I used to think that once I figured out how to write a good essay, I’d be set for every class. I was wrong. Writing an English analysis paper? Completely different from writing a lab report. And neither of those feel anything like a history research paper.

No one really warns you about this—how writing isn’t one skill but a collection of skills that need to shift depending on the expectations of the course. It took me a while to realize that adapting my writing style isn’t just about switching between formal and informal—it’s about understanding the purpose behind the writing itself.

Understanding the Role of Style in Different Subjects

Each discipline values something different. Literature professors want deep analysis and argumentation, history professors care about accuracy and context, and science instructors just want clear, concise reporting. I learned the hard way that if I used too much flowery language in a biology report, it came across as unfocused. If I was too direct in a philosophy paper, it felt shallow.

Over time, I figured out that the key isn’t just following rules—it’s understanding what each field prioritizes. Here’s how I break it down:

• Humanities (Literature, Philosophy, History): Values argumentation, interpretation, and depth of thought. Writing should be analytical, evidence-based, and structured around a thesis.
• Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science): Emphasizes data, trends, and real-world application. Papers often require balanced arguments and real examples.
• STEM (Science, Math, Engineering, Technology): Prioritizes clarity, precision, and logical structure. The goal is to report findings and draw conclusions, not to craft a compelling narrative.

Adjusting Tone Without Losing My Voice

I remember one of my professors calling my essay “too informal” for an academic setting. That was frustrating because I thought my writing sounded natural and engaging—but I realized later that I was confusing clear writing with casual writing.

One of the biggest shifts I had to make was avoiding casual language in essays while still keeping my writing readable. This doesn’t mean stuffing sentences with unnecessary complexity, but it does mean being aware of tone.

For example, instead of:

"Basically, Shakespeare was just trying to show that power can mess people up."

I learned to write:

"Shakespeare explores the corrupting influence of power through the unraveling of his protagonists."

Same idea, but one sounds like an academic argument, while the other sounds like I’m texting a friend.

Switching Between First-Person and Objective Writing

One of the weirdest things about academic writing is how some subjects expect first-person reflection, while others see it as unprofessional. In an English class, I might get away with saying:

"I believe the author uses symbolism to challenge traditional gender roles."

But in a research-heavy sociology paper, writing "I believe" might make it seem like I’m relying on personal opinion rather than evidence. In that case, it’s better to frame it like this:

"The author’s use of symbolism reflects a broader critique of traditional gender roles, as evidenced by [insert research]."

I learned that before writing anything, I need to check what’s expected—because some professors love personal insight, while others want you to pretend you don’t exist.

Collaboration and Writing Adaptability

One thing that actually helped me adjust my writing style faster was working in collaborative learning environments. Whether it was peer review sessions, study groups, or even just reading other people’s work, I got to see how different people approached the same assignment.

It was also humbling. I saw my own writing weaknesses more clearly when I compared them to how others structured their arguments. In group discussions, I noticed how some people naturally wrote in a way that fit the subject better than I did, and I started mimicking what worked.

Letting Go of One-Size-Fits-All Writing

If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: There is no universal “good” writing—only writing that fits its purpose. What makes an essay strong in one class might make it weak in another.

So now, before I start any paper, I ask:

• What’s the purpose of this assignment?
• What kind of writing does this subject demand?
• How formal or informal should my tone be?

Writing isn’t about sticking to one perfect style. It’s about learning how to adapt. And honestly, that’s a skill that goes way beyond the classroom.