UBC initiative focusing on improving writing skills in science.
Importance of effective communication in science.
Grammar Squirrel's Journey
Character: Grammar Squirrel, journalist for the Nton Post.
Topic: Writing an article about possible Sasquatch footage.
Challenge: Needs to adapt writing style from lab reports to appeal to a broader audience.
Interview and Fact Gathering
Interviews Hazel to gather facts.
Transcribes the interview for accurate information.
Article Constraints
Word Limit: 300 words for the article.
Initial Content: Over 600 words of quotes from Hazel, needs to condense.
Writing Strategy: The Five W's
Utilize the Five W's in the first two paragraphs:
Who: Hazel Dibur
What: Sasquatch
Where: Mountains of Squamish
When: Sunday
Why: First footage of Sasquatch
Example of Successful Opening: "Local naturalist Hazel Dibur might have caught a Sasquatch on film for the first time while exploring the mountains of Squamish..."
Developing the Story
Once the five W's are laid out, add depth:
Use background info and quotes to engage the audience.
Focus on one main point per paragraph.
Inverted Pyramid Structure: Start broad then narrow down.
Selecting Quotes
Use short and succinct quotes that enrich the story.
Avoid long, confusing quotes and unnecessary jargon.
Maintain context when rearranging quotes.
Paraphrasing and Managing Information
For unusable quotes, paraphrase the information:
Example: Instead of a confusing quote about footprints, say: "Mrs. Dibur said that the animal footprints were a lot wider than a human's."
Final Steps
After revisions and expert advice, Grammar Squirrel submits the article.
Outcome: Article successfully engages peers and informs a wider audience on science news.