英文论文的编辑与修改
Highlights from Chapter 17 <<Writing Science>> by Joshua Schimel
1.
Rarely will you find a single writing problem by itself. Rather, they come in a convoluted mix. Broken story arcs travel with weak linkages; prepositional phrases with passive verbs; jargon with nominalizations.
There are no simple rules for fixing multiple problems because each piece is unique, but there are some general approaches.
2.
Get the story right, make sure the OCAR elements are in place, and then work on getting the language right. This leads to the sequence SCFL.
- Structure: get the structure of the story into shape.
- Clarity: ensure that your ideas are clear and concrete.
- Flow: make the ideas flow, linking one thought to the next.
- Language: make it sound good.
3.
Structure
Use an active verb that directly follows its subject.
The point of this first sentence is to make the general statement introducing the story.
4.
Clarity and flow
In terms of structure and flow, look at the topic-stress – topic-stress linkage.
Clarity: Activate the verb and fix the subject–verb connection. Make the action concrete.
Flow: To connect to the opening sentence, make the topic relate.
5.
Language
Each phrase needs to carry out a distinct OCAR function: the first opens, the second describes the action, and the third resolves by telling you what. Even within a sentence, getting the structure right solves many problems and makes the rest much easier.
You fix one set of problems and expose another. So edit it again. And again. Until it reads effectively and gracefully.
6.
Final revising
There is one final secret weapon in revising, but it is best done in privacy. Close the door to your office. Print a clean copy. Clear your mind. Now, stand up, step away from your desk, and read it out loud. Awkward expressions, breaks in flow, clunky words — your eyes may skip over them, but not your ears.