message. The use of vocabulary, tone as well as syntax matters when you write in formal or informal language. In formal writing, we usually use longer sentences to cover the topic in details as each important point should be expressed with an intro, elaboration and conclusion. Secondly, we use polite words and tone to deliver our thoughts, ideas, opinions and instructions.

Technical Writing

Technical writing is another form of writing which is mainly used for covering information to the users regarding technicality and usages of specific products or services. It largely focuses on fields like engineering, science, health science, science and technology, biotech, aerospace, energy, information technology etc. In today’s world of writing, this type of style is used to create all types of simple to complex documents that require techniques and process. Some of the documents are called technical reports, briefs, summary tec. Lengthy users manuals are also written through this form of writing. Technical style is unquestionably a complex process as it requires writers to give 100% accurate information to the users.

Academic Writing

Academic writing is undoubtedly most popular form of writing because it is used by researchers, professors, teachers and even students who want to convey their thoughts, ideas and opinions through scholarly discussion and conversions. An academic writer has to do a lot of research work because he needs to find strong arguments and undeniable evidences to prove his claims or opinions. Schools, colleges and universities follow this format to do most of the assignments and homework. Therefore, if you are a student, you must know basic to advanced principles before you sit and start writing something.

Common Tips for All Types of Formats

The writing formats mentioned above have their own principles to follow and you must go through them before you start writing but there are some common tips which will help you write every type of essay, article, and report etc. these tips are as follow:

• Must Read Instructions Carefully 

Before you write something, you must read instruction very carefully given by your teachers or even your bosses.

• Do Sufficient Research Work

When you begin, do as much research as you can. By doing this, you get best ideas on how to write your paper in a much better way.

• Use only Relevant Information

Never mislead your readers by giving them unnecessary, irrelevant or inappropriate information and if you do so, you will lose your good audience in future.

• Give Accurate Information

No matter if you are writing technical, academic or formal papers, you must give accurate information so accuracy of information really matters.

• Avoid Repetition of Words

If you have to use same words or phrases in different part of your assignment, you better use synonyms or similar words instead of using the same words.   

• Use Correct Formatting

If you are required to follow a particular format, you must follow it instead of using general guidelines to write a 

• Always Proofread Your Work

Once you have completed your draft, always proofread each and every section very carefully to find out mistakes, typos etc.

Author Bio

Jenny Friedman is a teacher and an academic writer with an experience of seven years. When a student brings his problems to her or says something like please write my assignment, she never says “No”. She is always ready to help people with problems.