Comparison of Academic and Informal Writing

The Xia et al. 2008 is an academic journal in management field. However, the Azuma 1997 is a general article. After comparing two articles, there are many differences in writing style, including: intended audiences, argument, style and vocabulary. To better illustrate my point of view, I list several comparisons in following paragraphs.

First of all, the intended audiences in these two articles are totally different. The Azuma 1997 article is for common people who want to get master’s or Ph.D degree. The author compares some characters, situations and environments between graduate school and Ph.D. For instance, graduate student should have more motivation to obtain resources.  However, Xia (2008) focuses on academic people. The author provides many math equations and graphics, so I think this article is for researchers or students who study business.

Second, their arguments and writing style also showing in different way. The Azuma 1997 article uses author’s and other student (Joe Capowski) experiences or examples to state his or her opinion, such as view of school policy or student life. In contrast, the Xia et al. 2008 article uses theorems, models, and industrial examples to support author’s statements.

Third, vocabulary and tone used in these two articles also differ greatly. The Azuma 1997 article almost uses casual vocabulary to express his or her arguments and different section of school life. In addition, the Azuma 1997 article mainly uses active voice to describe mood and events. However, the Xia et al. 2008 article uses exact vocabulary and a lot of business proper noun in writing. Furthermore, the Xia et al. 2008 article usually uses passive voice to present findings and theories. The tone in the Xia et al. 2008 may let audience feel objective. However, the tone in Azuma 1997 is more subjective.

To sum up, the Azuma 1997 article is easy to read and understand, this article is a kind of informal writing. Nevertheless, someone who read the Xia et al. 2008 article need background knowledge to understand. Undoubtedly, the Xia et al. 2008 article is a kind of academic writing style for expert audiences. Finally, we may conclude that the differences of these two articles are intended audiences, arguments, vocabulary and tone.