Lesson An ambiguity is a word, phrase, or sentence that can be interpreted in more than one way. Whereas poets win awards for ambiguity, engineers and scientists are sued for ambiguities. The three films of this lesson teach you to be sensitive to four common sources of ambiguity in scientific writing: word choice, word order, pronouns (particularly it and this), and missing punctuation. (16 minutes)
Overall perspective on avoiding ambiguity. Avoiding ambiguity, particularly with word choice and word order. Avoiding ambiguity, particularly with pronouns and punctuation. |
Comprehension QuizForthcoming. References
Sponsors and EditorsSponsors Leonhard Center, College of Engineering, Penn State National Science Foundation, NSF EAGER Award 1752096 Faculty Editor Michael Alley, Teaching Professor, College of Engineering, Penn State Film Editors Elaine Gustus, College of Engineering, Penn State Richelle Weiger, College of Engineering, Penn State Casey Fenton, College of Engineering, Penn State |
For the academic year 2020-2021, we are collecting comments, questions, criticisms, and suggestions for the films, text, and quizzes of each lesson on scientific writing. To help us understand your input, would please let us know what your discipline is and whether you are a student, professional, or faculty member?