GUIDANCE: WRITING A SCIENCE ESSAY/ARTICLE/LEAFLET

OVERVIEW
Introduction:
1st paragraph: outline/briefly describe the problem your application of science is addressing (less
than 200 words)
Body:
2nd/paragraph: describe and communicate the scientific ideas or processes that are used to
address this problem
3rd paragraph: explain how well science addresses the problem, benefits and limitation eg, How
well does the science solve the problem?
4th paragraph: discuss and evaluate the implications of using science (see the list below for
possible implications).
Conclusion:
Very briefly summarise the main ideas of the essay and the main issue.
End with a recommendation/evaluation based on your argument.
Word Count should be between 1000 to 1200 words in length.
Below are the descriptors for Criterion D:
i. explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
<INPUT NAME=\ii. discuss and evaluate the various implications of the use of science and its
application in solving a specific problem or issue
<INPUT NAME=\iii. apply communication modes effectively
<INPUT NAME=\iv. document the work of others and sources of information used.
Definitions
State is defined as to give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or
calculation.
Describe is defined as to give a detailed account
Explain is defined as to give a clear account including causes and reasons or mechanisms.
Discuss is defined as to give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for
and against, the relative importance of various factors and comparisons of alternative
hypotheses.
Evaluate: is defined as to assess the implications and limitations; making an informed
judgement or assessment
For Level 7-8, you should be looking to Explain. Discuss and Evaluate
Referencing
Reference Government/ UN/Non government organization (NGOs) reports and newspaper
articles and scientific journal for key statistics, tables, graphs and diagrams,
Remember to refer to all inserts (diagrams/graphs/tables) in your text. Eg. As Fig1 illustrates the
USA produced the highest volume (insert number) of carbon dioxide emissions in 2006.
Use of Websites
Try to find the references the website uses eg. Every Wikipedia article has a list of references at
the bottom. Check and use the original reference.

See the LibGuides to help you cite your sources

http://libguides.isind.org/content.php?pid=195081&sid=1634429
See MLA Handbook for detailed information on how to reference correctly.

GUIDANCE FOR WRITING ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS

Think about these definitions/questions when you evaluate the benefits and limitations of this
application of science.
ECONOMIC is defined as pertaining to the production, distribution, and use of income, wealth,
and commodities.
The costs and benefits of using science. Who pays or receives the benefit? Is it worth it?
How much will it cost? Are the potential benefits worth the cost? Who pays for it, private
companies, the Government, consumers? (Obesity will cost governments millions but so
does changing peoples eating habits and diet- is it worth attempting to deal with it?)
SOCIAL is defined as of or pertaining to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a
community.
The people affected or involved, from a few people up to the global community. How will
this application of science affect society, will it affect everyone or a select group? Will it
unfairly affect one group of society over another? Will everyone have access to the
science/solution or only the privileged (An oil refinery is a local problem but global
warming is truly global)
ETHICAL is defined as pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality;
pertaining to right and wrong in conduct.
Is it right or wrong to use science in this way and if we do, how ought we to do it?
(Aborting foetuses is something we have to do in a caring way even if we think it is right or
wrong. Who decides whether it is right or wrong, the Government, religious groups,
individuals? There are ways of doing things and often a law to guide us - animal testing is
highly policed).
POLITICAL is defined as of, pertaining to, or involving the state or its government.
Is the government involved directly or are powerful groups trying to influence people or
the government or the UN etc? Notice how much diet advice is given in books by nonexperts. Why would the Government be for or against this the application of this science
and how would it affect other countries?
ENVIRONMENTAL is defined as of, relating to, or associated with the environment.
Is the issue an environmental one in some way, directly or indirectly? (Pollution is direct
but what about binge-drinking?)
CULTURAL is defined as of, relating to, or associated with the behaviors and beliefs
characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group.
A problem in one place is seen differently in another for reasons such as faith, tradition
and different belief values. (Asians tolerate bugs, Nepalese dogs because of their faith,
Europeans see even one cockroach as a health threat, Catholics are against abortion,
others ban TV and medical treatment, Muslims are against plastic surgery, Chinese
medicine uses rare, threatened animal parts). How will this application of science affect
different communities of people which live in a multicultural society?