What is EN 53081?

EN 53081 is a technical specification developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that sets standards for writing and documenting technical articles. It provides guidelines and recommendations on various aspects such as content structure, language usage, citation methods, and formatting.

Structure and Organization

In accordance with EN 53081, technical articles should have a clear and logical structure. They typically start with an introduction that presents the topic, provides background information, and outlines the objectives of the article. This section serves to capture the reader's attention and create interest in the subject matter.

The next section is the main body of the article, where the detailed discussion and analysis take place. It is important to divide the content into subsections or paragraphs with appropriate headings. This helps readers navigate through the article and locate specific information easily.

Language Usage and Consistency

EN 53081 emphasizes the use of clear, concise, and unambiguous language in technical articles. It recommends avoiding jargon and technical terms unless necessary, and providing explanations when using them becomes inevitable. The article should be comprehensible even to readers who are not experts in the field.

Consistency in terminology is another essential aspect highlighted by EN 53081. Using consistent language throughout the article ensures clarity and avoids confusion. Additionally, it is important to define any abbreviations or acronyms used and maintain consistency in their usage.

Citation and Formatting

EN 53081 provides guidelines for citing sources and references in technical articles. Properly citing other works not only acknowledges the original authors but also adds credibility to the article. Authors should follow standard citation styles, such as APA or MLA, and provide complete bibliographic information.

In terms of formatting, EN 53081 recommends using appropriate font styles and sizes, headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability. Additionally, the article should be proofread to eliminate grammatical and typographical errors that may affect the overall quality of the content.