Writing Science –IEP 2012

showing your processcommunicating your results

Nancy Lea Eik-NesDept. of Language and Communication Studies

Contents and

Structure

paragraphs

sentences

words spelling . ? “ ”

Fra: T. L. Hoel, 1995Tanke blir tekst: Skrivehjelpfor Studentar. Oslo: Det NorskeSamlaget.

I M R A D

Introduction (CARS)

Material and methods

Results

AndDiscussion

(Swales, 1990)

I M R A D ? Title AuthorsAbstractKey words

Introduction (CARS)

Material and methods

Results

And

Discussion Conclusion AcknowledgementsLiterature list

Titles - tell the reader

• The topic of the study

• The nature of the study (experiment, survey, case study)

• The scope of the study(indicate delimitations)

Titles

• Causing a stir in welding circles

• Preliminary Modeling of the Friction Stir Welding Process

A good title

• makes your article searchable

• makes your article interestingit is the “face” you present

• follows the guidelines (constraints – number of words)

Headings

• highlight the logic of your study

• keep the readers on the right track

• reflect the contents of each section

• provide “signposts” for your reader to navigate through your paper

Abstract – two main kinds

Indicative abstractProposal for presentation at conferenceReview article

Informative abstract – summary abstractResearch article

Abstract – perhaps all the reader sees

Summary of the article/report

Mini IMRaDIntroduction (why, what)MethodResultsDiscussion (implications)

Abstract

Must be clear/informative enough so thatthe search engine picks it upthe reader can find itthe reader can understand what it is about

the reader can see if it is worth purchasing

Abstract – informative/summary

•The abstract must be accurate as a reflection of what is in your report.

•The abstract must be self-contained, without abbreviations, footnotes, or incomplete references.

•It must make sense on its own.

Abstract

Summary of the articleMini IMRaD

Introduction (why, what)MethodResultsDiscussion (implications)

References & Citations

Information prominent citationRedundancy exists on two levels: with respect to (a) applied wrenches and (b) joint motions. Problems relating to the former have been fairly well addressed [7, 10]

Author prominent citationGoold and Fish (1998) measured the high-frequency signal of a 2120 inch (35L) air-gun array at a distance of 750 m and found high-frequency amplitude levels…. Later, Breitzke et al. (2008) measured the high frequency….

Introduction

•Rationale – whyis there a problem?(often with references)

•Purpose – whatwhat you offer the reader

Headings

• highlight the logic of your study

• keep the readers on the right track

• reflect the contents of each section

• provide “signposts” for your reader to navigate through your paper

Headings should

• reflect the content or structure (“method” “procedure” “models to be tested”)

• follow the guidelines generic?author’s choice? (questions or statements or generic

headings)

• be balanced – not too many, not too few

• So your reader can find your source

• To show respect for those who have helped you

• To show that you know your field

• To avoid plagiarizing (it’s illegal)

Why use references?

•When quoting someone else’s text (word for word)

•When paraphrasing someone else’s text

•When using a term that or expression that is not your own

•When you use someone else’s idea

It is better to use too many references than not enough

When to use references?

• The author is recognized in the field

• The topic is significant in your work

• The writer/publisher is recognized

• The web site is reliable (ownership?)

Choosing references/sources

References - names

As Smith (2001), Wesson (2001), and Williams (2002) demonstrate, the natural course of microprocessor evolution will likely lead to computers with . . . .

As several studies have demonstrated (Smith 2001, Wesson 2001, and Williams 2002), the natural course of microprocessor evolution will likely lead to computers with….

http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook-docum1b.html

Reference – Names (APA)

The major difference between IEEE and other styles is that IEEE style encloses citation numbers within the text of a paper in square brackets [1] rather than as superscripts1 or in bracketed form (Jones, 1998).

http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook-docum1b.html

References - names

According to one technical writing expert, even though IEEE is the most difficult style to learn, it is still the most valuable style for aspiring engineers to pick up (Jones, 1998).

http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook-docum1b.html

References - numbers

According to one technical writing expert, even though IEEE is the most difficult style to learn, it is still the most valuable style for aspiring engineers to pick up1.

http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook-docum1b.html

References - numbers

As Smith1, Wesson2, and Williams3 demonstrate, the natural course of microprocessor evolution will likely lead to computers with . . . .

As Smith, Wesson, and Williams demonstrate1,2,3, the natural course of microprocessor evolution will likely lead to computers with . . . .

As demonstrated in several studies1-3, the natural course of microprocessor evolution will likely lead to computers with . . . .

http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook-docum1b.html

References – IEEE

According to one technical writing expert, even though IEEE is the most difficult style to learn, it is still the most valuable style for aspiring engineers to pick up [1].

http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook-docum1b.html

References - IEEE

As [1], [2], and [3] demonstrate, the natural course of microprocessor evolution will likely lead to computers with . . . "

According to [2], current Internet technology is still years behind industry projections. . . "

http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~writing/handbook-docum1b.html