Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key principle of effective writing that students are encouraged to practice?
What is a key principle of effective writing that students are encouraged to practice?
- Cutting clutter from writing (correct)
- Writing in the passive voice
- Incorporating as many adjectives as possible
- Using long and complex sentences
Which statement describes a common mistake students make when writing research papers?
Which statement describes a common mistake students make when writing research papers?
- They write clearly and effectively.
- They fail to narrow down their research question. (correct)
- They always use a variety of reputable sources.
- They often include an adequate bibliography.
Which part of scientific writing is NOT mentioned as a focus in the course?
Which part of scientific writing is NOT mentioned as a focus in the course?
- Formatting tables and figures
- Creative writing narratives (correct)
- Introduction sections
- Discussion sections
What should students avoid to ensure their work is not labeled as plagiarized?
What should students avoid to ensure their work is not labeled as plagiarized?
What is emphasized regarding sentence structure in effective scientific writing?
What is emphasized regarding sentence structure in effective scientific writing?
What main principle should be avoided in effective writing regarding complex ideas?
What main principle should be avoided in effective writing regarding complex ideas?
Which characteristic of academic writing is highlighted as problematic?
Which characteristic of academic writing is highlighted as problematic?
What makes scientific writing more engaging according to the principles discussed?
What makes scientific writing more engaging according to the principles discussed?
What was the issue identified in the first example sentence about ACT immunotherapy?
What was the issue identified in the first example sentence about ACT immunotherapy?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended approach in scientific writing based on the principles provided?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended approach in scientific writing based on the principles provided?
Flashcards
Research Paper Writing
Research Paper Writing
A process of choosing a topic, conducting research, and creating a paper based on the research.
Common Research Paper Issues
Common Research Paper Issues
Typical problems in student research papers, such as lack of a clear research question, overly broad topics, improper source use (plagiarism), and missing citations.
Scientific Writing Importance
Scientific Writing Importance
Scientific writing documents and communicates ideas, activities, and findings to others, taking various forms from lab notebooks to journal articles.
Clear Scientific Writing
Clear Scientific Writing
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Effective Research
Effective Research
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Good scientific writing
Good scientific writing
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Complex ideas vs. complex language
Complex ideas vs. complex language
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Scientific writing readability
Scientific writing readability
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Example of bad writing
Example of bad writing
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Avoid spunky verbs, long nouns
Avoid spunky verbs, long nouns
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Study Notes
Course Information
- Course Title: Scientific Writing (PP211)
- Instructor: Dr. Mohamed Adel
- Institution: Ahram Canadian University, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Learning Objectives
- Master key principles of effective writing
- Eliminate unnecessary information from writing
- Employ strong, active verbs in writing
- Utilize the active voice in writing
- Develop well-organized and concise paragraphs
- Understand and format sections of a scientific manuscript (e.g., results, methods, introduction, discussion)
- Avoid plagiarism
Introduction to Research Papers
- Research papers are common in higher education
- Common student approach: choose a topic, research it, write an essay
- Professor feedback often highlights issues like unclear research questions, overly broad topics, insufficient sources, plagiarism, and lack of journal articles
Effective Writing Principles
- Good writing clearly communicates ideas effectively
- Clear thinking is necessary for effective writing
- Effective writing takes time, revision, and a good editor
- Scientific writing should be readily understandable and engaging
Examples of Ineffective Writing
- Example 1: A complex sentence from a "Clinical Oncology" article focusing on immunotherapy procedures. The sentence was dense and difficult to understand.
- Example 2: A sentence discussing ascorbate radical production and recycling. This sentence was also dense and difficult to parse.
- Example 3: A sentence highlighting dysregulation of microRNA activity, with numerous complex terms and lengthy phrasing. This example highlighted problems with passive voice and overuse of jargon.
Principles of Effective Writing: Improving Style
- Clarity and conciseness: Cut unnecessary words/phrases
- Active voice: Use strong verbs, avoid turning verbs into nouns. Don't bury the main verb.
- Precise and direct word choice: Avoid vague words/phrases
- Structure of sentences: Avoid lengthy/complex sentences. Instead vary sentence structures and maintain a clear subject/verb/object structure.
- Remove unnecessary jargon and acronyms
Examples of Eliminating Clutter
- Example 1: This paper reviews cancer biology study design, using examples that illustrate specific challenges and solutions.
- Example 2: Increased athletic activity is associated with lower cardiovascular risk, lower blood pressure, and improved fitness.
- Example 3: Deficiency in cell-mediated immune response predisposes an individual towards active TB.
Ways to Improve Scientific Writing
- Eliminate unnecessary negatives
- Remove unnecessary uses of "there are" and "there is."
- Avoid unnecessary prepositions
Additional Sources of Clutter
- Dead weight words/phrases (e.g., "as it is well known," "as it has been shown")
- Empty words/phrases (e.g., "basic tenets of," "methodologic")
- Long/complex words/phrases that could be shorter (e.g., "muscular and cardio-respiratory performance" can be replaced by "fitness")
- Repetitive words/phrases
- Unnecessary jargon/acronyms (e.g., medical jargon).
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