You have followed the guidelines in the previous assignment.

Now check, one more time, these points, which help you produce a reader-friendly text in a more formal voice.

 -        Use transitions (words, phrases)/sign posts/connectors

-        Use formal language (e.g. no contractions, it's -> it is, don't -> do not, won't -> will not)

-        Use reporting verbs where needed and add the appropriate in-text reference*.

-        Be consistent with the use of tense

-        Check your use of articles (a/an/the - )

-        Check subject-verb agreement (the author highlightS/the authors highlight_)

-        Check that each paragraph contains one main point or idea

-        Check that each paragraph is longer than one sentence

-        Avoid starting a sentence with And, But, So (use more formal transitions instead; In addition/Furthermore/However/Therefore...)

-        Use more formal words words like (partly because they are more exact) many (instead of a lot), items (things), receive (get) [see further examples below]

-        Use metalanguage to guide the reader through your text, e.g. with the help of connectors/transitions/sign posts. Furthermore, Additionally … however… In contrast to...,  ..presents/discusses four different categories/types/ of...First, second, third…  Finally, To sum up, Chapter 10,  and similar phrases. These help the reader see the logical connections between the information you provide.

See, e.g.:

http://sana.aalto.fi/awe/style/vocabulary/index.html (formality) (check also the page on the use of articles, if articles are troublesome for you and on connectors)
find synonyms www.thesaurus.com
find words that go together (collocations) http://www.freecollocation.com/search?word=illustration
https://wordvice.com/recommended-verbs-for-research-writing/ or more on the same page  https://wordvice.com/stronger-writing-style/

Signposting, connectors
(extra: https://www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/writing/clear-communication/signposting )
http://sana.aalto.fi/awe/cohesion/index.html

Some examples of formal vs informal expressions
https://www.engvid.com/english-resource/formal-informal-english/

Some like this page
https://guinlist.wordpress.com/2015/06/29/108-formal-and-informal-words/

*Notice differences between the entry in the reference list and in-text, for instance, regarding the use of author's/' first name (or initials). This is provided only in the reference list, not within the text.

Cf. e.g.

http://libguides.dixie.edu/c.php?g=57887&p=371729

http://libguides.dixie.edu/c.php?g=57887&p=371717 (always add the link to the reference in the list of references/bibliography/end of the text)



Last modified: Wednesday, 20 March 2019, 6:29 PM