For almost four decades, A Short Guide to Writing About Biology has been an indispensable resource. Noted biologist Jan Pechenik guides readers in acquiring the skills necessary to become critical thinkers and accomplished writers. Biology is a way of thinking about the world; it is also about communicating information accurately, logically, clearly, honestly, and concisely. The tenth edition outlines all aspects of writing well while also providing readers with procedures for developing strong research questions, logically explaining findings, and supporting claims with evidence. All good writing involves both a struggle for understanding and a struggle to express that understanding. The author delivers sage advice in an accessible, entertaining style to help readers learn to write compelling papers—and to enhance their understanding.

Part I reviews key principles that characterize all sound scientific writing. Readers learn to find useful sources, to read and evaluate articles, to take notes, to connect one’s work to existing scholarship, to understand data found in tables and figures, to write about statistics, to cite sources, and to revise their writing effectively. Part II addresses writing assignments: summaries, critiques, essays, reviews, laboratory reports, research papers, research proposals, presentations of research findings (oral presentations/poster presentations), and writing good application letters.

A Short Guide to Writing About Biology emphasizes writing as a means to examine, evaluate, refine, and communicate ideas. Through teaching readers to think as biologists and to express discoveries precisely and succinctly, the tenth edition is an invaluable tool for academic and professional success. Effective writing is an art with countless applications.