2008年12月30日 星期二

The Format of Your Thesis

A full research paper at least contains six parts, namely cover, contents,introduction, thesis, conclusion, and references (Appendix if possible). Except for the title (#14),you need to write your paper in the size of 12, Times New Roman, double space. See the example here.



How to Present Tables and Figures

Dear all,

When you present your table or figure, do not forget to give your explanation. Here is the example you may take a look at. http://www.iacis.org/iis/2007_iis/PDFs/Chang.pdf.
Requested by the publisher, I moved the tables and figures in the end of the paper. In other words, you don't have to do so! You just put your words above or under the tables or figures.

Besides, you have to try your best to combine the questions you ask on your survey or questionnaire. See the example here.

2008年12月25日 星期四

Writing Program


Dear all,

If you are interested in writing and you'd like to improve your writing skill, you may join in the program!

2008年12月23日 星期二

How do you write the body of your research paper?

After finishing the introduction, you are now writing the biggest part of your research paper--main body. The main body of your research paper contains a great deal of information and facts. Of course, it is the longest section. This is why I always call it "beef" in class. So, where is your beef? Here are some tips for your reference:

1. Clear arguments• You have to know what you are saying. Do not shift from one topic to another.
2. Avoid redundant words. Delete "I think" or "I feel" because the paper is written by you; of course, it is your thinking and your feeling.
3. Read your paper aloud. Reading aloud can help you make sure your writing readable. Ask yourself, "Do my statements make sense?" or "Does my sentence have any grammatical errors?"
4. Have someone else read your paper. Besides your teacher, you'd better ask someone else to read your paper, such as your group members or friends to read your paper. It is easy for outside readers to catch errors in your paper.
5. Use Word Processor. Do not forget to use the checking tool to do you a favor in your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
6. Avoid Plagiarism. Plagiarism ruins your reputation. Do not forget to use paraphrasing skill and give citations (credits) when you use others' ideas.
7. Always keep your schedule. A good research paper takes time, so if you do it before the night of the due day. Obviously, your work will be awkward and ineffective.

Reference:
How to Write a Research Paper
By Cristopher Fowers
http://encyclopedia-review.toptenreviews.com/write-a-research-paper.html

2008年12月14日 星期日

You Are Writing Your Thesis Right Now!

Dear all,

I've finished reading your introduction and will give it back to you on December 16. I am sure you are ready to give part of the second section and still keep doing the rest of it. Since you need time to keep writing and I need time to discuss with you about your papers, I suppose we have to stay in the language lab in the following weeks. Therefore, let us meet in the language lab then. Oh, here is one thing to remind you of: do not forget to bring all your material to the language lab because you need to use your time well even at school.

2008年12月2日 星期二

Writing Schedule

In building a house, an architect won't build blind. He or She will start with a foundation, following the structure of the house, the walls, the supporting beams, the ceiling, etc. All these steps just stick to his or her plan. Likewise, a research writer won't write blind. He or she will draft his or her outline first, because an outline will make him or her better prepare for the task of writing and an outline will help see the overall picture of the paper. As Arnold Schopenhaur,German philosopher, mentioned, "Write the way an architect builds, who first drafts his plan and designs every detail."

Setting up your outline? Then, it is time for you to fill the stuff on the basis of your outline. The following are the writing schedule and a video of how to write a research paper. Read and watch carefully! Let me know if you have further questions.