Unit 15. Academic Writing and Scientific Research

Lead-in

Ex. 1. Look through the following words and phrases and translate them into Russian.

1. Types of research

• academic research

• applied research

• clinical research

• development and evaluation research

• experimental development

• experimentation

• innovation

• practical application

• product development

• pure basic research

• pure research

• strategic basic research

2. Research professionals

• analyst

• engineer

• lab technician

• research assistant

• scientist

• technician

3. General terms

• breakthrough

• carry out

• feasible

• feasibility

• patent

• file a patent

• pilot

• prototype

• register a patent

• technical know-how

Ex. 2. Match the terms and their definitions.

applied research clinical research pilot study experimentation pure basic research product development innovation analysis

the study of pure scientific principles the study of the parts and their relationship to one another changing and improving a product to achieve the best possible result looking at how scientific theory can be used in practice looking at the effects of drugs or treatment on patients a new technique or idea the process of tests and trials to see what happens under different conditions small-scale experiment

Ex. 3. Fill in the gaps with appropriate words or phrases from the box. Sometimes you may need to use the plural form.

a) innovation	e) patent
b) experimentation	f) pilot
c) breakthrough	g) prototype
d) feasibility	h) know-how

1. Route selection for cross-country petroleum pipelines plays an important role in the entire _____ analysis of pipeline projects.

2. Coiled tubing was a major technological _____ that enabled to perform variety of drilling tasks.

3. The invention described in the _____ provides a drill for making a dilled hole having a high circularity.

4. _____ in drilling technology have completely transformed the possibilities of oil recovery.

5. The development team must be aware of the latest R&D in the petroleum industry because technical _____ diffuses rapidly through the upstream industry.

6. The government sponsored a _____ exploration project in this remote northern region.

7. Ideas about representing the subsurface structure were sought through _____ with new software.

8. The _____ of a new model of a drilling rig was presented at the industrial exhibition in Qatar.

Ex. 4. Use the word in brackets to form a word which fits in the sentence.

1. The scientists have presented a detailed __________ (analyse) of the results.

2. They have brought in a food __________ (analyse) to help in the research.

3. All process materials are tested using highly developed __________ (analyse) techniques.

4. The researchers have come up with an __________ (innovate) idea for the use of recycled plastics.

5. Charles Dyson is the __________ (invent) of a vacuum cleaner which works on a new principle.

6. The advent of the ballpoint pen was a wonderful __________ (invent).

7. They employ a large team of software __________ (develop).

8. A report has been prepared on the __________ (develop) tests that have been carried out.

9. Increasing numbers of people can now work from home thanks to __________ (develop) in telecommunications.

10. These methods of production are still at an _________ (experiment) stage.

11. The __________ (experiment) is continuing work on the new drug.

12. Many people are against animal __________ (experiment).

Ex. 5. You have received an invitation to an international conference. Tell the class what kind of conference it is going to be. Cover the following issues:

1. When and where is the conference going to be held?

2. Is it going to be an international conference?

3. Who is the organizer of the conference?

4. Are the problems of the conference within the scope of your interests?

5. Are you planning to go alone?

6. How are you going to present your material? Are you going to make a PowerPoint presentation?

7. Do you feel excited?

8. Do you expect to establish contacts with colleagues from other countries?

9. Would you like to organize a similar international conference at your university?

Ex. 6. Your colleague has received his/her first invitation to participate in an international conference. Give him some recommendations about the arrangements he/she should make. Use the following expressions:

1. send (submit) an abstract to the Programme Committee

2. not to exceed … words

3. get the paper ready well in advance

4. have the paper translated into English

5. the deadline for submitting abstracts

6. submit the paper for publication in the Proceedings of the Conference

7. apply to the Organizing Committee for hotel reservations

Use your own ideas to give further advice.

Ex. 7. Have you ever written a research paper? Made a report on a scientific conference? What was the topic? How much time did it take you to research the topic and write the paper? What was the most difficult part? The most interesting? Did you enjoy the process of research? Share you experience in the group.

Ex. 8. In small groups, discuss the following issues:

1. Who benefits from scientific research in oil and gas field?

2. Who should sponsor research in this sphere?

3. What are the advantages of being a researcher? Would you like to become one?

4. What is the main purpose of writing a scientific paper?

5. What are the elements of a scientific paper?

Ex. 9. Read the following text and note down the most useful recommendations. Is there anything that you find unusual? Are some recommendations different from what is typical for writing research papers in Russian?