Students and professionals studying any type of science may be required to write science essays. Lab report or process essays, expository papers, scientific reviews, and argumentative essays are just a few examples of science essays. Science essays can also differ in tone; some are written for general readers, while others are written for students, and still others are written for scientists.
A lab report is a type of essay that is commonly used in elementary science classes. These essays detail the steps involved in carrying out an experiment, as well as the initial expectations and final conclusions. A lab report usually begins describing the experiment’s hypothesis, or what the writer hopes to learn from the experiment. The essay will then go on to describe the experiment itself, including how it was carried out, the materials used, and the raw data obtained. Finally, a conclusion based on an analysis of the raw data may be included in the lab report, which may prove, disprove, or partially prove the initial hypothesis.
The purpose of an expository science essay is to explain a scientific concept. For example, “How Does Photosynthesis Work?” might be a good topic for an expository essay. After that, the author would explain what photosynthesis is and how it works in nature. Expository essays aid in the definition of scientific concepts and are frequently used in the classroom. Expository science essays may be assigned to students to assess their understanding of a particular scientific topic.
A scientific review is similar to an expository essay, but it requires the writer to be familiar with scientific research rather than the scientific process. A review paper usually summarizes major theories or research in a field of science where there is no clear answer. One problem that science has yet to solve in the twenty-first century is how to cure cancer. A scientific review of this topic could include a summary of theories, hypotheses, and current experiments being conducted to find a cure for cancer. A scientific review writer does not need to come to any conclusions about which theory is the best or what the ultimate answer to the question is; all he or she needs to do is research and understand the science being investigated in the field.
An argumentative essay, which can be found in a variety of fields, attempts to prove a scientific point. An argumentative essay, like a lab report, uses previous research and experimentation as evidence. An argumentative essay, unlike a lab report, begins with a hypothesis that the rest of the essay will attempt to prove, rather than allowing the results of the experiment to change the initial hypothesis. Argumentative essays are frequently used in scientific fields where there are few simple answers and where scientists with opposing viewpoints may engage in heated debate.
The tone of science essays is frequently determined the target audience. In general, science essays for the general public use fewer scientific terms and may include detailed explanations of basic scientific concepts. Science essays written college science majors or professional scientists, on the other hand, are usually written for an audience with extensive scientific education and may appear to the general reader as gibberish. Science essays for younger students, such as those for elementary school textbooks, may attempt to explain scientific concepts in simple, broad terms that young children can understand.