{"id":1606,"date":"2025-10-02T09:40:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T08:40:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/?p=1606"},"modified":"2025-06-02T12:34:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T11:34:06","slug":"help-i-havent-written-an-essay-since-sixth-form","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2025\/10\/02\/help-i-havent-written-an-essay-since-sixth-form\/","title":{"rendered":"Help! I Haven\u2019t Written an Essay Since Sixth Form"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you're a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) student, you might be thinking: \u201cWhy do I need to write essays? I\u2019m here to solve problems, run experiments, or write code\u2014not write like a humanities student!\u201d<\/em> Actually, writing matters a lot<\/em> in STEM.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re 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<\/em> about your subject\u2014not just calculate or observe.<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Why writing matters in STEM<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You might ace a lab or solve complex equations, but if you can\u2019t explain the why<\/em>, how<\/em>, or what it means<\/em>, your work won\u2019t have the necessary impact. Here\u2019s why writing is crucial:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Clarity<\/strong>: STEM ideas are often complex. Writing forces you to break them down so others (and you!) can understand them<\/li>\n
  • Critical thinking<\/strong>: Writing an essay isn\u2019t just about reporting facts\u2014it\u2019s about analysing them, comparing theories, identifying patterns, and explaining implications<\/li>\n
  • Professional communication<\/strong>: Whether you\u2019re applying for funding, publishing a paper, or writing a technical report, strong writing gives your ideas power. Consequently, it\u2019s a key academic and employability skill<\/li>\n
  • Assessment<\/strong>: University essays often test more than just what you know. They test how well you can connect, question, and argue ideas based on evidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    From observations and equations to arguments and ideas<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    So, how do you move from lab results or technical work to a well-written essay? Follow these steps:<\/p>\n

    1. Understand the title and purpose of the essay<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Before you write, ask: What is this essay really asking me to do?<\/em><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Are you being asked to compare theories<\/strong>?<\/li>\n
    • Evaluate a method<\/strong>?<\/li>\n
    • Explore the implications<\/strong> of a new technology?<\/li>\n
    • Discuss the ethical or social impact<\/strong> of a scientific development?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Look at this example essay title:<\/p>\n

      \u201cEvaluate<\/em><\/strong> the potential of carbon capture technology as a long-term climate solution<\/em>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      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 \u201cwhat it is\u201d to include how well it works, where it works best, its limitations, and alternatives.<\/em><\/p>\n

      2. Start with a clear question or thesis<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      All strong essays have a central idea\u2014something you\u2019re trying to prove, argue, or explore<\/em>. For instance:<\/p>\n

      \u201cWhile carbon capture has potential in heavy industry, its high cost and energy demands make it a limited solution compared to renewable energy expansion<\/em>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      This gives your essay focus\u2014you\u2019re taking a position, backed by evidence.<\/p>\n

      3. Structure matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Even technical writing needs flow. A typical essay structure might look like:<\/p>\n

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

        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 \u201cHowever, recent studies suggest...\u201d<\/em> or \u201cA key limitation of this approach is...\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n

        4. Use evidence and examples thoughtfully<\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Rather than merely listing data, your job is to explain<\/em> and interpret<\/em> this evidence. Say you\u2019re writing about electric vehicles (EVs) and have statistics on emissions, studies comparing battery lifecycles, or data from your own simulation. You should explain:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • What does the data show<\/em>?<\/li>\n
        • How does it support your argument?<\/li>\n
        • Are there any limits<\/em>\/assumptions<\/em> involved or alternative<\/em> explanations<\/em>?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          For example:<\/p>\n

          \u201cAlthough EVs reduce exhaust emissions, recent studies highlight the environmental costs of lithium extraction, especially in regions with limited water resources<\/em>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

          This turns your evidence into insight.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n

            Bring in critical discussion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            STEM isn\u2019t just about results; it\u2019s also about context, limitations, and implications. This is where your essay becomes more than just a report. Try asking:<\/p>\n

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

              If you're evaluating wind farms, for example:<\/p>\n

              \u201cWhile wind energy provides clean electricity, its expansion raises land use concerns and potential impacts on bird populations, requiring careful site selection and mitigation strategies<\/em>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

              This shows you\u2019re thinking critically\u2014not just copying from sources.<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. \n

                Keep the language clear and concise<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Don\u2019t try to sound \u201cacademic\u201d by using complicated words. In STEM, clarity wins. Use:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Simple, familiar but formal vocabulary<\/li>\n
                • Precise terms<\/li>\n
                • Short sentences (15 to 25 words)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Final thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                  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\u2019re writing about quantum mechanics or climate models, learning to craft a clear, well-argued essay is as valuable as solving equations.<\/p>\n

                  So next time you're faced with an essay question, don\u2019t panic. Start with what you know, think about what it means, and then explain it in a way that shows your understanding.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  If you're a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) student, you might be thinking: \u201cWhy do I need to write essays? I\u2019m here to solve problems, run experiments, or write code\u2014not write like a humanities student!\u201d Actually, writing matters a...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1966,"featured_media":1619,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[91,90,89,14,76,103],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-skills","category-academic-writing","category-critical-thinking","category-essay-writing","category-postgraduate-study","category-student-skills-ambassador"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2025\/06\/Blog-post-images.png","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1354,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2024\/10\/17\/critical-writing\/","url_meta":{"origin":1606,"position":0},"title":"Critical Writing","author":"Justin Alam","date":"October 17, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"How you can be a better critical writer: going beyond description Have you ever handed in a piece of writing \u2013 an essay or report, for example \u2013 and got comments back from your tutor saying that it needs to be more critical, that you are just storytelling, or that\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Hands resting on the keyboard of a laptop, with an open notebook and pencil to the left","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/10\/German-comedy-blog-post-2.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/10\/German-comedy-blog-post-2.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/10\/German-comedy-blog-post-2.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/10\/German-comedy-blog-post-2.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":65,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2020\/04\/25\/thesis-statement\/","url_meta":{"origin":1606,"position":1},"title":"Why you should include a thesis statement in your essay","author":"Tom Reid","date":"April 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"If you're writing a 'show what you think' essay (i.e. discussion, argument, or problem-solution type essays), you should include a thesis, or problem, statement. A thesis statement\u00a0is a short, simple, one to two sentence summary of the position, argument or problem that you're going to develop in your assignment. 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One way to organise your notes is to colour-code them using highlighter pens. 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