GEOLSCI 150/GEOPHYS 199: Senior Seminar: Issues in Earth Sciences: Get writing help
This course guide offers research tips and resources to successfully navigate Issues in Earth Sciences.
Writing help
Stanford offers help to all students with their writing through the Technical Communications Program. You can also learn a lot about writing through guides and books designed to make you better at clearly communicating complex scientific topics.
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Technical communication program (TCP)The TCP is dedicated to helping all students on campus become better writers, more effective communicators, and more confident presenters. They welcome students from across the university.
The art of writing
Become a better writer by learning how to craft an excellent abstract, a concise introduction, and a well-written thesis.
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Scrutiny of an abstractKenneth Landes explains why a good abstract is of the utmost importance to a well-written paper. Follow his advice to write the best abstract possible.
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Scrutiny of the introductionStanford faculty member, Jon Claerbout, lays out in detail how to write a stellar introduction for paper or thesis.
Excellent scientific writing
Numerous books have been written to help scientists become better writers.
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The Elements of Style: Classic Edition (2018) by William Strunk Jr.; Richard De A'Morelli (Editor)
ISBN: 9781643990002Publication Date: 2018This Classic Edition addresses these changes with the following enhancements and additional content: 1. This 2018 update adds two new chapters requested by college professors and students: Basic Rules of Capitalization and Style Rules for Better Writing. 2. Editor's notes have been inserted throughout the book to flag grammar rules that are become obsolete and to provide up-to-date advice for students and writers. 3. Emojis have been added to help readers identify correct examples from errors at a glance. 4. A Study Guide is included in the last chapter, and the paperback version includes blank, lined pages in the back of the book for note taking. 5. The e-book version has been restyled for improved display on the latest generations of digital book-reading devices. Elements of Style: Classic Edition 2018 gives students and writers a blueprint that they can follow to write clearly and effectively while learning the fundamental rules of English Grammar. -
The Art of Scientific Writing by Claus Bliefert; William E. Russey; Hans F. Ebel
ISBN: 9783527298297Publication Date: 2004The primary emphasis of this book is on writing techniques, accurate expression, adherence to accepted standards, and above all clarity, but the authors also venture into communication technology and organizational as well as ethical aspects of science. -
Communicating Rocks by Peter Copeland
ISBN: 9780321689672Publication Date: 2011Scientific endeavor begins with asking questions about the nature of the world around us and gathering data, but this work cannot be complete without effectively communicating the conclusions and data found. Communicating Rocks: Writing, Speaking, and Thinking about Geology not only makes the case for balancing science with writing and speaking, but makes the case that one cannot have the former without the latter. The rules and styles of writing and speaking are addressed in relation to technical concerns specific to the Earth sciences, illustrating the importance of effective communication in geologic investigations. -
Geowriting, a Guide to Writing, Editing, and Printing in Earth Science by Robert L. Bates (Editor); Marla D. Adkins-Heljeson (Editor); Rex C. Buchanan (Editor)
ISBN: 9780922152148Publication Date: 2004 -
A Scientific Approach to Scientific Writing by John Blackwell; Jan Martin
ISBN: 9781441997876Publication Date: 2011This guide provides a framework, starting from simple statements, for writing papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals. It also describes how to address referees' comments, approaches for composing other types of scientific communications, and key linguistic aspects of scientific writing.
- Last Updated: Jun 20, 2025 6:01 AM
- URL: https://guides.library.stanford.edu/issues_earthsciences
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