Writing Science in Plain English (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

Bad writing is bad for science. Incomprehensible journal articles, wordy proposals, and jargon-filled theses make reading a chore for students, informed lay people, and even other scientists.As a result, years of research and hard work can be passed over or misunderstood.The problem is so significant that clear writing has become a legal requirement for federal agencies, thanks to the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which requires that writing be "accessible, consistent, written in plain language, and easy to understand." "Writing Science in Plain English" by Anne E.Greene, an experienced teacher of scientific writing, shows how to produce such clear, concise scientific prose.This is the first book to adapt the Strunk and White model for scientists and students.Designed as a short, easy-to-follow guide, it dispenses with what scientists write and focuses on how to write it well.Eleven chapters present straightforward principles based on what readers need in order to understand complex writi