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 Why
it is Important to Write Well
- It may be the only form of communication between two or more
people.
- Unclear writing may lead to misunderstanding by the reader.
- Unclear writing reflects negatively on the writer and
sometimes reflects foggy thinking.
- Being able to write clearly strengthens the writer's
self-esteem.
Basic Points To Remember About Writing
- Writing is a transaction between the writer and the reader,
with the primary obligation for conveying the message accurately and understandably being
on the writer.
- The spoken language is looser than the written language, as
facial expression, gestures, pointing, etc. cannot be included in the written document.
- Whatever the message, it can be transmitted to the reader
via the written word, though much effort is required if complicated messages are conveyed
clearly.
- We seldom recognize how poorly we write, because we know
what we intended to say and are likely to mistakenly believe that our written passage
actually communicates that message.
- A clear sentence is no accident, as so many little things
can lead to misinterpretation.
- Almost always, with more time and effort we could improve
our writing, often---though not always---by reduction in wording.
- Writing is a craft that can be improved, principally by
observing carefully others' writing and by practicing one’s own writing.
The Biomedical Paper
Introduction: Supplies
background and rationale for the investigation.
Materials and Methods:
Provides enough detail that a competent researcher can repeat the investigation.
Results: Presents the data.
Discussion: Puts the
findings in a larger context and shows the relationships among observed facts.
References and Footnotes:
Directs the reader to the most relevant literature.
Abstract: Presents a
summary of the study and findings.
Visual Illustrations:
Illustrate the paper's content and/or depicts a situation that cannot be conveyed
adequately with words alone.
Some Recommended Steps in Writing the Paper.
- Identify the purpose(s) of the paper.
- Decide when to write; that is, at what point in the
research.
- Consider the various rhetorical strategies that can be used
(description, narration, process, example/illustration, comparison/contrast, definition,
classification/division, cause-effect, analogy).
- Allocate the information to the appropriate sections of the
paper.
- Do a paragraph by paragraph analysis within each section to
make sure the message is presented clearly and logically.
- Do a sentence by sentence analysis within each paragraph to
make sure that each sentence contributes to the message and that the sentences are in the
order that most clearly presents the message.
Characteristics of Effective Writing (including
Biomedical Writing)
Accurate and objective: It is factual and uninfluenced
by emotion or prejudice.
- Clear and coherent. It can be understood and cannot be
misunderstood.
- Simple and economical. It says only what needs to be said.
- Cohesive. It sticks together because every sentence and
every word contributes to the central idea and not merely to each other.
Suggestions on Writing Accurately and Objectively:
- Observe carefully and record and describe precisely.
- Use correct grammar and punctuation.
- Use adverbs cautiously. Guard against using too many and be
careful about their location. For example: He is the only one I like///He is the
one only I like.
- Avoid excessive and inappropriate use of jargon and cliches.
- Use value-laden and opinion words cautiously (e.g., surely,
unquestionably).
- Include contradictory evidence when appropriate.
Suggestions on Writing Clearly and
Coherently
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Incorrect: The film
container is your first step.
Correct: Opening the film container is your first step. |
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Incorrect: Uncle John
went to feed the cow with an umbrella. |
- Avoid overstuffing sentences.
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Incorrect: For
non-smokers, a smoke filled room causes not only teary eyes and runny noses but also can
alter auditory and visual perceptions as well, which is irritating but not associated with
any serious disease, except for people with heart and lung ailments who are threatened
with major problems from smoke. |
- Avoid multi-noun modifiers (noun strings).
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Incorrect: Diabetic
patient blood pressure reduction may be a consequence of renal extract depressor
agent application. |
- Place key words or phrases at either the beginning or the
end of the sentence.
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Correct: I expect a
refund because of your error in my laboratory test.
Correct: Because of your error in my laboratory test, I expect a refund. |
- Use active voice (forceful verbs) when possible.
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Incorrect: Attempts were
made on the part of the engineering staff in regard to an assessment of the project. |
Suggestions on Writing Simply and
Economically
- Use uncomplicated sentences.
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Example 1: The strength
that the elephant has is amazing.
Example 2: The strength of the elephant is amazing.
Example 3: The elephant's strength is amazing. |
- Avoid long introductory phrases.
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Example: For all intents
and purposes, few women have yet achieved equal pay for equal work.
Improvement: Few women have yet achieved equal pay for equal work. |
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Bad: The recent drug
thefts have necessitated stronger security measures.
Good: The recent drug thefts have made it necessary for stronger security
measures. |
- Use numbers to indicate points.
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Example: Our present
careless use of coal and oil will lead to a series of unpleasant events: (1) all of us
will have to cut back drastically on our use of resources; (2) only the rich will be able
to afford the resources; and (3) all access to the resources will end by the turn of the
century because the resources will be depleted. |
- Do not qualify words that have only one meaning.
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Incorrect: Several positive
benefits may result from this new innovation. |
- Avoid needless repetition.
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Incorrect: Breathing is
restored by artificial respiration. Artificial respiration means that
breathing is being maintained by artificial means. Techniques of artificial respiration
are mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-nose. Artificial respiration must always be
performed when external cardiac massage is being done. |
- Use active voice when possible.
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- Be concise in word usage.
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Incorrect: On account
of the fact that the fire had spread to two floors, all stairwells were sealed off.
Correct: Because the fire had spread to two floors, all stairwells were sealed
off. |
Suggestions on Writing
Cohesively
- Clearly state the central idea (topic sentence).
- Leave out irrelevant details.
- Organize sentences in a meaningful manner. Spatial
(from one physical location to another); Chronological; Example (topic sentence supported
by examples); Reasoning (viewpoint supported by reasons); Cause/effect; Effect/cause;
Comparison/contrast
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