Practice Test Geeks(STP) Scientist Training Programme Practice Test
← All STP Flashcard Decks

Scientific Writing Flashcards

7 cards from real STP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Scientific Writing flashcards as text

  1. What is the purpose of a CONSORT flow diagram in a clinical trial report?

    Answer: To show participant flow including dropouts at each stage

    The CONSORT flow diagram tracks participants from enrollment through allocation, follow-up, and analysis, making attrition and exclusions transparent.

  2. Which writing style guideline is most important for a scientific Methods section?

    Answer: Provide sufficient detail for another researcher to replicate the study

    Reproducibility is a cornerstone of science; the Methods must be detailed enough for an independent researcher to exactly replicate the study.

  3. What is a 'preprint' in scientific publishing?

    Answer: A manuscript posted publicly before formal peer review

    Preprints are manuscripts uploaded to servers like bioRxiv or medRxiv before or during peer review, enabling rapid dissemination without waiting for publication.

  4. When a journal requests a 'cover letter,' what is its main purpose?

    Answer: To explain the study's significance and suitability for that journal

    The cover letter pitches the manuscript to the editor by summarizing the key finding, its novelty, and why it fits the journal's scope and audience.

  5. Which of the following is an example of an appropriate use of passive voice in scientific writing?

    Answer: Blood samples were collected at baseline and 24 hours.

    Passive voice is appropriate in Methods to emphasize actions over agents, making descriptions more objective and reproducible.

  6. What is 'open access' publishing?

    Answer: Making articles freely available online to all readers immediately

    Open access means the final published article is immediately available at no cost to any reader, typically funded by article processing charges paid by the author.

  7. In scientific writing, what does 'economy of expression' mean?

    Answer: Conveying information clearly using as few words as needed

    Economy of expression means eliminating redundant words and verbose phrasing so each word carries meaning, improving clarity without losing accuracy.