12 Recommendations to Help you Submit a Conventional and Acceptable Paper Tip 5: The essence of writing is careful word choices 12個獲得學術認可的論文撰寫技巧之五:注意用字遣詞

12 Recommendations to Help you Submit a Conventional and Acceptable Paper Tip 5: The essence of writing is careful word choices


12個獲得學術認可的論文撰寫技巧之五:注意用字遣詞


教授學者們通常會規範寫作標準,制定如何撰寫碩博士論文與學術文章以及格式要求。學術界所評定的標準植基於以何種撰寫方式會被認可,何種撰寫方式則會被拒絕。本專欄提出「12個獲得學術認可的論文撰寫技巧」,幫助你寫出符合規範與認可標準的文章。

The community of scholars has rules that govern how dissertations, theses and other academic papers are composed and formatted. Academic convention has established what is acceptable and what is not. Following is one of 12 recommendations to help you submit a conventional and acceptable paper.


Tip 5 –The essence of writing is careful word choices

技巧五:注意用字遣詞




The pre-writing phase of creating an academic paper now is complete. Having chosen and researched the paper’s subject and thesis, determined the proper format, and created the structure or outline of the paper, the author is ready to write. While each part in the process of a paper’s creation is essential, how it is written ultimately tells the story of its academic value.

現在,已經完成論文撰寫的準備階段,包括已選定論文主題、做了相關研究、瞭解適當的寫作風格並擬定論文大綱,一切準備就緒後,我們就來著手寫論文。雖然論文寫作的每個階段都非常重要,然而,最終論文真正的學術價值,還是取決於你的論文內容。


The elements of good academic writing are obvious—and not so obvious. Consequently, several tips will be devoted to composition. However, the overall standard for academic writing can be summarized in a word: precision. Choosing words precisely accomplishes several good things. That is, careful selection of words gives a paper clarity, vitality, purpose, and substance.

好的學術論文應該具備哪些特質,看似顯而易見,卻又好像沒那麼容易掌握。其實,撰寫論文需要一點小技巧。一言以蔽之,論文寫作的準則就是「精確」。用字遣詞力求精確,可讓論文讀來文意清晰、活力盡現、立意鮮明且真材實料。


Clarity is the Number 1 objective when pen is put to paper, or fingertips to a keyboard. The goal should not be to dazzle the assigning professor, nor to impress him with the author’s entire vocabulary. Rather, the author should strive to be clear, to avoid misunderstanding and confusion. Writing that cleanly and sharply defines an idea is sure to be embraced and rewarded.

撰寫論文的第一要務是文意務必清晰,不需太過花俏讓教授眼花繚亂,也不需將滿腹英文字彙全數傾囊而出。論文必須致力於保持文意清晰,避免造成誤解或混淆。一篇文章若是可以清晰、鮮明地完整描繪一個觀念或是概念,則可堪稱佳作。


The vitality of a paper is what impels a reader to read it; what makes a paper vital is carefully chosen words. One characteristic of vitality is liveliness. A word that enlivens a sentence or conveys a thought with power or spirit captures the interest of a reader. Using such words throughout a paper holds the interest and gives the paper enduring appeal. Dull papers lack vigor.

充滿活力的論文能激發讀者閱讀的興趣,活力的來源就在於遣詞用字的謹慎,而最大的特質在於運用富有生命力的詞彙。只要這個字詞能充份展現敘述的力道與精神,有效傳達論文概念,在畫龍點睛之間,就足以吸引讀者的目光。運用這類的字詞貫串論文內容之中,就必定能維繫讀者閱讀的興趣;而枯燥呆板的文章自然無法展現出這樣的活力。


Purpose is at the heart of any academic paper. After all, a paper isn’t written as an exercise. It is written to advance an idea, to provoke new thinking, to persuade. Words are the tools for accomplishing this. Remember: Weak words cannot push anything, dull words are not provocative, and mincing words are not convincing. Always use words with purpose and intent.

論文的精髓在於精確表達寫作目的,畢竟撰寫論文並不是寫作練習,你必須提出一個新概念、具有獨創的想法,進而說服讀者。而達到這些目標的有力工具,就是文字。請謹記,文字沒有力量則無法成事,文字沈悶則無激勵效果,文字裝模作樣毫無重點則無說服力。你所使用的任何文字都必須有目標、有意義。


Substance is intellectual weight. An academic paper is substantial if it contains original thoughts. Yet a paper without an original thesis still can possess substance if fresh and forceful language reflects original research. A wisely chosen word, grounded in fact, reverberates with power. In short, having something essential to say is a good start, but saying it forcefully closes the deal.

內容,決定論文的學術地位。一篇論文因原創想法而偉大;缺乏原創想法,若運用清晰有力的字句,呼應與推展原創性的研究,這篇論文仍佔有相當的學術份量。歷經實證求據、精雕細琢的字詞可讓論文充滿力量。所以,能找到重要的概念是好的開始,而能夠有力量、有效果地表達出來,才能真正展現論文的價值,得以譽為學術界的傑出貢獻。


Posted at 2012-09-14 11:09:15

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