This is not academic writing 學術文章不是這麼寫的
2011-07-21
並非所有與學術議題相關的文章，就能稱之為「學術文章」。本篇專欄將節錄不同學術議題的內容，分析常見的寫作錯誤，並分享潤修與寫作的技巧。
Not all articles written on academic topics are written in proper academic English. In this "This is not academic writing" column we examine short excerpts from academic texts to illustrate common writing errors and explain how to correct them.
Unacceptable 不被認可的文章
“Labeling as a sociological theory is described by two principles; the first principle is that deviant behaviour is defined as deviant by those who witness and label it as such. The second principle is that the very act of labeling behavior “deviant” aggravates the perceived behavior by making the labeled person act out the behavior; generally speaking, then, the labeling theory says that society is responsible for deviant behavior, and for the societal problems that result from individuals acting outside of what is considered normal.”
Poor punctuation and word choices stand out here. In suggesting a theory is “described by two principles,” the writer misuses the idea of description. Principles don’t describe; they comprise. They are building blocks. Better to say the theory is “built upon” or “comprised of.” A semicolon joins the first and second sentences though the third sentence is just as closely related. A period was the better choice. The second sentence is padded; removing “principle,” “as deviant” and “as such” does not weaken it. The writer later declares a labeler is “making” a person react negatively. “Make” is an abused concept. While a person might be “influenced” or “persuaded” to react a certain way by the label, the person is not forced to do so. What other problems do you see?
這段文章在使用標點符號和選擇詞彙上應多斟 酌。作者誤用了說明 (description) 的意思，稱理論「由兩個原理描述」(described by two principles)，原理不會 「描述」(describe) 理論，但可以構成 (comprise) 理論的基石。第一句與第二句以分號相連，但第三句和這兩句其實密切相關，所以應該將分號換成句號。第二個句子太冗贅，刪去 “principle”、“as deviant” 與 “as such” 也無妨。接下來，作者說貼標籤會使 (making) 人有負面反應，make 一字用錯了，人在被貼標籤時，或許會受影響或被說服而表現出某種行為，但它不會逼迫你去做。你是否還發現其他問題？
Acceptable 被認可的文章
“Labeling as a theory of sociology is built upon two principles. The first is that deviant behaviour is defined by those who witness and label it. The second is that the very act of labeling behavior “deviant” aggravates the behavior by creating a hostile environment for the labeled person. Thus, the theory holds that society creates and affirms deviant behavior, and is responsible for any resultant societal problems associated with individuals whose behavior falls outside a prescribed norm.”
Not all articles written on academic topics are written in proper academic English. In this "This is not academic writing" column we examine short excerpts from academic texts to illustrate common writing errors and explain how to correct them.
Unacceptable 不被認可的文章
“Labeling as a sociological theory is described by two principles; the first principle is that deviant behaviour is defined as deviant by those who witness and label it as such. The second principle is that the very act of labeling behavior “deviant” aggravates the perceived behavior by making the labeled person act out the behavior; generally speaking, then, the labeling theory says that society is responsible for deviant behavior, and for the societal problems that result from individuals acting outside of what is considered normal.”
Poor punctuation and word choices stand out here. In suggesting a theory is “described by two principles,” the writer misuses the idea of description. Principles don’t describe; they comprise. They are building blocks. Better to say the theory is “built upon” or “comprised of.” A semicolon joins the first and second sentences though the third sentence is just as closely related. A period was the better choice. The second sentence is padded; removing “principle,” “as deviant” and “as such” does not weaken it. The writer later declares a labeler is “making” a person react negatively. “Make” is an abused concept. While a person might be “influenced” or “persuaded” to react a certain way by the label, the person is not forced to do so. What other problems do you see?
這段文章在使用標點符號和選擇詞彙上應多斟 酌。作者誤用了說明 (description) 的意思，稱理論「由兩個原理描述」(described by two principles)，原理不會 「描述」(describe) 理論，但可以構成 (comprise) 理論的基石。第一句與第二句以分號相連，但第三句和這兩句其實密切相關，所以應該將分號換成句號。第二個句子太冗贅，刪去 “principle”、“as deviant” 與 “as such” 也無妨。接下來，作者說貼標籤會使 (making) 人有負面反應，make 一字用錯了，人在被貼標籤時，或許會受影響或被說服而表現出某種行為，但它不會逼迫你去做。你是否還發現其他問題？
Acceptable 被認可的文章
“Labeling as a theory of sociology is built upon two principles. The first is that deviant behaviour is defined by those who witness and label it. The second is that the very act of labeling behavior “deviant” aggravates the behavior by creating a hostile environment for the labeled person. Thus, the theory holds that society creates and affirms deviant behavior, and is responsible for any resultant societal problems associated with individuals whose behavior falls outside a prescribed norm.”
Last Update at 2011-07-21 PM 12:32 | 0 Comments
6 Tips in Preparing to Write Your Dissertation Tip 3: Carefully choose a dissertation committee 論文撰寫六大準備技巧三：審慎選擇論文指導委員
2011-07-20
取得碩博士學位的最終步驟是完成論文，然而，撰寫論文的過程通常是既漫長又嚴謹的長期抗戰。本次學術專欄特別推出「論文撰寫六大準備技巧」，幫助你做好準備工作，順利完成論文。每一項準備技巧，將定期刊登於本專欄。
The final step in earning many master and doctorate degrees is completion of a thesis or dissertation. The process involved typically is lengthy and exacting. Following is one of 6 recommendations to help you get started on your dissertation in such a way that you can successfully complete it. Each tip in the series will appear on the TPS Fans page.
Tip # 3 – Carefully choose a dissertation committee
技巧三：審慎選擇論文指導委員
No man is an island, especially a man (or woman) about to undertake a dissertation. A project of this scale is a team effort. Because a dissertation unfolds over months or years, a writer has more than enough time to get lost in it. Having allies in the effort will help you keep your footing if you begin to be swept away by the minutiae of research or undercut by tangential ideas. For these reasons, choosing a faculty dissertation committee is a key part of your preparation. If you fail to do your committee homework, you will have many teeth-gnashing months to regret it.
沒有人是孤島，對準備寫論文的人來說正是如此。寫作論文工程浩大，需要團隊共同努力才能完成。寫作可能需進行數月甚至數 年，作者往往會不自覺而迷失方向。若你被研究細節弄得暈頭轉向，或因想法偏離主旨而感到困擾，只要擁有團隊盟友，就能幫助你站穩腳跟。所以在準備階段，選 擇擔任論文指導委員的教授非常重要。要是挑選指導委員的功課沒做好，你可能將花上好幾個月懊悔不已。
What criteria should you use in selecting committee members? This depends somewhat on the nature of the dissertation. If it is to be technically esoteric, your committee must possess relevant expertise. If the proposal is more interdisciplinary in nature, your committee should have faculty members from relevant disciplines. Academic credentials are not all that matter, however. The people you are choosing to guide and counsel you also should be people you trust. You must know they will be there when you lean on them, and will have your best interests at heart.
指導委員的選擇標準視論文性質而定。討論深奧技術的論文，應選擇有相關專業背景的指導委員；跨學科領域的論文，應選擇各相關學科的教授。教授的學術地位並非主要的考量重點，應尋找能信賴、倚靠，並且會為你設想的教授，讓他們引導你、給你意見。
Dissertation committee members should be tenured or otherwise available to you for the duration of your project. They and you should be able to work together, congenially and constructively. Your most critical choice is committee chairman. The chairman must support and encourage you without enabling any of your egregiously bad habits. (You say you don’t have any? You really need a chairman!) The chair also must be able to lead the committee—and you. You’re the boss of your dissertation project, but the chairman is the underboss you really want on your side.
指導委員應選擇 有終身職的教授，或是寫作論文期間能隨時指導你的教授。雙方對研究有所共識，並且能給予建設性的建議。指導委員中最重要的是主任委員，他必須支持你、鼓勵 你，但又不會縱容你的壞習慣。（你覺得你沒有壞習慣？問題大了！快找好你的主任委員吧！）主任委員也必須能領導你和其他指導委員。論文由你做主，但主任委員是你得拉攏的幕後老大。
The final step in earning many master and doctorate degrees is completion of a thesis or dissertation. The process involved typically is lengthy and exacting. Following is one of 6 recommendations to help you get started on your dissertation in such a way that you can successfully complete it. Each tip in the series will appear on the TPS Fans page.
Tip # 3 – Carefully choose a dissertation committee
技巧三：審慎選擇論文指導委員
No man is an island, especially a man (or woman) about to undertake a dissertation. A project of this scale is a team effort. Because a dissertation unfolds over months or years, a writer has more than enough time to get lost in it. Having allies in the effort will help you keep your footing if you begin to be swept away by the minutiae of research or undercut by tangential ideas. For these reasons, choosing a faculty dissertation committee is a key part of your preparation. If you fail to do your committee homework, you will have many teeth-gnashing months to regret it.
沒有人是孤島，對準備寫論文的人來說正是如此。寫作論文工程浩大，需要團隊共同努力才能完成。寫作可能需進行數月甚至數 年，作者往往會不自覺而迷失方向。若你被研究細節弄得暈頭轉向，或因想法偏離主旨而感到困擾，只要擁有團隊盟友，就能幫助你站穩腳跟。所以在準備階段，選 擇擔任論文指導委員的教授非常重要。要是挑選指導委員的功課沒做好，你可能將花上好幾個月懊悔不已。
What criteria should you use in selecting committee members? This depends somewhat on the nature of the dissertation. If it is to be technically esoteric, your committee must possess relevant expertise. If the proposal is more interdisciplinary in nature, your committee should have faculty members from relevant disciplines. Academic credentials are not all that matter, however. The people you are choosing to guide and counsel you also should be people you trust. You must know they will be there when you lean on them, and will have your best interests at heart.
指導委員的選擇標準視論文性質而定。討論深奧技術的論文，應選擇有相關專業背景的指導委員；跨學科領域的論文，應選擇各相關學科的教授。教授的學術地位並非主要的考量重點，應尋找能信賴、倚靠，並且會為你設想的教授，讓他們引導你、給你意見。
Dissertation committee members should be tenured or otherwise available to you for the duration of your project. They and you should be able to work together, congenially and constructively. Your most critical choice is committee chairman. The chairman must support and encourage you without enabling any of your egregiously bad habits. (You say you don’t have any? You really need a chairman!) The chair also must be able to lead the committee—and you. You’re the boss of your dissertation project, but the chairman is the underboss you really want on your side.
指導委員應選擇 有終身職的教授，或是寫作論文期間能隨時指導你的教授。雙方對研究有所共識，並且能給予建設性的建議。指導委員中最重要的是主任委員，他必須支持你、鼓勵 你，但又不會縱容你的壞習慣。（你覺得你沒有壞習慣？問題大了！快找好你的主任委員吧！）主任委員也必須能領導你和其他指導委員。論文由你做主，但主任委員是你得拉攏的幕後老大。
Last Update at 2011-07-20 PM 12:03 | 0 Comments
TPS Spot the Error Contest－Answer and Explanation 你是挑錯的高手嗎? 正確解答
2011-07-19
Answer: “were” should be “was.”
“The economy of the Byzantine Empires was dominant in Europe and the Mediterranean for hundreds of years, when Constantinople was the center of trading that reached across Eurasia.”
Error: The writer was lulled by the plural word “Empires” into believing that the plural verb “were” would be the correct choice. However, the subject of the sentence is not “Byzantine Empires;” the subject is the singular subject “economy,” which requires a singular verb to match. Prepositional phrases are clarifying and helpful, but when they separate a subject from its verb, they also can be confusing. The key to avoiding this error is always to correctly identify a sentence’s subject. Identifying a correct verb then becomes easy.
作者受到 “Empires” 一字複數形的誤導，以為應該用複數動詞 “were”。然而，本句主詞並非 “Byzantine Empires”，而是單數的 “economy”，應搭配單數動詞。介系詞片語能讓句子清楚易懂，但若介系詞片語隔開了主詞與動詞，便會造成混淆。關鍵就是辨認出句子正確的主詞，如此就不難找出正確的動詞了。
“The economy of the Byzantine Empires was dominant in Europe and the Mediterranean for hundreds of years, when Constantinople was the center of trading that reached across Eurasia.”
Error: The writer was lulled by the plural word “Empires” into believing that the plural verb “were” would be the correct choice. However, the subject of the sentence is not “Byzantine Empires;” the subject is the singular subject “economy,” which requires a singular verb to match. Prepositional phrases are clarifying and helpful, but when they separate a subject from its verb, they also can be confusing. The key to avoiding this error is always to correctly identify a sentence’s subject. Identifying a correct verb then becomes easy.
作者受到 “Empires” 一字複數形的誤導，以為應該用複數動詞 “were”。然而，本句主詞並非 “Byzantine Empires”，而是單數的 “economy”，應搭配單數動詞。介系詞片語能讓句子清楚易懂，但若介系詞片語隔開了主詞與動詞，便會造成混淆。關鍵就是辨認出句子正確的主詞，如此就不難找出正確的動詞了。
Last Update at 2011-07-19 AM 10:39 | 0 Comments
0718 TPS Spot the Error Contest－Win Your NTD200 7-11/Starbucks Prize! 你是挑錯的高手嗎? 有機會獲得200元統一超商/星巴克咖啡禮券!
2011-07-18
下列的句子中，包含了一個錯誤，可能是文法、拼法或是標點符號的錯誤。我們將提供統一超商/星巴克咖啡NTD200元的購物禮券，給予今天前三名挑出正確錯誤、寫出正確答案的粉絲。正確的解答與獲獎的粉絲姓名，將於明天公佈於本TPS的專頁。請將你的答案寫在下方，獲得免費購物禮券的幸運兒可能就是你哦!
The sentence below contains 1 grammatical, spelling and/or punctuation error. The first three (3) TPS Fans to respond with the corrected sentence will win a NTD200 7-11/Starbucks Gift Certificate. The corrected sentence and the names of the winners will be published tomorrow on this TPS Fans page. Please post your answers below. Good luck!
題目Contest Sentence:
“The economy of the Byzantine Empires were dominant in Europe and the Mediterranean for hundreds of years, when Constantinople was the center of trading that reached across Eurasia.”
The sentence below contains 1 grammatical, spelling and/or punctuation error. The first three (3) TPS Fans to respond with the corrected sentence will win a NTD200 7-11/Starbucks Gift Certificate. The corrected sentence and the names of the winners will be published tomorrow on this TPS Fans page. Please post your answers below. Good luck!
題目Contest Sentence:
“The economy of the Byzantine Empires were dominant in Europe and the Mediterranean for hundreds of years, when Constantinople was the center of trading that reached across Eurasia.”
Last Update at 2011-07-18 PM 1:22 | 0 Comments
What does that mean? 你真的瞭解這個慣用語嗎?
2011-07-14
很多字詞並非表面所見的意思，字詞的組合會產生不同的解釋。這樣的慣用法，我們稱之為「比喻」。一個成功的比喻，作者本身必須相當瞭解字詞的源起。以下的句子為讀者介紹一個比喻及其來源。
Imagery buries itself in language and takes on new meaning. The transplanted and transformed sets of words are called “figures of speech.” For a figure of speech to be effective, however, a writer must first understand the original meaning of the phrase. The following sentence contains a common figure of speech. Its original meaning is explained.
“The surface of the moon is cratered because it is unprotected by an atmosphere, and unchanging because it is swept by neither wind nor water, a victim of its nature.”
「月球表面沒有大氣層保護，沒有氣流與水分，所以佈滿凹凸不平的坑洞，無法改變，這是月球的宿命。」
Saying the moon is “a victim of its nature” is an allusion to the animal kingdom, wherein animals, including human beings, become entrapped in regrettable situations. Sometimes it is a result of instinct, the natural impulse that drives a thirsty gazelle to drink from a pool too close to a stalking crocodile. Sometimes it is a conscience misjudgment, the decision by a teenage driver to speed or otherwise take foolish risk. These are willful victims of “nature” who have chosen unwisely for one reason or another.
以月球的「宿命」來形容，令人聯想到人類等動物都會陷入困境，有時肇因於本能，像口渴的羚羊到池邊喝水，卻離虎視眈眈的鱷魚太近；有時肇因於無法明辨是非，像青少年會飆車或做出危險的傻事。明知後果，卻還是偏要去做，這就是動物的「宿命」。
To give the moon the attributes of instinct and will is animistic or anthropomorphic writing, attributing life to nonliving objects. The fact is, the moon is assaulted by asteroids because it has no choice. Nor does it have wind to tidy up its cratered face. As an inanimate part of the universe, the moon is always acted upon, never acting of its own accord. So why does the writer subtly make the moon a victim? It is an attempt to elicit empathy. Every writer must emotionally connect, so that a reader (i.e. professor) will care enough to embrace the author’s writing project.
月球沒有生命，是被賦予其本能或意志表現了萬物有靈或擬人化的寫作技巧。其實月球別無選擇，運行時必然會遭小行星撞擊，也沒有氣流可用以打磨被撞擊的坑洞。沒有生命的月球只能承受結果，無法自主行動。那麼何以作者巧妙地用「宿命」形容月球的處境呢？因為作者想引發讀者的同情心，讓讀者（也就是教授）投入感情，文章所言才會為讀者欣然接受。
Imagery buries itself in language and takes on new meaning. The transplanted and transformed sets of words are called “figures of speech.” For a figure of speech to be effective, however, a writer must first understand the original meaning of the phrase. The following sentence contains a common figure of speech. Its original meaning is explained.
“The surface of the moon is cratered because it is unprotected by an atmosphere, and unchanging because it is swept by neither wind nor water, a victim of its nature.”
「月球表面沒有大氣層保護，沒有氣流與水分，所以佈滿凹凸不平的坑洞，無法改變，這是月球的宿命。」
Saying the moon is “a victim of its nature” is an allusion to the animal kingdom, wherein animals, including human beings, become entrapped in regrettable situations. Sometimes it is a result of instinct, the natural impulse that drives a thirsty gazelle to drink from a pool too close to a stalking crocodile. Sometimes it is a conscience misjudgment, the decision by a teenage driver to speed or otherwise take foolish risk. These are willful victims of “nature” who have chosen unwisely for one reason or another.
以月球的「宿命」來形容，令人聯想到人類等動物都會陷入困境，有時肇因於本能，像口渴的羚羊到池邊喝水，卻離虎視眈眈的鱷魚太近；有時肇因於無法明辨是非，像青少年會飆車或做出危險的傻事。明知後果，卻還是偏要去做，這就是動物的「宿命」。
To give the moon the attributes of instinct and will is animistic or anthropomorphic writing, attributing life to nonliving objects. The fact is, the moon is assaulted by asteroids because it has no choice. Nor does it have wind to tidy up its cratered face. As an inanimate part of the universe, the moon is always acted upon, never acting of its own accord. So why does the writer subtly make the moon a victim? It is an attempt to elicit empathy. Every writer must emotionally connect, so that a reader (i.e. professor) will care enough to embrace the author’s writing project.
月球沒有生命，是被賦予其本能或意志表現了萬物有靈或擬人化的寫作技巧。其實月球別無選擇，運行時必然會遭小行星撞擊，也沒有氣流可用以打磨被撞擊的坑洞。沒有生命的月球只能承受結果，無法自主行動。那麼何以作者巧妙地用「宿命」形容月球的處境呢？因為作者想引發讀者的同情心，讓讀者（也就是教授）投入感情，文章所言才會為讀者欣然接受。
Last Update at 2011-07-14 PM 3:01 | 0 Comments
Professor Pedantic 教授的考究學問
2011-07-13
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 instructor told me before I began my latest paper that this time I should try to avoid a weak conclusion, which he says is a habit of mine. I guess I don’t understand how to write a good conclusion. Can you help?
我最近要寫一篇論文，指導教授認為我的結論總是太無力，希望我改掉這個習慣。我不知道怎麼寫好結論，能給我些建議嗎？
I don’t know if I can help. Writing habits are tough to change. A writer becomes comfortable assembling words in a familiar way. When a different sentence structure is attempted, it produces discomfort. Because no one is comfortable being uncomfortable, an uneasy writer typically tries to regain writing comfort by returning to a habitual style. So, to change your habit of writing inconclusively, you will have to be OK with change. To overcome writing weak conclusions, you will have to learn to write strong ones.
我不知道能否幫上忙，寫作習慣很難改，寫作的人喜歡用自己熟悉的方式組織字句，如果改變句子結構，就會覺得很不自在。沒有人喜歡不自在，一旦感覺不對就會重回習慣的寫作方式。所以，要改變寫作習慣，讓結論更堅定，首先你必須樂意改變。想改掉無力的結論，你得先學會如何寫出有力的結論。
First, I suspect your problem is mostly about organizing and thinking, not writing. We’ll get to the words in a moment. A paper’s conclusion should reiterate, but not mindlessly list, the paper’s central points. It should distill the paper into its essence. The goal is to have a reader put down your paper with that essence of it in his frontal lobe and well on its way to becoming a long-term memory. A simple reiteration won’t do this. An essential summary will. So you see, writing skill is valuable in a paper clear to the end.
首先，我想你的問題主要不是寫作，而是組織與思考。我們待會兒再談寫作。結論應重申論點，但不是草草列出論點，應該強調重點；結論應該去蕪存菁，讓讀者看完後能抓到文章菁華，並久久不忘，為此，不能只是簡單列出論點，必須寫出重點摘要才能達到效果。可見，要讓論文內容自始至終都很清晰，寫作技巧非常重要。
One more tip: Let your conclusion partially be a bridge to future research or discovery. Position yourself as the bearer of new information without presuming to have the last word on the subject. Modesty is a virtue. As to the actual writing, don’t mince words. Boldly state the fruits of your research—as if you believe them! Be declarative, not mousy, in affirming the truth of the paper and the weight of its evidence. If you trust your work, be confident about where it took you. If you hedge, you will arouse skepticism.
寫作結論還有個技巧，即結論有一部分要能推展到後續研究或發現，文章應該傳遞新資訊，但不要妄自為該主題的研究下定論。謙虛是種美德，但實際寫作時，不要 拐彎抹角，果敢地說明研究成果，就像你衷心相信這些成果很重要。不要畏畏縮縮，大方肯定自己的研究發現與重要佐證。如果你相信自己的努力，說明努力的成果 時要有自信，閃爍其詞會讓人懷疑。
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 instructor told me before I began my latest paper that this time I should try to avoid a weak conclusion, which he says is a habit of mine. I guess I don’t understand how to write a good conclusion. Can you help?
我最近要寫一篇論文，指導教授認為我的結論總是太無力，希望我改掉這個習慣。我不知道怎麼寫好結論，能給我些建議嗎？
I don’t know if I can help. Writing habits are tough to change. A writer becomes comfortable assembling words in a familiar way. When a different sentence structure is attempted, it produces discomfort. Because no one is comfortable being uncomfortable, an uneasy writer typically tries to regain writing comfort by returning to a habitual style. So, to change your habit of writing inconclusively, you will have to be OK with change. To overcome writing weak conclusions, you will have to learn to write strong ones.
我不知道能否幫上忙，寫作習慣很難改，寫作的人喜歡用自己熟悉的方式組織字句，如果改變句子結構，就會覺得很不自在。沒有人喜歡不自在，一旦感覺不對就會重回習慣的寫作方式。所以，要改變寫作習慣，讓結論更堅定，首先你必須樂意改變。想改掉無力的結論，你得先學會如何寫出有力的結論。
First, I suspect your problem is mostly about organizing and thinking, not writing. We’ll get to the words in a moment. A paper’s conclusion should reiterate, but not mindlessly list, the paper’s central points. It should distill the paper into its essence. The goal is to have a reader put down your paper with that essence of it in his frontal lobe and well on its way to becoming a long-term memory. A simple reiteration won’t do this. An essential summary will. So you see, writing skill is valuable in a paper clear to the end.
首先，我想你的問題主要不是寫作，而是組織與思考。我們待會兒再談寫作。結論應重申論點，但不是草草列出論點，應該強調重點；結論應該去蕪存菁，讓讀者看完後能抓到文章菁華，並久久不忘，為此，不能只是簡單列出論點，必須寫出重點摘要才能達到效果。可見，要讓論文內容自始至終都很清晰，寫作技巧非常重要。
One more tip: Let your conclusion partially be a bridge to future research or discovery. Position yourself as the bearer of new information without presuming to have the last word on the subject. Modesty is a virtue. As to the actual writing, don’t mince words. Boldly state the fruits of your research—as if you believe them! Be declarative, not mousy, in affirming the truth of the paper and the weight of its evidence. If you trust your work, be confident about where it took you. If you hedge, you will arouse skepticism.
寫作結論還有個技巧，即結論有一部分要能推展到後續研究或發現，文章應該傳遞新資訊，但不要妄自為該主題的研究下定論。謙虛是種美德，但實際寫作時，不要 拐彎抹角，果敢地說明研究成果，就像你衷心相信這些成果很重要。不要畏畏縮縮，大方肯定自己的研究發現與重要佐證。如果你相信自己的努力，說明努力的成果 時要有自信，閃爍其詞會讓人懷疑。
Last Update at 2011-07-13 PM 9:45 | 0 Comments
0711 Brevity: Valuing Each Word－Answer and Explanation 簡潔準則：惜字如金 正確解答
2011-07-12
Answer: We believe the best revision is… “The F-100, an aircraft flown by air force pilots in five countries, shared the flight characteristics of other small-winged jet fighters: It glided like an anvil.”
我們相信最佳寫法應為 “The F-100, an aircraft flown by air force pilots in five countries, shared the flight characteristics of other small-winged jet fighters: It glided like an anvil.”
This sentence reduces the word count to 26 from 32 by comparing a jet aircraft to an anvil. An anvil is a steel or iron block that is used for shaping metal, usually by hammering on the metal as it rests on the anvil. The shop tool is forged of dense material and, therefore, is heavy, which helps it stay in place during hammering. An anvil does not, of course, have wings. Consequently, if it were flung outward by a person of normal strength, gravity would quickly pull it to the earth. Such is the image.
若將噴射機比擬成鐵砧，可讓句子從 32 個字減少到 26 個字。鐵砧由鋼或鐵製成，鍛捶金屬時，通常將金屬放在鐵砧上捶打。鐵砧由緻密的金屬鍛造而成，因此非常沉重，如此捶打時才不會移動。鐵砧沒有翅膀，如果以人手擲出，很快會因重力墜地；鐵砧的意象就是如此。
To write that a fighter jet glides like an anvil imaginatively expresses the fact that the plane’s ability to stay in the air is largely dependent upon the thrust of the plane’s jet engine. The thrust propels the aircraft forward with the wings mostly helping to control the path of its flight. Unlike planes with larger wings and smaller mass, the F-100 did not derive much lift from its wings. Therefore, if the engine quit operating and thrusting ended, the plane would not glide any great distance.
形容戰鬥噴射機如鐵砧般滑翔，讓讀者明白飛機能停留在空中，主要是藉由噴射引擎的推動力，推動飛機向前，機翼主要控制飛行路徑。F-100戰鬥噴射機與其他機翼較大、質量較輕的飛機不同，機翼提供的飛行提升力不多。因此，若引擎熄止，不再推動飛機，機身便滑不了多遠。
It could have been written the plane glided “like a rock” or something similar. The point is, the image of an anvil quickly dropping to the ground clearly expresses the thought that the plane “was only capable of maintaining altitude for a short distance.” A reader quickly grasps the inability of a F-100 to glide. The next sentence should spell out more precisely just how far it might glide, but such explanation would be necessary whether or not imagery is employed.
飛機滑翔也可以用石頭或其他物體形容，不過由於鐵砧快速墜地的意象能清楚傳達飛機「只能在一小段距離內保持高度」，所以讀者很快能了解 F-100 不太能滑翔。不論是否用意象比喻，下一個句子應需進一步解釋F-100 究竟能滑翔多遠。
我們相信最佳寫法應為 “The F-100, an aircraft flown by air force pilots in five countries, shared the flight characteristics of other small-winged jet fighters: It glided like an anvil.”
This sentence reduces the word count to 26 from 32 by comparing a jet aircraft to an anvil. An anvil is a steel or iron block that is used for shaping metal, usually by hammering on the metal as it rests on the anvil. The shop tool is forged of dense material and, therefore, is heavy, which helps it stay in place during hammering. An anvil does not, of course, have wings. Consequently, if it were flung outward by a person of normal strength, gravity would quickly pull it to the earth. Such is the image.
若將噴射機比擬成鐵砧，可讓句子從 32 個字減少到 26 個字。鐵砧由鋼或鐵製成，鍛捶金屬時，通常將金屬放在鐵砧上捶打。鐵砧由緻密的金屬鍛造而成，因此非常沉重，如此捶打時才不會移動。鐵砧沒有翅膀，如果以人手擲出，很快會因重力墜地；鐵砧的意象就是如此。
To write that a fighter jet glides like an anvil imaginatively expresses the fact that the plane’s ability to stay in the air is largely dependent upon the thrust of the plane’s jet engine. The thrust propels the aircraft forward with the wings mostly helping to control the path of its flight. Unlike planes with larger wings and smaller mass, the F-100 did not derive much lift from its wings. Therefore, if the engine quit operating and thrusting ended, the plane would not glide any great distance.
形容戰鬥噴射機如鐵砧般滑翔，讓讀者明白飛機能停留在空中，主要是藉由噴射引擎的推動力，推動飛機向前，機翼主要控制飛行路徑。F-100戰鬥噴射機與其他機翼較大、質量較輕的飛機不同，機翼提供的飛行提升力不多。因此，若引擎熄止，不再推動飛機，機身便滑不了多遠。
It could have been written the plane glided “like a rock” or something similar. The point is, the image of an anvil quickly dropping to the ground clearly expresses the thought that the plane “was only capable of maintaining altitude for a short distance.” A reader quickly grasps the inability of a F-100 to glide. The next sentence should spell out more precisely just how far it might glide, but such explanation would be necessary whether or not imagery is employed.
飛機滑翔也可以用石頭或其他物體形容，不過由於鐵砧快速墜地的意象能清楚傳達飛機「只能在一小段距離內保持高度」，所以讀者很快能了解 F-100 不太能滑翔。不論是否用意象比喻，下一個句子應需進一步解釋F-100 究竟能滑翔多遠。
Last Update at 2011-07-12 AM 11:35 | 0 Comments
0711 Brevity: Valuing Each Word－Win Your NTD200 7-11/Starbucks Prize! 簡潔準則：惜字如金 有機會獲得價值200元統一超商/星巴克咖啡禮券!
2011-07-11
The best writing doesn’t waste words. It employs words efficiently. The first TPS Fan to complete the sentence below as we believe it should be completed will win a NTD200 7-11 / Starbucks Gift Certificate. Another Starbucks certificate will be awarded to the first Fan to complete it in an alternate way that, in our estimation, also is effective. The explanation and the names of the winners will be published tomorrow on this TPS Fans page. Each brevity rule is contained in 10 Ways to Shorten & Strengthen Your Academic Paper and will be posted on the TPS Fan page as introduced.
最佳的寫作，必須有效選用字句、惜字如金。TPS推出新專欄，請你寫出簡潔、流暢的詞彙/句子。題目刊登於下方，經TPS編輯教授評選為第1位最適解答的粉絲，可獲得統一超商/星巴克咖啡NTD200元的購物禮券；增設特別獎1名，獎項給予提出符合句意又別具創意之解答的粉絲。解答與獲獎的粉絲姓名，將於明天公佈於本TPS專頁。每一項簡潔準則，皆收錄於TPS新推出之「十大簡潔英文準則」，將定期刊登本專欄，敬請密切鎖定、先睹為快。
Rule # 5: Use imagery… An academic writer can tighten his paper, lower word count, and enable understanding by using universal images that communicate clearly and accurately. In the sentence below, the writer did not employ imagery where it was possible to do so. How can the sentence best be written shorter and stronger by use of imagery?
十大簡潔英文準則五：善用意象
學術文章引用眾所周知的意象能讓溝通更精確、文章更簡潔並減少字數，幫助讀者理解文章。下列句子並未在適當的地方善用意象，要如何使用意象，才能讓此句更精簡有力？
題目Contest Sentence:
“The F-100, an aircraft flown by air force pilots in five countries, shared the unpowered flight characteristics of other small-winged jet fighters: It was only capable of maintaining altitude for a short distance.”
最佳的寫作，必須有效選用字句、惜字如金。TPS推出新專欄，請你寫出簡潔、流暢的詞彙/句子。題目刊登於下方，經TPS編輯教授評選為第1位最適解答的粉絲，可獲得統一超商/星巴克咖啡NTD200元的購物禮券；增設特別獎1名，獎項給予提出符合句意又別具創意之解答的粉絲。解答與獲獎的粉絲姓名，將於明天公佈於本TPS專頁。每一項簡潔準則，皆收錄於TPS新推出之「十大簡潔英文準則」，將定期刊登本專欄，敬請密切鎖定、先睹為快。
Rule # 5: Use imagery… An academic writer can tighten his paper, lower word count, and enable understanding by using universal images that communicate clearly and accurately. In the sentence below, the writer did not employ imagery where it was possible to do so. How can the sentence best be written shorter and stronger by use of imagery?
十大簡潔英文準則五：善用意象
學術文章引用眾所周知的意象能讓溝通更精確、文章更簡潔並減少字數，幫助讀者理解文章。下列句子並未在適當的地方善用意象，要如何使用意象，才能讓此句更精簡有力？
題目Contest Sentence:
“The F-100, an aircraft flown by air force pilots in five countries, shared the unpowered flight characteristics of other small-winged jet fighters: It was only capable of maintaining altitude for a short distance.”
Last Update at 2011-07-11 AM 11:13 | 0 Comments
This is not academic writing 學術文章不是這麼寫的
2011-07-07
並非所有與學術議題相關的文章，就能稱之為「學術文章」。本篇專欄將節錄不同學術議題的內容，分析常見的寫作錯誤，並分享潤修與寫作的技巧。
Not all articles written on academic topics are written in proper academic English. In this "This is not academic writing" column we examine short excerpts from academic texts to illustrate common writing errors and explain how to correct them.
Unacceptable 不被認可的文章
“The Danish study suggested that organic food is not better for consumers. Harvested fruit and vegetables didn’t vary very much in major and trace contents whether or not they were grown and cultivated using animal manure and no pesticides, or were grown with mineral fertilizers and pesticides. When the organically grown and conventionally grown produce was fed to animals, the animal’s retention of the elements differed very little regardless of how the crops were grown.”
This paragraph about food research isn’t unclear, but the writer of it was somewhat lazy. A critical rereading of it would have strengthened the paper considerably. For example, in saying organic food is “not better for consumers,” the writer is guilty of imprecision. It is “not better” in what way? And by “consumers,” does the writer mean eaters or buyers? That confusion is cleared away by saying the food is “not more healthful.” Further along, the alliterative “vary very” is an unfortunate and distracting combination of words. In the same sentence, the “whether or not” is wordy. In most instances, the conjunction “whether” will stand alone. And can you tell me what is wrong with the usage of the word “…animal’s…?” See below.
這段文章討論食品研究，意思還算清楚，但琢磨不夠仔細，若當初作者認真重讀文章，文章應該會更有力、更有可讀性。舉例來說，提到有機食物「對消費者沒有比較好」不夠精確。「沒有比較好」是哪裡不好？而「消費者」是指攝食者還是購買者？其實只要說有機食物「沒有比較健康」就能釐清文意。接下來，“vary very” 字首及語音相同，兩字連用會分散讀者注意力，不太恰當。同句 “whether or not” 也過於冗長，通常用連接詞 “whether” 即可。另外，“…animal’s…” 的用法也有問題，你發現了嗎? 請看潤修後的文章：
Acceptable 認可的文章
“The Danish study suggested that organic food is not more healthful. Harvested fruit and vegetables showed little variation in major and trace contents whether grown and cultivated using animal manure and no pesticides, or with mineral fertilizers and pesticides. When the organically grown and conventionally grown produce was fed to animals, the animals’ retention of the elements differed little regardless of the origin of the produce.”
Not all articles written on academic topics are written in proper academic English. In this "This is not academic writing" column we examine short excerpts from academic texts to illustrate common writing errors and explain how to correct them.
Unacceptable 不被認可的文章
“The Danish study suggested that organic food is not better for consumers. Harvested fruit and vegetables didn’t vary very much in major and trace contents whether or not they were grown and cultivated using animal manure and no pesticides, or were grown with mineral fertilizers and pesticides. When the organically grown and conventionally grown produce was fed to animals, the animal’s retention of the elements differed very little regardless of how the crops were grown.”
This paragraph about food research isn’t unclear, but the writer of it was somewhat lazy. A critical rereading of it would have strengthened the paper considerably. For example, in saying organic food is “not better for consumers,” the writer is guilty of imprecision. It is “not better” in what way? And by “consumers,” does the writer mean eaters or buyers? That confusion is cleared away by saying the food is “not more healthful.” Further along, the alliterative “vary very” is an unfortunate and distracting combination of words. In the same sentence, the “whether or not” is wordy. In most instances, the conjunction “whether” will stand alone. And can you tell me what is wrong with the usage of the word “…animal’s…?” See below.
這段文章討論食品研究，意思還算清楚，但琢磨不夠仔細，若當初作者認真重讀文章，文章應該會更有力、更有可讀性。舉例來說，提到有機食物「對消費者沒有比較好」不夠精確。「沒有比較好」是哪裡不好？而「消費者」是指攝食者還是購買者？其實只要說有機食物「沒有比較健康」就能釐清文意。接下來，“vary very” 字首及語音相同，兩字連用會分散讀者注意力，不太恰當。同句 “whether or not” 也過於冗長，通常用連接詞 “whether” 即可。另外，“…animal’s…” 的用法也有問題，你發現了嗎? 請看潤修後的文章：
Acceptable 認可的文章
“The Danish study suggested that organic food is not more healthful. Harvested fruit and vegetables showed little variation in major and trace contents whether grown and cultivated using animal manure and no pesticides, or with mineral fertilizers and pesticides. When the organically grown and conventionally grown produce was fed to animals, the animals’ retention of the elements differed little regardless of the origin of the produce.”
Last Update at 2011-07-07 AM 10:26 | 0 Comments
6 Tips in Preparing to Write Your Dissertation Tip 2: Make this project a top priority 論文撰寫六大準備技巧二：以寫作論文為重
2011-07-06
取得碩博士學位的最終步驟是完成論文，然而，撰寫論文的過程通常是既漫長又嚴謹的長期抗戰。本次學術專欄特別推出「論文撰寫六大準備技巧」，幫助你做好準備工作，順利完成論文。每一項準備技巧，將定期刊登於本專欄。
The final step in earning many master and doctorate degrees is completion of a thesis or dissertation. The process involved typically is lengthy and exacting. Following is one of 6 recommendations to help you get started on your dissertation in such a way that you can successfully complete it. Each tip in the series will appear on the TPS Fans page.
Tip # 2 – Make this project a top priority
技巧二： 以寫作論文為重
Do you understand how your quest to write a dissertation will affect your life? It is one thing to take on a task of this magnitude; it is quite another to continue to live an ordered life while doing so. A dissertation project is not an addendum; it must necessarily become a priority in a schedule already crowded with primal activities. Setting priorities in any realm—social, professional, intellectual, spiritual—is an indispensable organizational principle. This has been learned from human experience, the chief lesson being that one cannot, at the same time, do two things well.
你知道寫論文會改變生活嗎？ 寫作論文是項艱鉅的任務，一邊寫論文還要維持生活井然有序，更是難上加難。儘管你的日常生活已經擠滿各種活動，還是必須將寫論文列為優先要務，不能等心血來潮才進行。規劃時，社交、工作、學術、精神等各方面都務必排定先後次序。我們從老祖宗過去的寶貴經驗中學到重要的一課，就是一心不能二用。
For example, it is virtually impossible to critically read a primary piece of literature for a dissertation while baby-sitting your active two-year-old. Nor can you simultaneously rest after a day’s work and stay up all night writing. Now is the time to evaluate how much time you will have for the project. Dissertation candidates often fail to be realistic. You may be admirably pragmatic in your study habits, but you also must be realistic in a project of this scope. For, as a practical matter, wanting to do something and being able to do something are not the same.
舉例來說，想一邊照顧活潑好動的兩歲幼兒，同時認真閱讀重要的研究文獻，幾乎是不可能的任務；下了班需要休息，也不能熬夜寫論文。好好評估自己有多少時間完成論文，寫論文不能只是不切實際的空想，就像讀書計畫必須確實可行，寫篇幅這麼長的論文更應該實事求是。因為事實上，想做不表示做得到。
Let’s consider a specific task: It usually is recommended that sections of a dissertation be roughly written as soon as researched material is created, rather than trying to write it all when research ends. What this means is that every week, or every other week, you must have a block of time to write, preferably when you are not exhausted, distracted, or sick. Will you? Which brings up another point: If you do get sick for a week, will you have enough extra time to recoup the lost days and stay on schedule? Better stop and ask yourself: Is this project really feasible?
說得更具體一點，建議你有了研究材料，即可先撰寫論文底稿，毋須等所有研究結束才起而動筆。這表示每一至兩周你就必須騰出一段完整的時間，精神飽滿、身體健康、專心一志地寫論文，你做得到嗎？其次，如果病了一個禮拜，你有時間彌補，趕上進度嗎？請先問問自己，你的論文寫作計畫是否行得通，再確實執行。
The final step in earning many master and doctorate degrees is completion of a thesis or dissertation. The process involved typically is lengthy and exacting. Following is one of 6 recommendations to help you get started on your dissertation in such a way that you can successfully complete it. Each tip in the series will appear on the TPS Fans page.
Tip # 2 – Make this project a top priority
技巧二： 以寫作論文為重
Do you understand how your quest to write a dissertation will affect your life? It is one thing to take on a task of this magnitude; it is quite another to continue to live an ordered life while doing so. A dissertation project is not an addendum; it must necessarily become a priority in a schedule already crowded with primal activities. Setting priorities in any realm—social, professional, intellectual, spiritual—is an indispensable organizational principle. This has been learned from human experience, the chief lesson being that one cannot, at the same time, do two things well.
你知道寫論文會改變生活嗎？ 寫作論文是項艱鉅的任務，一邊寫論文還要維持生活井然有序，更是難上加難。儘管你的日常生活已經擠滿各種活動，還是必須將寫論文列為優先要務，不能等心血來潮才進行。規劃時，社交、工作、學術、精神等各方面都務必排定先後次序。我們從老祖宗過去的寶貴經驗中學到重要的一課，就是一心不能二用。
For example, it is virtually impossible to critically read a primary piece of literature for a dissertation while baby-sitting your active two-year-old. Nor can you simultaneously rest after a day’s work and stay up all night writing. Now is the time to evaluate how much time you will have for the project. Dissertation candidates often fail to be realistic. You may be admirably pragmatic in your study habits, but you also must be realistic in a project of this scope. For, as a practical matter, wanting to do something and being able to do something are not the same.
舉例來說，想一邊照顧活潑好動的兩歲幼兒，同時認真閱讀重要的研究文獻，幾乎是不可能的任務；下了班需要休息，也不能熬夜寫論文。好好評估自己有多少時間完成論文，寫論文不能只是不切實際的空想，就像讀書計畫必須確實可行，寫篇幅這麼長的論文更應該實事求是。因為事實上，想做不表示做得到。
Let’s consider a specific task: It usually is recommended that sections of a dissertation be roughly written as soon as researched material is created, rather than trying to write it all when research ends. What this means is that every week, or every other week, you must have a block of time to write, preferably when you are not exhausted, distracted, or sick. Will you? Which brings up another point: If you do get sick for a week, will you have enough extra time to recoup the lost days and stay on schedule? Better stop and ask yourself: Is this project really feasible?
說得更具體一點，建議你有了研究材料，即可先撰寫論文底稿，毋須等所有研究結束才起而動筆。這表示每一至兩周你就必須騰出一段完整的時間，精神飽滿、身體健康、專心一志地寫論文，你做得到嗎？其次，如果病了一個禮拜，你有時間彌補，趕上進度嗎？請先問問自己，你的論文寫作計畫是否行得通，再確實執行。
Last Update at 2011-07-20 PM 12:00 | 0 Comments
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