Problems in Writing in an Engineering Class

Writing in engineering class is totally different from writing a letter to a friend or publishing a novel to readers. When I first time started to write an engineering writing, I stared at my paper without writing a single word for ten minutes. Engineering writing mostly focuses on an engineering problem or a scientific theory, which requires a logical and academic writing method. Personally speaking, I find that using proper jargons, being precise and logical are the major problems for me.

First of all, in order to write a professional engineering writing, one must use jargons. Jargons are those short words which contain a precise meaning in scientific field, which help to make an essay short but meaningful. It’s not easy to use jargons properly though. I usually use a wrong jargon and that brings a lot of troubles. In order to avoid such situation, I make sure I understand the theory and jargons before I start to write. Secondly, an engineering writing usually follows a fixed format, which makes it easier for readers to find useful information and makes the writing itself well-organized. Sometimes I am busy explaining my view such that to forget to leave an indication to readers that I’ve already reached the second point. To solve this problem, good habit helps. I make a draft before writing, stating all the points in bullet form. That helps me to state them one by one without missing any. Conjugation words also help. “first of all, secondly, moreover, in addition…” these words naturally guide my essay in a logical manner.

I enjoy writing engineering essays. I find reading others’ essay a good way to improve. And I reread my essay after I complete it to correct mistakes and make improvements. After all, practice makes perfect.