Quick Ways to Improve Writing in Science
Posted by David Wetzel
Writing in Science
Teaching students to write scientific reports takes time and patience on behalf of teachers and their students.
Students must learn to write scientific reports with precision, clarity, and objectivity.
Figurative language must be avoided in scientific writing.
Also, active voice provides readers with a scientific report that specific, reducing ambiguous and confusing language.
Avoiding Figurative Language in Science
Students need to learn to avoid figurative language. This language can make topics more interesting and engaging to a casual reader; however, it is imprecise and not acceptable in science reports. For example:
- Figurative – Experimental subjects were assaulted with a wall of sound.
- Scientific – Experimental subjects were presented with three 20 second pulses of conspecific (same species) bird sounds.
Active Versus Passive Voice
Students must steer clear of passive voice and only use active voice in their science reports.
Avoid using the “be” words: is, am, are, was, were, and been.
The use of “I” and “we” are acceptable and reasonable in science reports.
