8 Ways to Choose a Perfect Research Paper Topic # 8 – Find a topic that is intriguing or can teach 完美撰題八大原則八：尋找耐人尋味、有啟發力的題目
2011-12-21
在學術寫作中，「完美」是相對的，但也是我們追求的理想。想寫出完美的研究報告，首先選擇題目必須明智。本次學術專欄特別推出「完美撰題八大原則」，為大家介紹選擇題目的原則，每項原則將定期刊登於TPS專頁。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#8 – Find a topic that is intriguing or can teach
原則八 尋找耐人尋味、有啟發力的題目
In choosing a research paper topic, a writer should make a genuine effort to find one that forces him to learn something. This rule is a tough one for someone who already knows it all. For the rest of us, it applies. A familiar topic not only is more likely to have been beaten to death by previous writers, it is apt to produce nothing new. Whereas an intriguing topic will spur a curious researcher to dig, and the writer’s evident conviction will come through in the paper.
選擇研究論文題目時，應該竭力尋找能讓你從中學習的題目。這條原則對於已對主題知之甚詳的人來說不容易，卻很適合其他人。常見的題目可能已經由前人徹底討論過，也不容易有新意，而耐人尋味的題目能驅使富求知慾的研究者深入探索，在整篇論文中清楚展現研究決心。
Obviously, a writer can be too ambitious. Even when preliminary research indicates a plethora of sources are available on a topic of genuine interest, the time allowed to plumb them all might be too short. Or the complexity of a multi-layered topic might preclude handling the topic in a single paper. So finding a possible topic to be interesting is only good to a point; it also must be a topic that is suitable for encapsulating in a research paper of finite length.
當然，研究者也可能野心太高。即使初步研究顯示你感興趣的題目有非常豐富的資料，也可能時間不足，無法一一探究；也可能題目層次豐富，較為複雜，無法在單篇論文中討論清楚。所以題目除了有趣，也必須適合在篇幅有限的論文中討論。
In short, daring to delve into unfamiliar territory is a test of one’s desire to produce a paper of worth. It is an indicator of the mindset of an academic writer. Unwillingness to explore and to risk failure in a quest for learning suggests that a writer is a poseur. The cachet of scholarship and academia—and, of course, the incredible benefit of knowledge—is enviable, but the prestige comes from hard work and exemplary conviction. In other words, the title “scholar” is earned.
簡言之，勇於鑽研不熟悉的領域，可以考驗一個人是否真的想寫出有價值的論文，展現學者的氣度。在求知過程中，不願意潛心鑽研、忍受失敗，表示研究者不過是裝腔作勢。在我們羨慕學者的名聲，及知識的無盡好處時，別忘了這些威望來自勤勉為學，以及足為典範的研究心志。可以說，學者的名號是奮鬥的果實。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#8 – Find a topic that is intriguing or can teach
原則八 尋找耐人尋味、有啟發力的題目
In choosing a research paper topic, a writer should make a genuine effort to find one that forces him to learn something. This rule is a tough one for someone who already knows it all. For the rest of us, it applies. A familiar topic not only is more likely to have been beaten to death by previous writers, it is apt to produce nothing new. Whereas an intriguing topic will spur a curious researcher to dig, and the writer’s evident conviction will come through in the paper.
選擇研究論文題目時，應該竭力尋找能讓你從中學習的題目。這條原則對於已對主題知之甚詳的人來說不容易，卻很適合其他人。常見的題目可能已經由前人徹底討論過，也不容易有新意，而耐人尋味的題目能驅使富求知慾的研究者深入探索，在整篇論文中清楚展現研究決心。
Obviously, a writer can be too ambitious. Even when preliminary research indicates a plethora of sources are available on a topic of genuine interest, the time allowed to plumb them all might be too short. Or the complexity of a multi-layered topic might preclude handling the topic in a single paper. So finding a possible topic to be interesting is only good to a point; it also must be a topic that is suitable for encapsulating in a research paper of finite length.
當然，研究者也可能野心太高。即使初步研究顯示你感興趣的題目有非常豐富的資料，也可能時間不足，無法一一探究；也可能題目層次豐富，較為複雜，無法在單篇論文中討論清楚。所以題目除了有趣，也必須適合在篇幅有限的論文中討論。
In short, daring to delve into unfamiliar territory is a test of one’s desire to produce a paper of worth. It is an indicator of the mindset of an academic writer. Unwillingness to explore and to risk failure in a quest for learning suggests that a writer is a poseur. The cachet of scholarship and academia—and, of course, the incredible benefit of knowledge—is enviable, but the prestige comes from hard work and exemplary conviction. In other words, the title “scholar” is earned.
簡言之，勇於鑽研不熟悉的領域，可以考驗一個人是否真的想寫出有價值的論文，展現學者的氣度。在求知過程中，不願意潛心鑽研、忍受失敗，表示研究者不過是裝腔作勢。在我們羨慕學者的名聲，及知識的無盡好處時，別忘了這些威望來自勤勉為學，以及足為典範的研究心志。可以說，學者的名號是奮鬥的果實。
Last Update at 2011-12-21 AM 10:27 | 0 Comments
Professor Pedantic 教授的考究學問
2011-12-14
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 was so embarrassed when I gave a paper to my friend to read and he later admitted that he had fallen asleep reading it. And this was in the morning after he had good night’s sleep! Seriously, how do I write an “eye-opening” paper?
有一次我把論文給朋友看，他讀一讀就睡著了，那時候是早上，而且前一天他睡得很飽。我覺得好丟臉！請告訴我，我該怎麼寫出讓人眼睛一亮的文章？
Writing snoozers comes naturally to most writers. It happens when their guard is down, at which time they settle for clichés, general terminology and lots and lots of words. To a reader of such tedious writing, catching a few Zs just seems like a natural response. So don’t blame the reader if your writing put him to sleep—and to your credit, you didn’t. Your goal now should be to produce content that sparkles, word choices that startle, and phrasing that engages your brain—all in support of lively ideas. Papers characterized by these elements produce cheers, not yawns.
很多作家寫的文章都會讓人昏昏欲睡，有時他們忘了保持警惕，文句陳腔濫調、了無新意，而且字數有夠多。讀到這麼乏味的文章，讀者打瞌睡也很自然。所以，如果你的文章讓人看了想睡，可不要怪對方，你當時沒這麼做是對的。現在你該做的是寫出內容生動、選詞精彩，表達引人注意的文章，同時要以生動的想法為主軸。論文有這些特色，就能獲得喝采，而不是引來呵欠聲。
A tired word dulls the senses in the same way fog muffles sounds, obscuring by its very presence. Imprecise words and phrases suggest an idea without really illuminating it for a reader. Wordiness clutters the mind without contributing anything to memory. A good writer works—that’s right, writing is work—to avoid all this tedium by crafting sentences, rather than mass-producing them. While a good writer might use some of the aforementioned unworthy elements in a first draft, he will replace them in later drafts with exacting, exciting, engaging language.
就像濃霧會悶住聲音，陳舊的用字也會讓意思模糊，造成文意晦澀不清。選詞不精確，就無法明確表達意思。用字繁瑣會阻礙思路，讀完什麼也不記得。好作家為了避免單調，會努力工作（寫作確實是一種工作），精心打造句子，而不是大量生產句子。一開始的草稿或許會有前述不理想的成份，但文句會進一步修改得更精確、有趣、引人注意。
How can you know whether your writing is boring or buzzworthy? The easiest way is to honestly gauge your own reaction to it. Are you bored by it? If you are, chances are excellent that your readers will be bored, too. Do this: Pick a low-energy sentence and spike it with a brazen word—say, “rowdy” instead of “boisterous”—and see if the sentence is energized. Or this: Sub an unusual word—say, “kerfuffle” for “disturbance”—and see if the sentence has a different lilt. Common words are great, but uncommon ones sometimes are greater. Experiment and learn.
要怎麼知道自己的文章是無趣或生動有力呢？最簡單的方法就是誠實地評估你對句子的反應，你會不會覺得句子很無聊？如果會，很有可能讀者也會覺得無聊。試試看，挑一句看起來了無生氣的句子，用比較大膽誇張的字眼，例如把「好鬥」換成「暴戾」，看看句子會不會更有活力。或者，也可以把常見的字換成少見的字，例如把「混亂」改成「騷亂」等等，看句子會不會更活潑。常見的詞彙很不錯，但有時少見的詞彙更出色。務必多多試驗，從中學習。
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 was so embarrassed when I gave a paper to my friend to read and he later admitted that he had fallen asleep reading it. And this was in the morning after he had good night’s sleep! Seriously, how do I write an “eye-opening” paper?
有一次我把論文給朋友看，他讀一讀就睡著了，那時候是早上，而且前一天他睡得很飽。我覺得好丟臉！請告訴我，我該怎麼寫出讓人眼睛一亮的文章？
Writing snoozers comes naturally to most writers. It happens when their guard is down, at which time they settle for clichés, general terminology and lots and lots of words. To a reader of such tedious writing, catching a few Zs just seems like a natural response. So don’t blame the reader if your writing put him to sleep—and to your credit, you didn’t. Your goal now should be to produce content that sparkles, word choices that startle, and phrasing that engages your brain—all in support of lively ideas. Papers characterized by these elements produce cheers, not yawns.
很多作家寫的文章都會讓人昏昏欲睡，有時他們忘了保持警惕，文句陳腔濫調、了無新意，而且字數有夠多。讀到這麼乏味的文章，讀者打瞌睡也很自然。所以，如果你的文章讓人看了想睡，可不要怪對方，你當時沒這麼做是對的。現在你該做的是寫出內容生動、選詞精彩，表達引人注意的文章，同時要以生動的想法為主軸。論文有這些特色，就能獲得喝采，而不是引來呵欠聲。
A tired word dulls the senses in the same way fog muffles sounds, obscuring by its very presence. Imprecise words and phrases suggest an idea without really illuminating it for a reader. Wordiness clutters the mind without contributing anything to memory. A good writer works—that’s right, writing is work—to avoid all this tedium by crafting sentences, rather than mass-producing them. While a good writer might use some of the aforementioned unworthy elements in a first draft, he will replace them in later drafts with exacting, exciting, engaging language.
就像濃霧會悶住聲音，陳舊的用字也會讓意思模糊，造成文意晦澀不清。選詞不精確，就無法明確表達意思。用字繁瑣會阻礙思路，讀完什麼也不記得。好作家為了避免單調，會努力工作（寫作確實是一種工作），精心打造句子，而不是大量生產句子。一開始的草稿或許會有前述不理想的成份，但文句會進一步修改得更精確、有趣、引人注意。
How can you know whether your writing is boring or buzzworthy? The easiest way is to honestly gauge your own reaction to it. Are you bored by it? If you are, chances are excellent that your readers will be bored, too. Do this: Pick a low-energy sentence and spike it with a brazen word—say, “rowdy” instead of “boisterous”—and see if the sentence is energized. Or this: Sub an unusual word—say, “kerfuffle” for “disturbance”—and see if the sentence has a different lilt. Common words are great, but uncommon ones sometimes are greater. Experiment and learn.
要怎麼知道自己的文章是無趣或生動有力呢？最簡單的方法就是誠實地評估你對句子的反應，你會不會覺得句子很無聊？如果會，很有可能讀者也會覺得無聊。試試看，挑一句看起來了無生氣的句子，用比較大膽誇張的字眼，例如把「好鬥」換成「暴戾」，看看句子會不會更有活力。或者，也可以把常見的字換成少見的字，例如把「混亂」改成「騷亂」等等，看句子會不會更活潑。常見的詞彙很不錯，但有時少見的詞彙更出色。務必多多試驗，從中學習。
Last Update at 2011-12-14 AM 10:46 | 0 Comments
8 Ways to Choose a Perfect Research Paper Topic # 7 – Don’t be afraid to explore the edge of a subject 完美撰題八大原則七：勇敢探索學科的邊緣領域
2011-12-07
在學術寫作中，「完美」是相對的，但也是我們追求的理想。想寫出完美的研究報告，首先選擇題目必須明智。本次學術專欄特別推出「完美撰題八大原則」，為大家介紹選擇題目的原則，每項原則將定期刊登於TPS專頁。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#7 – Don’t be afraid to explore the edge of a subject
原則七 勇敢探索學科的邊緣領域
As in the previous guideline about an original topic, this suggestion is about how to make a paper distinctive from hundreds of similar papers. The recommendation is to look toward the edges of a subject where previous researchers have been reluctant to explore. After all, while plowing the same ground sometimes turns up new topical material, an aspiring researcher is very likely to find fresher, more compelling information by turning over rocks on the edge of the field.
這項守則類似前一項「力求主題創新」守則，都能讓論文從數百篇類似的文章中脫穎而出，而方法就是關注學科的邊緣領域，探索過去研究者未加探究的主題。在同一塊領域鑽研，或許有時能發現新的主題，但是若研究者充滿抱負，在邊緣領域不懈地耕耘，或許能發現更新鮮、更有說服力的資訊。
Working the edges of a subject doesn’t lessen the value of a paper. Content is king regardless of where it is found. Relevancy is not related to how central a topic is, but how it contributes to the overall understanding of a subject. For example, everyone might know that a minor emperor was a stout man, yet no one know that he secretly wore a padded cummerbund to enhance his girth, believing it befit his rank. Such revelation can introduce new psychological perspective.
論文的價值不會因為主題較邊緣而減少，因為不管資料從哪裡發現，內容才是重點。論文的價值無關主題是否為學科重心，重點是能否促進了解整體學科。例如，多數人都曉得minor emperor是不具影響力的君王，即使他會暗地裡配戴有填充物的寬腰帶增加腰圍，想藉此與他的地位相襯，世人也不覺得重要或值得探究。其實，像這類人們口中所謂的「小事」，若深入去研究，反而說不定能找到特別的新發現，對於心理學研究者而言，這樣的發現或許有機會引入新的心理學觀點。
Looking to the edge of a subject for new topical material is not the same as being edgy, though being edgy is OK. Edgy might be defined as flirting with irrelevancy by looking “way out there” for a topic. The key is not to drift so far from a core subject that one loses sight of an assignment. Professors are not amused by such independence. Nevertheless, one should feel free to explore the entire range of a subject, hither and yon, with an open mind about what you discover yon.
探索學科的邊緣領域，尋找新的主題，不代表就是急躁，雖然急躁也沒什麼不好。另一方面，急躁也可說是尋找主題時「扯太遠」，沒有認真思考主題是否適切。關鍵是拿捏得當，勿過度偏離學科核心，導致無法掌握作業主旨。教授不會喜歡你離題太遠的。然而，你還是可以任意探索整個學科範圍，毋須設限，並用開放的心態看待彼處的發現。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#7 – Don’t be afraid to explore the edge of a subject
原則七 勇敢探索學科的邊緣領域
As in the previous guideline about an original topic, this suggestion is about how to make a paper distinctive from hundreds of similar papers. The recommendation is to look toward the edges of a subject where previous researchers have been reluctant to explore. After all, while plowing the same ground sometimes turns up new topical material, an aspiring researcher is very likely to find fresher, more compelling information by turning over rocks on the edge of the field.
這項守則類似前一項「力求主題創新」守則，都能讓論文從數百篇類似的文章中脫穎而出，而方法就是關注學科的邊緣領域，探索過去研究者未加探究的主題。在同一塊領域鑽研，或許有時能發現新的主題，但是若研究者充滿抱負，在邊緣領域不懈地耕耘，或許能發現更新鮮、更有說服力的資訊。
Working the edges of a subject doesn’t lessen the value of a paper. Content is king regardless of where it is found. Relevancy is not related to how central a topic is, but how it contributes to the overall understanding of a subject. For example, everyone might know that a minor emperor was a stout man, yet no one know that he secretly wore a padded cummerbund to enhance his girth, believing it befit his rank. Such revelation can introduce new psychological perspective.
論文的價值不會因為主題較邊緣而減少，因為不管資料從哪裡發現，內容才是重點。論文的價值無關主題是否為學科重心，重點是能否促進了解整體學科。例如，多數人都曉得minor emperor是不具影響力的君王，即使他會暗地裡配戴有填充物的寬腰帶增加腰圍，想藉此與他的地位相襯，世人也不覺得重要或值得探究。其實，像這類人們口中所謂的「小事」，若深入去研究，反而說不定能找到特別的新發現，對於心理學研究者而言，這樣的發現或許有機會引入新的心理學觀點。
Looking to the edge of a subject for new topical material is not the same as being edgy, though being edgy is OK. Edgy might be defined as flirting with irrelevancy by looking “way out there” for a topic. The key is not to drift so far from a core subject that one loses sight of an assignment. Professors are not amused by such independence. Nevertheless, one should feel free to explore the entire range of a subject, hither and yon, with an open mind about what you discover yon.
探索學科的邊緣領域，尋找新的主題，不代表就是急躁，雖然急躁也沒什麼不好。另一方面，急躁也可說是尋找主題時「扯太遠」，沒有認真思考主題是否適切。關鍵是拿捏得當，勿過度偏離學科核心，導致無法掌握作業主旨。教授不會喜歡你離題太遠的。然而，你還是可以任意探索整個學科範圍，毋須設限，並用開放的心態看待彼處的發現。
Last Update at 2011-12-07 AM 10:40 | 0 Comments
Professor Pedantic 教授的考究學問
2011-11-30
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 have a problem moving smoothly between paragraphs, and sometimes between sections of my papers. My friend calls it herky-jerky. My professor describes it as “uneven pacing.” How can I smooth out my papers so they flow?
寫論文時，我的段落銜接不太通順，有時章節連接也不流暢，朋友說文章讀起來「卡卡的」，教授則說我「節奏起伏不定」。我該怎麼讓文章更流暢呢？
An academic paper indeed should “flow,” as you say, though there are times when the flow should be interrupted, too. Formal papers aren’t casual conversations in tone or content, but they do share with chit-chat the goal of communication. I imagine your everyday conversation is not herky-jerky. When you pause in conversation, you do so because you have completed a thought. When you are in mid-thought, you link your sentences in ways that signal to your listener that you are not done talking, you are only taking a breath. Write in the same fluid way you talk.
如你所說，學術論文確實應該「流暢」，不過有時候也該適時停頓。正式的文章無論語氣與內容都和日常對話不同，但目的卻相同，都是要溝通。我想你平常說話應該不會「卡卡的」吧？談話中停頓下來，是因為你已經把事情說完了。如果一件事還沒說完，你連結句子的方式會讓聽的人感覺到你還沒說完，只是先喘口氣。寫作時，也應該像說話一樣流暢。
Words and phrases, as well as punctuation, can function as transitional tools. Their purpose is to smoothly connect sentences, paragraphs, and sections. Probably the most common transitional word is “and.” A common transitional punctuation mark is the comma. Without these two aids, lists become choppy, and sequential explanations stop and start. Some transitional words—such as “although”—redirect the flow, but all transitional tools share a common goal: They introduce continuity to written thought, thereby helping a writer hold reader interest clear to the end.
字句和標點符號一樣，都有銜接的功能，能夠順暢連接句子、段落與章節。最常用的銜接詞是「和」(and)，最常用的銜接符號則是逗號 (comma)，沒有這些銜接方法，列舉不同事物時會支離破碎，有先後順序的說明則會顯得斷斷續續。「雖然」(although) 一類的銜接詞會轉折語氣，不過所有銜接方法都有同樣的作用，就是讓寫出的事情前後連貫，讓作者抓住讀者的興趣，直到文末。
The key in mastering transitions goes back to the overall injunction to think well before trying to write well. If you tend to prattle on in conversation, it is a reflection of your thinking. In the same way, if your thoughts are jumbled and disconnected, your writing will truly reflect it. So, first organize your thoughts, then tie the end of one sentence to the beginning of the next one using a phrase, a word, a variation in sentence structure. Incrementally build to a conclusion rather than trying to leap to one. Your readers will follow you without break if given these helpful bridges.
想要掌握銜接用法，必須回歸總體原則，那就是寫作要清晰，首先思考要清晰。如果你講話常喋喋不休，那表示你的思考方式也是如此。同樣地，如果思路糾纏不清，文章必然也是如此。所以，首先想法要條理分明，然後利用詞句或不同的句子結構，使前後句子首尾相連；要逐步歸納出結論，不要驟然拋出結論。有了這些技巧幫助，讀者就能一路順暢地讀下去。
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 have a problem moving smoothly between paragraphs, and sometimes between sections of my papers. My friend calls it herky-jerky. My professor describes it as “uneven pacing.” How can I smooth out my papers so they flow?
寫論文時，我的段落銜接不太通順，有時章節連接也不流暢，朋友說文章讀起來「卡卡的」，教授則說我「節奏起伏不定」。我該怎麼讓文章更流暢呢？
An academic paper indeed should “flow,” as you say, though there are times when the flow should be interrupted, too. Formal papers aren’t casual conversations in tone or content, but they do share with chit-chat the goal of communication. I imagine your everyday conversation is not herky-jerky. When you pause in conversation, you do so because you have completed a thought. When you are in mid-thought, you link your sentences in ways that signal to your listener that you are not done talking, you are only taking a breath. Write in the same fluid way you talk.
如你所說，學術論文確實應該「流暢」，不過有時候也該適時停頓。正式的文章無論語氣與內容都和日常對話不同，但目的卻相同，都是要溝通。我想你平常說話應該不會「卡卡的」吧？談話中停頓下來，是因為你已經把事情說完了。如果一件事還沒說完，你連結句子的方式會讓聽的人感覺到你還沒說完，只是先喘口氣。寫作時，也應該像說話一樣流暢。
Words and phrases, as well as punctuation, can function as transitional tools. Their purpose is to smoothly connect sentences, paragraphs, and sections. Probably the most common transitional word is “and.” A common transitional punctuation mark is the comma. Without these two aids, lists become choppy, and sequential explanations stop and start. Some transitional words—such as “although”—redirect the flow, but all transitional tools share a common goal: They introduce continuity to written thought, thereby helping a writer hold reader interest clear to the end.
字句和標點符號一樣，都有銜接的功能，能夠順暢連接句子、段落與章節。最常用的銜接詞是「和」(and)，最常用的銜接符號則是逗號 (comma)，沒有這些銜接方法，列舉不同事物時會支離破碎，有先後順序的說明則會顯得斷斷續續。「雖然」(although) 一類的銜接詞會轉折語氣，不過所有銜接方法都有同樣的作用，就是讓寫出的事情前後連貫，讓作者抓住讀者的興趣，直到文末。
The key in mastering transitions goes back to the overall injunction to think well before trying to write well. If you tend to prattle on in conversation, it is a reflection of your thinking. In the same way, if your thoughts are jumbled and disconnected, your writing will truly reflect it. So, first organize your thoughts, then tie the end of one sentence to the beginning of the next one using a phrase, a word, a variation in sentence structure. Incrementally build to a conclusion rather than trying to leap to one. Your readers will follow you without break if given these helpful bridges.
想要掌握銜接用法，必須回歸總體原則，那就是寫作要清晰，首先思考要清晰。如果你講話常喋喋不休，那表示你的思考方式也是如此。同樣地，如果思路糾纏不清，文章必然也是如此。所以，首先想法要條理分明，然後利用詞句或不同的句子結構，使前後句子首尾相連；要逐步歸納出結論，不要驟然拋出結論。有了這些技巧幫助，讀者就能一路順暢地讀下去。
Last Update at 2011-11-30 AM 10:29 | 0 Comments
8 Ways to Choose a Perfect Research Paper Topic # 6 – Strive for originality in a topic 完美撰題八大原則六：力求主題創新
2011-11-23
在學術寫作中，「完美」是相對的，但也是我們追求的理想。想寫出完美的研究報告，首先選擇題目必須明智。本次學術專欄特別推出「完美撰題八大原則」，為大家介紹選擇題目的原則，每項原則將定期刊登於TPS專頁。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#6 – Strive for originality in a topic
原則六 力求主題創新
The old saying is that there is nothing new under the sun. Even sayings are old. It is true that the first writer of an academic paper could choose from a longer list of unwritten-about topics than is possible to find today. Consequently, a search now for an original topic is much longer. In fact, a wholly original subject might not exist, depending upon the discipline. Still, enough nuances do exist to allow today’s writers to bring fresh perspective to a topic, and that is sufficient.
俗話說，太陽底下沒有新鮮事，不過這些俗話也不新鮮了。確實，比起現在的研究者，初期的研究者有更多從未研究過的題目可以選擇，因此現在想尋找創新的題目，必須花更長的時間，有些學門甚至可能完全缺乏原創的題目。不過，題目間還是有些細微的差異，可以讓現在的研究者為主題帶來新意，而這樣就足夠了。
The first rule in the search for an original topic is that a writer must want to find one. While a student’s willingness to tiresomely revisit a tired subject will satisfy an assignment, it will not land the student a grade in the upper echelon of scores. Those are reserved for fresh thinkers. So in considering a topic, examine it from the standpoint of (1) how often it has been addressed and (2) how much fresh insight is possible this time around. If it fails this freshness test, drop it.
尋找原創主題的第一守則，就是你要願意去找。學生寫作業時，如果不厭其煩地討論一個老掉牙的題目，或許可以交差，但分數大概不會太高。只有想法新穎，才能拿到好成績。所以思考題目時，可以從兩個觀點來檢驗：第一，這個題目是否常常討論？第二，這次討論是否能帶出新穎的見解？如果從這個小測試裡，發現題目毫無新意，那麼最好放棄。
Selection of a topic gives a professor a glimpse of the character of a student. Academic writers are first of all academic thinkers whose brains are attuned to challenge, discovery, and the search for information that expands the common base of knowledge. Any student unwilling to put real effort into this process is only loitering in the academic realm, rather than establishing himself there. A serious search for original material is one of the defining markers of a serious student.
教授從學生選的題目裡，可以大概了解學生的個性。學術研究者的思考會表現出學術特質，偏好挑戰、追求新發現、熱衷於尋找資訊以擴展知識的基礎。不願真正投入這個過程的學生，只是在學術圈胡混，不會有所建樹。嚴謹地尋找原創題目的材料，才是認真學生的寫照。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#6 – Strive for originality in a topic
原則六 力求主題創新
The old saying is that there is nothing new under the sun. Even sayings are old. It is true that the first writer of an academic paper could choose from a longer list of unwritten-about topics than is possible to find today. Consequently, a search now for an original topic is much longer. In fact, a wholly original subject might not exist, depending upon the discipline. Still, enough nuances do exist to allow today’s writers to bring fresh perspective to a topic, and that is sufficient.
俗話說，太陽底下沒有新鮮事，不過這些俗話也不新鮮了。確實，比起現在的研究者，初期的研究者有更多從未研究過的題目可以選擇，因此現在想尋找創新的題目，必須花更長的時間，有些學門甚至可能完全缺乏原創的題目。不過，題目間還是有些細微的差異，可以讓現在的研究者為主題帶來新意，而這樣就足夠了。
The first rule in the search for an original topic is that a writer must want to find one. While a student’s willingness to tiresomely revisit a tired subject will satisfy an assignment, it will not land the student a grade in the upper echelon of scores. Those are reserved for fresh thinkers. So in considering a topic, examine it from the standpoint of (1) how often it has been addressed and (2) how much fresh insight is possible this time around. If it fails this freshness test, drop it.
尋找原創主題的第一守則，就是你要願意去找。學生寫作業時，如果不厭其煩地討論一個老掉牙的題目，或許可以交差，但分數大概不會太高。只有想法新穎，才能拿到好成績。所以思考題目時，可以從兩個觀點來檢驗：第一，這個題目是否常常討論？第二，這次討論是否能帶出新穎的見解？如果從這個小測試裡，發現題目毫無新意，那麼最好放棄。
Selection of a topic gives a professor a glimpse of the character of a student. Academic writers are first of all academic thinkers whose brains are attuned to challenge, discovery, and the search for information that expands the common base of knowledge. Any student unwilling to put real effort into this process is only loitering in the academic realm, rather than establishing himself there. A serious search for original material is one of the defining markers of a serious student.
教授從學生選的題目裡，可以大概了解學生的個性。學術研究者的思考會表現出學術特質，偏好挑戰、追求新發現、熱衷於尋找資訊以擴展知識的基礎。不願真正投入這個過程的學生，只是在學術圈胡混，不會有所建樹。嚴謹地尋找原創題目的材料，才是認真學生的寫照。
Last Update at 2011-11-23 AM 10:21 | 0 Comments
Professor Pedantic 教授的考究學問
2011-11-16
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: As a student of social science, I try to see how the thread of a society extends from the past into the future. The past and present are not difficult for me to write about, but I am nervous about making conclusions about the future. Are there any guidelines for applying social theories to future conduct of a society?
我讀的是社會科學，我想知道社會的脈絡如何從過去貫穿到未來。對我來說，討論過去與現在不難，但我不太敢推論未來。有沒有什麼方法，可以指引我們將社會理論應用到未來社會的行為模式？
The closest I come to being a social scientist is mixing it up in cocktail gatherings—where there always are some interesting observations to be made, though nothing of academic significance. Anyway, I will answer your question as a fellow scholar rather than as a colleague in the social sciences. The question really is about extrapolation, a big word that describes a process wherein known data or experience is projected into an unknown area. By so doing, you really are crossing over into conjecture. Therefore, only time will tell if what you infer will be true.
我唯一和社會學沾得上邊的，就是在雞尾酒會上興致勃勃地觀察人類行為，不過這些觀察沒有學術意義。總之，我只能以同為學術人士的觀點回答你的問題，而不是從社會科學同行的角度來說明。你問的其實是外推性的問題，也就是根據已知的數據或經驗，推斷未知的領域。這樣其實已經跨入推測的範圍，因此必須經過一段時間，才能知道你的推斷是否正確。
Future-looking is dangerous—that is, academically disputable—only if the base facts of a proposition are disputed. Consider the equation, 1+1=2. If we assume the decimal system still will be recognized in 2090, it is safe to infer that 1+1 equals 2 will retain its fundamental value. If on the other hand, it is suspected that 1+1 might equal 3 in future computations, inferring otherwise will invite disputes. Social questions are more complex, but the need for inferences to be firmly grounded in incontrovertible fact is the same in any scholarly study.
如果命題所根據的事實有所爭議，那麼對未來的預估就不可靠，也就是在學術上有爭議。以等式 1+1=2 來說，如果我們認為十進位法到 2090 年都還適用，就可以安全推斷屆時 1+1 還是會等於 2。然而，如果未來的計算法則裡 1+1 可能等於 3，做出其他的推論就會引來質疑。社會學的問題比較複雜，但所有學術研究都必須基於確鑿無疑的事實來推論，這點是不變的。
The safest approach to making deductions about the future in social science or any other malleable discipline is to get your facts straight. That includes thoroughly and completely researching the future into which you are going to project your conclusion. Fact and future cannot be accurately joined if future adaptations are not credited. Example: The architecture of future college campuses cannot be safely predicted, because all learning by then might be long distance. So: Know the given facts. Research the future. Extrapolate with confidence.
在社會科學或其他可詮釋的學科領域，要推論未來，最安全的做法就是確實了解事實，同時必須從徹底研究你想推論的未來。如果描述未來的變化時不能讓人信服，就無法從事實正確的推論未來。例如，由於未來大部分的學習可能都是遠距離學習，因此很難正確預測未來大學校園的建築風貌。所以記得，了解已知事實，徹底研究未來，才能有信心的作出推論。
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: As a student of social science, I try to see how the thread of a society extends from the past into the future. The past and present are not difficult for me to write about, but I am nervous about making conclusions about the future. Are there any guidelines for applying social theories to future conduct of a society?
我讀的是社會科學，我想知道社會的脈絡如何從過去貫穿到未來。對我來說，討論過去與現在不難，但我不太敢推論未來。有沒有什麼方法，可以指引我們將社會理論應用到未來社會的行為模式？
The closest I come to being a social scientist is mixing it up in cocktail gatherings—where there always are some interesting observations to be made, though nothing of academic significance. Anyway, I will answer your question as a fellow scholar rather than as a colleague in the social sciences. The question really is about extrapolation, a big word that describes a process wherein known data or experience is projected into an unknown area. By so doing, you really are crossing over into conjecture. Therefore, only time will tell if what you infer will be true.
我唯一和社會學沾得上邊的，就是在雞尾酒會上興致勃勃地觀察人類行為，不過這些觀察沒有學術意義。總之，我只能以同為學術人士的觀點回答你的問題，而不是從社會科學同行的角度來說明。你問的其實是外推性的問題，也就是根據已知的數據或經驗，推斷未知的領域。這樣其實已經跨入推測的範圍，因此必須經過一段時間，才能知道你的推斷是否正確。
Future-looking is dangerous—that is, academically disputable—only if the base facts of a proposition are disputed. Consider the equation, 1+1=2. If we assume the decimal system still will be recognized in 2090, it is safe to infer that 1+1 equals 2 will retain its fundamental value. If on the other hand, it is suspected that 1+1 might equal 3 in future computations, inferring otherwise will invite disputes. Social questions are more complex, but the need for inferences to be firmly grounded in incontrovertible fact is the same in any scholarly study.
如果命題所根據的事實有所爭議，那麼對未來的預估就不可靠，也就是在學術上有爭議。以等式 1+1=2 來說，如果我們認為十進位法到 2090 年都還適用，就可以安全推斷屆時 1+1 還是會等於 2。然而，如果未來的計算法則裡 1+1 可能等於 3，做出其他的推論就會引來質疑。社會學的問題比較複雜，但所有學術研究都必須基於確鑿無疑的事實來推論，這點是不變的。
The safest approach to making deductions about the future in social science or any other malleable discipline is to get your facts straight. That includes thoroughly and completely researching the future into which you are going to project your conclusion. Fact and future cannot be accurately joined if future adaptations are not credited. Example: The architecture of future college campuses cannot be safely predicted, because all learning by then might be long distance. So: Know the given facts. Research the future. Extrapolate with confidence.
在社會科學或其他可詮釋的學科領域，要推論未來，最安全的做法就是確實了解事實，同時必須從徹底研究你想推論的未來。如果描述未來的變化時不能讓人信服，就無法從事實正確的推論未來。例如，由於未來大部分的學習可能都是遠距離學習，因此很難正確預測未來大學校園的建築風貌。所以記得，了解已知事實，徹底研究未來，才能有信心的作出推論。
Last Update at 2011-11-16 AM 10:37 | 0 Comments
8 Ways to Choose a Perfect Research Paper Topic # 5 – Determine the depth and breadth of a possible topic 完美撰題八大原則五：判斷主題的深度和廣度
2011-11-09
在學術寫作中，「完美」是相對的，但也是我們追求的理想。想寫出完美的研究報告，首先選擇題目必須明智。本次學術專欄特別推出「完美撰題八大原則」，為大家介紹選擇題目的原則，每項原則將定期刊登於TPS專頁。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#5 –Determine the depth and breadth of a possible topic
原則五 判斷主題的深度和廣度
This suggestion might seem to put an extra burden on a writer, but the opposite is the case. Nothing is more difficult than to write in depth on a topic that is shallow. Nothing is more challenging than to write substantively about a subject that is transparently simplistic. In such cases, writers resort to setting up straw arguments, belaboring the obvious, and larding the paper with adjectives, adverbs, general wordiness, and sometimes the kitchen sink and cabinetry.
這個建議聽起來似乎讓作者又多了一份負擔，然而實際上剛好相反。寫作研究報告時，最困難的莫過於深入分析一個膚淺的主題，最痛苦的莫過於嚴肅討論一個簡單不過的題目。如果執意這麼做，只能言不及義、滿紙空話，東加一個形容詞、西添一個副詞，文章多半冗長空洞，甚至瑣碎平庸。
Know thy topic—but not too quickly. If a writer can instantly see how to proceed with writing about a possible topic, the topic probably is too facile to seriously consider. Genuinely complex topics for a paper are not that transparent. They are too deep to have their bottoms seen. They hide undercurrents of information that only can be discovered by diving into them. On the other hand, sometimes they are too deep for a paper. Discerning a topic’s depth is important.
寫作要了解主題，但不要急於一時。如果能立刻看出主題的寫作方向，表示此主題可能太為淺顯，不值得深入探究。真正複雜、適合寫研究報告的題目通常無法輕易看透，其內涵深不可測，只有深入探究才能發現其中蘊含的訊息。然而，有時候主題卻太過深奧，不適合寫研究報告。因此判斷主題的深度是非常重要的。
The other important dimension to consider is breadth. A topic worth writing about should have wide enough application to have value beyond whatever grade is earned by its writer. For example, the pin oak tree might be too narrow a biological topic unless one incorporates the tree’s migration to Australia. On the other hand, as with depth, a topic can be too broad to be addressed in a paper. A thorough survey of depth and breadth is key in any topic selection.
此外也應考量題目的廣度，值得探討的題目應該能廣泛運用，除了可以讓作者拿到分數，應該還有其他價值。例如，單純以針櫟樹為主題範圍可能太狹窄，但可以將討論結合針櫟樹如何遷徙到澳洲。此外，就像題目可能太深奧，同樣也可能太廣泛而不適合寫研究報告。選擇主題前，切記徹底瞭解題目的深度與廣度。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#5 –Determine the depth and breadth of a possible topic
原則五 判斷主題的深度和廣度
This suggestion might seem to put an extra burden on a writer, but the opposite is the case. Nothing is more difficult than to write in depth on a topic that is shallow. Nothing is more challenging than to write substantively about a subject that is transparently simplistic. In such cases, writers resort to setting up straw arguments, belaboring the obvious, and larding the paper with adjectives, adverbs, general wordiness, and sometimes the kitchen sink and cabinetry.
這個建議聽起來似乎讓作者又多了一份負擔，然而實際上剛好相反。寫作研究報告時，最困難的莫過於深入分析一個膚淺的主題，最痛苦的莫過於嚴肅討論一個簡單不過的題目。如果執意這麼做，只能言不及義、滿紙空話，東加一個形容詞、西添一個副詞，文章多半冗長空洞，甚至瑣碎平庸。
Know thy topic—but not too quickly. If a writer can instantly see how to proceed with writing about a possible topic, the topic probably is too facile to seriously consider. Genuinely complex topics for a paper are not that transparent. They are too deep to have their bottoms seen. They hide undercurrents of information that only can be discovered by diving into them. On the other hand, sometimes they are too deep for a paper. Discerning a topic’s depth is important.
寫作要了解主題，但不要急於一時。如果能立刻看出主題的寫作方向，表示此主題可能太為淺顯，不值得深入探究。真正複雜、適合寫研究報告的題目通常無法輕易看透，其內涵深不可測，只有深入探究才能發現其中蘊含的訊息。然而，有時候主題卻太過深奧，不適合寫研究報告。因此判斷主題的深度是非常重要的。
The other important dimension to consider is breadth. A topic worth writing about should have wide enough application to have value beyond whatever grade is earned by its writer. For example, the pin oak tree might be too narrow a biological topic unless one incorporates the tree’s migration to Australia. On the other hand, as with depth, a topic can be too broad to be addressed in a paper. A thorough survey of depth and breadth is key in any topic selection.
此外也應考量題目的廣度，值得探討的題目應該能廣泛運用，除了可以讓作者拿到分數，應該還有其他價值。例如，單純以針櫟樹為主題範圍可能太狹窄，但可以將討論結合針櫟樹如何遷徙到澳洲。此外，就像題目可能太深奧，同樣也可能太廣泛而不適合寫研究報告。選擇主題前，切記徹底瞭解題目的深度與廣度。
Last Update at 2011-11-09 AM 10:17 | 0 Comments
Professor Pedantic 教授的考究學問
2011-11-03
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: My grammar is nearly always perfect in my papers. I’m not bragging; it is just an innate ability. But sometimes I believe I care too much about being grammatically correct and too little about the flow of thought. What is the middle ground?
每次寫論文我的文法都很完美，我不是在吹牛，只是天生對文法比較拿手。不過有時候，我覺得我太注重文法，沒有注意思想傳達是否流暢。文法正確與表達流暢間，怎麼取得中庸之道呢？
Good question. It reminds me of a fellow I know who would spend as long as an hour carefully trimming his beard and mustache without realizing how ragged his hair looked at the back of his head. The total effect was less than awesome. It indeed is possible to become too word-centric in composing a paper and, in doing so, lose sight of the purpose of the paper—to communicate an idea clearly and completely. Word consciousness is the equivalent of navel-gazing. In the end, you might know your navel perfectly, but you have sacrificed the whole body of your work to it.
問得好，這讓我想起一個同事，他會花一小時仔細修剪鬍鬚和短髭，卻沒注意到自己後腦勺頭髮有多亂，結果整個人看起來實在不怎麼樣。有時寫論文確實會太在意遣詞用字，而忘了論文的目的是要清楚完整地表達想法。只注意字詞就像盯著肚臍眼看，最後可能發現自己的肚臍很完美，卻忽略了整體作品。
I would suggest two general guides to help steer you away from excessive concentration on individual words and sentence structure. The first is that you pay relatively little attention to grammatical soundness in working up an early draft of a paper. The first draft can be as rough as bark on a black walnut tree; so long as the direction and thrust of a paper is established, word choice and sentence framework matter little. There is plenty of time in later drafts to revise, clean up, and smooth out the content. Run with your ideas first and see where they take you.
我想提出兩點概括性的建議，幫助你不要過度執著於個別的詞彙或句子結構。首先，在寫初期草稿時，不要花太多心力注意文法是否正確。第一份草稿可以和黑核桃樹的樹皮一樣粗糙，只要建立起文章的方向與目標，遣詞用字與句子結構不是太重要。之後的草稿還有很多時間可以修改、刪節與潤飾內容，先跟著你的想法走，看看可以寫出什麼。
The second suggestion is that you not become enslaved by grammar. Rules of writing are established to free language, not to restrain it. If the framework of a sentence is too rigid, or word choices are too precise, life is sucked right out of the writing. It becomes stilted, or wooden, or vapid. You are quite right to be concerned about focusing too much on words and too little on the integrity of a thought being conveyed. In the end, a paper is about ideas, not words. Carefully chosen and assembled, a paper’s words should almost disappear behind the power of the idea.
第二個建議是不要過於拘泥文法，建立寫作規則不是為了限制語言，而是為了釋放語言、讓語言盡情表現。如果句子結構太僵硬，選字太嚴格精確，文章就會失去生氣，變得矯揉造作、呆板，甚至乏味。你擔心自己過於注重文字，忽略了想要傳達的想法是否完整，這是很好的。畢竟，論文最重要的不是文字，而是想法。文章的字句要仔細選擇、組合，但不應該蓋過思想的力量。
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: My grammar is nearly always perfect in my papers. I’m not bragging; it is just an innate ability. But sometimes I believe I care too much about being grammatically correct and too little about the flow of thought. What is the middle ground?
每次寫論文我的文法都很完美，我不是在吹牛，只是天生對文法比較拿手。不過有時候，我覺得我太注重文法，沒有注意思想傳達是否流暢。文法正確與表達流暢間，怎麼取得中庸之道呢？
Good question. It reminds me of a fellow I know who would spend as long as an hour carefully trimming his beard and mustache without realizing how ragged his hair looked at the back of his head. The total effect was less than awesome. It indeed is possible to become too word-centric in composing a paper and, in doing so, lose sight of the purpose of the paper—to communicate an idea clearly and completely. Word consciousness is the equivalent of navel-gazing. In the end, you might know your navel perfectly, but you have sacrificed the whole body of your work to it.
問得好，這讓我想起一個同事，他會花一小時仔細修剪鬍鬚和短髭，卻沒注意到自己後腦勺頭髮有多亂，結果整個人看起來實在不怎麼樣。有時寫論文確實會太在意遣詞用字，而忘了論文的目的是要清楚完整地表達想法。只注意字詞就像盯著肚臍眼看，最後可能發現自己的肚臍很完美，卻忽略了整體作品。
I would suggest two general guides to help steer you away from excessive concentration on individual words and sentence structure. The first is that you pay relatively little attention to grammatical soundness in working up an early draft of a paper. The first draft can be as rough as bark on a black walnut tree; so long as the direction and thrust of a paper is established, word choice and sentence framework matter little. There is plenty of time in later drafts to revise, clean up, and smooth out the content. Run with your ideas first and see where they take you.
我想提出兩點概括性的建議，幫助你不要過度執著於個別的詞彙或句子結構。首先，在寫初期草稿時，不要花太多心力注意文法是否正確。第一份草稿可以和黑核桃樹的樹皮一樣粗糙，只要建立起文章的方向與目標，遣詞用字與句子結構不是太重要。之後的草稿還有很多時間可以修改、刪節與潤飾內容，先跟著你的想法走，看看可以寫出什麼。
The second suggestion is that you not become enslaved by grammar. Rules of writing are established to free language, not to restrain it. If the framework of a sentence is too rigid, or word choices are too precise, life is sucked right out of the writing. It becomes stilted, or wooden, or vapid. You are quite right to be concerned about focusing too much on words and too little on the integrity of a thought being conveyed. In the end, a paper is about ideas, not words. Carefully chosen and assembled, a paper’s words should almost disappear behind the power of the idea.
第二個建議是不要過於拘泥文法，建立寫作規則不是為了限制語言，而是為了釋放語言、讓語言盡情表現。如果句子結構太僵硬，選字太嚴格精確，文章就會失去生氣，變得矯揉造作、呆板，甚至乏味。你擔心自己過於注重文字，忽略了想要傳達的想法是否完整，這是很好的。畢竟，論文最重要的不是文字，而是想法。文章的字句要仔細選擇、組合，但不應該蓋過思想的力量。
Last Update at 2011-11-03 AM 10:27 | 0 Comments
8 Ways to Choose a Perfect Research Paper Topic # 4 – Keep an open mind 完美撰題八大原則四：保持心胸開放
2011-10-26
在學術寫作中，「完美」是相對的，但也是我們追求的理想。想寫出完美的研究報告，首先選擇題目必須明智。本次學術專欄特別推出「完美撰題八大原則」，為大家介紹選擇題目的原則，每項原則將定期刊登於TPS專頁。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#4 – Keep an open mind
原則四 保持心胸開放
This suggestion really shouldn’t be necessary. An open mind should be a chief characteristic of any writer laboring in the academic field. The whole purpose of academia is to learn and, in the learning, to expand the body of knowledge that undergirds understanding and progress. Learning is stifled by barriers to learning; the most insidious of these is the closed mind. So in searching for a research topic, an academic writer should be open to virtually all possibilities.
心胸開放是學術領域作者應有的基本特質，本來不必特別提出。學術研究就是為了學習，並在學習過程中擴展整體學識、增進理解與推動進步。阻礙學習的因素很多，其中最隱而不顯的障礙就是保守封閉的思想。所以學術作者尋找研究主題時，應該對所有可能保持開放。
One of the indicators of openness is the capacity for surprise. When a mind is partly or entirely shuttered, it is less receptive to peripheral flashes of insight. It is so focused on a preconceived agenda that it simply doesn’t sense glancing inspiration. A writer open to inspiration is more apt to be startled by a new thought, which might enter his mind through an unrelated conversation. Such revelations are the direct result of a person’s willingness to be surprised.
開放的思想有項指標，就是能體悟到出人意表之處。如果思想保守或完全封閉，即使隱約有所體悟，也很難好好把握。太執著於預定的步驟，腦海裡就沒有空間容納轉瞬即逝的靈光。寫作時若能敞開心胸、擁抱靈感，就更容易受新思想啟發，從無關的對話中採擷新的看法。願意接納新奇的想法，就能直接受益。
The rest of the story is how a surprising idea is handled. A closed-minded person dismisses such an idea because it disrupts his ordered mindset. An open-minded person muses upon it. Explores it. Evaluates it. Weighs it. Only then might the person drop the idea because it is found to be wanting or, better yet, to abandon it in favor of yet another idea spawned by the first one. The beauty of openness is that it is expansive in nature. Growth and learning are the natural results.
除了察覺新奇的想法，還要知道如何運用。心態保守的人對新的想法不屑一顧，害怕這種想法會擾亂他們規規矩矩的思考方式。心態開明的人則會潛心鑽研，探索、評估、權衡新的想法，判斷這個想法是否有所不足，再將之放下；或是從中衍生另一個新的思想，所以拋棄原先的想法，這種情況更理想。開放的心態本身廣闊無垠，自然有助學習與成長。
“Perfect” is a relative term in academic writing, but it always is the ideal. The first rule in the pursuit of perfection in a paper is to choose a topic wisely. This essay introduces and explains one guide in selecting a topic. Each guide is contained in “8 Guides in Choosing a Perfect Research Paper Topic” and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
#4 – Keep an open mind
原則四 保持心胸開放
This suggestion really shouldn’t be necessary. An open mind should be a chief characteristic of any writer laboring in the academic field. The whole purpose of academia is to learn and, in the learning, to expand the body of knowledge that undergirds understanding and progress. Learning is stifled by barriers to learning; the most insidious of these is the closed mind. So in searching for a research topic, an academic writer should be open to virtually all possibilities.
心胸開放是學術領域作者應有的基本特質，本來不必特別提出。學術研究就是為了學習，並在學習過程中擴展整體學識、增進理解與推動進步。阻礙學習的因素很多，其中最隱而不顯的障礙就是保守封閉的思想。所以學術作者尋找研究主題時，應該對所有可能保持開放。
One of the indicators of openness is the capacity for surprise. When a mind is partly or entirely shuttered, it is less receptive to peripheral flashes of insight. It is so focused on a preconceived agenda that it simply doesn’t sense glancing inspiration. A writer open to inspiration is more apt to be startled by a new thought, which might enter his mind through an unrelated conversation. Such revelations are the direct result of a person’s willingness to be surprised.
開放的思想有項指標，就是能體悟到出人意表之處。如果思想保守或完全封閉，即使隱約有所體悟，也很難好好把握。太執著於預定的步驟，腦海裡就沒有空間容納轉瞬即逝的靈光。寫作時若能敞開心胸、擁抱靈感，就更容易受新思想啟發，從無關的對話中採擷新的看法。願意接納新奇的想法，就能直接受益。
The rest of the story is how a surprising idea is handled. A closed-minded person dismisses such an idea because it disrupts his ordered mindset. An open-minded person muses upon it. Explores it. Evaluates it. Weighs it. Only then might the person drop the idea because it is found to be wanting or, better yet, to abandon it in favor of yet another idea spawned by the first one. The beauty of openness is that it is expansive in nature. Growth and learning are the natural results.
除了察覺新奇的想法，還要知道如何運用。心態保守的人對新的想法不屑一顧，害怕這種想法會擾亂他們規規矩矩的思考方式。心態開明的人則會潛心鑽研，探索、評估、權衡新的想法，判斷這個想法是否有所不足，再將之放下；或是從中衍生另一個新的思想，所以拋棄原先的想法，這種情況更理想。開放的心態本身廣闊無垠，自然有助學習與成長。
Last Update at 2011-10-26 AM 11:47 | 0 Comments
Professor Pedantic 教授的考究學問
2011-10-19
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 write well I am told, but my papers are faulted for being “superficial.” How do I know when I have researched a topic deeply enough to satisfy my professor’s need for in-depth analysis and presentation?
教授說我文章寫得不錯，就是有點「膚淺」；寫文章時，我要怎麼知道自己研究已經夠深入，能夠寫出教授要求的深度分析與報告？
Unfortunately, I cannot answer that definitively because in all probability I don’t know your professor. A level of research that satisfies your professor might be deemed overkill by another professor or insufficient by a third. Besides, some topics have voluminous amounts of material available for probing while other topics are a slim volume on the library shelf. Still, some general expectations exist for academic researchers. The general one is that a paper should give evidence of being complete—that is, it should be without loose ends, unanswered questions, and holes.
很可惜我沒有辦法給你最可靠完整的答案，因為再怎麼說，我都不認識你的教授。讓你教授滿意的研究，第二個教授可能覺得太過火，第三個教授可能還覺得不夠。此外，有些題目可供探討的資料俯拾即是，有些的資料則寥寥無幾。不過，學術研究還是有個大概的標準要求，也就是不能虎頭蛇尾、提出的問題必須解答，以及不能有漏洞。
Sometimes a researcher gives himself a superficial topic, unwittingly or on purpose. This makes it difficult to do in-depth research because the pool of available information is quite shallow. Conversely, sometimes a chosen topic is so deep and wide that a researcher cannot completely explore it without producing a book. Therefore, it is important to wisely pick and frame a topic. Next, a writer should brainstorm a topic’s chief facets. Even if this initial mental outline is not conclusive, it guides a writer as he plumbs a topic. Guided research is less apt to miss something.
有時候研究者有意無意中選了一個膚淺的題目，可供探討的訊息很少，自然也很難深入探討。相反的，有時主題的範圍太廣且內涵精深，想詳盡探討非得寫本書不可。因此，好好選擇、界定題目非常重要。接下來，寫作前應該對題目腦力激盪，思考題目有哪些重要面向，即使初步大綱無法涵蓋所有面向，也給了作者鑽研的方向。有了研究方向，就不容易錯失重點。
Finally, an academic researcher must know himself or herself. It is not a question of character or intellect, but of mindset and habit. Ask yourself: How inquisitive am I? Am I content to offer a generally correct answer or do I want to indisputably pin down the facts? The latter thinking characterizes the best researcher. Again, how thorough am I? Am I OK with lightly surveying a topic or do I want to examine it in detail? A survey, after all, tends to be wider than it is deep. To produce a paper of depth and completeness, a researcher must be geared for the work.
最後，研究者必須了解自己；重點不是自己的個性或能力，而是了解自己的思考方式與習慣。問問自己：我的好奇心夠強嗎？我只要能找出大概正確的答案就滿意了，還是想確切驗證事實？好的研究者應該具備第二種思考特性。此外，我的研究徹底嗎？我只會略為調查題目，或者我會詳盡檢驗？調查通常廣度有餘、深度不足，想寫出深入完整的文章，研究者必須做好準備，放手一搏。
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 write well I am told, but my papers are faulted for being “superficial.” How do I know when I have researched a topic deeply enough to satisfy my professor’s need for in-depth analysis and presentation?
教授說我文章寫得不錯，就是有點「膚淺」；寫文章時，我要怎麼知道自己研究已經夠深入，能夠寫出教授要求的深度分析與報告？
Unfortunately, I cannot answer that definitively because in all probability I don’t know your professor. A level of research that satisfies your professor might be deemed overkill by another professor or insufficient by a third. Besides, some topics have voluminous amounts of material available for probing while other topics are a slim volume on the library shelf. Still, some general expectations exist for academic researchers. The general one is that a paper should give evidence of being complete—that is, it should be without loose ends, unanswered questions, and holes.
很可惜我沒有辦法給你最可靠完整的答案，因為再怎麼說，我都不認識你的教授。讓你教授滿意的研究，第二個教授可能覺得太過火，第三個教授可能還覺得不夠。此外，有些題目可供探討的資料俯拾即是，有些的資料則寥寥無幾。不過，學術研究還是有個大概的標準要求，也就是不能虎頭蛇尾、提出的問題必須解答，以及不能有漏洞。
Sometimes a researcher gives himself a superficial topic, unwittingly or on purpose. This makes it difficult to do in-depth research because the pool of available information is quite shallow. Conversely, sometimes a chosen topic is so deep and wide that a researcher cannot completely explore it without producing a book. Therefore, it is important to wisely pick and frame a topic. Next, a writer should brainstorm a topic’s chief facets. Even if this initial mental outline is not conclusive, it guides a writer as he plumbs a topic. Guided research is less apt to miss something.
有時候研究者有意無意中選了一個膚淺的題目，可供探討的訊息很少，自然也很難深入探討。相反的，有時主題的範圍太廣且內涵精深，想詳盡探討非得寫本書不可。因此，好好選擇、界定題目非常重要。接下來，寫作前應該對題目腦力激盪，思考題目有哪些重要面向，即使初步大綱無法涵蓋所有面向，也給了作者鑽研的方向。有了研究方向，就不容易錯失重點。
Finally, an academic researcher must know himself or herself. It is not a question of character or intellect, but of mindset and habit. Ask yourself: How inquisitive am I? Am I content to offer a generally correct answer or do I want to indisputably pin down the facts? The latter thinking characterizes the best researcher. Again, how thorough am I? Am I OK with lightly surveying a topic or do I want to examine it in detail? A survey, after all, tends to be wider than it is deep. To produce a paper of depth and completeness, a researcher must be geared for the work.
最後，研究者必須了解自己；重點不是自己的個性或能力，而是了解自己的思考方式與習慣。問問自己：我的好奇心夠強嗎？我只要能找出大概正確的答案就滿意了，還是想確切驗證事實？好的研究者應該具備第二種思考特性。此外，我的研究徹底嗎？我只會略為調查題目，或者我會詳盡檢驗？調查通常廣度有餘、深度不足，想寫出深入完整的文章，研究者必須做好準備，放手一搏。
Last Update at 2011-10-19 PM 12:15 | 0 Comments
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