Scholarly writing reflects precise thinking communicated in clear and concise description. Appendices and verbatim quotes are ways to add other forms of writing.
The "Instructions for Preparing and Submitting Theses and Dissertations" prepared by the TTU Graduate School overrules style manuals common to specific fields when preparing a dissertation at Tech. Refer to style manuals common to your field for more elaboration and explanations. The APA style manual is most commonly used in the field of art education. The Chicago style manual is commonly used in art history. Below are 6 key areas emphasized in both the APA and the Chicago style writing manuals that should guide your scholarly writing.
1. Avoid colloquial expressions (dealt with for concerned, put in for insert, write up for report, etc.).
2. Avoid ambiguity. Often when the researcher uses a passive writing voice the referent is missing. Experienced researchers use first person and active voice for concise and accurate statements. In the past, some researchers used third person and passive voice to present their research. This research writing style is no longer the favored style.
3. Use a logical progression from idea to idea, paragraph to paragraph. Use headers (there are 5 levels) for distinct transitions.
4. Use short sentences without the sentence sounding choppy. Use short, simple words when possible. Define long or uncommon terms and short terms that could have a variety of meanings. Avoid long paragraphs.
5. Avoid stereotyping and sexist language. For example use plurals such as “artists spend most of their time . . .” rather than “the artist spends most of his time . . .”
6. Be consistent in the use of a writing style common to your field. Look at leading scholarly publications for how to cite and reference other sources, or use a style manual.
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