Intensive Course in Research Writing Barbara Gastel, MD, MPH Texas A&M University Summer 2011

Intensive Course in Research Writing: Session 14 (15 July 2011)

Today Developing an academic writing style and building English vocabulary (Dr. Aiello) Communicating specialized information to the public (continued) Wrap-up exercise Some resources Course evaluation Presentation of certificates and letters Group photo

ESL Short Subjects: Developing an Academic Writing Style; Building English Vocabulary Susan Aiello, DVM Note: Later this month, this presentation will be posted in the AuthorAID Resource Library (

Week 4 (optional) Continued work on revising papers Appointments with BG if you’d like Presentation on teaching technique: Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon Demonstration on baking technique (making bar cookies): Wednesday at 7 p.m. (details to follow) Questions?

Basics of Communicating Specialized Information to the Public (continued)

A Real-Life Medical Mystery: “The Secret in the Marrow” by Daniel C. Weaver What aspects help it communicate clearly and effectively to a general audience?

Working with the Popular Media

Discussion Questions Have you ever been interviewed by a reporter (for example, for a newspaper article)? If so, what was your experience? What suggestions do have for communicating effectively in such interviews?

A Few Suggestions: Working with the Media Find out the reporter’s –Background –Task –Deadline If possible, provide some written information. Present information in a way directly understandable by the public.

Suggestions (cont) Consider the visual aspect. Perhaps check the reporter’s understanding. If there’s a main point you want to make, find a way to make it. Offer to review a draft for accuracy. Perhaps provide feedback after the item is published, posted, or broadcast.

For Texas A&M Grad Students: A Course of Possible Interest VIBS (Veterinary Integrative Biosciences) 660: Reporting Science and Technology

Wrap-Up Exercise

Workshop-Design Exercise Imagine that you return to your university or department and are asked to give a half-day workshop on research writing. Prepare a plan for the workshop, and be ready to present the plan. In your plan, include the 5 Ws and an H: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Groups Alejandro, José, Juan, Diao Alicia, Niels, Haroon, Brandi Maria Elena, Aaron, Roberto Planning time: about 30 minutes Presentation time: about 5 minutes per group

Some Resources

OneLook Dictionary Search ( Academic Phrasebank ( Grammar Girl (grammar.quickanddirtytips.com)grammar.quickanddirtytips.com The Elements of Style ( English Communication for Scientists ( communication-for-scientists ) communication-for-scientists

More Resources Scientific English (set of lessons accessible through library/china-medical-board-program- resources/cmb-lessons-in-scientific- writing/folder_contents) library/china-medical-board-program- resources/cmb-lessons-in-scientific- writing/folder_contents Getting the Most out of Words ( library/Editing%20and%20Publication- Chapter%202.pdf/view) library/Editing%20and%20Publication- Chapter%202.pdf/view AuthorAID at INASP (

AuthorAID at INASP A project to help researchers in developing countries (and elsewhere) to write about and publish their work Main components –Mentoring –Workshops –Discussion list –Openly accessible content

Course Evaluation

Presentation of Certificates and Letters

Group Photo

Wishing you all the best!