Glossary

Claim:

A conclusion that answers a question about scientific phenomena or a solution to a problem.

Counterclaim:

A conclusion that opposes or disagrees with the claim.

Credible:

Reasonable, convincing.

Doldrums:

A period of inactivity.

Formal style:

A set of writing conventions that are appropriate for a specific type of writing, often characterized by standard English, complex sentence structures, infrequent use of personal pronouns, and lack of jargon or slang.

Fracking:

A process of using high pressure to inject liquids and chemicals into rocks below the earth’s surfaces in order to extract oil or natural gas.

Objective:

Factual rather than opinionated.

Unbiased:

Fair, neutral, without prejudice.

Validate:

Justify, gives approval to.