Writing skill is a vital factor for the well presentation of research findings. Sometimes it is challenging for the early career researcher. So, What do you think about this issue? What is your suggestion?
Dear Abdullah,
A simple strategy is to carve out time to read between 3 to 5 scientific papers published in highly reputable journals of your area of research, and do this consistently on a daily basis. See you at the TOP soon!
Hi, Abdullah,
Reading high quality work as Temitayo suggests may help, but nothing improves writing like writing. Carve out some time daily to write something, even if it is only a single paragraph.
Very early career academics need to develop their own voice, and to do so I strongly suggest writing book reviews of recently published work. Not only will this expand you knowledge in your own field, but the process of crafting a suitably critical analysis of another's work will develop your own written voice.
To those who will quickly affirm that a published book review means very little to academic status, the discipline of reading and writing daily will quickly build a reputation for productivity that is hard to establish from articles alone.
Hi Abdullah,
Improving article writing skill demands hard work, commitment and interest. You need to develop interest in reading and writing and demonstrate your interest through commitment to doing them. As Temitayo suggested, read articles in reputable journals in your field. But the reading should be deep and systematic. Pay attention to details - what are he authors saying and how do they say them. How do they present their arguments and the work as a whole. Reading is however just one step.
No matter how deep or critical your reading is, it does not benefit your writing skill unless you put what you have learnt into practice. Therefore, you must take the important step of writing after you have read widely and as you write, continue to read. As Peter said, nothing improves writing like writing. Writing is an action. You learn to write by writing not by merely reading how to write or reading some writings. You can start contributing articles in 'not too high quality' journals. Getting a paper published in a peer review journal even if the journal is not among the reputable ones, will motivate you. As you grow, you move to higher quality journals.
Another important means of improving your academic writing skills lies with what you do with reviewers' comments to your manuscript. Reviewers' comments can be frustrating many times and addressing them can be onerous. However, the essence of review is to improve the quality of what is published. Endeavour to learn as much as possible from reviewers' comments. Do not put it aside even if the recommendation is 'reject'. When you have 'major revision', be sure to address the comments and revise your manuscript. Don't run to another journal you think will be easier for you.
Finally, to substantially improve your writing, you must be resilient. Don't ever give up. Sooner than later, you will find yourself not only a good writer but also a good reviewer.
Hi Abdullah,
There is an old adage, "Practice makes perfect .... " I agree with those who advocate your writing frequently to improve your skills. The more you write and the more you practice, the better you become ...
Also, not only should you practice, but I also suggest you make a habit of reading well-written literature -- classics, and such. In doing so, you exposure your mind to not only excellent content and prose, but also fine examples of well-edited material.
Have a great day!
--Adrian
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Cognitive Science
- Thinking