2. Why is Scientific Writing Weak?
• Subject matter of Scientific Writing is
usually complex
• It is full of complicated vocabulary and
ideas difficult to express
• Scientists don’t often have the time to
make their writing strong
3. Why is Scientific Writing Weak?
• Most scientists don’t know what scientific
writing is
• They never receive any formal training in
scientific writing
• The only knowledge they have on
scientific writing comes from other
scientific papers they have read, and not
from any rules they have remembered
4. Characteristics of Scientific Writing
Clarity:
• Use exact, specific words
• Follow Proper Punctuation
• Organize material logically Link1.ppt
5. Characteristics of Scientific Writing
Conciseness:
• Omit non-essential words & repetition
• Use Simple Words
• Make Sentences Positive
• Eliminate Wordy Introductory Phrases &
• Pretentious Words Link2.ppt
6. Characteristics of Scientific Writing
Simplicity:
• Use simple sentences plus long &
medium length sentences to provide
variety Link3.ppt
8. Watchword for Scientists
• Anatole France says, “There are three
requisites for all good writing; the first is
clarity, the second is clarity, and the third
is clarity.”
• The easiest way to achieve clarity is to be
concise, simple, and accurate
9. Enemies of Scientific Writing
• Pompous & Unfamiliar Words
• Abstract Words
• Padding or Verbosity (too many words)
• Circumlocution (round about way)
• Passive Voice (weak arrangement)
• Clichés & Slangs (worn-out words)
• Gobbledygooks (bombast & pedantic)
10. Eleven Rules for the Choice of Words
• Prefer the Familiar word to the Far-
fetched Link5.ppt
• Use Concrete Words,
not Abstract Words Link6.ppt
• Use Single Words instead of
Circumlocution Link7.ppt
• Prefer Short Words to Long Link8.ppt
11. Eleven Rules for the Choice of Words
• Prefer the Saxon Words to the Romance
Link9.ppt
• Use words which mean what you mean
Link10.ppt
• Use Strong Nouns
Link11.ppt
12. Eleven Rules for the Choice of Words
• Use Strong Verbs Link12.ppt
• Eliminate Redundancies Link13.ppt
• Eliminate Writing Zeroes Link14.ppt
• Reduce Sentences to their Simplest
Forms
15. The Scientist’s Writing
Two humans ascended a certain geological
protuberance to collect a hydride of oxygen,
whose quantity is not specified. One member
descends dramatically suffering mechanical
damage to the cranial parts of his anatomical
structure. The other follows the first in a series
of rapid, irregular and disturbing movements.
16. The Layman’s Way
Jack and Jill
Went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water
Jack fell down
And broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after
