Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Lecture 3 (Academic Writing)
Lecture 3 (Academic Writing)
Technical Writing
Technical Writing
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• Introduction / Background
– Explains the research problem and its context
• Outlines the objectives of the experiment
• Identifies pertinent background information
• Explains importance of the problem (Why does it matter? Why is
more information needed?)
• Explains reason(s) and goal(s) for study
• Procedure / Methodology
– Explains how data was gathered/generated
– Explains how data was analyzed
– Assumes reader understands material
• Does not include explanatory material
– Graded on quality, not on quantity/weight
– Is in past tense and passive voice
• “A 1” piece of coil was cut and the following measurements
were taken...etc”
– The research has been carried out
– It is the research, and not your activities, that are of interest
Presentation of Data/Discussion of Results
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• Conclusion / Summary
– Discusses:
• How general principle was supported by the findings
• What was learned and what remains to be learned through
research
• Weaknesses/shortcomings vs. strength of study
• Possible applications of study (how it can be used)
• Recommendations
• Conclusion / Summary
– Discusses:
• How general principle was supported by the findings
• What was learned and what remains to be learned through
research
• Weaknesses/shortcomings vs. strength of study
• Possible applications of study (how it can be used)
• Recommendations
Most advice from teachers encourages writers to avoid passive voice and to
write in active voice. The lab report is unique: Lab reports typically rely
heavily on passive voice sentences.
Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
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• When doing your Lab Report, think about data that could be presented
visually. If that data would help your reader understand your lab report,
then use the visual aid. For lab reports consider using:
• TABLES if you results use a lot of numbers
• SCHEMATIC if your method or results require an understanding of the circuitry
(inside workings) of a mechanism
• DIAGRAM if your method or results involve an understanding of special
instruments or mechanisms
• MAPS if you are working with an outdoor lab where places are important
• GRAPHS if you wish to compare numerical data
• PHOTOGRAPHS if the actual picture would help your understand your data
Finishing Touches
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• Check Spelling
• Check Grammar
• Minimize the use of Acronyms
• If Acronyms are necessary, always define them at
the first use
• Number all equations, tables, and figures
• All tables and figures must have captions.
• All figures must have labeled axes
• All quantities must have units
Report on Lab Visit
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THANK YOU!