STEM Communication Is a Specialist Register
Key Areas of STEM English
Passive voice in methodology: 'Samples were collected... Results were obtained...' (agent emphasis shifts from person to process). Precise quantification language: 'a concentration of 5.2 ± 0.3 mg/L.' Hedging in results: 'The data suggests that...' 'It appears that...'
Each section has distinct language conventions:
• Introduction: literature review language, gap statement, research question
• Methodology: procedural language, replicability language, instrument description
• Results: description without interpretation, data language, table and figure reference
• Discussion: interpretation, connection to literature, limitation language, future directions
Describing complex processes, summarizing data for non-specialist audiences, Q&A with complex technical questions under time pressure.
Executive summary, problem statement, methodology, analysis, recommendations. Less hedged than research papers; more action-oriented. 'The recommended course of action is...'
Documenting decisions, requesting specifications, communicating delays and issues. Technical precision combined with professional register.
STEM English Focus Areas
Passive Voice
Science writing conventionally depersonalises procedure using passive voice — not a grammar error
Data Language
Precise quantification, trend description, and statistical hedging — core STEM vocabulary
IMRD Structure
Research paper genre conventions — what each section does and what language it requires
Teacher Tip
“Ask your STEM student to bring a published paper from their field — ideally one they admire or that's influential in their area. Read the methodology section together. Analyse: how is passive voice used? How are quantities expressed? What hedging language appears? This authentic analysis is more valuable than any synthetic teaching text.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a science background to teach STEM professionals?
You need research willingness and pedagogical skill, not scientific expertise. Your student knows the science; you know the language. The collaboration works when each respects the other's expertise. Don't try to teach science — explore the language of science together with the student as the content expert.
What exams are relevant for scientific English?
IELTS Academic for general academic English certification. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE) for advanced general proficiency. For medical specifically, OET. For engineering professionals without exam requirements, portfolio-based assessment of technical writing samples is often more practically valuable.
Is the passive voice in scientific writing changing?
Yes — many journals now encourage or require active voice, particularly in Abstract and Discussion sections. 'We collected samples' is increasingly preferred over 'Samples were collected' in many journals. Teach both conventions and explain when each is appropriate.