Short sentences 9. Plain language summary of article 10. Use the active voice Our role in clear writing . Editors can show researchers that it's in their best interest to write plainly, and science writers can serve as role models. At a minimum, scientists from other disciplines should be able to understand the text.
Information overload is a compelling reason to make scientific articles easier to understand.
Another reason to write clearly is that your work may be misunderstood if you don't. One chilling example is an article published in the journal Stroke in 1984 that questioned the use of carotid endarterectomy. As a result, from 1985 to 1991, the number of endarterectomies dropped by one-third, because many people who could have benefited were unwilling to undergo surgery. In 1991 the published results of a large-scale trial clearly showed the benefits of the procedure, and only then did the number of surgeries begin to increase again. With their deft presentation, humorous asides, and hands-on exercises, Joanne Locke and Lily Whiteman inspired each of us to further the cause of plain language in our daily work.