Writing a Paper CS-495

Organization Abstract Introduction Historical Perspective Logical Development of main body Future Conclusion Bibliography Biography

Abstract A one paragraph overview of the paper. Usually used on title page or an a separate document such as a conference flyer

Introduction Introduce the topic by leading the reader into the paper body. Introduces each of the sub-topics “Tell them what you are going to tell them”.

Historical Perspective Tells the reader what has occurred previously, relating to the topic. This section must contain specific referenced information regarding previous work in the area of the paper’s topic.

Logical Development of the Main Body “Tell them” Use sub-topics to discuss the main body information Discuss primary ethical considerations of the topic –Use referenced information from experts

Future Perspective Provide projections into the future Use specific referenced projections from experts. Opinions of non-experts and fellow students are not acceptable

Visuals Anything that is not pure text –diagrams, illustrations, charts, graphs, photographs Extremely important, helps the reader visualize the topic –“A picture is worth 1,000 words”. Should be labeled and titled and referenced from the body text Your paper should contain at least one visual.

Opinions Should only be from experts on the topic Opinions of non-experts and students are never appropriate. Must be properly credited and referenced

Examples and Analogies Examples and analogies are necessary to further clarify particular topics Use them to explain new concepts that the reader my already be familiar with. Use examples and analogies frequently

Statistics All facts and statistics should always be specifically referenced as to the source of the information

Measurements International publications strive for metric measurements

Abbreviations Never abbreviate Do not us abbreviations such as: stats, intro, 4th The abbreviations “etc.” and “i.e.” are acceptable abbreviations.

Acronyms Always spell out what the acronym stands for the first time it appears, after that its OK to just use the acronym. –i.e. First occurrence: Internet Protocol (IP) subsequent occurrences just use IP.

Active versus Passive Voice For writing that is more precise, write sentances using an active verb rather than a passive verb. Some passive sentences are acceptable. Do not exceed 20% passive sentences. Bad:The programmer was delighted by the new version of Windows. Good:The new version of Windows delighted the programmer. Bad:The student was given additional work by the teacher. Good:The teacher gave the student additional work. Bad:The program needs to be corrected. Good:Correcting the program is necessary.

Currency When providing a specific amount of money, use “$” rather than the word “dollars”. Use $20,000 instead of dollars. Use commas to indicate thousands, millions… –people get lost in the zeros if the commas are missing

Quantifiable Data Do NOT generalize ANY quantifiable data, if it can be presented numerically, then it should be quantified. Bad:PCs have been around for quite a while. Better:IBM sold the first IBM-PC in Bad:The sales of Windows 2000 were great. Better:The first year sales of Windows 2000 exceeded 40 million copies. Bad:A few years ago….. Better:In 2001 ….

Numbers Typically, number 1 to 10 are written as words digits are used for all other numbers. Use commas in large numbers as people get lost in the digits. Raw data is always presented as digits. Never begin a sentence with a digit.

Clichés Never use cliches such as: –Big money –Push the envelope –Taken its toll –Hit the market –Nowadays –Few and far between

Figures and Tables Figures and Tables should always be numbered and titled Every figure and table should be referenced from the text that is speaking to it. In addition to a Table of Contents your papers should have separate lists of all of the figures and tables as part of the document front matter