Domain-Specific Writing Standard
A Domain-Specific Writing Standard is a Writing Standard that is a formalized set of guidelines that prescribes the structure, language, and conventions for writing within a particular field or discipline to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to professional norms.
AKA: Field-Specific Writing Standard, Disciplinary Writing Guideline, Professional Writing Convention.
- Context:
- It can define the organization, tone, and formatting required for documents in specific domains such as law, medicine, or engineering.
- It can specify the use of domain-specific vocabulary and terminology to convey precise meaning within a field.
- It can establish citation and referencing styles appropriate for scholarly and professional writing in a discipline.
- It can guide the development of educational curricula by outlining writing expectations for students in specialized subjects.
- It can be mandated by professional organizations or regulatory bodies to maintain standards across publications and communications.
- It can evolve over time to incorporate changes in language use, technology, and disciplinary practices.
- ...
- Example(s):
- The American Psychological Association (APA) style guide, which sets writing standards for psychology and social sciences.
- The Modern Language Association (MLA) style manual, used for writing in the humanities.
- The American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style, which provides guidelines for medical writing and publishing.
- The Chicago Manual of Style, widely used in publishing and history disciplines.
- ...
- Counter-Example(s):
- General writing guidelines that are not tailored to any specific field or discipline.
- Informal writing standards used in casual or personal communication.
- Writing conventions that lack endorsement from recognized professional or academic bodies.
- ...
- See: Automated Domain-Specific Writing Task, Domain-Specific Natural Language Generation Task, Writing Standard, Domain-Specific Word, Domain-Specific Vocabulary, Domain-Specific Phrase, Domain-Specific Language, Domain-Specific Corpus, Style Guide, Professional Writing, Academic Writing.
References
2025a
- (Domingo, 2025) ⇒ Alana Domingo (2025). "Teaching Domain-Specific Words". In: Prestwick House Blog.
- QUOTE: "Domain-specific words, also known as Tier 3 words, are technical or jargon words important to a particular subject. For instance, chemistry and element both fall under science-related vocabulary, while allusion and verse relate closely to English language arts.
Nonfiction texts are the perfect place to encounter domain-specific words, especially since those words will be used in the appropriate context. Have students attempt to define unfamiliar vocabulary words in context before giving them hints or allowing them to use a dictionary. Strategies like root study, comparing and contrasting, logical analysis, and illustration will come in handy during these types of exercises."
- QUOTE: "Domain-specific words, also known as Tier 3 words, are technical or jargon words important to a particular subject. For instance, chemistry and element both fall under science-related vocabulary, while allusion and verse relate closely to English language arts.
2025b
- (Linford, 2025) ⇒ Spencer Linford (2025). "Domain Specific Vocabulary | Definition, Uses & Examples". In: Study.com. Retrieved:2025-05-04.
- QUOTE: "Domain-specific vocabulary is a group of words that are used primarily, almost exclusively, in a specialized field, subject, or topic.
Writers use domain-specific vocabulary in specialized subjects to limit ambiguity and facilitate the transfer of factually dense writing.
Domain-specific vocabulary is important for writing because it allows us to specifically discuss academic ideas and lends credibility to our work."
- QUOTE: "Domain-specific vocabulary is a group of words that are used primarily, almost exclusively, in a specialized field, subject, or topic.
2025c
- (CCSSI, 2025) ⇒ "English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grade 4". In: Common Core State Standards Initiative. Retrieved:2025-05-04.
- QUOTE: "Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic."
2025d
- (CCSSI, 2025) ⇒ "English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grade 9-10". In: Common Core State Standards Initiative. Retrieved:2025-05-04.
- QUOTE: "Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic."
2025e
- (MDESE, 2025) ⇒ "2017 English Language Arts and Literacy Curriculum Framework: Writing Standards". In: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Website. Retrieved:2025-05-04.
- QUOTE: "Students are expected to use domain-specific vocabulary and precise language appropriate to the topic and audience in their writing."
2024
- (Drew, 2024) ⇒ Chris Drew (2024). "Domain-Specific Vocabulary: Definition & Examples". In: Helpful Professor Website.
- QUOTE: "Domain-specific vocabulary refers to words and phrases that are used primarily within a particular field, subject, or area of study. These terms carry specialized meaning in their respective domains and are essential for clear communication and understanding within that context."
2023
- (Colorín Colorado, 2023) ⇒ (2023). "Domain-Specific Words and Phrases". Colorín Colorado.
- QUOTE: "Domain-specific words and phrases are vocabulary that is specific to a particular field, subject, or discipline. For example, photosynthesis is a domain-specific word in science."