Writing assignments in elementary and middle school emphasize creative writing, as they should. However, unless you intend to be a novelist, the high-school years require a shift in focus. Mastering professional and academic writing will open far more doors as an adult, from the team leader writing up a report to the college student who impresses the professor, academic/professional writing is far more useful to most adults. Randee Baty presents why you should make the transition, along with the major hallmarks of academic/professional writing.