Chapter 2 & 3 Review

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Basics to scientific writing rules for word placement and composing technical sentences:

  • Technical terms or scientific jargon can be confusing to certain audiences. Consider adding a sentence that explains in basic terminology what you're trying to say.
  • Avoid unnecessary words like; actually, quite, essentially, much, very, etc.
  • Avoid ample abbreviations and long phrases that can be shortened to one or two words.
  • Use terms that are scientifically correct. For example, ensure that the terminology of the species is spelled correctly and italicized when needed.
  • Avoid strings of nouns, faulty comparisons, and errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

General advice on style in science:

  • Use the first person when writing in scientific literature. Only exception is when referencing hypotheses and thanking outside help for additional research.
  • Write in a passive tone and make sure past tense is used when referencing observations and interpretations.

Condensing texts while being coherent and emphasizing important ideas:

Constructing paragraphs utilizing flow, transitions, and key terms:

  • Use a topic sentence to provide an overview of the entire paragraph. Each paragraph should be organized in this order:
    A topic sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentences.
  • Use a consistent point of view. Starting with one sentence containing "people" and referencing the general public, then in the next sentence referring to a single individual "you" is not ideal. Be continuous in the thought of "people" when carrying onto the next idea.
  • Create continuity through key terms, allowing the reader to understand that C. elegans and worms are the same even when referenced in different sentences.
  • Use transitions to flow through related topics. This relates to knowing which transition to use and in what context you're using next. Some good transition words are: In addition, clearly, similarly, specifically, however, etc.
  • Make your writing concise. Scientific literature is meant to be straightforward and to the point. Though there are some times when you need transitions, and there is a lot of research to discuss. being concise requires emphasizing important information and reading through your literature to remove any long phrases.
  • When writing, utilize precise words and formatting. (i.e. plants were kept at 1C overnight.) Rather than saying kept in the cold overnight, the scientific literature is precise.
  • Get to the subject of the main sentence quickly, avoiding long introductions.
  • When structuring a paragraph ensure that it flows and is easily readable by using transitions and logical connections. Although the research is science-based, there is still room for explaining and keeping the flow while maintaining an information tone.