Difference Between Academic and Business Writing

 

Academic Writing Assignments

The writer writes to provide evidence of their knowledge and understanding of a given topic. The writer writes with the objective of impressing the reader. The writer usually assumes that the person assessing their work will have considerable knowledge, and therefore will be able to critically evaluate their work.

Business Writing Assignments

The writer writes to provide information to the reader, not to demonstrate academic ability. The writer assumes that the reader has specific intentions of reading the document because it has information they need to know. The writer writes the document in such a way as to provide information in ways that are simple and effective. The writer does not assume that the reader has any intention on evaluating the writer, and will take information provided at face value.