1. Structure in Scientific Writing AEE 804 Spring 2003 Reese & Woods

2. Structure: the Strategy of Style If a man can group his ideas, then he is a writer. - Robert Louis Stevenson beginning (titles) ending middle (transitions)

3. The organization of a scientific document can be viewed as a beginning, middle, and ending Beginning Ending Middle Title Summary Introduction Middle Sections Conclusions Back Matter

4. Beginnings prepare readers for understanding the work Introduction - prepares readers for the middle Title - orients readers to document Summary - tells readers what happens in document

5. A strong title orients readers to your area of work The Use of Learning Styles in Academic Performance and Retention The Use of Learning Styles and Admission Criteria in Predicting Academic Performance and Retention of College Freshmen

6. A strong title also separates your work from everyone else's work Assessing Aquaculture Curricula in the Northeastern Region Assessing Aquaculture Curricula in Michigan High Schools

7. A document's introduction prepares readers for the discussion Topic? Importance? Introduction Arrangement? Background?

8. The introduction defines the scope and limitations of the work Undergraduate Agriculture Student Learning Styles and Critical Thinking Abilities: Is There A Relationship? Population: College of Agriculture First year 2 year study Men surveyed Other effects, such as degree, not considered Academic grades not considered Women may not experience the same effects scope limitations

9. A strong introduction tells readers why the research is important importance See examples – Matchett and Williams

10. In the middle of a report, you present your work Choose a logical strategy Make sections and subsections Heading Subheading Heading Subheading Heading

11. Flow Common strategies exist for the middles of scientific reports Chronological

12. Common strategies exist for the middles of scientific reports Parallel Parts Corel Corporation Spatial

13. When you divide a section into subsections, all the pieces should be of the same pie Assessment of Learning Styles Assessment of critical thinking Assessment of problem solving Assessment of engagement

14. In a strong ending, you analyze results and give a future perspective Analyze results from overall perspective Conclusions Analysis of Results Several options: Make recommendations Discuss future work Repeat limitations Future Perspective