Both writing styles or better say spheres of writing have certain levels of formality and importance. Both are difficult at some point, especially when the time is limited, and the writer is not experienced enough. However, it is argued that there are more differences than similarities, and if you can claim to be a successful academic writer, it doesn’t necessarily mean your business-related papers will be of the same quality. Here, we have made a comparison of the most important characteristics. After reading it, you can decide for yourself whether you think these concepts are more similar or different by nature.[adrotate group=”4″]

Formality

Formality is a grading scale that can be most helpful when assessing the style of a particular text. Of course, the division is not strict, as even within one topic, the level of formality can differ. For example, when it comes to political speeches, there are the President’s tweets, and there is the State of the Union. But let’s go back to business and academic writing.

  • Similarities. Both in essay writing and business writing slang, urban language, jargon, and word reduction are not welcome. For example, if writing a blog, you can reduce “something” to “smth” without losing your audience. There is no way you can pull this trick, creating a business presentation or any academic paper.
  • Differences. Essays are formal texts, and their style is defined by the required type: analytical, argumentative, descriptive, etc. No matter what the type is, the formality stays close to the same. In business writing, the “formality rate” is more diverse. Some presentations can be very informal, but annual reports are much more formal than any college or even university essay.

Focus and Purpose

Focus is what defines the implementation of efforts and time. When you need to understand the focus of any activity, you need to ask yourself — what is the ultimate result for which all the efforts are implemented?[adrotate group=”4″]

  • Similarities. The purpose of both activities is to get things done and achieve it through quality writing. Part of the focus is always on the quality of writing, formatting, grammar, style, thesis statement, and arguments. Both in business and academic writing, clear arguments should stay in focus.
  • Differences. Essay writing has no consequences. The ultimate goal is to receive a good grade and move forward with your education. In some cases, even a good grade is not needed; you just have to submit an essay and receive any grade higher than F to continue attending the class. If you need a paper written quickly, address a professional and cheap service like CheapWritingHelp for essay writing help, not to miss the deadline. The situation is much more serious when it comes to business writing. Very rarely, the goal of business writing is business writing itself. There are useless reports and letters, and then the goal is similar to essay writing. In the majority of cases, business writing aims at increasing the efficiency of the unit, better profits, changes in marketing strategy, etc. The focus of business writing constant development and actions which should be taken after the piece of business writing is released.

Structure and Formatting

The beauty of text lies not only in its content but also in its form. No matter which text you are reading, be it an argumentative essay, a business press release or a blog, you want it to look neat and organized. It is proven that articles without structure are much harder to promote.

  • Similarities. Formatting and structure are important in both business and academic writing. Essays and research papers have a formal structure defined by its type, required style, and purpose.
  • Differences. There are many more business writing styles and formats than academic ones. Formatting styles for academic papers are limited to APA, MLA, Harward, and several extras, while there are many more formatting options for business papers. All business writing styles are not strict but recommended. You can make a business presentation or even a report in ten different ways, and if it is efficient, no one will say a word. Again, when it comes to business writing, it is all about substance over style, but when it comes to essay writing is often reversed.

Target Audience

Target audience is a term that came to us from Marketing and is now used in any sphere, business writing, and academic writing not excluded.

  • Similarities. Both academic and essay writing have target audiences, as you are not writing for yourself, you are writing for someone else to read and do something. Business and academic essay writing would not exist without a target audience. For example, you can be a novel writer or a poet without readers, but your essay or business writing has no meaning without a professor grading it, or clients, colleagues, investors reading and taking some steps.
  • Differences. The target audience of essay writing is very limited and not defined by its form and style. No matter what style of essay or any other academic paper you have to deal with, it will still be read by professors, thesis committee, etc. The target audience of business writing varies significantly and highly depends on its style, format, and, first of all, goal.[adrotate group=”2″]