Transforming Science Skills into Writing Mastery
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Chapter 1: The Dual Influence of Science and English
As I near the completion of my undergraduate studies, I recognize that my writing prowess stems equally from my science major and English minor. While it might seem logical to attribute my writing skills primarily to my English classes—which challenged me to articulate thoughts analytically and eloquently—it's clear that both disciplines played significant roles. My English studies encouraged creative expression, allowing me to explore the beauty of writing in both a structured and liberated manner.
However, my scientific coursework emphasized the importance of clarity and brevity. These classes demanded that I convey complex concepts in a straightforward manner, which I believe is just as crucial as the ability to write with flair and emotion. In my science courses, I was tasked with breaking down intricate methodologies and explaining the workings of the universe to myself. Fields like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are not only elegant but also require considerable effort to fully grasp.
In those early years of my undergraduate education, I faced a barrage of such challenging courses, and as any student at this level knows, much of the learning is self-directed. I had to take highly complex material, often beyond my initial understanding, and reshape it to enhance my comprehension. This process pushed me to translate intricate concepts into more digestible forms—not for others, but primarily for my own clarity.
Without realizing it at the time, these experiences engaged the creative aspect of my mind—the part that crafts narratives. They allowed me to distill some of the most challenging information into formats that made sense to me. Once I mastered this skill in science, applying it to my writing felt effortless.
When I learned to simplify quantum mechanics for my earlier self—though those details have since faded—I discovered I could communicate more fluently, both in speech and in writing. I became adept at summarizing scientific discoveries in my science communication courses and explaining the nuances of vaccination to individuals without a scientific background. Thus, while English nurtured my expressive capabilities, science instilled in me the value of being succinct.
In my science communication courses, we learned that the average reader spends only a few moments on an article—often just three thumb swipes. Therefore, it’s crucial to capture the reader's attention quickly and with minimal words. Beyond acquiring complex knowledge and translating it into accessible language, I became acutely aware of the necessity to communicate clearly and concisely for an audience beyond myself.
In today's world, where attention spans are shrinking, information is desired in the most efficient manner possible. Here are two significant lessons from my science major that have improved my writing quality, which you can also implement in your own work:
Prioritize Clarity and Brevity
I've stressed the importance of clear and concise writing, and it truly cannot be emphasized enough. To keep your readers engaged until the end of your article—not only for viewership but also for their learning—your writing must be sharp and direct. This lesson was driven home during my toughest science classes, where if I couldn't explain a concept clearly to a peer, it could lead to confusion or poor grades.
Whatever you aim to communicate, practicing succinctness is vital. This approach helps eliminate unnecessary words and sentences while maintaining your reader's focus.
Engage Your Audience
Throughout my undergraduate years, I was tasked with reading and summarizing numerous journal articles—a process often deemed tedious. Your writing should never bore your readers. This principle was repeatedly reinforced in my science communication courses. For instance, how can we explain extinction to a young child in a way that captivates their interest? Or how can we convey the significance of vaccinations to diverse audiences?
To explain extinction to a child, starting with dinosaurs is effective. When discussing vaccination, focusing on the consequences of avoiding it can be eye-opening.
Identify your target audience and tailor your writing to ensure that it captivates and engages them.
Having learned to explain science both to myself and to others, I found that the techniques I developed through my scientific training significantly enhanced my writing across the board. While mere quantity does not equate to quality, the rigor of a quantitative field has undoubtedly improved the caliber of my writing.