Specifics of Academic vs Personal Writing - Essay Example

An analysis of my writing process Introduction Academic or professional writing is different from ordinary writing. It is complex and requires synthesis of methods, ideas, research, and critical thinking. This type of writing does not come easily. It requires training and continuous practices. Professional academic writing has to follow rules and guidelines. It need to be written in the context that is required, and reflect the need for the piece of writing. Unlike personal writing, it discourages personal involvement. Moreover, it requires critical thinking, formal evaluation of ideas and structured arguments. The writing also sometimes involve the use of external research resources as in the case of a literature review or reference to official documents like in the case of a company analysis. Regardless of the approach, professional writing needs to be correct in every sense of the word. According to Marsen (2003), whether a student is pursuing a career in linguistics, journalism, media, marketing or any other discipline, professional writing comes in every walk of life in a professionals career. It requires the writer to have the ability to understand, construct and manipulate information to tailor it to the professionals situation or requirement. Hence, for a marketing manager professional writing would involve writing market evaluation report, but for an accountant it could be a companys financial analysis. Regardless of ones standing in the professional career, professional writing is a skill which must be learned and acquired. The first step is to learn to analyse facts and information. To demonstrate, in the following evaluation the researcher shall analyze the writing process of previous formal documents written by the researcher. Analysis i. Topic Question Whether one is assigned with the task of writing a brief summary or an extended report, the first task is to understand what is required. This requires deep interpretation of the primary question. For example in my last module, I have written a report on evaluation of Starbucks marketing and competitive strategy. In this context, the primary requirement can be divided into two parts - first evaluation of the current marketing strategy, and then the competitive strategy for Starbucks. This understanding is critical in directing the research, planning, organisation and writing of the report (Greetham, 2008). Greetham (2008) also writes that correct interpretation of the question saves time, gives a clear idea of what kind of answer the reader is seeking to read, and synthesize the ideas. For my marketing report, for example by analyzing the primary question I have realised that I need to first understand Starbucks current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This should be followed by the marketing environment of the company in order to find out what kind of competition the company faces. Once these are established I would be able to design a marketing mix strategy to promote the companys products. Understanding the question also helps me understand what methods or models I need to use to evaluate, analyze or develop within the report. It directs the writer towards the approach of research as well as writing out the document. But more importantly, understanding of the question ensures that the requirement of the document is fulfilled without wastage of efforts, resources and time of the researcher and the reader. ii. Planning Once established what is required and what direction is to be taken, the researcher need to plan out the document. First, the researcher need to establish how long the report is going to be, what are the requirements, whether it should have outside resources, particular resources or some other form of documents to be integrated. Second, the researcher need to find out whether there is any formal rules and guidelines to be followed (Greetham, 2008). For example in a formal report, there is a list of generic "headings" that is followed in business reports such as (Coyle and Peck, 2005): Abstract (Executive Summary) Introduction Company Background Body Analysis Conclusions Recommendations Appendices In my marketing report, I have also included subheadings headings like the companys current standing comprise of a SWOT analysis, with subheadings of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; market environment comprise of the PEST analysis; competition using the Five Forces analysis model; marketing strategy and marketing mix which are based on the four Ps (product, price, promotion, and place of distribution); and evaluation of the companys strategies and tactics. These are followed by conclusions, recommendations, appendices and references list. These sections or allocation of headings and subheadings evolve from the topic question. From the primary question I found that I need to divide the analysis part into two parts - marketing analysis and marketing strategy. From these I generate what methods I have to use in order to come to my conclusion which has been outlined in my Problem Statement. In the end, all of these headings have tied up with the problem statement, with answers to the questions posed. This can be found in the conclusion. Alternatively, if the requirement of the report is a comparison of two companies, then the researcher needs to devote equal attention to both the companies, and dedicate some portion of the document to analysis. In my second assignment for a Financial Accounting module for example, I have to compare two companies Shire and GSK Plc. For this purpose, I need to plan to provide details of both the companies followed by evaluation and comparison of the two. In a comparative report, the researcher has the option of either analyze side by side or analysis of one followed by the other. In my case I have found it easier to analyse the companies financial position one followed by the other. This method lessens the risk of missing out facts, and figures, as well as easy for the reader to follow. iii. Evidence of Research Formal documents almost always require background research. The writer must provide evidence for what he/she is claiming. Indeed, an argument or a claim is not effective if it is not backed by evidence according to Cottrell (2003). In order to develop critical thinking, one needs to understand, and synthesize facts with theory. This can be achieved by evaluating the facts in the raw form, and put it in the context of the research on hand. There is no quick approach but Cottrell (2003) recommend thinking out of the box when working with "raw material" or raw data. Reflecting on the data also require evidence of trends, opinions or views of other experts on the topic. For example in my financial accounting report on Shire and GSK Plc, I had to analyse the companys financial position from multiple aspects before determining its current position in the market. An evaluation of the company alone does not provide me much information. I need to study the topic further by researching background information on the companys operation as well as theories which have been developed in the context of company financial accounting. These will help to support my analysis of the company, and reach to my conclusions. Thus, if I have identified one of GSKs strengths is its return on capital employed ratio, then this view has been backed by expert opinion from Elliott and Elliott (2008) or if I have made the evaluation that Shires weakness compared to its competition is its total assets ratio, then this is backed by the performance level of the company as noted in its financial reports. The basic premise is to ensure that my own evaluation is an enforcement of earlier studies. There is no discrepancy in facts and theory. iv. Critical Analysis However, this does not mean that I have not critically analysed the facts or the theory. Critical analysis or critical thinking is demonstrated by the ability to creatively think out of the box. The motive is to resolve an issue or problem at hand. Critical thinking, according to Cottrell (2005) and Marsen (2003) require weighing the pros and cons of works by other researcher, and forming ones own opinion. This means one need to evaluate the quality of sources, whether it is academic, professional or produced by an amateur; how credible is the source and how much information is the source contributing to ones own research. All of these factors help in critical thinking process of the report at hand. It is by comparing, contrasting and evaluating facts and evidence to find discrepancies that will help the researcher to develop a credible opinion. In my marketing report of Starbucks for example, I regretted having little evidence to support my conclusion. Although I have researched the company thoroughly, I have not been able to include much external sources to make my own argument credible. This also have left gaps in my analysis thereby resulting in unconvincing conclusions. On the other hand, in my financial accounting report, I have had the opportunity to research extensively, referred to plenty of business experts opinion and formal documents to support my analysis of the companies Shire and GSK. As a result I have been able to provide a convincing analysis and conclusion of the same. v. Writing Style and Accuracy Last but not least, academic or professional writing I have found out require strict adherence to language, style, and grammar. A clearly written document is as easier to read as much as a well organised one. Peck and Coyle (2005) recommend paying attention to writing correct and convincing sentences without missing out on punctuation, grammar and errors. Effective and logical writing in their view is inherent in identifying these elements. To avoid these errors, Greetham (2008) recommends revising the structure and content. This is imperative but it should not be at the cost of crossing out ones own ideas. Moreover, the writing style should not be complex with "big words". Instead, it should focus on simple sentences with easy to read and understand words of every day language. One must understand that, the reader is not always well-versed in the subject of you have written. This should be avoided in order to appeal to a larger group of readers. Writing to the point, and concisely is a good indication of good professional writing. In my marketing document for example I have used simple easy to understand language, convenient for the reader. This however does not mean that I have neglected to include all the relevant facts, evidence and analysis. Sometimes, the nature of the document is technical which require technical use of language. This has been the case in my financial accounting report. In my financial accounting report, I have to use financial accounting terms like ratio, liquidity, assets, capital, investment, turnover and inventories etc. whcih have different meanings of their own in the financial accounting context. One cannot help using these technical terms but one can simplify sentences to make them easy to read. Conclusion To conclude, from my understanding academic or professional writing is more formal. It requires extensive background research, for supporting evidence. Like in real life situation, it needs planning and organisation. Likewise, academic or professional writing need to be focussed with little opportunity for gaps. By analysing my own work, I have realised that sometimes I do tend to divert from the topic but I do support them with evidence. This makes my writing credible. Similarly, I know there is a difference between critical thinking and generating ad hoc ideas. In academic writing there is no room for ad hoc ideas. Ideas have to be organised, structured and used to support some type of model or guideline. This is evidence in both of my reports on marketing of Starbucks and financial analysis of Shire and GSK Plc. However, I do lack in writing style and accuracy which is why I feel I need to work on them in the future. References Cottrell, S. (2005). Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. Basingstoke: Palgrave. Cottrell, S. (2003). Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave. Greetham, B. (2008). How to Write Better Essays (2nd Ed). Basingstoke: Palgrave. Marsen, S. (2003). Professional Writing: the Complete Guide for Business, Industry and IT. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan. Peck, J. and Coyle, M. (2005). Write it Right: a Handbook for Students. Basingstoke: Palgrave. Price, G and Maier, P. (2007). Effective Study Skills: Unlock Your Potential. Harlow: Pearson Education. Additional Reading Plain English Campaign: www.plainenglish.co.uk BUBL Link Catalogue of Internet Resources (English language education): http://bubl.ac.uk/link/e/englishlanguageeducation.htm JISC Plagiarism Advisory Service: http://www.jiscpas.ac.uk/ OWLL on Researching: http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/researching.htm Read More