Writing Style for Engineers

Summary

This video focuses on effective writing styles for engineering students at British universities, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between informality and excessive formality. It highlights common pitfalls such as vague language, chatty tones, and unnecessary repetition, while also addressing issues of wordiness and nominalization. The presenter offers practical examples and revisions to improve clarity and precision in academic writing. The overarching message is that clear communication should be prioritized over impressiveness, ensuring that writing conveys ideas effectively and maintains authority.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing style significantly influences the authority and perception of engineering work.
• 🤔 A balance between informality and excessive formality is crucial for effective academic writing.
• ✍️ Avoid vague language; use precise terms to convey your ideas clearly.
• 🚫 Steer clear of overly chatty language and personal pronouns to maintain professionalism.
• 🔄 Repetition within sentences should be minimized to enhance readability and clarity.
• 📏 Excessive nominalization makes sentences wordy; prefer active verbs for simplicity.
• 📝 Clarity is key; avoid wordy phrases that distract from the main message.
• 🛑 Be cautious with passive voice; use it appropriately without overdoing it.
• 🔍 Emotional or dramatic language should be avoided in academic writing.
• 📚 For further insights, consult resources like Bailey's book on writing for international students.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video discusses effective writing styles specifically for engineering students at British universities.

Why is having an appropriate writing style important?

An appropriate writing style gives authority to the work and helps ensure that the reader takes the content seriously.

What are the two extremes in writing style that students should avoid?

Students should avoid being too informal and too formal or forced in their writing style.

What are some examples of vague language to avoid?

Examples of vague language include terms like 'things,' 'stuff,' 'anything,' and 'something,' which lack precise meaning.

How can students improve vague language in their writing?

Students should aim for clarity by using specific and direct terms that clearly convey their points.

What does the term 'nominalization' refer to?

Nominalization refers to the practice of turning verbs into nouns, which can make sentences unnecessarily wordy.

Why should personal language be minimized in academic writing?

Personal language can make writing sound informal and conversational, which is generally inappropriate for academic contexts.

What is the impact of excessive wordiness in writing?

Excessive wordiness can distract readers and make it harder for them to process the main ideas, especially in lengthy documents.

How should students approach the use of passive voice?

While passive voice can be used appropriately, students should avoid overusing it and strive for clear, direct expressions.

What is the key takeaway regarding clarity in writing?

The primary goal of academic writing is to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, rather than to impress with complex language.