Real Science in Clear English (eBook)

A Guide to Scientific Writing for the Global Market

Cathryn Roos, Gregory Roos (Autoren)

eBook Download: PDF

2019
127 Seiten
Springer Singapore (Verlag)
978-981-13-7820-1 (ISBN)

Infos

This book is a timely go-to resource for any professionals wishing to communicate with the growing number of readers whose first language is not English. It highlights the potential language difficulties these readers face, and provides guidelines and tools for overcoming them. The guidelines show how to convey complicated information clearly without affecting the integrity of the subject matter, while the practical ‘before’ and ‘after’ examples clearly illustrate how using these guidelines and improves scientific texts. The book also includes text evaluation tools that allow writers to rapidly assess the readability of their materials. It is based on theory and the authors’ extensive experience in producing highly readable English texts for L2 readers who struggle with materials that were originally prepared for L1 readers.

Inhalt

Acknowledgements 6
The Story of This Book 7
Terms Used in This Book 10
Contents 12
About the Authors 16
List of Figures 17
List of Tables 18
1 The Global Impact of English and Science 19
Abstract 19
1.1 Who Uses English? 19
1.2 What Makes English a Global Language? 20
1.3 The Synergy of English and Science 21
1.4 The New ‘Owners’ of English 21
1.5 The Expanding Market of English-Medium Instruction (EMI) 23
1.6 The English Bias 24
References 25
2 Bridging the Gap 26
Abstract 26
2.1 English Proficiency Levels 26
2.2 From ABC… to EMI 27
2.3 Proficiency Levels and Standardised English Testing 28
2.4 Sourcing Suitable Materials 29
2.5 Materials Fit for Purpose 30
References 30
3 Readability 31
Abstract 31
3.1 What Is Readability? 31
3.2 Why Improve Readability? 32
3.3 Some Existing Guidelines 33
3.3.1 Plain English 33
3.3.2 Basic English 33
3.3.3 Special English 33
3.3.4 Simplified Technical English 34
3.3.5 Aviation English 34
3.3.6 Seaspeak 34
3.3.7 Globish 34
3.3.8 International/Global English 35
3.3.9 English as a Lingua Franca 35
3.4 Real Science in Clear English 36
References 36
4 The L2 Reading Experience 38
Abstract 38
4.1 The Reading Process 38
4.2 L1 Versus L2 Reading 39
4.3 Effects of First Language on L2 Reading 40
4.3.1 Sound Systems 40
4.3.2 Writing Systems 41
4.3.3 Vocabulary 41
4.3.4 Grammar Patterns 46
4.3.4.1 Modal Verbs 47
4.3.4.2 Complex Noun Phrases 49
4.3.4.3 Complex Sentence Patterns 50
4.3.5 Text Flow 51
4.3.6 Text Organisation 52
4.4 Making Texts Readable 53
References 53
5 What’s in a Word? 55
Abstract 55
5.1 Use High-Frequency Vocabulary 55
5.2 Use the Necessary Technical Terms 57
5.3 Define New Words Consistently 58
5.4 Avoid Using Technical Terms in a Non-technical Way 58
5.5 Use Words in Their Literal Sense 59
5.6 Choose Words with the Clearest Meanings 59
5.7 Avoid Phrasal Verbs 60
5.8 Use Words Consistently 64
5.9 Use Hyphens Liberally 64
References 66
6 Get a Grip on Grammar 67
Abstract 67
6.1 Keep Noun Phrases Short 67
6.2 Put the Subject and its Verb Close Together 68
6.3 Choose the Simplest Verb Forms 69
6.4 Use Passive Verbs Sparingly 71
6.5 Use Modals Consistently 73
6.6 Limit Clause Per Sentence Ratio 79
6.7 De-Clutter Clauses 80
6.8 Choose Easy Clause Connectors 81
6.9 Leave ‘That’ in! 84
6.10 Paraphrase Hypothetical ‘If’ Clauses 85
References 87
7 Go with the Flow 88
Abstract 88
7.1 Give the Main Idea in the First Sentence of a Paragraph 88
7.2 Give Information Gradually 89
7.3 Increase Word Overlap 91
7.4 Clarify Substitute Word Reference 92
7.5 Keep Sentence Types Consistent 95
7.6 Use Signposts 99
7.7 Minimise Referrals 101
References 101
8 Balance Your Style 102
Abstract 102
8.1 Involve Your Readers 102
8.2 Balance Concrete and Abstract 103
8.3 Balance Friendly and Folksy 105
8.4 Avoid Writing About Writing 107
References 107
9 Clear the Page 108
Abstract 108
9.1 Use Left-Aligned Single Columns 108
9.2 Choose Clear Fonts and Spacing 111
9.3 Minimise Typographical Features 112
9.4 Use Shorter Paragraphs 113
9.5 Use Bulleted Lists 114
9.6 Use Headings and Subheadings 115
9.7 Choose Visuals with Impact 116
9.8 Minimise Special Features 119
Reference 121
10 Tools for Readability 122
Abstract 122
10.1 Compleat Web VP [2] 122
10.1.1 Choose a Framework 123
10.1.2 Enter the Text into the Tool 123
10.1.3 Analyse the Results 124
10.1.4 Use Types List to Reduce the Vocabulary Difficulty 126
10.2 Hemingway Editor [4] 129
10.2.1 Type or Paste the Text into the Application 131
10.2.2 Use Red Highlights to Show Long Noun Phrases, Complicated Clauses and Sentences with Too Many Clauses 131
10.2.3 Use Yellow Highlights Cautiously 132
10.2.4 Use Green Highlights to Check on Passive Verbs 133
10.2.5 Export the Text Using the File Menu 134
10.2.6 Use the Help Section for More Information 135
10.3 Coh-Metrix Index [5] 135
10.3.1 Paste Text into the Screen 136
10.3.2 Analyse the Results 136
10.3.3 Revise the Text and Resubmit 137
10.3.4 Compare the Revised Results with the Original 137
10.3.5 Save the Data 139
Acknowledgements 140
References 140

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 7.8.2019
• Reihe/Serie: SpringerBriefs in Education
• Reihe/Serie: SpringerBriefs in Education
• Zusatzinfo: XXI, 127 p. 78 illus., 23 illus. in color.
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Schulbuch / Wörterbuch ► Wörterbuch / Fremdsprachen
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Sprach- / Literaturwissenschaft ► Sprachwissenschaft
• Themenwelt: Naturwissenschaften
• Themenwelt: Sozialwissenschaften ► Pädagogik ► Erwachsenenbildung
• Themenwelt: Technik
• Schlagworte: English • global english style guide • international english style guide • technical english global • technical english international • writing for STEM • writing science in clear english • writing science in global english • writing science in international english • Writing Scientific English
• ISBN-10: 981-13-7820-7 / 9811378207
• ISBN-13: 978-981-13-7820-1 / 9789811378201