Whenever you use these words, you invite your audience to look for exceptions, and if exceptions do exist, your audience will find them. The previous section discussed precision from the viewpoint of choosing the right word. Precision also involves choosing the right level of accuracy for the details in your sentences. In scientific writing, you should strive not for the highest degree of accuracy, but for the appropriate level of accuracy. One way is to achieve a balance between general statements and specific details.
Strong writing requires both general and specific statements.
General statements establish the direction of thought, and specific statements give evidence to support that direction. Writing, however, that relies solely on general statements is empty. This entry raises questions, but does not address them. The question arose whether high winds or hailstones had cracked those mirrors. Now, after finding that high winds had caused the cracks, we have begun stowing all solar mirrors in a horizontal, as opposed to vertical, position during storms.