To write successfully is to a great extent about capturing and keeping the reader’s interest. This can be achieved in different ways, for example by presenting your material in a clear, well-arranged manner, and by avoiding to use difficult and complicated language.
Writing a report or a paper is a time consuming and delicate task. You need to be well prepared and know a lot about the subject you intend to write about. Preparations such as literature searches and/or interviews in order to orientate one self on what has been published on the subject is one important part.
To critically evaluate and examine the results that have emerged is another important part of the essay writing process.
It is also important to know about how to make a correct disposition, plus to know how to quote other authors and how to state references correctly.
The language of a scientific report is important, because the text should give a serious impression in order to be taken seriously. A language which is too easy-going and informal can give a totally wrong impression of the text. There is also the risk of using too stilted and complicated language. Ask yourself: Who am I writing for? Try to be matter-of-fact and informative and it will hopefully turn out all right.
Anne-Marie Pettersson
2005-06-20
