4. Essentials of Science Writing
• presents science and technology (S&T)
in a more acceptable language
understandable to layman
• makes S&T information
easy to understand and
reader-friendly
6. 1. As a translator of scientific/technical
jargon into simple and easy-to-understand
term
Roles of Science Writers
2. As an interpreter of
S&T for the benefit
of mankind
14. Areas of Science Writing
Discoveries Technology
Health and Medicine Environmental Issues
15. Sources of Science Articles
1. Research results and breakthroughs
2. Announcements of important S&T
activities/events
3. Scientific gatherings where
S&T papers are presented
4. Success stories on S&T
projects
16. Components of Science Writing
TECHNICAL
• Manifests unity and coherence to the theme/topic
• Has catchy and appropriate headline that is
clear and free of bias
• Contains a lead that is clearly written and focused
on the most important detail
17. Components of Science Writing / Continuation…
• Follows appropriate style and form
• Uses appropriate terms and lingo to report
and/or discuss events
• Observes rules of grammar and syntax
18. Components of Science Writing / Continuation…
• Utilizes graphs, tables, sharp, properly cropped
and captioned pictures
• Uses logical arrangement of ideas
• Includes stories that are arranged in decreasing
importance
19. Components of Science Writing
CONTENT
• Utilizes facts from interviews, document review,
data analyses, and other reliable sources
• Presents relevant and timely issues on S&T
• Uses technical jargon to a minimum
20. Components of Science Writing / Continuation…
• Presents technical and complicated scientific
concepts or ideas in a manner that can be
understood by a wide variety of reader
21. ETHICS
• Cites scientific references, statistics, and
relevant figures/facts to bolster credibility of
statements and/or narratives
• Observes ethical and professional standards for
print media (fairness, relevance, accuracy, and
balance)
Components of Science Writing
22. Focus of Science Writers
• National and international trends in science
• Environmental issues
• Health updates and programs
• S&T exhibits, seminars
• School science events
25. Science Writing
Is the latest form of Philippine Journalism.
• A Science Writer should be able to communicate
clearly and effectively so that he can popularize
and translate scientific reports into stories.
• Science Writing covers:
• 1. Science News
• 2. Science Editorial
• 3. Science Feature
• 4. Science Column Writing
27. ✓ gives the 5 W’s and H
✓ follows the inverted
pyramid structure
where the summary
lead gives the
important details
28. • presents facts creatively
• gets into the lives of people
• informs and inspires readers
29. • discusses a critical analysis of an
issue
• argues based on facts
• upholds a moral stand
/Column
30.
31. USEFUL TIPS IN SCIENCE WRITING
• Use headings
• Use concise statements
• Use supporting details
• Use your opinions wisely and appropriately
• Avoid absolute statements
32. • Avoid slang
• Do not use contractions
• Use the proper verb tense
• Use active verbs
• Do not misuse scientific terms
• Observe proper attribution
of sources
Useful Tips in Science Writing / Continuation…
USEFUL TIPS
34. SCIENCE NEWS REPORTING
Is Science writing by a scientist or by a non
scientist for mass consumption.
His report is written for mass understanding.
He writes his story in such a way that the science
un-oriented reader may understand and
appreciate it because it is written in layman's
language.
35. CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENCE WRITING
It contains only factual
information presented
objectively.
All data could be verified
and would not change unless
findings are made.
36. PURPOSE OF SCIENCE WRITING
Inform
Persuade or convince by
providing facts and opinion
based on facts that help readers
answer question, solve a
problem , make a decision, or
perform a task.
Interpret
38. DOS AND DON’TS IN WRITING
Have a plan.
Choose your topic and length
carefully.
Omit no Key WORDS
Avoid ambiguous phrases
(A sentence should have one
meaning only)
Use Active Voice
Eliminate redundancy.
39. DOS AND DON’T S
Rearrange word order- Place Key Word at the
beginning or end of the sentence.
Make Sentences concise or brief.
Avoid over stuffing – sentence that crams so
many ideas.
Avoid needless repetition
Avoid excessive prepositions.
Make negative positive ex. it is not good, it is
harmful.
Save words
Avoid there is and there are sentence openers
40. DO S AND DON’T S IN WRITING
Get to the point.
Use specific, concrete
language.
example : Juan for Filipino- is
not advisable.
Avoid over statement.
Use that and which sparingly.
41. DOS AND DON’T S
Check your facts.
Talk down to the reader.
Edit your writing.
43. Cruz, C. J. (2010). Campus Journalism and School Paper Advising. (2nd
ed.) Manila: Rex Book Store.
DepEd memorandum No.9, s 2014. National Schools Press Conference
(NSPC) 2014 Guidelines.
Harkrider, J. (1996). Getting Started in Journalism. Illinois: National
Textbook Company.
Kemper, D. et al. (2000). Writers Express A Handbook for Young Writers,
Thinkers, and Learners. Massachusetts: Great Source Educational
Group, Inc.
Khan, R. E. (2010). Campus Journalism. Mandaluyong City: Anvil Publishing.
Soriano, R.F. and Henson, R.M. (1999). A Primer on News Organization and
Techniques (With Exercises). Manila: Booklore Publishing Corporation.
43
References
