Written Presentations of Technical Subject Writing Guide vs. Term paper Writing style: specifics Editing Refereeing

Writing guide vs. term paper Make your term paper your personal writing guide of MS project proposal and report Area, topic, style project writing references Your starting point of MS project report

Titles and headings Concise and informative Specific and accurate description Title – not too long, not too general, not too short, no need to be complete sentence Section heading – reflect the logic structure, 1-3 words What is the title of your proposed project?

The opening Abstract – a summary that set reader’s the attitude, should be written especially well, without an unnecessary word, opening sentence should be straightforward, first paragraphs should be understandable to any likely reader (focus on what not how) Introduction – an opening that convince the reader that the article is likely to be interesting (describe the context clearly)

Paragraphing A paragraph: discussion on a single topic or issue First sentence (opening argument) Every sentence in a paragraph should related to the opening If a long paragraph can be broken, break it. Link paragraphs

List The use of formatted lists as an occasional alternative to paragraph Lists are useful for: Highlight each main point Easy to refer (check list) Individual point remains context free Reserve the use of lists for material that is both important and in need of enumeration

Sentence Simple structure No more than a line or two Avoid excessive use indirect statements (passive voice) Use of “we” is valuable when trying to distinguish between the contribution made and existing results in a field

Words The first time a key word is used, consider placing it in italics Use short, direct words rather than long, vague words (begin vs. initiate) The “don’t repeat words” rule not to technical terms that must be clear No slang words (cannot vs. can’t)

Redundancy and Abbreviations Use the minimum number of words, of minimum length, in your writing (completely unique vs. unique) It is almost always desirable to expand abbreviations (e.g. vs. for example)

Editing Begin with a rough draft based on notes or sketches Filling out: explaining concepts, adding background info, arranging logic, polishing by correcting mistakes Style should be considered in every revision Editing is the process of getting ready for publication

Proofreading There no excuse for a report that contains spelling errors – displaying not only your inability to spell, but also your casual attitude to your work. Identify and look for your own errors. Always get someone else to read your work before you submit – proofreader’s comments should never be ignored.

Checking for consistency Titles and headings Terms Definition Spelling Tables References formatting

Refereeing Criticism and analysis of papers written b other scientists A central part of the scientific process Main mechanism for identifying good research ad eliminating bad What is your main criterion for judging a paper?