Analytical/Expository Writing Guidelines

A major part of the scientific process is communication. A scientist needs to be able to gather information, analyze it, and then effectively communicate what they understand to others.

Analytical (Expository) writing is one way to communicate information. The author observes natural phenomena, and applies concepts that they understand to thoroughly describe what they are observing. If the author is successful, the reader will come away with an accurate and thorough understanding of the "what" and "why" of the observations that the writer made.

The following guidelines should be considered:

Critical Thinking

	Thorough knowledge of topic.
	Exacting discussion of complex ideas.
	Absence of "empty" sentences.
	Perceptive thinking.

Topic Development

	Topic clearly stated.
	Observed phenomena provided as examples.
	No unnecessary repetition.

Organization

	Effective ordering of concepts.
	Engaging opening.
	Good transitions between paragraphs.
	Coherence within paragraphs.
	Good closure.

Style

	Passive voice (No "I").
	Clear.
	Precise vocabulary.

Sentence Structure

	Well-crafted sentences
	Variety of sentence structure length.

Conventions

	Author.
	Descriptive title.
	Proper word usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation.
	Accurate, Explanatory Diagrams with Captions
	Notes
	Bibliography