Journal Article•
The Science of Scientific Writing
TL;DR: The authors argue that complexity of thought need not lead to impenetrability of expression, and demonstrate a number of rhetorical principles that can produce clarity in communication without oversimplifying scientific issues.
Abstract: Science is often hard to read Most people assume that its difficulties are born out of necessity, out of the extreme complexity of scientific concepts, data and analysis We argue here that complexity of thought need not lead to impenetrability of expression; we demonstrate a number of rhetorical principles that can produce clarity in communication without oversimplifying scientific issues The results are substantive, not merely cosmetic: Improving the quality of writing actually improves the quality of thought
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that Samraoui's analysis is biased, many of his arguments are erroneous and strongly contradictory, many key studies are dismissed, and the few data used as evidence to refute our conclusions rather confirm them.
Abstract: Samraoui (J Insect Conserv. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-017-9966-2
, 2017) claims that he shows evidence that our conservation plan of Urothemis edwardsii has failed and that natural dispersal was the only cause of the recent rapid range expansion of the species in Northeast Algeria. Here, we show that his analysis is biased, many of his arguments are erroneous and strongly contradictory, many key studies are dismissed, and the few data used as evidence to refute our conclusions rather confirm them. We also provide data to prove that our conservation plan did not cause any harm to the source population by comparing exuviae-based estimation of population size in 2012 and 2016. We discuss the need for future monitoring and management and highlight that the recommendations of Samraoui (J Insect Conserv, 2017) are misleading, and thus are unlikely to bring us closer to an effective long-term conservation of the species in the region. Beyond our criticism, we explain why we should not dismiss the direct and indirect implications of final instar larvae translocation in successful colonization of odonates in particular, which could also be applied to aquatic insects in general.
6 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors surveyed software engineering professionals to understand the gap between recent graduates' communication abilities and employers' expectations, and they found that employers expect graduates to communicate clearly and professionally, while specific audiences or forms of communication may be learned on the job.
Abstract: To better understand the gap between recent graduates’ communication abilities and employers’ expectations, the authors surveyed software engineering professionals. They asked which of 67 communication abilities are unimportant for software engineers, which ones are learned on the job, which ones recent graduates are expected to have but lack, and which ones recent graduates possess. Results showed that employers expect graduates to communicate clearly and professionally, while specific audiences or forms of communication may be learned on the job. Recent graduates meet many of employers’ expectations but lack others. For example, most are reported to use English fluently and terminology correctly but to lack concision and cohesion. Employers disagree about whether graduates’ communication is sufficiently professional.
6 citations
TL;DR: The genre of spoken presentations is discussed and information about how to improve communication skills and design a successful spoken presentation is provided in order to function effectively in professional settings which is important in today’s globalized and highly competitive world.
Abstract: The present paper discusses the genre of spoken presentations and provides information about how to improve communication skills and design a successful spoken presentation in order to function effectively in professional settings which is important in today’s globalized and highly competitive world It proposes ideas concerning the efficiency of presentations, and discusses the ways of arranging presentations in the EFL classroom In the age of globalization and information technology, communication and presentation skills have become an important aspect of the workplace So, graduates need to be proficient in spoken communication in order to function effectively in professional settings Mastering the skills and genre of professional spoken presentations in today’s highly competitive world is more important than ever Teaching principles of spoken presentations at schools and faculties is an especially relevant curriculum segment and is done with the ultimate purpose of better communicating professional knowledge By making students aware of basic points, types, characteristics and styles of professional spoken communication, the paper is to serve as a starting point in an attempt to make them expand and perfect their communication skills DOI: 105901/mjss2015v6n2s2p201
5 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this article is to arm and encourage potential biomedical authors with tools and rules that will enable them to write contemporary manuscripts, which can stand the rigorous peer review process.
Abstract: It is a professional obligation for health researchers to investigate and communicate their findings to the medical community. The writing of a publishable scientific manuscript can be a daunting task for the beginner and to even some established researchers. Many manuscripts fail to get off the ground and/or are rejected. The writing task can be made easier and the quality improved by using and following simple rules and leads that apply to general scientific writing .The manuscript should follow a standard structure:(e.g. (Abstract) plus Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion/Conclusion, the IMRAD model. The authors must also follow well established fundamentals of good communication in science and be systematic in approach. The manuscript must move from what is currently known to what was unknown that was investigated using a hypothesis, research question or problem statement. Each section has its own style of structure and language of presentation. The beginning of writing a good manuscript is to do a good study design and to pay attention to details at every stage. Many manuscripts are rejected because of errors that can be avoided if the authors follow simple guidelines and rules. One good way to avoid potential disappointment in manuscript writing is to follow the established general rules along with those of the journal in which the paper is to be published. An important injunction is to make the writing precise, clear, parsimonious, and comprehensible to the intended audience. The purpose of this article is to arm and encourage potential biomedical authors with tools and rules that will enable them to write contemporary manuscripts, which can stand the rigorous peer review process. The expectations of standard journals, and common pitfalls the major elements of a manuscript are covered.
5 citations
16 Apr 2021
TL;DR: In this article, a multidisciplinary approach was maintained, where different perspectives were incorporated and conceptions about Social Sciences, psychology, citizen, social and pedagogical participation were carried out.
Abstract: When reflecting on the term literacy, individuals immediately imagine a subject without minimum literacy skills. This article was conceived to study the importance of generating knowledge in the 21st century. It arose from the antagonism that experts should only publish scientific publications. For the study's undertaking, a multidisciplinary approach was maintained, where different perspectives were incorporated and conceptions about Social Sciences, psychology, citizen, social and pedagogical participation. Qualitative research of the phenomenological-hermeneutic method was carried out. Ten (10) social actors of the International Workshop of Writing Scientific Articles were interviewed to structure, codify, and categorize the results. This epistemic journey allowed a theoretical approach focused on the literacy of social actors to generate knowledge through meaningful science education. Based on the social actors' voice, it was established the tearing of each editorial's bureaucratic chains because the experience is more accessible in the digital era. However, illiteracy has spread rapidly, incited by the old school groups, creating confusion in the events, and expanding their hegemony. Therefore, scientific literacy (SLC) is not only focused on the common factor of scientific activity of how, but also the strengthening of science through Higher Education Institutions, research groups, organizations, and educational enterprises.
5 citations
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Book•
07 Aug 2002TL;DR: The Style: Ten Lessons in clarity and grace as mentioned in this paperocusing on the single most serious problem that mature writers face: a wordy, tangled, too-complex prose style, is a useful resource for any mature writer.
Abstract: In his preface, Joseph M. Williams says that Style: ten lessons in clarity and grace focuses on “the single most serious problem that mature writers face: a wordy, tangled, too-complex prose style.” His book deals with that problem admirably. Indeed, the advice and examples furnished by Williams are varied and sophisticated enough to make it a useful resource for any mature writer — even the mature writer whose prose is clear and concise.
381 citations