English for Science Communication

English for Science Communication introduces English-language knowledge and skills for scientific communication in a range of local and international contexts. It develops students' ability to locate and critically read a variety of scientific texts and appropriately communicate, through speaking and writing, the findings of scientific projects to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. The book introduces students to common rhetorical structures used in authentic scientific communication, as well as the typical vocabulary and grammar needed to express these structures. Students will learn to evaluate and report the findings of a scientific study using a range of genres, modes, and media formats, including written scientific reports and multimodal scientific documentaries. Introducing how to understand, present, write, and communicate scientific information in English, this practical guide is essential for all students using English in their science degrees, including as a second language.

Jack Pun is Associate Professor in the Department of English at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. He is author of English Medium Instruction in Secondary Education: Policy, Challenges and Practices in Science Classrooms, The Role of Language in Eastern and Western Health Communication, and (with Jack C. Richards) Teaching and Learning in English Medium Instruction: An Introduction.

1. Introduction 2. Understanding the Nature of Science Communication 3. Getting Started: Choosing, Evaluating, and Planning Scientific Research 4. Presenting Scientific Information: Structure, Purpose, and Audience 5. Oral Scientific Communication: Documentaries, Scripts, and Presentation Skills 6. Writing in the Scientific Community: Overview and Generic Structure, Citation Styles, and Academic Referencing 7. Introducing Your Research Topic, Conducting a Scientific Investigation, and Writing a Literature Review 8. Describing Methods and Results 9. Discussing Findings and Drawing Conclusions in Science Writing 10. Analysing Science Communication Through Technology (e.g. Using Corpus Tools)