A few writing tips for scientific papers

Avoiding plagiarism

If you take a set of words directly from a source, you must place them in quotes. However, it is best to paraphrase the text from the source in your own words. In a review paper, you need to cite the source after you have made a statement based on their data or ideas.

Writing clarity

Just as in ecology, there are different scales/levels of organization of papers. You can increase the clarity of your writing by making sure each of the following levels is well-structured:

1. The sentence

• Do not attempt to say too much in a single sentence. If your sentence is more than three lines long, it probably needs to be edited into two or more sentences.
• Keep your sentences relatively simple. Your subject and verb should be clear. Include a modifying phrase (prepositional or adverbial phrase) or transitional word (such as however, consequently) to provide flow to your writing.
• Try to provide a maximum of information in a minimum of words. Good scientific writing is clear and concise. You do not need to say “It is important to note...” or “The scientists found that ...” at the start of sentences. Just start with what they said and then cite the source at the end.

2. The paragraph

• Start your paragraphs with a good topic sentence that describes your main point for the paragraph. Then, add detail or examples that illustrate that point. For long paragraphs, end the paragraph with a concluding sentence or transition to the next paragraph.
• Avoid extremely long paragraphs. Use a new paragraph when making a new point.

3. The paper

• Structure your paper in the standard format: introduction, supporting material, and conclusions.
• Make your introductory paragraph informative (describe purpose and organization of your paper) and exciting (keep the reader’s interest).
• Have a separate paragraph for each of your main points.

Grammar (picky things)

And, but, or, and so are conjunctions that can join two independent clauses, requiring a comma before their use in such cases:

Most fish species were commonly found in Creek A, but darters were rare.

However, therefore, thus, and other adverbs cannot be used as conjunctions. They need a semicolon before their use within two independent clauses:

Most fish species were commonly found in Creek A; however, darters were rare.

Affect is a verb (not a noun): Climate affects primary production.

Effect is usually a noun: Climate has an effect on primary production.

Effect can be used as a verb, but it means to cause something (not to have an effect on something): High temperatures can effect pupation of larvae.

Greater than

If ...., then .....

Data (plural of datum) are (not is, although you see it both ways).

Citing references: please use format of ESA journals (Ecology, Ecological Applications):

Mine drainage affects stream ecosystem processes (Niyogi et al. 2002; Carlisle et al. 2005; Bray et al. 2008).

Then list references alphabetically (by last name of first author) at end or paper.

Do not use numbered references; do not use footnotes.