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Guidelines Plan Layout Paragraphs Simple sentences Positive vs. negative Active vs. passive Omit needless words Read your work Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from “Writing Scientific English” by Tim Skern Guidelines

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Page 1: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Guidelines for improving your writing techniqueWith parts from “Writing Scientific English” by Tim Skern

Guidelines

Page 2: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Make a plan

Taken from the book of Skern:”A plan is essential for any piece of writing.”

— ”Beforewriting, divide the work into sections.” — ”For each section,make a list of the relevant points to be included and order themaccording to themes.” — ”Each of these themes can then bedeveloped later into a paragraph.” — ”The plan should give aninitial overview of how the work will look after writing.”

REALLY?

You should develop the habit of reading texts, includingguidelines, with a critical mind.

Guidelines

Page 3: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Make a plan

Taken from the book of Skern:”A plan is essential for any piece of writing.” — ”Beforewriting, divide the work into sections.”

— ”For each section,make a list of the relevant points to be included and order themaccording to themes.” — ”Each of these themes can then bedeveloped later into a paragraph.” — ”The plan should give aninitial overview of how the work will look after writing.”

REALLY?

You should develop the habit of reading texts, includingguidelines, with a critical mind.

Guidelines

Page 4: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Make a plan

Taken from the book of Skern:”A plan is essential for any piece of writing.” — ”Beforewriting, divide the work into sections.” — ”For each section,make a list of the relevant points to be included and order themaccording to themes.”

— ”Each of these themes can then bedeveloped later into a paragraph.” — ”The plan should give aninitial overview of how the work will look after writing.”

REALLY?

You should develop the habit of reading texts, includingguidelines, with a critical mind.

Guidelines

Page 5: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Make a plan

Taken from the book of Skern:”A plan is essential for any piece of writing.” — ”Beforewriting, divide the work into sections.” — ”For each section,make a list of the relevant points to be included and order themaccording to themes.” — ”Each of these themes can then bedeveloped later into a paragraph.”

— ”The plan should give aninitial overview of how the work will look after writing.”

REALLY?

You should develop the habit of reading texts, includingguidelines, with a critical mind.

Guidelines

Page 6: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Make a plan

Taken from the book of Skern:”A plan is essential for any piece of writing.” — ”Beforewriting, divide the work into sections.” — ”For each section,make a list of the relevant points to be included and order themaccording to themes.” — ”Each of these themes can then bedeveloped later into a paragraph.” — ”The plan should give aninitial overview of how the work will look after writing.”

REALLY?

You should develop the habit of reading texts, includingguidelines, with a critical mind.

Guidelines

Page 7: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Make a plan

Taken from the book of Skern:”A plan is essential for any piece of writing.” — ”Beforewriting, divide the work into sections.” — ”For each section,make a list of the relevant points to be included and order themaccording to themes.” — ”Each of these themes can then bedeveloped later into a paragraph.” — ”The plan should give aninitial overview of how the work will look after writing.”

REALLY?

You should develop the habit of reading texts, includingguidelines, with a critical mind.

Guidelines

Page 8: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Make a plan

Taken from the book of Skern:”A plan is essential for any piece of writing.” — ”Beforewriting, divide the work into sections.” — ”For each section,make a list of the relevant points to be included and order themaccording to themes.” — ”Each of these themes can then bedeveloped later into a paragraph.” — ”The plan should give aninitial overview of how the work will look after writing.”

REALLY?

You should develop the habit of reading texts, includingguidelines, with a critical mind.

Guidelines

Page 9: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer. You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 10: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer. You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 11: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer. You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 12: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer. You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 13: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer. You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 14: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer.

You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 15: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer. You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.

The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 16: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Individual approach

To some extent, these are good guidelines if you have todocument a fixed set of results, for instance fromexperiments.

But for other situations, and in particular for mathematicalpapers, you should choose the approach that works best foryou.

The modern tools for writing on a computer allow us muchmore flexibility than ever before.

We can insert, delete, copy, cut and paste easily.

This makes it possible that an article develops as theresearch develops.

It is not necessary anymore that an article is written up onpaper before it is written on the computer. You can writeparts of your article directly on the computer.The extent towhich you make use of this is up to you.

Guidelines

Page 17: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Clarifying ideas

Ideas in mathematical research often become clearer whenyou attempt to write them up in the article you aredeveloping.

Also, discussions with colleagues and seminar presentationsare very helpful in developing your ideas and in finding thebest form in which to present them.

Guidelines

Page 18: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Clarifying ideas

Ideas in mathematical research often become clearer whenyou attempt to write them up in the article you aredeveloping.

Also, discussions with colleagues and seminar presentationsare very helpful in developing your ideas

and in finding thebest form in which to present them.

Guidelines

Page 19: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Clarifying ideas

Ideas in mathematical research often become clearer whenyou attempt to write them up in the article you aredeveloping.

Also, discussions with colleagues and seminar presentationsare very helpful in developing your ideas and in finding thebest form in which to present them.

Guidelines

Page 20: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Clean layout

A clean and legible layout is vital to the success of writtenwork.

A poorly laid out piece of work may discourage the readerand prevent him or her from discovering its contents.

We will later discuss in more detail the layout inmathematical articles.

Guidelines

Page 21: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Clean layout

A clean and legible layout is vital to the success of writtenwork.

A poorly laid out piece of work may discourage the readerand prevent him or her from discovering its contents.

We will later discuss in more detail the layout inmathematical articles.

Guidelines

Page 22: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Clean layout

A clean and legible layout is vital to the success of writtenwork.

A poorly laid out piece of work may discourage the readerand prevent him or her from discovering its contents.

We will later discuss in more detail the layout inmathematical articles.

Guidelines

Page 23: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation. Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence. Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles. One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof or toannounce a transition to a different topic. Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 24: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation.

Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence. Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles. One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof or toannounce a transition to a different topic. Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 25: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation. Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence. Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles. One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof or toannounce a transition to a different topic. Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 26: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation. Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence.

Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles. One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof or toannounce a transition to a different topic. Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 27: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation. Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence. Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles.

One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof or toannounce a transition to a different topic. Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 28: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation. Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence. Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles. One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof

or toannounce a transition to a different topic. Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 29: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation. Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence. Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles. One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof or toannounce a transition to a different topic.

Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 30: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are used to structure a text to make it easier toread.

The partitioning into paragraphs should reflect and clarifythe logical structure of the presentation. Therefore, youhave to be well aware of the logical structure in order to beable to partition the text efficiently.

A paragraph can consist of just a single sentence. Whilethis is, unfortunately, abundantly used in news web sites, itis more rare in scientific articles. One sentence paragraphsoften appear to indicate the conclusion of a proof or toannounce a transition to a different topic. Otherwise, try toavoid them in order to prevent fragmentation of your text.

Guidelines

Page 31: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Use of paragraphs in arguments

Start a new paragraph in proofs

when an argument stretching over several sentences hascome to a conclusion,

to indicate a new case in a case distinction,

when one assertion has been proved and you are turning tothe proof of the next one.

Guidelines

Page 32: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Use of paragraphs in arguments

Start a new paragraph in proofs

when an argument stretching over several sentences hascome to a conclusion,

to indicate a new case in a case distinction,

when one assertion has been proved and you are turning tothe proof of the next one.

Guidelines

Page 33: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Use of paragraphs in arguments

Start a new paragraph in proofs

when an argument stretching over several sentences hascome to a conclusion,

to indicate a new case in a case distinction,

when one assertion has been proved and you are turning tothe proof of the next one.

Guidelines

Page 34: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Use of paragraphs in arguments

Start a new paragraph in proofs

when an argument stretching over several sentences hascome to a conclusion,

to indicate a new case in a case distinction,

when one assertion has been proved and you are turning tothe proof of the next one.

Guidelines

Page 35: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

In English, simple sentences are the best way to expresseven complex thoughts.

If you are just starting out and English is not your firstlanguage, you may find it difficult to control the length ofyour sentences.

If your first language is German, you may have a naturaltendency to write sentences of obscene length.

It is important that you avoid this habit when you write inEnglish.

Two suggestions to improve the length of your sentencesare:

First, use only one idea per sentence.

Second, write your sentences as direct or straightforwardstatements.

Guidelines

Page 36: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

In English, simple sentences are the best way to expresseven complex thoughts.

If you are just starting out and English is not your firstlanguage, you may find it difficult to control the length ofyour sentences.

If your first language is German, you may have a naturaltendency to write sentences of obscene length.

It is important that you avoid this habit when you write inEnglish.

Two suggestions to improve the length of your sentencesare:

First, use only one idea per sentence.

Second, write your sentences as direct or straightforwardstatements.

Guidelines

Page 37: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

In English, simple sentences are the best way to expresseven complex thoughts.

If you are just starting out and English is not your firstlanguage, you may find it difficult to control the length ofyour sentences.

If your first language is German, you may have a naturaltendency to write sentences of obscene length.

It is important that you avoid this habit when you write inEnglish.

Two suggestions to improve the length of your sentencesare:

First, use only one idea per sentence.

Second, write your sentences as direct or straightforwardstatements.

Guidelines

Page 38: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

In English, simple sentences are the best way to expresseven complex thoughts.

If you are just starting out and English is not your firstlanguage, you may find it difficult to control the length ofyour sentences.

If your first language is German, you may have a naturaltendency to write sentences of obscene length.

It is important that you avoid this habit when you write inEnglish.

Two suggestions to improve the length of your sentencesare:

First, use only one idea per sentence.

Second, write your sentences as direct or straightforwardstatements.

Guidelines

Page 39: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

In English, simple sentences are the best way to expresseven complex thoughts.

If you are just starting out and English is not your firstlanguage, you may find it difficult to control the length ofyour sentences.

If your first language is German, you may have a naturaltendency to write sentences of obscene length.

It is important that you avoid this habit when you write inEnglish.

Two suggestions to improve the length of your sentencesare:

First, use only one idea per sentence.

Second, write your sentences as direct or straightforwardstatements.

Guidelines

Page 40: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

In English, simple sentences are the best way to expresseven complex thoughts.

If you are just starting out and English is not your firstlanguage, you may find it difficult to control the length ofyour sentences.

If your first language is German, you may have a naturaltendency to write sentences of obscene length.

It is important that you avoid this habit when you write inEnglish.

Two suggestions to improve the length of your sentencesare:

First, use only one idea per sentence.

Second, write your sentences as direct or straightforwardstatements.

Guidelines

Page 41: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

In English, simple sentences are the best way to expresseven complex thoughts.

If you are just starting out and English is not your firstlanguage, you may find it difficult to control the length ofyour sentences.

If your first language is German, you may have a naturaltendency to write sentences of obscene length.

It is important that you avoid this habit when you write inEnglish.

Two suggestions to improve the length of your sentencesare:

First, use only one idea per sentence.

Second, write your sentences as direct or straightforwardstatements.

Guidelines

Page 42: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 43: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 44: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 45: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 46: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 47: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German

(really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 48: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 49: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 50: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences

(but not always).

Guidelines

Page 51: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Such sentences (like this one) have the subject at the start.

The verb and the object follow straight away.

There is no long, explanatory phrase at the beginning of adirect sentence.

The sentence does not contain marginal information.

Another way to find out about direct sentences is to listento how people talk to each other.

People talk in short sentences, even in German (really?).

One of the secrets of the most able science writers is thatthey write as if they were speaking to the reader.

This usually leads them to use simple, straightforwardsentences (but not always).

Guidelines

Page 52: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Writing short, straightforward sentences is a starting point.

Of course, it is necessary to add minor points or to qualifythe content of a sentence in scientific writing.

For instance, a common construction to qualify the contentin scientific writing is the escape route or disclaimer.

In this construction, a scientist first makes a clearstatement.

A second part then follows, indicating that the statement isprobably not true for every situation.

For example, consider the following two sentences which avirologist might hopefully write one day.

Guidelines

Page 53: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Writing short, straightforward sentences is a starting point.

Of course, it is necessary to add minor points or to qualifythe content of a sentence in scientific writing.

For instance, a common construction to qualify the contentin scientific writing is the escape route or disclaimer.

In this construction, a scientist first makes a clearstatement.

A second part then follows, indicating that the statement isprobably not true for every situation.

For example, consider the following two sentences which avirologist might hopefully write one day.

Guidelines

Page 54: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Writing short, straightforward sentences is a starting point.

Of course, it is necessary to add minor points or to qualifythe content of a sentence in scientific writing.

For instance, a common construction to qualify the contentin scientific writing is the escape route or disclaimer.

In this construction, a scientist first makes a clearstatement.

A second part then follows, indicating that the statement isprobably not true for every situation.

For example, consider the following two sentences which avirologist might hopefully write one day.

Guidelines

Page 55: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Writing short, straightforward sentences is a starting point.

Of course, it is necessary to add minor points or to qualifythe content of a sentence in scientific writing.

For instance, a common construction to qualify the contentin scientific writing is the escape route or disclaimer.

In this construction, a scientist first makes a clearstatement.

A second part then follows, indicating that the statement isprobably not true for every situation.

For example, consider the following two sentences which avirologist might hopefully write one day.

Guidelines

Page 56: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Writing short, straightforward sentences is a starting point.

Of course, it is necessary to add minor points or to qualifythe content of a sentence in scientific writing.

For instance, a common construction to qualify the contentin scientific writing is the escape route or disclaimer.

In this construction, a scientist first makes a clearstatement.

A second part then follows, indicating that the statement isprobably not true for every situation.

For example, consider the following two sentences which avirologist might hopefully write one day.

Guidelines

Page 57: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Simple sentences

Writing short, straightforward sentences is a starting point.

Of course, it is necessary to add minor points or to qualifythe content of a sentence in scientific writing.

For instance, a common construction to qualify the contentin scientific writing is the escape route or disclaimer.

In this construction, a scientist first makes a clearstatement.

A second part then follows, indicating that the statement isprobably not true for every situation.

For example, consider the following two sentences which avirologist might hopefully write one day.

Guidelines

Page 58: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV. However, we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

The second sentence qualifies the direct statement in thefirst.

This allows the scientist to escape in case the vaccine isnot universally applicable.

The meaning is clearly expressed by the two sentences.

However, combining the sentences connects thequalification or escape route more closely.

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV, although we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

Guidelines

Page 59: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV. However, we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

The second sentence qualifies the direct statement in thefirst.

This allows the scientist to escape in case the vaccine isnot universally applicable.

The meaning is clearly expressed by the two sentences.

However, combining the sentences connects thequalification or escape route more closely.

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV, although we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

Guidelines

Page 60: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV. However, we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

The second sentence qualifies the direct statement in thefirst.

This allows the scientist to escape in case the vaccine isnot universally applicable.

The meaning is clearly expressed by the two sentences.

However, combining the sentences connects thequalification or escape route more closely.

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV, although we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

Guidelines

Page 61: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV. However, we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

The second sentence qualifies the direct statement in thefirst.

This allows the scientist to escape in case the vaccine isnot universally applicable.

The meaning is clearly expressed by the two sentences.

However, combining the sentences connects thequalification or escape route more closely.

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV, although we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

Guidelines

Page 62: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV. However, we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

The second sentence qualifies the direct statement in thefirst.

This allows the scientist to escape in case the vaccine isnot universally applicable.

The meaning is clearly expressed by the two sentences.

However, combining the sentences connects thequalification or escape route more closely.

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV, although we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

Guidelines

Page 63: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV. However, we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

The second sentence qualifies the direct statement in thefirst.

This allows the scientist to escape in case the vaccine isnot universally applicable.

The meaning is clearly expressed by the two sentences.

However, combining the sentences connects thequalification or escape route more closely.

Example

We have developed a vaccine against HIV, although we havenot yet tested it against all known strains of HIV.

Guidelines

Page 64: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer positive sentences

What is the difference between positive and negativesentences?

Negative sentences contain words such as “no”, “not”,“none”, “nor”, “nothing” and “never”.

Positive sentences lack these words.

Generally, positive sentences are easier to understand andmore simple to construct than negative ones.

If you have a positive and a negative sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the positiveone.

Also, avoid to give proofs by contradiction whenever adirect proof is possible.

Guidelines

Page 65: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer positive sentences

What is the difference between positive and negativesentences?

Negative sentences contain words such as “no”, “not”,“none”, “nor”, “nothing” and “never”.

Positive sentences lack these words.

Generally, positive sentences are easier to understand andmore simple to construct than negative ones.

If you have a positive and a negative sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the positiveone.

Also, avoid to give proofs by contradiction whenever adirect proof is possible.

Guidelines

Page 66: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer positive sentences

What is the difference between positive and negativesentences?

Negative sentences contain words such as “no”, “not”,“none”, “nor”, “nothing” and “never”.

Positive sentences lack these words.

Generally, positive sentences are easier to understand andmore simple to construct than negative ones.

If you have a positive and a negative sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the positiveone.

Also, avoid to give proofs by contradiction whenever adirect proof is possible.

Guidelines

Page 67: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer positive sentences

What is the difference between positive and negativesentences?

Negative sentences contain words such as “no”, “not”,“none”, “nor”, “nothing” and “never”.

Positive sentences lack these words.

Generally, positive sentences are easier to understand andmore simple to construct than negative ones.

If you have a positive and a negative sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the positiveone.

Also, avoid to give proofs by contradiction whenever adirect proof is possible.

Guidelines

Page 68: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer positive sentences

What is the difference between positive and negativesentences?

Negative sentences contain words such as “no”, “not”,“none”, “nor”, “nothing” and “never”.

Positive sentences lack these words.

Generally, positive sentences are easier to understand andmore simple to construct than negative ones.

If you have a positive and a negative sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the positiveone.

Also, avoid to give proofs by contradiction whenever adirect proof is possible.

Guidelines

Page 69: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer positive sentences

What is the difference between positive and negativesentences?

Negative sentences contain words such as “no”, “not”,“none”, “nor”, “nothing” and “never”.

Positive sentences lack these words.

Generally, positive sentences are easier to understand andmore simple to construct than negative ones.

If you have a positive and a negative sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the positiveone.

Also, avoid to give proofs by contradiction whenever adirect proof is possible.

Guidelines

Page 70: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Compare the following three sentences.

Example (Negative)

Scientists for whom English is not their first language shouldnot be at a disadvantage.

Example (Positive)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should havethe same status as native speakers.

Example (Mixed)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should not beat a disadvantage.

Guidelines

Page 71: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Compare the following three sentences.

Example (Negative)

Scientists for whom English is not their first language shouldnot be at a disadvantage.

Example (Positive)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should havethe same status as native speakers.

Example (Mixed)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should not beat a disadvantage.

Guidelines

Page 72: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Compare the following three sentences.

Example (Negative)

Scientists for whom English is not their first language shouldnot be at a disadvantage.

Example (Positive)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should havethe same status as native speakers.

Example (Mixed)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should not beat a disadvantage.

Guidelines

Page 73: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Compare the following three sentences.

Example (Negative)

Scientists for whom English is not their first language shouldnot be at a disadvantage.

Example (Positive)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should havethe same status as native speakers.

Example (Mixed)

Scientists for whom English is a second language should not beat a disadvantage.

Guidelines

Page 74: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer active sentences

What is the difference between active and passivesentences?

“We mixed A and B” is an active sentence.

“A and B were mixed together” is the passive version.

Active sentences are usually shorter and more precise.

If you have an active and a passive sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the active one.

Guidelines

Page 75: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer active sentences

What is the difference between active and passivesentences?

“We mixed A and B” is an active sentence.

“A and B were mixed together” is the passive version.

Active sentences are usually shorter and more precise.

If you have an active and a passive sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the active one.

Guidelines

Page 76: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer active sentences

What is the difference between active and passivesentences?

“We mixed A and B” is an active sentence.

“A and B were mixed together” is the passive version.

Active sentences are usually shorter and more precise.

If you have an active and a passive sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the active one.

Guidelines

Page 77: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer active sentences

What is the difference between active and passivesentences?

“We mixed A and B” is an active sentence.

“A and B were mixed together” is the passive version.

Active sentences are usually shorter and more precise.

If you have an active and a passive sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the active one.

Guidelines

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Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Prefer active sentences

What is the difference between active and passivesentences?

“We mixed A and B” is an active sentence.

“A and B were mixed together” is the passive version.

Active sentences are usually shorter and more precise.

If you have an active and a passive sentence that expressexactly the same content, give preference to the active one.

Guidelines

Page 79: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The improved versions are presented in section x. (8 words)

Example (Active)

Section x presents the improved versions. (6 words)

Example (Active)

We present the improved versions in section x. (8 words)

While often the shortest sentence is preferable, there can alsobe reasons to use all three forms. For instance, when thesentence has to be repeated for many sections, then one shouldnot use always the same type of sentence. The ability to cutand paste occasionally produces articles with boring repetitions.

Guidelines

Page 80: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The improved versions are presented in section x. (8 words)

Example (Active)

Section x presents the improved versions. (6 words)

Example (Active)

We present the improved versions in section x. (8 words)

While often the shortest sentence is preferable, there can alsobe reasons to use all three forms. For instance, when thesentence has to be repeated for many sections, then one shouldnot use always the same type of sentence. The ability to cutand paste occasionally produces articles with boring repetitions.

Guidelines

Page 81: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The improved versions are presented in section x. (8 words)

Example (Active)

Section x presents the improved versions. (6 words)

Example (Active)

We present the improved versions in section x. (8 words)

While often the shortest sentence is preferable, there can alsobe reasons to use all three forms. For instance, when thesentence has to be repeated for many sections, then one shouldnot use always the same type of sentence. The ability to cutand paste occasionally produces articles with boring repetitions.

Guidelines

Page 82: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The improved versions are presented in section x. (8 words)

Example (Active)

Section x presents the improved versions. (6 words)

Example (Active)

We present the improved versions in section x. (8 words)

While often the shortest sentence is preferable, there can alsobe reasons to use all three forms.

For instance, when thesentence has to be repeated for many sections, then one shouldnot use always the same type of sentence. The ability to cutand paste occasionally produces articles with boring repetitions.

Guidelines

Page 83: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The improved versions are presented in section x. (8 words)

Example (Active)

Section x presents the improved versions. (6 words)

Example (Active)

We present the improved versions in section x. (8 words)

While often the shortest sentence is preferable, there can alsobe reasons to use all three forms. For instance, when thesentence has to be repeated for many sections, then one shouldnot use always the same type of sentence.

The ability to cutand paste occasionally produces articles with boring repetitions.

Guidelines

Page 84: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The improved versions are presented in section x. (8 words)

Example (Active)

Section x presents the improved versions. (6 words)

Example (Active)

We present the improved versions in section x. (8 words)

While often the shortest sentence is preferable, there can alsobe reasons to use all three forms. For instance, when thesentence has to be repeated for many sections, then one shouldnot use always the same type of sentence. The ability to cutand paste occasionally produces articles with boring repetitions.

Guidelines

Page 85: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The ability of the antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth wasexamined by using standard techniques. (15 words)

Example (Active)

We used standard techniques to examine the ability ofantibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth. (14 words)

While often the second sentence is preferable, the first one maybe used to avoid the use of ”We”. This may for instance bepreferable if there is only one author, or if the experiments weremade by lab staff who do not appear as coauthors. You shouldnever use the passive form to avoid proper reference to otherarticles.

Guidelines

Page 86: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The ability of the antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth wasexamined by using standard techniques. (15 words)

Example (Active)

We used standard techniques to examine the ability ofantibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth. (14 words)

While often the second sentence is preferable, the first one maybe used to avoid the use of ”We”. This may for instance bepreferable if there is only one author, or if the experiments weremade by lab staff who do not appear as coauthors. You shouldnever use the passive form to avoid proper reference to otherarticles.

Guidelines

Page 87: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The ability of the antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth wasexamined by using standard techniques. (15 words)

Example (Active)

We used standard techniques to examine the ability ofantibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth. (14 words)

While often the second sentence is preferable, the first one maybe used to avoid the use of ”We”.

This may for instance bepreferable if there is only one author, or if the experiments weremade by lab staff who do not appear as coauthors. You shouldnever use the passive form to avoid proper reference to otherarticles.

Guidelines

Page 88: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The ability of the antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth wasexamined by using standard techniques. (15 words)

Example (Active)

We used standard techniques to examine the ability ofantibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth. (14 words)

While often the second sentence is preferable, the first one maybe used to avoid the use of ”We”. This may for instance bepreferable if there is only one author, or if the experiments weremade by lab staff who do not appear as coauthors.

You shouldnever use the passive form to avoid proper reference to otherarticles.

Guidelines

Page 89: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example

Example (Passive)

The ability of the antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth wasexamined by using standard techniques. (15 words)

Example (Active)

We used standard techniques to examine the ability ofantibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth. (14 words)

While often the second sentence is preferable, the first one maybe used to avoid the use of ”We”. This may for instance bepreferable if there is only one author, or if the experiments weremade by lab staff who do not appear as coauthors. You shouldnever use the passive form to avoid proper reference to otherarticles.

Guidelines

Page 90: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 91: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 92: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 93: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 94: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 95: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 96: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described.

So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 97: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation

(which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 98: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Passive sentences in spoken language

In spoken language, passive sentences may soundcompletely unnatural:

“Coffee was drunk at breakfast. Afterwards, teeth werebrushed.”

But they have their place, too:

“Tea will be served at 5p.m.”

“This story has been told before.”

“Damage has been done.”

All three sentences avoid naming the person(s) who will door have done what is described. So they suppressinformation (which, however, may not be available at themoment, has been given already or will be given later).

Guidelines

Page 99: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Conclusion

Always be aware of the structure of positive and negativeas well as active and passive sentences.

If you choose to write a negative or passive sentence, besure of the reasons for your choice.

Do not write such sentences if they sound rather unnatural.

If you choose to write a passive sentence, be sure not tosuppress necessary scientific information.

If it is necessary to keep your text short, be aware of thesavings in space you can achieve by switching fromnegative to positive and from passive to active.

Guidelines

Page 100: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Conclusion

Always be aware of the structure of positive and negativeas well as active and passive sentences.

If you choose to write a negative or passive sentence, besure of the reasons for your choice.

Do not write such sentences if they sound rather unnatural.

If you choose to write a passive sentence, be sure not tosuppress necessary scientific information.

If it is necessary to keep your text short, be aware of thesavings in space you can achieve by switching fromnegative to positive and from passive to active.

Guidelines

Page 101: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Conclusion

Always be aware of the structure of positive and negativeas well as active and passive sentences.

If you choose to write a negative or passive sentence, besure of the reasons for your choice.

Do not write such sentences if they sound rather unnatural.

If you choose to write a passive sentence, be sure not tosuppress necessary scientific information.

If it is necessary to keep your text short, be aware of thesavings in space you can achieve by switching fromnegative to positive and from passive to active.

Guidelines

Page 102: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Conclusion

Always be aware of the structure of positive and negativeas well as active and passive sentences.

If you choose to write a negative or passive sentence, besure of the reasons for your choice.

Do not write such sentences if they sound rather unnatural.

If you choose to write a passive sentence, be sure not tosuppress necessary scientific information.

If it is necessary to keep your text short, be aware of thesavings in space you can achieve by switching fromnegative to positive and from passive to active.

Guidelines

Page 103: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Conclusion

Always be aware of the structure of positive and negativeas well as active and passive sentences.

If you choose to write a negative or passive sentence, besure of the reasons for your choice.

Do not write such sentences if they sound rather unnatural.

If you choose to write a passive sentence, be sure not tosuppress necessary scientific information.

If it is necessary to keep your text short, be aware of thesavings in space you can achieve by switching fromnegative to positive and from passive to active.

Guidelines

Page 104: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing. We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing. Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 105: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing. We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing. Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 106: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing. We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing. Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 107: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing. We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing. Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 108: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing.

We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing. Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 109: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing. We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing. Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 110: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing. We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing.

Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 111: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Reasons for shortening articles

In journals with a large backlog the length of your articlecan have an influence on whether it will be accepted forpublication.

Readers will not want to spend unnecessarily much time toread about your results.

When you have to fill forms, for instance for grantapplications, the space where you have to describe yourresearch is often very restricted.

All these are reasons for keeping your text short and precise.

The procedure of transforming a given text into one that isshort and precise is called precis writing. We will discussit in more detail later.

Recognising and removing unnecessary words is an essentialpart of precis writing. Like other skills in writing, it needspractice.

Guidelines

Page 112: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 1

As an example, examine the following two sentences.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

The fact that many young scientists need a significant amountof practice to improve their written communication skills is acase in point. It can be seen from the diagram in Figure 1 thatthose students who regularly handed in written work performedat a higher level than those who did not.

The shortened versions are much more effective.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Many young scientists need practice to improve their writing.Figure 1 shows that students who handed in written workregularly performed better.

Guidelines

Page 113: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 1

As an example, examine the following two sentences.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

The fact that many young scientists need a significant amountof practice to improve their written communication skills is acase in point.

It can be seen from the diagram in Figure 1 thatthose students who regularly handed in written work performedat a higher level than those who did not.

The shortened versions are much more effective.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Many young scientists need practice to improve their writing.Figure 1 shows that students who handed in written workregularly performed better.

Guidelines

Page 114: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 1

As an example, examine the following two sentences.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

The fact that many young scientists need a significant amountof practice to improve their written communication skills is acase in point. It can be seen from the diagram in Figure 1 thatthose students who regularly handed in written work performedat a higher level than those who did not.

The shortened versions are much more effective.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Many young scientists need practice to improve their writing.Figure 1 shows that students who handed in written workregularly performed better.

Guidelines

Page 115: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 1

As an example, examine the following two sentences.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

The fact that many young scientists need a significant amountof practice to improve their written communication skills is acase in point. It can be seen from the diagram in Figure 1 thatthose students who regularly handed in written work performedat a higher level than those who did not.

The shortened versions are much more effective.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Many young scientists need practice to improve their writing.Figure 1 shows that students who handed in written workregularly performed better.

Guidelines

Page 116: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 1

As an example, examine the following two sentences.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

The fact that many young scientists need a significant amountof practice to improve their written communication skills is acase in point. It can be seen from the diagram in Figure 1 thatthose students who regularly handed in written work performedat a higher level than those who did not.

The shortened versions are much more effective.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Many young scientists need practice to improve their writing.

Figure 1 shows that students who handed in written workregularly performed better.

Guidelines

Page 117: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 1

As an example, examine the following two sentences.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

The fact that many young scientists need a significant amountof practice to improve their written communication skills is acase in point. It can be seen from the diagram in Figure 1 thatthose students who regularly handed in written work performedat a higher level than those who did not.

The shortened versions are much more effective.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Many young scientists need practice to improve their writing.Figure 1 shows that students who handed in written workregularly performed better.

Guidelines

Page 118: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 2

Here is another typical example often seen at the beginning of asentence in scientific manuscripts.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

It can be seen from the graph in figure x that ...

Seven of the eleven words can be omitted to give a shortenedversion.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Figure x shows that ...

Guidelines

Page 119: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 2

Here is another typical example often seen at the beginning of asentence in scientific manuscripts.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

It can be seen from the graph in figure x that ...

Seven of the eleven words can be omitted to give a shortenedversion.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Figure x shows that ...

Guidelines

Page 120: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 2

Here is another typical example often seen at the beginning of asentence in scientific manuscripts.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

It can be seen from the graph in figure x that ...

Seven of the eleven words can be omitted to give a shortenedversion.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Figure x shows that ...

Guidelines

Page 121: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Example 2

Here is another typical example often seen at the beginning of asentence in scientific manuscripts.

Example (Before eliminating needless words)

It can be seen from the graph in figure x that ...

Seven of the eleven words can be omitted to give a shortenedversion.

Example (After eliminating needless words)

Figure x shows that ...

Guidelines

Page 122: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

If you have not read your work, why should anyone else?

Do this on a printout, since errors, inconsistencies anddiscrepancies are often very difficult to detect on thecomputer screen.

In addition, the printout lets you compare differentpages.This is very time consuming on the screen.

For instance, if there are two abbreviations for the samechemical in various parts of the manuscript, it will be verydifficult to find this inconsistency on the screen.

Reading your work is only the first step toward improving it.

You must also start to think critically about it.

Guidelines

Page 123: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

If you have not read your work, why should anyone else?

Do this on a printout, since errors, inconsistencies anddiscrepancies are often very difficult to detect on thecomputer screen.

In addition, the printout lets you compare differentpages.This is very time consuming on the screen.

For instance, if there are two abbreviations for the samechemical in various parts of the manuscript, it will be verydifficult to find this inconsistency on the screen.

Reading your work is only the first step toward improving it.

You must also start to think critically about it.

Guidelines

Page 124: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

If you have not read your work, why should anyone else?

Do this on a printout, since errors, inconsistencies anddiscrepancies are often very difficult to detect on thecomputer screen.

In addition, the printout lets you compare differentpages.

This is very time consuming on the screen.

For instance, if there are two abbreviations for the samechemical in various parts of the manuscript, it will be verydifficult to find this inconsistency on the screen.

Reading your work is only the first step toward improving it.

You must also start to think critically about it.

Guidelines

Page 125: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

If you have not read your work, why should anyone else?

Do this on a printout, since errors, inconsistencies anddiscrepancies are often very difficult to detect on thecomputer screen.

In addition, the printout lets you compare differentpages.This is very time consuming on the screen.

For instance, if there are two abbreviations for the samechemical in various parts of the manuscript, it will be verydifficult to find this inconsistency on the screen.

Reading your work is only the first step toward improving it.

You must also start to think critically about it.

Guidelines

Page 126: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

If you have not read your work, why should anyone else?

Do this on a printout, since errors, inconsistencies anddiscrepancies are often very difficult to detect on thecomputer screen.

In addition, the printout lets you compare differentpages.This is very time consuming on the screen.

For instance, if there are two abbreviations for the samechemical in various parts of the manuscript, it will be verydifficult to find this inconsistency on the screen.

Reading your work is only the first step toward improving it.

You must also start to think critically about it.

Guidelines

Page 127: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

If you have not read your work, why should anyone else?

Do this on a printout, since errors, inconsistencies anddiscrepancies are often very difficult to detect on thecomputer screen.

In addition, the printout lets you compare differentpages.This is very time consuming on the screen.

For instance, if there are two abbreviations for the samechemical in various parts of the manuscript, it will be verydifficult to find this inconsistency on the screen.

Reading your work is only the first step toward improving it.

You must also start to think critically about it.

Guidelines

Page 128: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

If you have not read your work, why should anyone else?

Do this on a printout, since errors, inconsistencies anddiscrepancies are often very difficult to detect on thecomputer screen.

In addition, the printout lets you compare differentpages.This is very time consuming on the screen.

For instance, if there are two abbreviations for the samechemical in various parts of the manuscript, it will be verydifficult to find this inconsistency on the screen.

Reading your work is only the first step toward improving it.

You must also start to think critically about it.

Guidelines

Page 129: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question.

Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 130: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 131: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 132: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 133: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 134: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 135: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 136: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 137: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 138: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 139: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Read and think about your work

Put your writing into question. Does the text fit together?

Read it out aloud to find out.

Are the sentences too complex?

Read them aloud to find out.

Check whether the text is written in formal English.

Search again for complicated sentences and needless words.

Simplify the sentences and omit the needless words.

Did you think about the reader whilst writing?

Do all the sentences express your thoughts so that thereader will understand them?

You should consider these points before you conclude thework on an article written in scientific English.

Guidelines

Page 140: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader.

His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 141: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 142: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 143: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 144: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.

This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 145: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 146: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.

After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 147: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long

(itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 148: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself),

he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 149: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 150: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it.

It will pay out!

Guidelines

Page 151: Guidelines for improving your writing techniquemath.usask.ca/fvk/Presentation15.pdf · Guidelines for improving your writing technique With parts from \Writing Scienti c English"

Guidelines

Plan

Layout

Paragraphs

Simplesentences

Positive vs.negative

Active vs.passive

Omitneedlesswords

Read yourwork

Think of the referee

Always remember: the referee is not a proofreader. His jobis to judge the scientific merit of your article.

If you submit an article with lots of typos and written inbad English, he may take this as a reason to reject yourarticle.

Whether he rejects it or not, he has two choices:

He may choose to mention none of the mistakes he finds.This is not good for you.

He may choose to mention all of the mistakes he finds.After assembling a list that is several pages long (itsometimes happens that this list is longer than the articleitself), he gets grumpy. That is also not good for you.

Be good to your referee and check your article thoroughlyfor typos, mistakes, inconsistencies and bad English beforeyou submit it. It will pay out!

Guidelines