Introduction > Writing Scientifically > Using Scientific Language > Don't Waffle

Don't Waffle Given the strict word/page limits you may have to adhere to, it's important that you get your message across in the minimum number of words possible. This means that if you can say something in one sentence, don't pad it out to three sentences. The most common section that students waffle in is the Results, where there's a temptation to explain every single data point rather than trends or relationships. With the literature review and discussion, there's more of a tendency to wander off-course and discuss topics or research that are not particularly relevant. A writing plan will help you to stay on track, especially if you can plan your sections, sub-sections and sub-sub sections. Exercise Have a look at these two written examples. Can you identify the work that contains the unnecessary information?

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