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TPS的編輯教授在此歡迎關於學術文章的所有詢問，當然，其實他並沒有足夠的時間給你。他擁有終身教職的教授身份，也是著名的學術巨作作者。即便如此，他仍大方地接受你們的詢問。將關於學術方面的詢問寫在下方，你將獲得教授的親自指導，陶冶對學術的探索與啟發。
The professor awaits your query on academic writing, though in all honesty, he doesn’t have a lot of time for you. He is a tenured full professor and working on yet another magnificent academic tome. Even so, he has graciously consented to entertain your question. Submit it and prepare to be edified.

QUESTION: When I research a subject, I find many ancillary facts that seem pertinent. However, usually I leave them out of a paper because they don’t seem pertinent enough. How much material of that nature should I try to incorporate into a paper?
在研究某項主題時，我發現似乎有許多次要事實資料和主題有關。不過，由於這些資料不夠貼近主題，因此寫作時通常會將這些部份刪去。在報告中應該包含多少這類次要性質的材料呢？

This is an excellent question because it addresses the processes of elimination and inclusion. The line between relevant and irrelevant material is not as bright as it might seem. A sculptor was asked to explain his skill at carving a horse and replied that he simply chiseled away everything that didn’t look like a horse. Just so does a skilled writer include in a paper every researched fact that belongs there and eliminates the rest. What skilled sculptors and academic writers confidently understand is that their “horse” will be wholly of their creation and can look like none before it.
這的確是個好問題，因為涉及了寫作的取捨過程。其實相關與非相關材料的界線並不若我們想像的那麼明顯。曾有個故事：有人請雕塑家解釋他雕刻馬時使用的技巧，雕塑家回答他不過是把所有看起來不像馬的部份鑿掉罷了。同樣地，一個經驗豐富的作者也會在文章中涵蓋所有仔細研究且切合主題的資料，並將多餘部份捨棄。經驗豐富的雕塑家和學術作者充分瞭解，他們的「馬」完全是自己的創作，並非承襲古人。

Three kinds of information come to light in researching a paper. Some kinds of information will be totally irrelevant and of no value. Some will be totally relevant and key to giving the paper substance and weight. The third kind of information is relevant, but not directly so. It is this source material that gives writers pause. It perhaps gives credence to an argument, but only indirectly or by inference. It is outdated, yet contains elements of truth and perspective. Toss it or include it? If it helps advance a postulate, include it. The question is, how can it be incorporated?
在研究一篇報告時，會遇見三類資訊。某些資訊和研究主題毫不相關，甚至是對研究毫無價值。有些資訊則是和主題絕對相關，並且對論文的實質內容與價值扮演關鍵角色。第三類資訊則是和主題有關，不過並非直接產生關聯。第三類的引用文獻就是讓作者停下寫作腳步的原因。或許這類資訊能強化論點，不過僅能間接或透過推論來產生影響。雖這類資訊過時，但仍具備真實性（truth）和觀點（perspective）的元素。然而問題是，要如何在文章中納入這些資訊呢？

The answer is to synthesize the material. That is, to connect the more peripheral material to the main body of content and thereby enhance the whole body of work. This is not a padding process. You are not trying to bulk up the paper. Rather, synthesizing outlying material can give a paper context, perspective, and depth. The challenge is to find natural connecting points along which a reader can move smoothly without feeling he is on a tangent. When this is accomplished, a writer has expanded his academic writing skills and produced a paper of enriched content and appeal.
問題的解決是，將寫作材料綜合，亦即連結次要資訊與主體內容，從而強化整體論文架構。這可不是胡亂填塞，也不是寫得越多越好。相反地，綜合次要資訊能豐富論文內容、強化觀點以及加強深度。真正的挑戰在於發現合理的關聯處，讓讀者在閱讀時覺得行文平順，不會感到文章離題。只要做到這點，作者就能擴充學術寫作技巧，並發表一篇內容豐富有趣的論文了。

不管是自己選擇或教授指定，若要寫作論說式學術文章，必須先做好心理準備。你必須說明個人意見，選定觀點也很重要，結構與表達尤其攸關文章成敗。本專欄介紹六大關鍵準則，讓你寫作時發揮說服力，每項準則都會刊登在 TPS 粉絲專頁，並在最後集結於 TPS 學術電子報。
Whether by choice or assignment, when an argumentative academic paper is the task at hand, the writer must approach it with an appropriate mindset. Subjective values come into play. Point of view becomes important. Organization and presentation become even more critical to success. The elements of successful persuasive writing are explained in this series, “6 Essential Rules for Persuasive Writing.” Each of the rules will be presented on the TPS Fan page before being compiled.

Rule # 6 – Finish with energy
準則六：持續不懈地支持論點

Argumentative writing is, almost by definition, energetic. More so than some academic papers, it is not in tone or substance a laid-back exercise in writing. While presentation of the subject must be logical and methodical and be constrained by the rules of academic discourse, the writing nevertheless must have an underlying intensity to it. After all, the object is to persuade someone to embrace a conclusion advanced by the writer and this cannot be done without expending effort.
撰寫論說文（argumntative writing） 就如字面上的意思，必須夠力（energetic）。和一些學術論文不同的是，論說文在語氣或實質上都不是隨性的寫作。雖然介紹主題必須合乎邏輯、有條理並嚴守規則，但寫作內容仍須具備內在強度。畢竟文章的目標是說服讀者接受作者提出的論點，而這並非輕易就能做到的。

So it is important to stay resolutely on point with an argument and to not exhaust support for the argument before the paper’s end. A race horse can run a magnificent race and be far ahead in the final turn and still lose the race because of poor pacing. Similarly, an argumentative paper must still be strong in substance and surprising in presentation right up through its conclusive paragraphs. Having the last word in an “argument” requires planning and intellectual stamina.
因此，緊咬主題非常重要，並得要通篇支持論點。這就像參加盛大的賽馬比賽一樣，一路維持領先的馬，在最後可能還是因步調問題而輸了比賽。同樣地，論說文必須通篇維持有力內容和高潮迭起的呈現手法。而維持文章的「argument」（論點）則必須計劃詳盡且保持一貫的力度。

“Energy” is an elusive quality in a persuasive paper. It has nothing to do with the number of words used in the paper, nor to the brashness of a viewpoint. Rather, an energetic argumentative paper is a focused one. It is unremitting in making the case for a point of view. It is not marred by tangential, distracting passages. It is lean and purposeful. While it is courteous in its language, it is makes no attempt to disguise its rejection of opposing views. And it is that way clear to the end.
「energy」是論說性質的文章中難以理解的一個概念。文章的力度與字數或觀點的直白程度無關。相反地，有力的文章是集中的，能持續不懈地重述論點，不受周遭或其他分散焦點的概念影響。文章論點必須一致且具目的性。維持文字謙遜的同時，也不應隱藏對相反意見的摒棄。而這正是維持通篇論點一致的不二法門。

TPS的編輯教授在此歡迎關於學術文章的所有詢問，當然，其實他並沒有足夠的時間給你。他擁有終身教職的教授身份，也是著名的學術巨作作者。即便如此，他仍大方地接受你們的詢問。將關於學術方面的詢問寫在下方，你將獲得教授的親自指導，陶冶對學術的探索與啟發。
The professor awaits your query on academic writing, though in all honesty, he doesn’t have a lot of time for you. He is a tenured full professor and working on yet another magnificent academic tome. Even so, he has graciously consented to entertain your question. Submit it and prepare to be edified.

QUESTION: I slipped up in my concluding section and used the pronoun “you” in describing the impact of a certain economic practice, saying “This will produce baleful consequences for you as a consumer.” My professor jumped on it and bumped my grade lower. Didn’t he overreact?
我不小心在結論的部份犯錯，用了「you」這個代名詞描述特定經濟實踐所帶來的影響。句子是這麼寫的：「This will produce baleful consequences for you as a consumer。」教授看了非常不滿意，把分數打得更低了。他是不是反應太過激烈了？

Far be it from me to know why your professor reacted as he did, particularly when I know so little about the paper. Was the inappropriate pronoun use an example of the academic paper’s weak structure generally? Has it been a problem that your professor has addressed at length previously? Sometimes even temperate instructors can lose their patience when it appears a student refuses to learn principles taught again and again. So without indicting your professor for reacting hastily, let’s simply revisit the general prohibition of 2nd person pronouns from academic writing.
我不知道你的教授為何反應這麼激烈，尤其是在對你的報告所知甚少的情況下。然而不當地使用代名詞，不正好是一般學術論文架構薄弱的例子嗎？你的教授以前是否曾談過這個問題？如果學生一再忘記教過的寫作原則，就連脾氣最好的教授也會感到不耐煩。所以，與其控訴教授反應過度激烈，倒不如重新溫習一般學術文章禁用的第二人稱代名詞。

In your example, “you” refers to the reader—your professor—as a consumer. Is that how you view your professor? Are your professor’s shopping habits applicable to the paper, and even if they are, is your purpose in writing the paper to advise him or her about how to shop? Of course not. Yet in dragging your professor into the paper by personalizing the reader with “you,” you have made him a conversation partner. Now instead of being just a reader, your professor feels some responsibility to contribute to the conversation, which he did by grading the paper lower!
在句子中，「you」將讀者－也就是你的教授－比喻成消費者。這真是你對教授的看法嗎？你的論文有談到教授的購物習慣嗎？還是論文的寫作目的是建議他如何購物呢？想當然爾，一定是否定答案。不過用「you」個人化讀者，除了把教授拖下水，也讓他成了你的談話夥伴。但他可不光是讀者而已，你的教授認為他對談話內容有責任，而他也確實把分數打低了。

You have unwittingly provided a perfect example of why maintaining academic distance in writing of papers is so important. This rule can be violated when a professor asks for such personalization. Some subjects, such as a first-person account of an expedition, erode the rule because the writer is of central importance and the writing can be consistently personal. Otherwise, for a writer to establish an “I-You” relationship with a reader is a failure of craft that leads to discomfort in a reader and, in some cases, to a disappointing grade for the writer.
在不知情的狀況下，你的句子成了個好例子，可用於說明撰寫學術文章時保持距離的重要性。這條規則只有在教授特別要求此類個人化的寫作才可違反。但有些主詞不在此限，像是以第一人稱記述的遠征故事；這是因為作者才是關鍵，而且一般文章也可維持一致的個人化。此外，試圖與讀者建立「I-You」的關係除了會讓讀者感到不快，在某些情況下，還會帶來令人失望的成績呢。

不管是自己選擇或教授指定，若要寫作論說式學術文章，必須先做好心理準備。你必須說明個人意見，選定觀點也很重要，結構與表達尤其攸關文章成敗。本專欄介紹六大關鍵準則，讓你寫作時發揮說服力，每項準則都會刊登在 TPS 粉絲專頁，並在最後集結於 TPS 學術電子報。
Whether by choice or assignment, when an argumentative academic paper is the task at hand, the writer must approach it with an appropriate mindset. Subjective values come into play. Point of view becomes important. Organization and presentation become even more critical to success. The elements of successful persuasive writing are explained in this series, “6 Essential Rules for Persuasive Writing.” Each of the rules will be presented on the TPS Fan page before being compiled.

Rule # 5 – Anticipate and address objections
準則五：對相反論點的預測和應對

Knowing your argument and solidly making and supporting it are absolutely essential to successful persuasive writing. A writer cannot persuade another of something if the writer doesn’t believe it himself or doesn’t provide good reasons for his belief. Yet it is almost as important to understand an opposing position and to be able to express it in the course of disputing it. This is known as “straw man” rhetoric and if handled deftly can serve to buttress the writer’s position.
了解並紮紮實實地支持你的論點，對於撰寫成功的論說文而言是不可或缺的。如果作者本人都不相信自己的說法，或者是無法提供好的理由來使人信服，這樣的寫作可無法說服他人。另一方面，對於寫作同樣重要的是能了解反方意見，並成功地在論證過程中提出反對意見。這就是「稻草人修辭」（straw man rhetoric)，如果處理得當，能替作者的論點加分不少。

For example, if a writer’s position is that the sun rises in the east, he must acknowledge that some believe it rises in the west. He should state the opposing view without sarcasm or other pejorative language. To do otherwise is disrespectful and diminishes the writer’s own standing in the eyes of a reader. However, having given the alternate view, the writer then can pick it apart using whatever tools he has at his disposal—contrary evidence, witness testimony, scientific reports.
例如：如果一位作者的論點是「太陽自東邊升起」，這位作者也得知道有人認為太陽自西邊升起。所以在寫作的同時，他應該以不帶諷刺或輕蔑的語氣，來陳述相反論點。如果不這麼做，作者等於是犯了無禮的毛病，也降低了自己的論點吸引讀者注意力的機會。不過，在提出相反論點的同時，作者有權選擇採用任何方式──如援引相反證據、目擊證詞、科學報告等──來駁斥反面意見。

If the stature of an opposing argument is reduced this way, two goals are reached. First, the weakness of the opposing argument is exposed at the same time the strength of the writer’s position is highlighted. Two birds… one stone. Second, by anticipating and addressing objections, blowback is minimized. Opponents cannot effectively respond using rationale the writer has already addressed. They must come up with new arguments. That’s effective persuasive writing.
利用這種寫作手法來減弱相反論點的力度，會達到兩個目標。首先，在暴露出反方論點的弱點時，也同時強調了作者論點的力度。這可是投一石…得二鳥呢。另外，對反對意見作出預測和應對，能將反對的衝擊力降到最低，使得對手無法有效地利用已經被提出的反面論據，必須提出新的說法。這就是有力的論說文寫作。

TPS的編輯教授在此歡迎關於學術文章的所有詢問，當然，其實他並沒有足夠的時間給你。他擁有終身教職的教授身份，也是著名的學術巨作作者。即便如此，他仍大方地接受你們的詢問。將關於學術方面的詢問寫在下方，你將獲得教授的親自指導，陶冶對學術的探索與啟發。
The professor awaits your query on academic writing, though in all honesty, he doesn’t have a lot of time for you. He is a tenured full professor and working on yet another magnificent academic tome. Even so, he has graciously consented to entertain your question. Submit it and prepare to be edified.

QUESTION: I cannot seem to choose words and terms that are correct for academic papers, though they work OK in other writing assignments. I guess I need help in identifying how academic writing differs from other communication. Can you help?
雖然寫其他類的作業都沒問題，但在撰寫學術文章時，我似乎沒辦法選用正確的文字或術語。我需要指導，瞭解學術文章和其他類文體有何不同。能幫幫我嗎？

First of all, the quality of ideas is paramount in any academic paper. If your thinking is clear and of sufficient weight—maybe even profound—the quality of your writing does not matter as much. Good writing can enhance your thinking, but it cannot substitute for weakness of thought. Even so, the basic tenor of your writing is important. If it is perceived as shallow or glib, as tossed off rather than carefully composed, its reception by your professor will not be pleasant. The correct tone of an academic paper is established through a certain style of writing. Call it… formal.
首先，撰寫學術文章最重要的就是想法的品質。如果你的概念夠清楚、夠穩固，甚至是頗具深度，那麼文筆的好壞反而沒那麼重要。好的文筆能替想法加分，但卻無法取代想法的弱點。即便如此，文章的基本意涵仍相當重要。假如教授認為你的文章內容淺薄、不經大腦，是隨隨便便交出而不是認真書寫的，那麼收到論文的他可不會太高興。學術文章的正確語調應遵循特定的寫作風格，也就是 —「正式」（formal）。

What is “formal” writing? It is formally structured writing. That is, academic writing has rules. They are not inflexible, but they are rigorously applied and serious scholars are expected to follow them. The rules can be found in any internet search of academic writing, though faculty in an institution might emphasize some rules more than others. Therefore, knowing what your professor expects in a paper is vital knowledge. Essentially, formal writing eschews informal phrasing, contractions, 2nd person pronouns (“you”), and anything else considered casual.
何謂「正式」的寫作呢？正式的寫作應當是正式架構的寫作手法，亦是撰寫學術文章必須遵守的規則。這些規則並非僵化不變，但也須嚴格遵守，而嚴謹的學者也應該遵循。在網路上搜尋就能找到這些規則的範例，而不同學術機構的教授著重的重點也有所差異。因此，你得知道教授對學生報告的期望。最重要的是，正式的寫作應當避開不正式的措辭、縮寫、第二人稱代名詞、還有其他過於輕鬆的用詞。

Having a structure actually is an advantage, because it lets a reader concentrate on the ideas being communicated rather than the style of writing employed to communicate them. Working within a “formal” framework also encourages serious, as opposed to flippant, writing. This is not to say that stilted or pompous language is the goal. Serious words and terms can also be lively. Example: “The subject manifested symptoms of throat spasm,” versus “The subject gagged.” Choosing words and terms for academic papers is writing formally, intelligently, clearly, and by the rules.
遵循一個寫作架構是有好處的，能讓讀者專注於作者傳達的想法，而不受寫作風格的影響。採用「正式」的架構能幫助維持寫作的嚴謹，避免出現草率的文章。這不代表寫作的目標就是採用誇張華麗的辭藻。嚴謹的用字遣詞也可以是活潑生動地。譬如：「這個主題呈現出喉痙攣的徵狀」與「主題哽到了」就不同。總之，學術文章的用字遣詞應當正式、清楚、聰明、並且遵循規則。

不管是自己選擇或教授指定，若要寫作論說式學術文章，必須先做好心理準備。你必須說明個人意見，選定觀點也很重要，結構與表達尤其攸關文章成敗。本專欄介紹六大關鍵準則，讓你寫作時發揮說服力，每項準則都會刊登在 TPS 粉絲專頁，並在最後集結於 TPS 學術電子報。
Whether by choice or assignment, when an argumentative academic paper is the task at hand, the writer must approach it with an appropriate mindset. Subjective values come into play. Point of view becomes important. Organization and presentation become even more critical to success. The elements of successful persuasive writing are explained in this series, “6 Essential Rules for Persuasive Writing.” Each of the rules will be presented on the TPS Fan page before being compiled.

Rule # 4 – Give proximate support to key points
準則四：盡力支持文章論點

Persuasion is not a function of volume. That is, he who speaks the loudest is not necessarily the most persuasive. While a loud would-be persuader commands attention, he does not usually command respect. Nor does his noise penetrate much beyond the ears to the heart and mind of those listening. In persuasive writing, the same principles apply: Success comes not in what you say, or how “loudly” or strenuously you say it; it comes in effectively supporting what you say.
要說服別人，可不是只有大聲就好。說話最大聲的，不見得就是最有說服力的人。當一個人提高音量，企圖引起他人注意時，他的行為通常不會得到別人的尊重，而他所說的話也不過是耳邊風，無法說到聽者的心坎裡。相同的原則也適用於撰寫論說文：寫作成功的要素不在於文章內容，也不是寫得多「大聲」或聲嘶力竭就行，而是要能充分支持你的論點。

A fundamental principle to follow in writing a persuasive paper is to support essential points in proximity to the points. What too often happens is that a writer makes a point and then pivots away to declare another truth, eager to reveal his full argument without interruption. Yet writers don’t have to worry about being interrupted. They need only hold a reader’s attention. When they spin away too fast, even to a parallel thought, they forfeit the chance to make a point indelible.
撰寫論說文時，所應遵循的基本原則為盡力支持文章論點。寫作常見的一個錯誤，就是在提出論點後，馬上偏離主題提出下一個論證，急著一口氣列出所有的論點。其實並不需要擔心行文停頓，而是要吸引讀者的注意力。如果行文過急，就算是對仗的結構也會失去論點讓人留下不可磨滅印象的機會。

It makes great sense sometimes to summarize the various points of an argument right up front, and then to summarize them again near the end. Yet in the body of the paper, the significant points stand along and each should be buttressed with evidence of its correctness. Often the weakest point needs the most supporting evidence to offset its intrinsic weakness. By supporting each point immediately after making it, readers will more likely be persuaded, one point at a time.
有個很好的撰寫方式，文章一開始即囊括各論點，然後在文末再次總結。但在內文部分得分別論述各個重點，同時輔以論據，證明作者看法的正確性。最弱的論點通常需要最具說服力的論證支持，以彌補論點本身的不足。倘若在提出論點後立即提出支持論證，將更容易逐點說服讀者。

TPS的編輯教授在此歡迎關於學術文章的所有詢問，當然，其實他並沒有足夠的時間給你。他擁有終身教職的教授身份，也是著名的學術巨作作者。即便如此，他仍大方地接受你們的詢問。將關於學術方面的詢問寫在下方，你將獲得教授的親自指導，陶冶對學術的探索與啟發。
The professor awaits your query on academic writing, though in all honesty, he doesn’t have a lot of time for you. He is a tenured full professor and working on yet another magnificent academic tome. Even so, he has graciously consented to entertain your question. Submit it and prepare to be edified.

QUESTION: In writing papers on psychology, I often have to use terminology that is culturally exclusive. An English translation often does not convey the nuances of a Chinese term. How can I best translate smoothly across cultural boundaries without loss of meaning?
寫心理學方面的論文時，常遇到屬於特定文化的專有名詞，翻譯成英文無法完全表達出在中文裡微妙的意義。我該怎麼跨越文化的障礙，流暢地翻譯，並避免損及原意？

Being bilingual is a wonderful asset for a writer or anyone else. The door to the world is opened just a little wider for a person conversant in two languages. However, along with the benefits of knowing two or more languages come the frustrations of translating obscure meanings from one language to another. In conversations, help from a conversation partner and hand gestures generally can bridge the obstacles. But in an academic paper, none of those solutions is available. Therefore, the writer is given the wonderful challenge of communicating the incommunicable.
無論對寫作或其他方面來說，懂得兩種語言都是可貴的資產。能嫻熟使用兩種語言，通往世界的門就會更寬敞一點。不過，懂得多種語言固然有好處，但要將微妙的意思從一種語言翻譯到另一種語言，也難免遇到挫折。交談時其他人可以幫忙溝通，通常也可以用手勢克服障礙，但這兩種方法在學術論文都派不上用場。寫作時你必須傳達原本就難以表達的事，這是種很棒的挑戰。

This is especially the case when a word or phrase defines a cultural concept that is without its equal in a second culture. It is difficult enough when a base word in two languages has different meanings; it is much more difficult when a word in one language has no peer in a second. It is like building a bridge across a chasm with no access point on the other side. Still, engineers overcome such quandaries and so must writers. Once an incompatibility of terms is recognized, an academic writer has no other choice but to expand his capacity as a researcher and wordsmith.
如果詞彙或短句描述的是一個文化概念，而這個概念在另一種文化中又沒有對等的概念，就特別容易有這個問題。一個基詞在兩種語言中意思不同，已經很難翻譯了，如果在第二種語言裡又找不到這個詞，那更是難上加難了。這就像要搭橋跨越鴻溝，而橋的另一端卻沒有基地。不過，如果造橋的工程師能克服這種困境，寫作的人也該見賢思齊。寫作學術文章時，一旦發現術語沒有相配的譯詞，就該加強自己蒐集資料與鍛字鍊句的功夫。

First, the writer should thoroughly research the culturally unique term in question. Then words that definitively describe the term should be written down. These are the building blocks to communicate the term, piece by piece, to the new language. If a concept is particularly abstract, it can be described in terms of something similar and identifiable, using modifiers to explain any distinguishing features. If there is a term in a third language that bridges the gap, use it, again with modifiers as needed. Academic writers, like all writers, must develop their powers of description.
寫作時，先要徹底研究這個詞特殊的文化意涵，接著寫出所有能形容這個詞的字句，當作基本的磚瓦，一塊塊搭起，把這個詞引介到新的語言中。如果該詞彙的概念特別抽象，可以用相似的詞彙來修飾，解釋其特殊性質。也可以使用第三種語言的詞彙，解釋這個詞在兩種語言的不同，並同樣視需要運用修飾語。寫學術文章就像寫其他文章一樣，必須培養自己敘述的能力。

不管是自己選擇或教授指定，若要寫作論說式學術文章，必須先做好心理準備。你必須說明個人意見，選定觀點也很重要，結構與表達尤其攸關文章成敗。本專欄介紹六大關鍵準則，讓你寫作時發揮說服力，每項準則都會刊登在 TPS 粉絲專頁，並在最後集結於 TPS 學術電子報。
Whether by choice or assignment, when an argumentative academic paper is the task at hand, the writer must approach it with an appropriate mindset. Subjective values come into play. Point of view becomes important. Organization and presentation become even more critical to success. The elements of successful persuasive writing are explained in this series, “6 Essential Rules for Persuasive Writing.” Each of the rules will be presented on the TPS Fan page before being compiled.

Rule # 3 – Be rational, not emotional
準則三：保持理性，拒絕感性

Persuasive writing is neither art nor science, but it is a step beyond simple argument. Arguments typically are loud affairs with more heat than light generated on both sides. Persuasive writing eschews all that in favor of reason, logic, and concentrated communication. Nowhere in the formula is there resort to emotion. Fervor is acceptable, even passion, but the strong feelings are dispassionately structured in a way that culminates in, it is hoped, an indisputable conclusion.
撰寫論說文既不是一門藝術，也不是一門科學，這種寫作超越一般爭論。爭論通常很激烈，並且雙方最後往往難有定論。論說文的撰寫則避開這類激辯，代之以理性、邏輯，討論緊扣主旨，寫作模式也不訴諸情感。雖然可以接受熱情、甚至是激情，但會冷靜地組織、表達強烈的感受，以期歸結出不容置疑的結論。

The persuasive writer is first of all a thinker. All academic writers draw upon intellect, of course, but to really persuade, a writer calls both upon raw knowledge and informed opinion. This comes together in something called reason. To be rational—that is, to ground an argument in reason—is to assert truths while defending against untruths. A persuasive academic paper introduces a premise with sound reasoning at the same time it anticipates and rebuts counterarguments.
寫作論說文前，應當要懂得思考。當然，所有的學術作家在寫作時都需要運用自己的才識，但要真正具備說服力，就得同時利用原始知識以及基於可靠資料來源所作出的見解。綜合此兩項因素即為理性。論證要合理，亦即以理性為基礎來提出論點，作者就得擁護真理，同時抵禦不實之言。學術文章要有說服力，必須根據合理的推論提出假設，同時也能預料到反對意見並作出反駁。

Before the writing, then, comes the thinking. There can be no holes in it. Writers who lightly survey an issue or perform slipshod research are guilty of hubris. Compelling words will not persuade unless grounded in rational evidence. Without such evidence, a paper lacks intellectual standing. It is a mere popular pamphlet, rather than a treatise. Persuasive writers challenge convention. If they want others to support them, they must rationally support themselves.
因此寫作前必須先思索文章可能的漏洞，若作者對議題調查不足或研究草率，就犯了傲慢的毛病。只有以合理的證據為基礎，文字敘述才具有說服力。缺乏證據的文章在理智上會站不住腳，這樣的文章僅僅是市井小冊，而非專業論述。論說文的作者挑戰常規，如果希望獲得他人支持，自己的論點得先有理性支持。

TPS的編輯教授在此歡迎關於學術文章的所有詢問，當然，其實他並沒有足夠的時間給你。他擁有終身教職的教授身份，也是著名的學術巨作作者。即便如此，他仍大方地接受你們的詢問。將關於學術方面的詢問寫在下方，你將獲得教授的親自指導，陶冶對學術的探索與啟發。
The professor awaits your query on academic writing, though in all honesty, he doesn’t have a lot of time for you. He is a tenured full professor and working on yet another magnificent academic tome. Even so, he has graciously consented to entertain your question. Submit it and prepare to be edified.

QUESTION: I generally communicate well in other areas of writing and speaking, but I am having trouble correctly employing academic terminology and structure. How do I adapt my writing skills to the academic model?
我在一般寫作和說話上，溝通都沒什麼問題，唯獨在學術上使用術語和結構不太正確。我要怎麼在學術領域發揮自己的寫作技巧呢？

Academic writing and informal or popular writing indeed are different styles of communication. The good news is that if you are proficient in one area, you can learn to be proficient in the other. The skills are the same. Only their application differs. When you say you struggle with the “terminology and structure” of academic communication, do you mean the jargon specific to an academic discipline and the format for expressing it? Or are you having difficulty with the overall guiding principles of academic expression? Perhaps it is both. I will try to address them.
學術寫作的風格確實和日常或大眾寫作不同，不過如果你精通其中一種，嫻熟另一種寫作也不難，兩者所需技巧相同，只是應用方法有別。你提到使用學術上的「術語和結構」有困難，是指不熟悉某個學門的行話或表達形式嗎？還是對學術寫作的整體原則不熟悉？或許兩者兼有之？以下我會盡量討論這些問題。

Jargon—or specialized language—can add to a paper’s precision at the same time it reduces word count. But if jargon hinders communication of an idea or deadens expression, it should be replaced by more commonplace terminology. Some preening authors forget this and seemingly are proud of the density and unreadability of their academic papers. Don’t follow their example. In respect to structure, remember one word: flow. A focused start should flow, paragraph by paragraph, into an enlightening body, and then a refocused ending. Flow. It’s really that simple.
行話，也就是專門用語，可以讓文章表達更精簡，但如果妨礙表達或使語言無味，就應該改成較常見的用語。有些自戀的作者忘了這點，似乎以自己的學術文章晦澀難讀為傲。這不是好榜樣。關於結構，要切記一點：流暢。開頭要重點清晰，接著每段要流暢銜接，構成發人省思的主文，最後重申重點，流暢引出結尾。流暢很重要，就是這麼簡單。

To summarize the principles behind effective scholarly writing, a listing of words and phrases might help. Strive for the following elements: A core thesis. A logical flow of ideas. Intellectual vigor. Neutral, authoritative language. Concise and clear expression. Informed opinion. Thorough citation. In short, a scholarly writer employs critical thinking and precise expression. Non-academic writing, by comparison, is imprecise and spontaneous. While spontaneity is liberating, knowing the logic behind structured writing can free up a good academic writer.
有幾段話可以歸納出良好學術寫作背後的準則，那就是努力做到：要有核心論點、概念邏輯流暢、思考有活力、遣詞中立而可信、表達簡潔清晰、論證根據充分、標註引用詳實。簡言之，寫作學術文章必須運用批判思考與精確表達，相較之下，非學術文章就比較鬆散而隨興。隨興寫作儘管可以自由發揮，但若能了解條理清晰文章的背後邏輯，就能放手寫出更好的學術文章。

不管是自己選擇或教授指定，若要寫作論說式學術文章，必須先做好心理準備。你必須說明個人意見，選定觀點也很重要，結構與表達尤其攸關文章成敗。本專欄介紹六大關鍵準則，讓你寫作時發揮說服力，每項準則都會刊登在 TPS 粉絲專頁，並在最後集結於 TPS 學術電子報。
Whether by choice or assignment, when an argumentative academic paper is the task at hand, the writer must approach it with an appropriate mindset. Subjective values come into play. Point of view becomes important. Organization and presentation become even more critical to success. The elements of successful persuasive writing are explained in this series, “6 Essential Rules for Persuasive Writing.” Each of the rules will be presented on the TPS Fan page before being compiled.

Rule # 2 – Believe
準則二：宣示信念

More so than some writing projects, persuasive papers must be grounded in conviction. That is, having academic interest in a subject is not sufficient commitment to a written argument, if convincing a reader is the goal. A persuasive writer must believe a thesis to be true, because some readers surely will not. Merely striking a supportive stance—posturing, in a word—is not persuasive, because insincerity inevitably leaks through to undermine any points being made.
相較於一般的文章，論說文更注重可信度。如果要寫論說文說服讀者，僅僅對主題抱持學術興趣還不夠；文章要有說服力，作者必須信奉自己的論點，因為有些讀者必然有不同意見。只在立場上表示同意（也就是表態）無法叫人信服，因為言不由衷的態度往往會在文章中流露出來，削弱各種論點的力道。

So the required mindset is belief. You must openly believe what you are espousing in a persuasive paper. This is difficult for some writers, who have been taught the virtue of objectivity and academic distance in their expository writing. While emotional appeals are not appropriate, fervent factual espousal of a doctrine, policy, or finding is absolutely OK. Stridency can be a turnoff, but resolute testimony is not. Do not be of two minds about your subject.
所以態度上一定要充滿信心，在寫論說文時公開對擁護的論點表達信念。這對有些人來說並不容易，因為他們受過寫說明文的訓練，信奉客觀與學術距離。儘管訴諸情感並不恰當，但根據事實，熱切擁護一項主義、政策或發現，則無傷大雅。咄咄逼人讓人退避三舍，但堅定的聲明不會引起反感。你對主題的立場不能搖擺不定。

Having and expressing convictions in a paper should not be a stretch for a serious academic writer. After all, you are immersing yourself in academics precisely because you appreciate the power of the mind. Papers written to persuade bring all of that power to bear including the considerable energy unleashed by imagination and fresh thinking. Combined with courage, these intellectual assets are the tools for changing the world, one mind at a time. Believe you can.
對認真的學者來說，在文章中展現信心應該不難，畢竟你獻身學術，正是因為你懂得心智的力量。論說文正是用來展現心智的力量，包括由想像力與嶄新思維釋放的強大能量。這些智慧如果能結合勇氣，就能用來逐漸改變世界。要相信自己做得到。