Science Interest and Communication Writing Tips for JMSS Exams

What to Expect in the Science Interest and Communication Section

In this section, you'll be asked to explore scientific topics and discuss their implications. For example, they will provide information regarding a scientific topic such as analysing the benefits and challenges of plastic-eating bacteria (previous JMSS prompt), or discuss the ethical considerations of gene editing. Your task is to provide a balanced and well-reasoned argument, demonstrating your understanding of scientific principles and their broader impact on society.

Structuring Your Science Communication Response

A strong science communication piece follows this structure:

• Introduction: Introduce the topic by providing context and highlighting the key scientific concept. Clearly state the focus of your discussion and outline the main points you will address. A high-quality introduction engages the reader, provides necessary background, and establishes the importance of the topic.


• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on one key aspect of the topic and touch on the discussion points provided in the prompt. Start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Use evidence, examples, and explanations from the prompt to expand on the point. Ensure that each paragraph logically builds on the previous one, creating a cohesive and flowing argument. Effective transitions between paragraphs help maintain the flow and guide the reader through your reasoning.


• Conclusion: Summarise your key points, reinforcing the significance of the scientific advancement or issue. Conclude with a thought-provoking insight or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. A strong conclusion ties the entire piece together and highlights the relevance of the discussion.

Key Strategies for Success

• Clear Structure and Logical Flow: Ensure each section flows logically into the next. Use headings, subheadings, and transition sentences to maintain clarity and guide the reader through your discussion.
• Evidence-Based Arguments: Support your points with examples and data directly from the prompt. Use specific details provided in the text to build your case and reference the facts and figures mentioned in the prompt.
• Address Ethical and Environmental Implications: Go beyond scientific facts by exploring the ethical, social, and environmental impacts of the issue based on the information given. This demonstrates depth in your analysis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the Prompt: Make sure your response addresses all parts of the prompt. Failing to cover each discussion point can lead to incomplete answers and lower scores.


• Lack of Structure: Disorganised writing can confuse readers. Follow the introduction, body, and conclusion format to ensure clarity and coherence.


• Overloading with Unnecessary Information: Stick to the points mentioned in the prompt. Adding unrelated information can detract from the strength of your argument.


• Failure to Use Prompt Evidence: Use facts, figures, and examples from the prompt to support your arguments. Avoid speculation or introducing external references.


• Poor Time Management: Allocate time for planning, writing, and reviewing. Rushing through the writing phase often results in errors and incomplete responses.

Example Prompt

Plastic-Eating Enzyme PETase
Since it was discovered, the enzyme known as PETase has drawn a great deal of scientific interest for its capacity to digest PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

A polymer used mainly to manufacture drink bottles (but also clothing, carpets, and other products), PET has the drawback of resistance to degradation. Bottles and other objects made of PET take at least 800 years to biodegrade in landfills or the sea. Between 4.8 billion and 12.7 billion kilograms of plastic are dumped in the oceans every year.

The millions of tons of plastic that ends up in the sea have created a huge new food source for naturally existing microbes.

Some scientists think microbes eating plastic are already an important reason that the plastics numbers do not add up – the amount of plastic we see in the ocean is much less than the total amount of plastic calculated to have been deposited there.

It's unclear whether this plastic-eating enzyme, or similar enzymes, are safe to use in the environment. Using microbes engineered to deliver environmentally active enzymes in the sea presents many unassessed hazards. In general, such interventions have a long history of creating other problems, and we would be well-served to take it slow.

Discussion Points
In your discussion you are to address the following points:

• What are plastic-eating bacteria and how do they work?
• Why might they be problematic?
• Make suggestions as to what needs to be done to reduce plastic pollution in our marine environments, by individuals and governments.

Example Plan for the Prompt

Introduction - Key Idea: Introduce the scale of the plastic pollution problem and PETase as a potential solution.

• Plastic pollution statistics: 4.8-12.7 billion kg of plastic dumped annually
• PETase as a potential solution to address long-term plastic degradation (800-year breakdown period)

Body Paragraph 1 - Key Idea: Explain what PETase is and how it works to break down plastic.

• Define PETase and its role in breaking down PET
• Highlight PET's resistance to degradation and 800-year breakdown period
• Reference PET used in drink bottles, clothing, carpets

Body Paragraph 2 - Key Idea: Discuss the potential risks and hazards associated with introducing PETase into the environment.

• Unassessed hazards of engineered microbes
• Historical environmental interventions leading to unforeseen issues
• Importance of proceeding slowly and cautiously

Body Paragraph 3 - Key Idea: Suggest practical solutions for reducing plastic pollution by individuals and governments.

• Encourage recycling and reduction of plastic usage
• Promote policies supporting research on safe plastic-eating enzymes
• Highlight government-led clean-up initiatives and public education programs

Conclusion - Key Idea: Summarise key points and reinforce the importance of balancing innovation with caution.

• Restate the potential of PETase as a solution to plastic pollution
• Emphasise the importance of further research and careful implementation
• Call for collaborative efforts between governments, scientists, and the public