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This section is divided into two parts - general and effective writing and writing scientific papers. E-mail us at tim@timalbert.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a question about effective writing or writing scientific papers?

(1) General and effective writing
Question 1: Can I start a sentence with 'And' or 'But'?

Question 2: How can I learn to write concisely?

Question 3: When I use short words people say I am being patronising. How can I avoid this?

Question 4: I tend to sit in front of my computer for hours waiting for the first sentence to come along. Is there a better way?

Question 5: How can I stop my boss changing everything I write?

Question 6: I spend a lot of time writing. How can I stop being bored?

Question 7: Do you have any tips for writing a press release?

Question 8: I find mind mapping a very useful way of preparing for a piece of writing. Is there any software available?

Question 2: I have just written a paper and a senior academic, who has had nothing to do with it, has insisted that his name goes on as a co-author. What do I do?

Question 3: Should I use the passive voice when writing for journals?

Question 4: How can I decide which journals are appropriate?

Question 5: I find it difficult to know what should go in the Introduction and what should go into the Discussion.

Question 6: I finished the first draft of my paper two months ago. Four of the five co-authors have still to send it back. What can I do?

Question 7: Is there a typical length for a scientific paper?

03.09.01