Help! I Haven’t Written an Essay Since Sixth Form

If you're a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) student, you might be thinking: “Why do I need to write essays? I’m here to solve problems, run experiments, or write code—not write like a humanities student!” Actually, writing matters a lot in STEM.

Whether you’re reporting research findings, explaining complex data, or proposing solutions, strong writing helps you communicate your ideas clearly and convincingly. And at university, essays are one of the main ways to show that you understand and can think critically about your subject—not just calculate or observe.

First, let’s consider why writing matters in STEM, and then how you can move from raw data or technical results to a strong, well-argued academic essay.

Why writing matters in STEM

You might ace a lab or solve complex equations, but if you can’t explain the why, how, or what it means, your work won’t have the necessary impact. Here’s why writing is crucial:

• Clarity: STEM ideas are often complex. Writing forces you to break them down so others (and you!) can understand them
• Critical thinking: Writing an essay isn’t just about reporting facts—it’s about analysing them, comparing theories, identifying patterns, and explaining implications
• Professional communication: Whether you’re applying for funding, publishing a paper, or writing a technical report, strong writing gives your ideas power. Consequently, it’s a key academic and employability skill
• Assessment: University essays often test more than just what you know. They test how well you can connect, question, and argue ideas based on evidence

From observations and equations to arguments and ideas

So, how do you move from lab results or technical work to a well-written essay? Follow these steps:

1. Understand the title and purpose of the essay

Before you write, ask: What is this essay really asking me to do?

• Are you being asked to compare theories?
• Evaluate a method?
• Explore the implications of a new technology?
• Discuss the ethical or social impact of a scientific development?

Look at this example essay title:

“Evaluate the potential of carbon capture technology as a long-term climate solution.”

This needs more than description. As a STEM essay, it wants you to weigh evidence, compare views, and draw conclusions. In other words, to go beyond “what it is” to include how well it works, where it works best, its limitations, and alternatives.

2. Start with a clear question or thesis

All strong essays have a central idea—something you’re trying to prove, argue, or explore. For instance:

“While carbon capture has potential in heavy industry, its high cost and energy demands make it a limited solution compared to renewable energy expansion.”

This gives your essay focus—you’re taking a position, backed by evidence.

3. Structure matters

Even technical writing needs flow. A typical essay structure might look like:

• Introduction: Define the topic and state your argument or focus
• Main Body: Organise paragraphs around key points. Each one should include evidence, explanation, and links back to your main argument
• Conclusion: Sum up your key ideas, reflect on their importance, and suggest next steps or open questions

Include headings if your discipline allows because they help guide the reader, especially in longer essays. Likewise, guide the reader by using signposting phrases like “However, recent studies suggest...” or “A key limitation of this approach is...”.

4. Use evidence and examples thoughtfully

Rather than merely listing data, your job is to explain and interpret this evidence. Say you’re writing about electric vehicles (EVs) and have statistics on emissions, studies comparing battery lifecycles, or data from your own simulation. You should explain:

• What does the data show?
• How does it support your argument?
• Are there any limits/assumptions involved or alternative explanations?

For example:

“Although EVs reduce exhaust emissions, recent studies highlight the environmental costs of lithium extraction, especially in regions with limited water resources.”

This turns your evidence into insight.

5. Bring in critical discussion

STEM isn’t just about results; it’s also about context, limitations, and implications. This is where your essay becomes more than just a report. Try asking:

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of this method, technology or solution?
• How does this compare with other research?
• What are the real-world impacts of this finding?
• Are there ethical, environmental, unintended consequences or social factors to consider?

If you're evaluating wind farms, for example:

“While wind energy provides clean electricity, its expansion raises land use concerns and potential impacts on bird populations, requiring careful site selection and mitigation strategies.”

This shows you’re thinking critically—not just copying from sources.

6. Keep the language clear and concise

Don’t try to sound “academic” by using complicated words. In STEM, clarity wins. Use:

• Simple, familiar but formal vocabulary
• Precise terms
• Short sentences (15 to 25 words)

Final thoughts

Writing in STEM is a key skill that helps you sharpen your thinking, communicate clearly, and connect your work to the wider world. Whether you’re writing about quantum mechanics or climate models, learning to craft a clear, well-argued essay is as valuable as solving equations.

So next time you're faced with an essay question, don’t panic. Start with what you know, think about what it means, and then explain it in a way that shows your understanding.