Writing the introduction to an academic paper is challenging. In addition to providing summary details about the paper's purpose (including motivation), methodology and findings, it also needs to be written in a way appealing to both technical and non-technical readers. The introduction also needs to meet the expectations of the journal in terms of keyContinue reading "Writing introductions to academic papers"
Different steps in the writing process
The writing process consists of several steps: pre-writing (reading, collecting and analysing data, thinking), drafting, reviewing, revising, editing, and proofing (often with multiple loops within this process). Combining any of these steps can be false economy - they require different skills and perspectives. Editing your work as you go can block your creative process. ApproachingContinue reading "Different steps in the writing process"
Removing clutter
There are two forms of clutter - macro and micro. What I call macro clutter is content that does not contribute to the point you are making. When you review content ask yourself, does this add to the argument? If in doubt, cut it out. BUT save it first - either as an old versionContinue reading "Removing clutter"
Tables
Tables are a useful way to present data - in both numerical and text format. Every publication has it's own style when presenting tables. By that I mean font type and size (often smaller than the body text), which lines/borders appear (horizontal, vertical), the format of notes (both the symbols used and the placement/format ofContinue reading "Tables"
Figures and Charts
I attended a workshop delivered by a colleague Assoc Prof David Bedford at UTS on data visualisation. Figures are not often used in academic papers - or theses for that matter - so admittedly have slipped off my radar. Why? Maybe, because we don't know how to use them properly. We have attempted to distilContinue reading "Figures and Charts"
The importance of writing well
There are clear benefits of writing well. This is particularly the case in academia - careers depend on it. Not only that, both in teaching and research, we have an inherent responsibility to communicate knowledge clearly and respectfully to others. How you communicate says a lot about you and your work. You are: More likelyContinue reading "The importance of writing well"
Useful references
Everyone has their favourite references. A few of my favourites: Books: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction, William Zinnser Style Manual (now online http://www.stylemanual.gov.au) Dictionary - completely underrated Websites: http://www.stylemanual.gov.au - also sign up for their newsletter which has very useful tips Vision Australia - Digital Access Blog (their training and webinarsContinue reading "Useful references"
Getting more out of Microsoft Word
The majority of us admit we only use a fraction of the functionality of MS Excel. Have you considered how much of the functionality of MS Word you use? If you are writing a lot, and MS Word is your weapon of choice, it is worth upskilling. There are various sources of help - theContinue reading "Getting more out of Microsoft Word"
Communicating research beyond academia
To have any impact, research needs to be actively communicated to those it affects. When communicating research outside of academia, you need to think about: who the research impactswhat the key messages/implications arewhether the research is time sensitivehow you can reach your target audience how you communicate the research (often multiple ways)how you can leadContinue reading "Communicating research beyond academia"
Asking for feedback
Writing well means writing with the reader in mind, and structuring your content to suit them - not necessarily you. The best way to find out whether you are meeting the needs of your potential reader is to ask for their feedback. This can be through informal or formal review processes. First, do not wasteContinue reading "Asking for feedback"
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