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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01 Jan 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the need for a different set of skills to become successful clinical practitioners to develop skillsets in care delivery for our patients, which is lightly touched upon during residency programs, appropriately; but once young faculty start down this path, the expectation to becoming successful quickens rapidly.
Abstract: Residency training programs are excellent environments for medical students to become successful clinical practitioners to develop skillsets in care delivery for our patients. Training for an academic career, however, is less organized, whereby trainees who enjoy and/or are talented with academic outputs (e.g., publishing papers) gravitate toward such a chosen path. To be successful in this pursuit, however, requires a different set of skills, which is lightly touched upon during residency programs, appropriately; but once young faculty starts down this path, the expectation to become successful quickens rapidly.
1 citations
01 Mar 2011
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01 Jul 2017
TL;DR: This article used example reports and published papers as models to put guidance into practice for science report-writing for the first time, and for those looking to hone their writing skills for biology students.
Abstract: Writing clear, impactful reports is a crucial skill for science students, but few books focus on this area for the undergraduate. Particularly useful for biology students, this text adopts a hands-on approach, using example reports and published papers as models to put guidance into practice. An introductory chapter familiarizes undergraduates with the principles of writing science. Two model reports are then developed, walking students through experimental and observational teaching-lab reports. The structure and content of the Introduction, Methods and Materials, Results, and Discussion are explained, together with tips for the title, abstract, and references. Students are then guided on how to polish their first draft. The last section of the book analyzes two published papers, helping the reader transition to reporting original research. Clearly and concisely written, this text offers a much-needed lifeline for science students facing science report-writing for the first time, and for those looking to hone their writing skills.
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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.
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