Science Research Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English

1. Science Writing is a Skill, Not Just a Task

The goal of scientific research is publication, but good scientists are not always good writers and even native speakers of English sometimes have difficulty when they write up their research.

Writing as a core competency. Science writing isn't merely about documenting findings; it's a crucial skill for communicating complex ideas effectively. Even native English speakers struggle with the nuances of scientific writing, highlighting the need for deliberate practice and skill development. It's not enough to be a good scientist; you must also be a good science writer to share your work with the world.

Beyond simple reporting. Science writing requires more than just describing what you did and what you found. It involves organizing information logically, using precise language, and persuading your audience of the validity and significance of your work. It's about crafting a narrative that engages the reader and conveys your message clearly and accurately.

Practice and development. Like any skill, science writing improves with practice. This book provides a practical, hands-on approach to help you develop the necessary skills, focusing on the conventions of structure, grammar, and vocabulary used in scientific publications. It's a journey of continuous improvement, not a destination of perfection.

2. Structure Your Writing Like a Research Article

Most science research is written according to a fairly conventional structure: first the title, then the abstract, followed by an introduction, after which there is a central section which describes what was done and what was found and then a discussion and/or conclusion.

Conventional structure. Scientific research articles follow a predictable structure, including the title, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion/conclusion, acknowledgements, and references. This structure provides a framework for organizing information and helps readers navigate the text efficiently. It's a roadmap for both the writer and the reader.

Symmetrical design. The structure of a research article is symmetrical, with the introduction and discussion/conclusion mirroring each other. The introduction starts broadly and narrows to the research question, while the discussion/conclusion widens from the specific findings to their broader implications. This symmetry creates a cohesive and logical flow of information.

Strategic information flow. The structure of a research article is not arbitrary; it's designed to guide the reader through the research process. The introduction sets the stage, the methodology describes the process, the results present the findings, and the discussion/conclusion interprets the results and their significance. Understanding this flow is crucial for effective science writing.

3. Master Tense Pairs for Clarity and Impact

Tense changes are always meaningful, and they always signal a change in the function of the information — so don’t change tense randomly and make sure you remember to change tense when you should.

Present Simple vs. Present Continuous. The present simple describes permanent situations or accepted facts, while the present continuous describes temporary situations. In science writing, the present simple is used to state established truths, while the present continuous is used for ongoing processes. For example, "Water boils at 100°C" (present simple) vs. "The water is boiling" (present continuous).

Past Simple vs. Present Perfect. The past simple describes completed actions in the past, while the present perfect connects past actions to the present. In science writing, the past simple is used to describe specific actions in your research, while the present perfect is used to describe previous research that is relevant to the current study. For example, "We measured the temperature" (past simple) vs. "Previous studies have shown..." (present perfect).

Tense changes signal meaning. Tense changes are not random; they signal a shift in the function of the information. For example, switching from the past simple to the present perfect indicates that the information is still relevant to the current study. Failing to change tense can lead to misinterpretations and confusion.

4. Use Signalling Language to Guide Your Reader

One of your tasks as a writer is to make sure that gap is closed, so that your reader is carried carefully from one piece of information to the next.

Sentence connection is crucial. Failing to connect sentences and ideas creates gaps in the text that can confuse readers. Use overlapping words, pronouns, pro-forms, semicolons, and relative clauses to create a smooth flow of information. Don't leave your reader wondering how one sentence relates to the next.

Signalling connectors. Use signalling connectors (e.g., therefore, however, because) to indicate the relationship between sentences and ideas. These connectors act as signposts, guiding the reader through the text and helping them understand the function of each piece of information.

Variety of connectors. Expand your vocabulary of signalling words beyond "therefore" and "however." Use a variety of connectors to express cause, result, contrast, unexpectedness, and addition. This will make your writing more engaging and precise.

5. Paragraphing is a Visual Aid for Understanding

A paragraph in academic writing often starts with a topic sentence, which gives the main idea of the paragraph, and tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

Paragraphs as visual cues. Paragraphs are not just blocks of text; they are visual aids that help readers navigate and understand the information. Use paragraphing to signal shifts in topic and to break up long stretches of text.

Topic sentences. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. This helps readers understand the purpose of the paragraph and how it relates to the overall argument. The other sentences in the paragraph should support, explain, or expand on the topic sentence.

Skimming for understanding. Readers often skim a text before reading it in detail. By using topic sentences and clear paragraphing, you make it easier for readers to quickly grasp the main points of your work. This helps them read more efficiently and confidently.

6. Methodology: Detail, Justification, and Care

The Methodology should contain sufficient detail for readers to replicate the work done and obtain similar results.

Repeatability is key. The methodology section must provide enough detail for other researchers to replicate your work and obtain similar results. This includes describing the materials, equipment, procedures, and parameters used in your study. Don't assume that your readers know the details; be explicit and thorough.

Justify your choices. Don't just describe what you did; explain why you did it. Provide reasons for your choices of materials, methods, and procedures. This helps readers understand the rationale behind your approach and increases their confidence in your findings.

Communicate care and precision. Use language that conveys the care and precision with which you conducted your research. Words like "thoroughly," "carefully," and "precisely" can help you communicate your attention to detail. This builds trust and credibility with your readers.

7. Results: Interpretation, Not Just Description

Results do not speak for themselves; if they did, the tables or graphs of your results would be enough.

Beyond the data. The results section is not just a presentation of data; it's an interpretation of that data. Don't simply describe what you found; explain what it means. Your readers need to know your understanding of the results, not just the numbers themselves.

Highlight key findings. Not all results are equally important. Use language to highlight the most significant findings and to guide the reader's attention to the most relevant data. Use words like "significantly," "notably," and "strikingly" to emphasize key results.

Connect to the research aim. Relate your results back to the original aim of your research. Explain how your findings address the research question and how they contribute to the existing body of knowledge. This helps readers understand the significance of your work.

8. Discussion/Conclusion: Connect, Extend, and Suggest

In addition, you must look for a way to interface with the central report section at the end of the Introduction, and again — in reverse — when you move out of the central section to start the Discussion/Conclusion.

Connect to the introduction. The discussion/conclusion section should connect back to the introduction, revisiting the research problem, aim, and previous research. This creates a sense of closure and demonstrates the logical flow of your argument.

Extend beyond the results. The discussion/conclusion should go beyond the specific results of your study and explore their broader implications. Discuss how your findings relate to existing knowledge, what they suggest about future research, and what their potential applications might be.

Suggest future directions. Use the discussion/conclusion to suggest directions for future research. Identify limitations of your study and propose ways to address them in future work. This demonstrates your understanding of the research landscape and your commitment to advancing knowledge in your field.

9. Abstract: A Standalone Representation of Your Work

The Abstract, in this sense, is a representation of the research article.

Independent validity. The abstract should be a self-contained summary of your research, capable of being understood without reference to the full article. It should include the key points, methods, results, and implications of your study. Think of it as a mini-version of your entire paper.

Persuasive and informative. The abstract should not only inform readers about your research but also persuade them to read the full article. Use clear, concise language and highlight the most significant findings and contributions of your work. It's your first and often only chance to make a strong impression.

Two models. There are two main models for abstracts: a structured model that includes background, method, results, and conclusions, and a more common model that focuses on the method and results. Choose the model that best suits your research and the requirements of your target journal.

10. Vocabulary: Precision and Professionalism

Because science writing is so conventional, the amount of grammar and vocabulary you need to learn is quite small.

Precise language. Use precise language to communicate your ideas accurately and avoid ambiguity. Choose words that have specific meanings and avoid using vague or informal language. Precision is paramount in science writing.

Professional tone. Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing. Avoid using colloquialisms, slang, or overly emotional language. Your writing should be objective, clear, and respectful.

Vocabulary lists. Use the vocabulary lists provided in this book to expand your vocabulary and to learn the conventional language used in science writing. These lists provide a valuable resource for improving your writing skills.

Last updated: January 21, 2025