提示Underst和 what formal English is 和 what it looks like.
解释Formal English includes complex sentences, lacks 第一人称 和 第二人称 pronouns, 和 excludes conversational words or phrases.
Formal English Example: While on the bus, the students studied for their upcoming test.
Informal English Example: We hit the books to ace our upcoming test.
提示Underst和 basic punctuation.
解释A期(.): A period indicates the end of a sentence. To have a complete sentence, it must have a subject, a verb, 和 a complete thought.
逗号(，): Use commas to separate two independent clauses. A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, 和, 也不, 但, or, 然而,, so) to help connect the independent clauses. Commas should be used after introductory phrases 和 to set off quotes.
分号(;): Semicolons are used to connect two related independent clauses. A semicolon will replace a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) 和 a comma.
提示Include relative pronouns.
解释Relative pronouns are used before a relative clause. A relative clause includes more information about a noun that was previously mentioned. The most common relative pronouns are which, that, 和 who.
使用 a Relative Pronoun Example: The pencil that I broke was given to me by my mother.
The relative clause (“that I broke”) comes after the noun (pencil) to give more information. The relative pronoun (that) represents the noun (pencil).
提示Omit needless words.
解释When writing academically, sentences should be as concise as possible. Needless or filler words are used when the writer doesn’t know what else to say 和 believes these words will enhance the sentence. The most common needless words are literally, in order to, 和 approximately.
Keeping Needless Words Example: In order to access the building, the secretary uses a keycard.
Omitting Needless Words Example: To access the building, the secretary uses a keycard.
提示Avoid using first or second person.
解释使用 第一人称 in an academic paper reduces credibility. A research paper should always be supported by others’ input, not your opinions. 第一个-person singular pronouns are I, me, mine myself. 第一个-person plural pronouns are we, us, ours, ourselves.
使用 第二人称 in an academic paper often assumes what the reader’s knowledge or conclusions will be during or after reading your work. Second-person pronouns are you, yours, yourself, 和 yourselves.
相反，写在 第三人称. Third-person pronouns are used to reference other people or things. These are important when referring back to the author’s research to support an argument. Third-person pronouns are he, she, they, 和 it.