Transcript
Page 1: Lecture 9 Revising, Editing, Proofreading, and Finalizing Your Thesis

Lecture 9Lecture 9

Revising, Editing, Revising, Editing, Proofreading, and Proofreading, and

Finalizing Your ThesisFinalizing Your Thesis

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OutlineOutline

1. The Quality of Good Writing1. The Quality of Good Writing2. Making your writing 2. Making your writing coherentcoherent through through

revisingrevising3. Making your writing 3. Making your writing clearclear through through

editingediting4. Proofreading Your Thesis4. Proofreading Your Thesis5. Tips for Good Writing5. Tips for Good Writing6. Finalizing Your Thesis6. Finalizing Your Thesis7. Guidelines for Oral Defense7. Guidelines for Oral Defense

Page 3: Lecture 9 Revising, Editing, Proofreading, and Finalizing Your Thesis
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1. The Quality of Good Writin1. The Quality of Good Writingg

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The standards of a good thesis are:The standards of a good thesis are:► ClarityClarity in presentation of the ideas in in presentation of the ideas in

appropriate grammar and in the use of appropriate grammar and in the use of vocabulary.vocabulary.

►AccuracyAccuracy: To express your ideas precisely : To express your ideas precisely and exactly. Avoid ambiguity.and exactly. Avoid ambiguity.

► FluencyFluency: smoothly flowing ideas through : smoothly flowing ideas through unity and coherence. Avoid broken sentences unity and coherence. Avoid broken sentences or abrupt switch of ideas.or abrupt switch of ideas.

► CorrectnessCorrectness in grammatical matters. in grammatical matters.

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► Good writers make changes in wording and Good writers make changes in wording and presentation of ideas as they write. presentation of ideas as they write.

► That is one kind of revision. Another kind of That is one kind of revision. Another kind of revision comes after the first complete writing revision comes after the first complete writing or first draft of a work. Then you mayor first draft of a work. Then you may add, add, delete, or rearrange words and ideasdelete, or rearrange words and ideas. .

► Even if you were writing from a satisfactory Even if you were writing from a satisfactory outline, you may find that when the whole outline, you may find that when the whole research paper is finished, there are parts that research paper is finished, there are parts that would fit better in place than in another. would fit better in place than in another.

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►Revision is another chance to look at what Revision is another chance to look at what you’ve written and change it, to make it you’ve written and change it, to make it most precisely convey your intentions to ymost precisely convey your intentions to your audience. our audience.

► In fact, writing is often described as a “mIn fact, writing is often described as a “messy process” because of constant revisiessy process” because of constant revision.on.

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2. Making your writing 2. Making your writing cohercoherentent through revising through revising

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►When you revise, you should focus your When you revise, you should focus your attention on content and organization attention on content and organization of your graduation thesis. Leave of your graduation thesis. Leave language and formats to editing. language and formats to editing.

►Do not expect immediate perfection; Do not expect immediate perfection; and do not try to accomplish everything and do not try to accomplish everything all through one reading. all through one reading.

►When you revise, check the following When you revise, check the following questions. questions.

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General questions General questions areare::►Does your graduation thesis focus, and adDoes your graduation thesis focus, and ad

equately support your thesis statement?equately support your thesis statement?►Does your graduation thesis have a clear iDoes your graduation thesis have a clear i

ntroduction, body, and conclusion?ntroduction, body, and conclusion?►Have you organized your graduation thesiHave you organized your graduation thesi

s logically and clearly in structure?s logically and clearly in structure?►Have you used transitions throughout to cHave you used transitions throughout to c

onnect the ideas into a coherent whole?onnect the ideas into a coherent whole?

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Questions aboutQuestions about Introduction Introduction►Will the introduction engage your Will the introduction engage your

readers’ attention?readers’ attention?►Does the introduction present your Does the introduction present your

thesis statement clearly?thesis statement clearly?►Does the introduction include some Does the introduction include some

background information for your topic?background information for your topic?

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Questions about Questions about BodyBody► Does the body of your thesis present evidence frDoes the body of your thesis present evidence fr

om a wide variety of reliable sources?om a wide variety of reliable sources?► Are materials from your sources presented in a cAre materials from your sources presented in a c

ombination of summary, paraphrase, and quotaombination of summary, paraphrase, and quotation?tion?

► Are there any gaps in your argument? Are there Are there any gaps in your argument? Are there any points that are inadequately supported?any points that are inadequately supported?

► Have you deleted all unnecessary or irrelevant Have you deleted all unnecessary or irrelevant materials from your thesis? materials from your thesis?

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Questions about Questions about ConclusionConclusion► Does your conclusion summarize the main pointDoes your conclusion summarize the main point

s that you have presented in support of the thesis that you have presented in support of the thesis?s?

► Did you repeat the major argument, or restate yDid you repeat the major argument, or restate your thesis in the conclusion of your thesis? our thesis in the conclusion of your thesis?

► Does your conclusion have a satisfactory sense oDoes your conclusion have a satisfactory sense of completion? (Are all the loose ends tied up? Haf completion? (Are all the loose ends tied up? Have all the parts of the thesis been supported? Hve all the parts of the thesis been supported? Have you addressed all those most likely questionave you addressed all those most likely questions about the topic?)s about the topic?)

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Questions about Questions about StyleStyle► Have you achieved variety in style by using differHave you achieved variety in style by using differ

ent kinds of sentences?ent kinds of sentences?► Have you avoided wordiness? Have you deleted Have you avoided wordiness? Have you deleted

unnecessary words, phrases, or clauses?unnecessary words, phrases, or clauses?► Have you used clear, concrete examples? Have yHave you used clear, concrete examples? Have y

ou defined key terms?ou defined key terms?► Have you avoided colloquial language, slang, jarHave you avoided colloquial language, slang, jar

gon, and dialect in your thesis? Have you avoidegon, and dialect in your thesis? Have you avoided first-person pronouns in the thesis?d first-person pronouns in the thesis?

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3. Making your writing 3. Making your writing clearclear t through editinghrough editing

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►When you edit, you should focus your When you edit, you should focus your attention on language and format of your attention on language and format of your graduation thesis. graduation thesis.

►When you work on language, you should When you work on language, you should pay attention to word choice, sentences, pay attention to word choice, sentences, and writing style. and writing style.

► You should be able to discover the You should be able to discover the imprecision of your thesis and make your imprecision of your thesis and make your thesis convey clearly and concisely what thesis convey clearly and concisely what you want to express. you want to express.

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3.1 Word Choice and Perspective3.1 Word Choice and Perspectives on Sentencess on Sentences

(1)(1) The writing style and intelligence of your The writing style and intelligence of your thesis could be indicated through the thesis could be indicated through the wording in your thesis. wording in your thesis.

► When you write your thesis, you need to When you write your thesis, you need to convey to the reader your expertise in the convey to the reader your expertise in the subject area and your professional attitude subject area and your professional attitude toward it. toward it.

► In word choice,In word choice, avoid being too chatty avoid being too chatty or conversationalor conversational. Use serious and . Use serious and intelligent vocabulary. intelligent vocabulary.

► Avoid using ClichésAvoid using Clichés, , Jargon, Jargon, Euphemisms, Pretentious Language, Euphemisms, Pretentious Language, Sexist Language, and Chinese Sexist Language, and Chinese EnglishEnglish. .

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(2)(2) In sentence structure, try to write In sentence structure, try to write sentences that are more varied and sentences that are more varied and complex in structure. complex in structure.

►Write with style, but make certain it is Write with style, but make certain it is a style appropriate for a thesis. a style appropriate for a thesis.

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Avoid sentence fragmentsAvoid sentence fragments► Original: Original: The owner went to chunch. Leaving The owner went to chunch. Leaving

me in charge of the store. me in charge of the store.► Revised: Revised: The owner went to chunch, leaving The owner went to chunch, leaving

me in charge of the store. me in charge of the store.► Original: Original: Along with population explosion man Along with population explosion man

y y problems occurred. For instance, problems occurred. For instance, natural resources, education, etnatural resources, education, et

c.c.► Revised:Revised: Along with population explosion many Along with population explosion many

problems occurred, for instance, problems occurred, for instance, natural resources, education, etc.natural resources, education, etc.

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Avoid run-on sentencesAvoid run-on sentences ► Original:Original: Human nature is seldom as simple a Human nature is seldom as simple a

s s it appears hasty judgment are it appears hasty judgment are therefore often wrong.therefore often wrong.

► Revised:Revised: Since human nature is seldom as Since human nature is seldom as simple as it appears, hasty judgmesimple as it appears, hasty judgme

nt nt are therefore often wrong.are therefore often wrong.► Original: Original: We had no lack of entertainment We had no lack of entertainment

during the time which we spent in tduring the time which we spent in the he city, which seemed very gay and city, which seemed very gay and

attractive.attractive.► Revised: Revised: The city seemed so gay and attractivThe city seemed so gay and attractiv

e e that we had no lack of entertainmethat we had no lack of entertainment nt during our stay there.during our stay there.

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Avoid dangling phrasesAvoid dangling phrases (A dangler is (A dangler is an error so called because it is an an error so called because it is an element unrelated to any word in a element unrelated to any word in a sentence. Though it may appear in sentence. Though it may appear in any part of a sentence it usually any part of a sentence it usually occurs at the beginning. Since the occurs at the beginning. Since the subject in the sentence with a dangler subject in the sentence with a dangler is not the subject for the action is not the subject for the action described by the dangler, the way to described by the dangler, the way to correct this kind of error is either to correct this kind of error is either to supply a subject or to change the supply a subject or to change the dangling phrase into a clause.)dangling phrase into a clause.)

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► Original:Original: Opening the door, an amusing scene Opening the door, an amusing scene caught my eye.caught my eye.

► Revised:Revised: Opening the door, I saw an amusing Opening the door, I saw an amusing scene.scene.

► Original Original After reading the letter, my heart After reading the letter, my heart throbbed violently.throbbed violently.

► Revised:Revised: After reading the letter, I felt my heart After reading the letter, I felt my heart throbbing violently. or After I had rethrobbing violently. or After I had re

ad ad the letter, my heart throbbed violentthe letter, my heart throbbed violently. ly.

► Original:Original: To be admitted to college, the To be admitted to college, the entrance examination must be passentrance examination must be pass

ed.ed.► Revised:Revised: To be admitted to college, a candidat To be admitted to college, a candidat

e e mustmust pass the entrance examination.pass the entrance examination.

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Avoid the comma faultAvoid the comma fault (the use of comma i (the use of comma in place of a period, a semicolon, a colon or n place of a period, a semicolon, a colon or a dash.)a dash.)

►Original: It was raining hard, they could Original: It was raining hard, they could not play basketball outside. not play basketball outside.

► Revised: It was raining hard and they Revised: It was raining hard and they could not play basketball outside.could not play basketball outside.

or: or: Because it was raining hard, they Because it was raining hard, they could not play basketball outside.could not play basketball outside.

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3.2 Edit your thesis3.2 Edit your thesis►For For clarityclarity in presentation of the ideas in presentation of the ideas

in appropriate grammar and in the use in appropriate grammar and in the use of vocabulary; of vocabulary;

►ForFor variety variety of shape, organization, of shape, organization, strategy and vocabulary. In writing a strategy and vocabulary. In writing a thesis, you may use different ways or thesis, you may use different ways or methods of development of chapters methods of development of chapters or paragraphs.or paragraphs.

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► Variety Is the Spice of Writing. Variety Is the Spice of Writing. To make an esTo make an essay more interesting for your reader, you shoulsay more interesting for your reader, you should try to vary your choice of words as much as pd try to vary your choice of words as much as possible. You should particularly include sophisossible. You should particularly include sophisticated vocabulary that indicates your intelligeticated vocabulary that indicates your intelligence and expertise. nce and expertise.

► To help increase the variety of your word choicTo help increase the variety of your word choices, you can use a thesaurus --- a special dictiones, you can use a thesaurus --- a special dictionary that compiles synonyms of words. ary that compiles synonyms of words.

► When you edit your paper, look for any words tWhen you edit your paper, look for any words that are repeated many times, especially within hat are repeated many times, especially within the same paragraph. You can then look the wthe same paragraph. You can then look the words in the thesaurus and select alternatives.ords in the thesaurus and select alternatives.

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► For For symmetry , balance andsymmetry , balance and parallelismparallelism. The . The requirement for parallelism is not only a gramrequirement for parallelism is not only a grammatical one, but a logical one as well. The heamatical one, but a logical one as well. The headings at the same level of the outline have equdings at the same level of the outline have equivalent importance and refer to similar categorivalent importance and refer to similar categories of ideas.ies of ideas.

► For For economyeconomy:: Academic research writing is ju Academic research writing is judged on a standard of economy of expression: dged on a standard of economy of expression: you should use as many words as you need, buyou should use as many words as you need, but no more than you need to accomplish your gt no more than you need to accomplish your goal. Everything should be part of the main effeoal. Everything should be part of the main effect. No word should be wasted. Every excessive ct. No word should be wasted. Every excessive verbiage should be eliminated during revision.verbiage should be eliminated during revision.

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3.3 Recognizing Imprecision3.3 Recognizing Imprecision► Two major characteristics of imprecise writing aTwo major characteristics of imprecise writing a

rere ambiguityambiguity and and wordinesswordiness. . (1) Ambiguity(1) Ambiguity is often characteristic of and purpo is often characteristic of and purpo

seful in literary works: doubleness or multiplicitseful in literary works: doubleness or multiplicity of meaning may well be part of the thematic aiy of meaning may well be part of the thematic aim of a poem or story. m of a poem or story.

► But ambiguity is not desirable in research paper, But ambiguity is not desirable in research paper, even though a critical essay may be about ambieven though a critical essay may be about ambiguity in a literary text. guity in a literary text.

► Simply stated, you don’t want you reader to wSimply stated, you don’t want you reader to wonder what your point is or choose among possionder what your point is or choose among possible or implied meanings. ble or implied meanings.

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► AmbiguityAmbiguity is often the result of vague languag is often the result of vague language --- that is, references that need specification te --- that is, references that need specification to make the interpretation meaningful. o make the interpretation meaningful.

► No word is inherently vague but words can be No word is inherently vague but words can be used in vague ways. used in vague ways.

► To make writing more precise, you need to devTo make writing more precise, you need to develop an eye for words and phrases that invite selop an eye for words and phrases that invite specificity in your particular interpretive contexpecificity in your particular interpretive context. t.

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Original:Original: In the article it points out that the In the article it points out that the air air pollution ofpollution of this city is serious.this city is serious.

Revised: Revised: It is pointed out in the article that It is pointed out in the article that the the air pollution of the city is serious. air pollution of the city is serious. Or:Or: The article points out that ....The article points out that ....

Original: Original: The water supply in this area is The water supply in this area is scanty; scanty; they should do something to they should do something to ease it.ease it.

Revised: Revised: The water supply in this area is The water supply in this area is scanty; scanty; the government should do the government should do something something to ease the situation.to ease the situation.

Original: Original: Jane told her friend Ann that she Jane told her friend Ann that she had had won a scholarship.won a scholarship.

Revised:Revised: Jane told her friend Ann, “I have Jane told her friend Ann, “I have won a won a scholarship.”scholarship.”

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Original: Original: The student used some mixed The student used some mixed metaphors in his composition, which metaphors in his composition, which the teacher disapproved of.the teacher disapproved of.

Revised:Revised: The teacher disapproved of the The teacher disapproved of the student’s use of mixed metaphorstudent’s use of mixed metaphor

s in s in his composition.his composition.Original: Original: The novelist spent most of his time The novelist spent most of his time

writing, but none of them was writing, but none of them was published during his lifetime.published during his lifetime.

Revised: Revised: The novelist spent most of his time The novelist spent most of his time writing, but none of his novels was writing, but none of his novels was published during his lifetime.published during his lifetime.

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(2) Wordiness(2) Wordiness is the use of more words than are is the use of more words than are necessary to get your point acrossnecessary to get your point across accurately accurately and efficiently. and efficiently.

► But wordiness is not really measured by quantBut wordiness is not really measured by quantity; a sentence does not become wordy simply ity; a sentence does not become wordy simply by exceeding a certain number of words. by exceeding a certain number of words.

► Relatively short sentences can be wordy, and vRelatively short sentences can be wordy, and very long sentences are not necessarily wordy; iery long sentences are not necessarily wordy; it depends on the precision, and therefore the t depends on the precision, and therefore the efficiency, of the language.efficiency, of the language.

► In many instances, wordy phrases are made uIn many instances, wordy phrases are made up of several weak or static words that can be rp of several weak or static words that can be replaced by one or two strong, exact words. eplaced by one or two strong, exact words.

► The result is more energetic, forward-moving, The result is more energetic, forward-moving, and precise writing. and precise writing.

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Original: Original: The narrator gives a suggestion to The narrator gives a suggestion to all all people as to their attitude toward people as to their attitude toward and and perceptions of the land....perceptions of the land....

Revised:Revised: The narrator suggests that man’s The narrator suggests that man’s attitude toward and attitude toward and

perception of the perception of the land …land …

Original:Original: Her private world is apparently Her private world is apparently representing the season of representing the season of

spring, for spring, for the narrator is showing us the the narrator is showing us the image of image of flowers.flowers.

Revised:Revised: Her private world apparently Her private world apparently represents represents spring as the flower imagery spring as the flower imagery suggests.suggests.

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Original: Original: The niece is told three times by AThe niece is told three times by Aunt Minnie about the major “event.” Eaunt Minnie about the major “event.” Each time her point of view is changed and tch time her point of view is changed and the event is thought of differently by her.he event is thought of differently by her.

Revised:Revised: Aunt Minnie tells her niece three ti Aunt Minnie tells her niece three times about the major “event.” Each timmes about the major “event.” Each time her point of view and therefore her attite her point of view and therefore her attitude toward the event change. ude toward the event change.

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OriginalOriginal Science can have a way of Science can have a way of making the beautiful easily making the beautiful easily explained, and by taking the mystery explained, and by taking the mystery out of something the beauty can be out of something the beauty can be somehow lessened. Edgar Allan somehow lessened. Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “Sonnet: To Science” is Poe’s poem, “Sonnet: To Science” is written in this vein.written in this vein.

RevisedRevised Poe’s poem, “Sonnet: To Poe’s poem, “Sonnet: To Science” suggests that science easily Science” suggests that science easily explains and therefore diminishes explains and therefore diminishes the mysterious and beautiful.the mysterious and beautiful.

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Original:Original: During the final three lines, the poem c During the final three lines, the poem can be interpreted on a different level. It can be an be interpreted on a different level. It can be seen as a foreshadowing of sorts. It serves as a seen as a foreshadowing of sorts. It serves as a warning of what happens when man is overly cwarning of what happens when man is overly concerned with the fear of nonexistence. oncerned with the fear of nonexistence.

Revised:Revised: The final three lines of the poem possib The final three lines of the poem possibly foreshadow what happens when the fear of nly foreshadow what happens when the fear of nonexistence preoccupies man.onexistence preoccupies man.

Original:Original: Her understanding of the relationship Her understanding of the relationship between men and women has changed enough between men and women has changed enough for her to realize that she doesn’t have to lie tfor her to realize that she doesn’t have to lie to herself to keep herself from feeling guilty for o herself to keep herself from feeling guilty for natural feelings.natural feelings.

Revised:Revised: Understanding the relationship betwee Understanding the relationship between men and women enables her to realize that sn men and women enables her to realize that she need not deceive herself to avoid feeling guihe need not deceive herself to avoid feeling guilty.lty.

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3.4 Writing Concisely3.4 Writing Concisely►A typical graduation paper is 5,000 A typical graduation paper is 5,000

words or more. It will probably be the words or more. It will probably be the longest ever written. longest ever written.

►Unless you guard against it, you may Unless you guard against it, you may unconsciously pad sentences, unconsciously pad sentences, expressing ideas in as many words as expressing ideas in as many words as possible in order to reach the possible in order to reach the prescribed minimum. prescribed minimum.

►Wordiness is a sure way of losing a Wordiness is a sure way of losing a reader’s attention. reader’s attention.

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► If asked to read 100 words to find an idea that coIf asked to read 100 words to find an idea that could have been expressed in 40 words, your tutor uld have been expressed in 40 words, your tutor is likely to lose his patience and you are likely to is likely to lose his patience and you are likely to lose your scores. lose your scores.

► In editing your draft, substitute specific words foIn editing your draft, substitute specific words for general ones. Concentrate on the nouns and vr general ones. Concentrate on the nouns and verbs, if they are specific, fewer modifiers will be erbs, if they are specific, fewer modifiers will be needed. needed.

► An especially annoying form of wordiness is the An especially annoying form of wordiness is the superfluous modifiers whose meaning is implied superfluous modifiers whose meaning is implied by the noun or verb it modifies. by the noun or verb it modifies.

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For example:For example:

a true fact a true fact basic fundamentalsbasic fundamentalsa free gift a free gift foreign importsforeign importsfuture prognosis future prognosis green in colorgreen in colorunanimous agreement unanimous agreement a beautiful morning a beautiful morning

by everyone by everyone sunrise in the eastsunrise in the eastin close proximity in close proximity eight o’clock a,m, teight o’clock a,m, t

hat hat morningmorningreverted back reverted back followed behindfollowed behind

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Verb-object combinations can also be Verb-object combinations can also be wordy:wordy:

►made a decision = decided made a decision = decided ►reached an agreement = agreedreached an agreement = agreed►expressed a denial = denied expressed a denial = denied ►made a request = requestedmade a request = requested►ventured an attempt = tried ventured an attempt = tried ►granted permission = permitted granted permission = permitted

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► In revising your paper, be alert for bloated In revising your paper, be alert for bloated expressions like the following:expressions like the following:

►at no time = never at no time = never ►at the conclusion of = afterat the conclusion of = after►at the time that = when at the time that = when ►at this point in time = nowat this point in time = now►due to the fact that = because due to the fact that = because ►during the time that = while during the time that = while

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3.5 Check-Questions:3.5 Check-Questions:► Do transitions enable the reader to move easily fDo transitions enable the reader to move easily f

rom one section of the paper to another and to srom one section of the paper to another and to see clearly the relationship between the sections?ee clearly the relationship between the sections?

► Are the quotations smoothly woven into the text?Are the quotations smoothly woven into the text?► Can lengthy quotations be eliminated or shortenCan lengthy quotations be eliminated or shorten

ed by using ellipses?ed by using ellipses?► Can they be clarified by inserting a few of your oCan they be clarified by inserting a few of your o

wn words in brackets?wn words in brackets?► Is the reference information presented correctly?Is the reference information presented correctly?

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4. Proofreading Your 4. Proofreading Your ThesisThesis

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► When you finish your first draft after revising aWhen you finish your first draft after revising and editing, it is time to proofread it. nd editing, it is time to proofread it.

► Proofreading is the process of checking your tProofreading is the process of checking your thesis for errors in spelling, grammar, usage, lehesis for errors in spelling, grammar, usage, level of language, capitalization, punctuation, avel of language, capitalization, punctuation, and documentation. nd documentation.

► Proofreading is a tedious process. However, it Proofreading is a tedious process. However, it is important. A carefully proofread thesis indicis important. A carefully proofread thesis indicates a professional and serious attitude to the ates a professional and serious attitude to the reader. reader.

► Therefore, you should make the final copy of yTherefore, you should make the final copy of your graduation thesis flawless, without any miour graduation thesis flawless, without any mistakes or incorrect information. stakes or incorrect information.

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The following checklist will help yoThe following checklist will help you to proofread your thesis.u to proofread your thesis.► Spelling errorsSpelling errors►Mixed up homophones (Words that sound Mixed up homophones (Words that sound

the same but are spelled differently)the same but are spelled differently)► Incorrect word usageIncorrect word usage► Sentence fragmentsSentence fragments► Run-on sentencesRun-on sentences► Citation formatCitation format► Ambiguous references and pronouns Ambiguous references and pronouns

(especially (especially it, that, this, these,it, that, this, these, and and thosethose))

► Pronoun-antecedent agreementPronoun-antecedent agreement

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► Comma usageComma usage► Check to see that ellipsis points have been used Check to see that ellipsis points have been used

properly in edited quotations.properly in edited quotations.► Check all titles to make sure that they are properCheck all titles to make sure that they are proper

ly presented.ly presented.► Quotations (make sure that they are accurate)Quotations (make sure that they are accurate)► Quotation marks (make certain all quotations hQuotation marks (make certain all quotations h

ave quotation marks at the beginning and end oave quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quoted section)f the quoted section)

► Apostrophes used correctly (especially with posApostrophes used correctly (especially with possessive nouns and contractions)sessive nouns and contractions)

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► CapitalizationCapitalization► PunctuationPunctuation► Check every sentence to make sure that it has aCheck every sentence to make sure that it has a

n end mark. If the sentence contains a parenthen end mark. If the sentence contains a parenthetical citation, make sure that the citation appeartical citation, make sure that the citation appears before the end mark, except in the case of a los before the end mark, except in the case of a long, indented quotation, which ends with an end ng, indented quotation, which ends with an end mark followed by the parenthetical citation.mark followed by the parenthetical citation.

► Consistent verb tenseConsistent verb tense

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5. Tips for good writing5. Tips for good writing

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Respect Yourself and Your IdeasRespect Yourself and Your Ideas ► Your ideas are the most important part of your Your ideas are the most important part of your

thesis. You should have spent time and effort thesis. You should have spent time and effort to develop sophisticated, smart ideas. to develop sophisticated, smart ideas.

► As you write, you want to work to make those As you write, you want to work to make those ideas as clear and interesting as possible. ideas as clear and interesting as possible.

► After writing your essay’s first draft, you After writing your essay’s first draft, you should therefore concentrate on your writing should therefore concentrate on your writing style, aiming to convey ideas clearly and in an style, aiming to convey ideas clearly and in an appropriate and interesting style.appropriate and interesting style.

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Striving for ClarityStriving for Clarity ►When you write, try to make your thesis eWhen you write, try to make your thesis e

asy to read by having a well-balanced struasy to read by having a well-balanced structure; logical organization, and coherent cture; logical organization, and coherent writing.writing.

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Avoid Common Grammatical ErrorsAvoid Common Grammatical Errors ► In language, avoid sentence fragments, ruIn language, avoid sentence fragments, ru

n-on sentence, ambiguous references, dan-on sentence, ambiguous references, dangling modifiers, split infinitives, tense chngling modifiers, split infinitives, tense choice, wordiness, and spelling errorsoice, wordiness, and spelling errors

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Say It With StyleSay It With Style ► Every piece of writing has its own distinctive Every piece of writing has its own distinctive

style. style. ► The style reflects the manner in which The style reflects the manner in which

something is written and depends on such something is written and depends on such factors as the choice of words, the sentence factors as the choice of words, the sentence patterns, and the way in which ideas are patterns, and the way in which ideas are introduced. introduced.

► An essay’s style indicates the writer’s attitude An essay’s style indicates the writer’s attitude toward the material, and signals to the reader toward the material, and signals to the reader how to respond. how to respond.

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► For example, the style can indicate if a paper is For example, the style can indicate if a paper is serious, sarcastic, humorous, or silly. serious, sarcastic, humorous, or silly.

► When you write your thesis, you need to use a When you write your thesis, you need to use a sophisticated, intelligent style. In so doing, yosophisticated, intelligent style. In so doing, you convey to the reader your expertise in the suu convey to the reader your expertise in the subject area and your professional attitude towabject area and your professional attitude toward it. rd it.

► Avoid being too chatty or conversational. Use Avoid being too chatty or conversational. Use serious and intelligent vocabulary and write seserious and intelligent vocabulary and write sentences that are more varied and complex in sntences that are more varied and complex in structure. tructure.

► Write with style, but make certain it is a style aWrite with style, but make certain it is a style appropriate for a thesis. Let your writing indicappropriate for a thesis. Let your writing indicate intelligence and sophistication, without beite intelligence and sophistication, without being too highbrow or convoluted. ng too highbrow or convoluted.

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Do It Your WayDo It Your Way ► Developing your own style as a writer takes tiDeveloping your own style as a writer takes ti

me. You need to discover a voice in which you me. You need to discover a voice in which you are comfortable expressing yourself that also care comfortable expressing yourself that also conveys a particular impression to your intendeonveys a particular impression to your intended audience. d audience.

► At first, strive primarily for clarity; work at conAt first, strive primarily for clarity; work at conveying your ideas as clearly and directly as posveying your ideas as clearly and directly as possible so that the reader can learn and understasible so that the reader can learn and understand what you have to say. nd what you have to say.

► The more you read and write, the more you wilThe more you read and write, the more you will gain a sense of various writing styles --- and bl gain a sense of various writing styles --- and begin to develop your own. egin to develop your own.

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6. Finalizing Your Thesis6. Finalizing Your Thesis

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► After proofreading you can prepare your final After proofreading you can prepare your final manuscript. It is extremely important that you manuscript. It is extremely important that you turn in your thesis by the required due date. turn in your thesis by the required due date.

► That means you should leave yourself plenty oThat means you should leave yourself plenty of time to do all of the writing and printing of thf time to do all of the writing and printing of the final version at least a day before the thesis ie final version at least a day before the thesis is due. s due.

► When you finally assemble your thesis togetheWhen you finally assemble your thesis together into its final form, please read and follow the r into its final form, please read and follow the guidelines presented below.guidelines presented below.

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6.1 Guidelines for Manuscript For6.1 Guidelines for Manuscript Form: Graduation Thesism: Graduation Thesis

General guidelines.General guidelines. ► Print your thesis, using one side of the paper only. Print your thesis, using one side of the paper only.

Use small 4-font size for thesis, and use 5-font size Use small 4-font size for thesis, and use 5-font size for longer quotations. for longer quotations.

Margins.Margins. ► Use one-inch margins at the top, sides, and bottom. Use one-inch margins at the top, sides, and bottom. Page numbers.Page numbers. ► Number the thesis and the bibliography, using Number the thesis and the bibliography, using

Arabic numerals (1,2,3, and so on). Number the Arabic numerals (1,2,3, and so on). Number the preliminary section, using small roman numerals. preliminary section, using small roman numerals.

Spacing.Spacing. ► Double-space the entire paper, including headings, Double-space the entire paper, including headings,

titles, quotations, and text paragraphs. titles, quotations, and text paragraphs.

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Heading.Heading.► Do not leave a single line of heading at the Do not leave a single line of heading at the

bottom of a page.bottom of a page.Indentions.Indentions.► Indent paragraphs in your thesis four Indent paragraphs in your thesis four

spaces from the left margin.spaces from the left margin.Quotations.Quotations.► If the quotation is three lines long or less, If the quotation is three lines long or less,

put it in quotation marks and place it in the put it in quotation marks and place it in the text of your thesis. For longer quotations, text of your thesis. For longer quotations, indent and set it off from the text of your indent and set it off from the text of your thesis.thesis.

Paragraphs.Paragraphs.► Do not leave a single line of a paragraph at Do not leave a single line of a paragraph at

the bottom of a page.the bottom of a page.

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Bibliography.Bibliography.► Begin on a new page for your bibliography. ArBegin on a new page for your bibliography. Ar

range all the entries by the alphabetical order range all the entries by the alphabetical order of the family names. of the family names.

Placement and spacing of bibliographyPlacement and spacing of bibliography..► Double space after the title and then begin the Double space after the title and then begin the

first entry. Have double space between all entfirst entry. Have double space between all entries and single space within entries. Begin eacries and single space within entries. Begin each entry from the left, and indent subsequent lih entry from the left, and indent subsequent lines 4 spaces from the left margin.nes 4 spaces from the left margin.

Binding and Presentation.Binding and Presentation.► Bind your thesis using the special covers from Bind your thesis using the special covers from

your school. Use the paper of the same size wiyour school. Use the paper of the same size with the cover when you print your thesis. Turn th the cover when you print your thesis. Turn your thesis in before the required due date.your thesis in before the required due date.

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6.2 Checklist for the final draft6.2 Checklist for the final draft

►Before you turn in your thesis, run down tBefore you turn in your thesis, run down the following list of questions. he following list of questions.

► If you make certain to do everything on thiIf you make certain to do everything on this list, you are more likely to turn in a qualis list, you are more likely to turn in a quality graduation thesis.ty graduation thesis.

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► Are my topic, thesis statement, and Are my topic, thesis statement, and general approach clear to the reader?general approach clear to the reader?

►Have I proven my thesis statement beyond Have I proven my thesis statement beyond the shadow of a doubt?the shadow of a doubt?

►Have I made my argument fully and Have I made my argument fully and persuasively?persuasively?

►Does every paragraph in the thesis clearly Does every paragraph in the thesis clearly relate to the thesis statement?relate to the thesis statement?

►Does every paragraph in the thesis center Does every paragraph in the thesis center on a single point that is clear to the on a single point that is clear to the reader? reader?

►Do paragraphs and sentences flow Do paragraphs and sentences flow together? Have I included transitions that together? Have I included transitions that connect sentences and paragraphs connect sentences and paragraphs together?together?

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► Have I supplied all of the information a Have I supplied all of the information a reader needs to understand all of my reader needs to understand all of my points? Have I anticipated any questions a points? Have I anticipated any questions a reader might have and included the reader might have and included the answers within the thesis?answers within the thesis?

► Have I cut out any excess words, sentences, Have I cut out any excess words, sentences, or paragraphs that don’t contribute or paragraphs that don’t contribute anything substantial to the thesis? anything substantial to the thesis?

► Have I varied my word choices?Have I varied my word choices?► Have I altered my sentence patterns?Have I altered my sentence patterns?► Have I used all of the words correctly and in Have I used all of the words correctly and in

the right context?the right context?

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► Have I proofread for grammar, spelling, and pHave I proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?unctuation errors?

► Have I cited all quoted and paraphrased sectioHave I cited all quoted and paraphrased sections? Have I used the proper citation format? Hns? Have I used the proper citation format? Have I included a bibliography written in the proave I included a bibliography written in the proper format?per format?

► Have I typed up a clean, final copy? Is it doublHave I typed up a clean, final copy? Is it double-spaced and stapled together? Does each pae-spaced and stapled together? Does each page have a page number and my name? Have I ige have a page number and my name? Have I included a title, and other information on the tincluded a title, and other information on the title page?tle page?

► Have I made an extra copy of the thesis to keeHave I made an extra copy of the thesis to keep?p?

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7. Guidelines for Oral Defens7. Guidelines for Oral Defensee

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►Thesis defense is usually taking place in orThesis defense is usually taking place in oral format. Your thesis will be read by a groual format. Your thesis will be read by a group of committee members. p of committee members.

►Then, you are asked to present your final pThen, you are asked to present your final paper to the committee and answer their quaper to the committee and answer their questions. estions.

►Here are some guidelines about how you cHere are some guidelines about how you can prepare for your oral defense effectively.an prepare for your oral defense effectively.

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► Talk to your tutor and get his/her evaluation Talk to your tutor and get his/her evaluation and revise your thesis before you circulate and revise your thesis before you circulate your thesis to the other committee your thesis to the other committee members.members.

► Read your completed thesis after you turn it Read your completed thesis after you turn it in and be familiar with its structure, in and be familiar with its structure, contents, research method, major findings contents, research method, major findings and major argument. and major argument.

► Usually you will be given 5-10 minutes to Usually you will be given 5-10 minutes to explain your thesis briefly. Ask your tutor explain your thesis briefly. Ask your tutor how long it will be and prepare accordingly. how long it will be and prepare accordingly.

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► Prepare your presentation either in ppt format Prepare your presentation either in ppt format or written form. Your focus should be (1) Definor written form. Your focus should be (1) Define your topic or scope of your paper briefly; (2) e your topic or scope of your paper briefly; (2) Your research method or perspective of your aYour research method or perspective of your analysis: (3) Your major research findings or argnalysis: (3) Your major research findings or argument. Be ready to support your argument witument. Be ready to support your argument with clear, brief and convincing examples or evidh clear, brief and convincing examples or evidence.ence.

► Think about the questions the committee will Think about the questions the committee will ask and prepare your answers in advance. Worask and prepare your answers in advance. Work with your friends or classmates and see how k with your friends or classmates and see how you will respond to the main objections of alteyou will respond to the main objections of alternative argument or counter-argument.rnative argument or counter-argument.

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► In the defense itself, be confident and In the defense itself, be confident and relaxed as best you can. Listen to relaxed as best you can. Listen to committee members’ specific committee members’ specific questions and present your answers to questions and present your answers to the point. Please speak clearly and in the point. Please speak clearly and in normal speed and not to talk too fast. normal speed and not to talk too fast.

► In case you are not clear what they are In case you are not clear what they are asking about, just say “Pardon”, and asking about, just say “Pardon”, and let them repeat or explain their let them repeat or explain their questions. questions.

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► If you do not have the ready answer to the difficIf you do not have the ready answer to the difficult questions, do not feel panic. You can either sult questions, do not feel panic. You can either say something related to the issue, or give them a ay something related to the issue, or give them a broad smile and say “I don’t know” and you broad smile and say “I don’t know” and you are ready to learn.are ready to learn.

► Sometimes some committee members may makSometimes some committee members may make comments on your thesis or suggestions for ime comments on your thesis or suggestions for improve your research. You need not have to defeprove your research. You need not have to defense at this moment and should respond politely nse at this moment and should respond politely with gratitude for their suggestions.with gratitude for their suggestions.

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Finally, Finally,

► Thesis defense isThesis defense is NOTNOT seeking to fail students’ seeking to fail students’ graduation thesis. graduation thesis.

► It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of your research topic and share understanding of your research topic and share your argument with your professors and studentyour argument with your professors and students. s.

► Sometimes professors would like to challenge ySometimes professors would like to challenge you with a difficult question or counter argument ou with a difficult question or counter argument to create a mood of debate and argumentation. to create a mood of debate and argumentation. Then, do your best, join them and have fun.Then, do your best, join them and have fun.

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Finally, Finally,

►Good luck to your thesis writingGood luck to your thesis writing►Good luck to your oral defenseGood luck to your oral defense►Good luck to future studies/workGood luck to future studies/work►Enjoy your undergraduate life at Enjoy your undergraduate life at

Shandong UniversityShandong University


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