Writing Tips
Use precise language. Scientific writing must be accurate and precise. While your English teacher might tell you not to use the same word twice in one sentence, this is not a concern in scientific writing. A student who tried not to repeat the word hamster produced this confusing sentence: “When the hamster was put in the cage with the other mammals, the animals began to play.” Be careful using commonly confused words such as “effect” and “affect.” The following usages are correct: “Temperature has an effect on the reaction,” or “Temperature affects the reaction.” Do NOT use first person voice. You should also avoid stating your opinion. Instead of using “I think…” use “The data indicated…” Rather than writing “I analyzed the samples,” write: “The samples were analyzed.” If you cannot avoid the first person voice without constructing an awkward sentence, always use “we” rather than “I” because scientists never work alone. Use active voice whenever possible. It is more concise than the passive voice. Instead of: “An increased appetite was manifested by the rates of food consumption and an increase in body width,” write, “The rats exhibited an increased appetite and weight gain.” Vary your sentence structure. Feel free to use compound sentences, but don’t let them turn into run-on sentences. Strive for clarity. Carefully proofread your paper to eliminate all errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typing. Use Spell Check, but remember that it will not catch all mistakes and may not recognize some scientific terms. Peer edit with a friend, or have someone in your family look over your paper. When you are feel your paper is in near-final form, have your mentor provide a final edit.