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Questions and Answers
What is a key strategy to avoid low readability in scientific writing?
What is a key strategy to avoid low readability in scientific writing?
- Use shorter words and sentences. (correct)
- Use longer sentences and complex structures.
- Use more nouns than verbs.
- Increase the use of jargon and technical terms.
Which of the following best defines hedging in scientific writing?
Which of the following best defines hedging in scientific writing?
- Including excessive citations to support arguments.
- Using technical jargon to impress the audience.
- Providing clear and direct statements.
- Adding qualifiers and reservations that weaken the argument. (correct)
What is likely a consequence of over-citation in scientific writing?
What is likely a consequence of over-citation in scientific writing?
- Enhanced clarity and understanding of concepts.
- Perception of a lack of understanding in the subject area. (correct)
- Increased reader engagement and interest.
- Stronger arguments through comprehensive references.
What is waffling in the context of scientific writing?
What is waffling in the context of scientific writing?
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How can a writer avoid super-compression in their scientific writing?
How can a writer avoid super-compression in their scientific writing?
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What is a potential effect of ambiguity in scientific writing?
What is a potential effect of ambiguity in scientific writing?
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Which technique is NOT recommended to improve readability?
Which technique is NOT recommended to improve readability?
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What characterizes the problem of low readability in writing?
What characterizes the problem of low readability in writing?
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Study Notes
Pitfalls in Scientific & Technical Writing
- Common pitfalls include low readability, hedging, waffling, super-compression, over-citation, long sentences, noun stacks, and ambiguity.
Low Readability
- Readability measures the complexity of the text; longer words and sentences reduce readability.
- Techniques to improve readability:
- Use more verbs instead of nouns.
- Apply shorter words and sentences.
- Incorporate graphics to enhance understanding.
- Studies indicate that texts with high readability scores tend to influence targeted audiences more effectively.
Hedging
- Hedging involves adding reservations and qualifications to arguments, which can weaken the writer's assertiveness and credibility.
Waffling
- Waffling refers to unnecessarily lengthy and vague text designed to meet word count requirements, detracting from the quality of writing.
Super-compression
- Super-compression presents overly dense information, leading to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns.
- To prevent super-compression:
- Avoid assuming that all information is "obvious" to every reader.
- Strive for clarity without overly simplifying complex concepts.
- Use multi-level documents incorporating glossaries, footnotes, and graphics.
Ambiguity
- Ambiguity arises from unclear or confusing grammatical structures, making the text difficult to understand.
Over-citation
- Over-citation involves excessive referencing, which may indicate a lack of original understanding and reliance on the work of others.
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