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Writing Skills
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Based on the presentation of Tom Atkinson, Boğaziçi University, May 6, 2004
Some additions/updates by Dr. Enis Karaarslan, Muğla University Computer Engineering Department, March 2014
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Agenda
1. Writing an Email
a. Motivation
b. What makes a good email
2. Writing a Report
a. Planning
b. Structure
c. Style
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Email and reports are the most important documents we use today.
The main topics will be for these types of reports but the main philosophy is general.
Part 1
Writing an Email
Part 1.a
Motivation
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Motivation How many emails in your in-box? How much time do you spend figuring out your next
action after reading an email? How long do you spend deciphering (sökme,
yorumlama) your text books?
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Example #1Hey Tom,
I can't believe it has been almost 2 weeks since you sent this e-mail. I intend to respond to you each morning, and I am back to getting in by 6:30 or 7:15 most mornings, but ... you know how busy it gets. I want to get the 8 o'clock train tonight, because the next one doesn’t leave until 10pm. I am going to see Kemal Wednesday night (he has a short stay in U.S. with regard to visiting Citi bank on-site, the client he his supporting on an offshore project). So I just wanted to ask you if you could be more specific in what you want to know about "offshore" financials. He'll provide me with the info you are interested in.
Regards,Angelo
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Example #2
Tom,
In order to help you better, please explain in more detail what you mean by “offshore financials.” Are you looking for financial statements or for salary levels?
Regards,Angelo
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Example #3
OK.
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Example #4
Gd 2 hear fm u. The LBJ is OK. Y R U going w/o him? C u soon. M.
Part 1.b
What makes a good
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.“
- Albert Einstein
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
What makes a good email? Response within 36 hours To the point – short Clear Organized
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Pretend you are the reader and ask: What is the point? What action am I supposed to take?
If the answers aren’t immediately obvious (apaçık), your message may just be ignored!
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Organizing for the reader’s benefitThe first section summarizes key “take aways”: Make your point early Request responses up front For long emails:
Write a summary Create headings (başlık) for each major
section.
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Get to the point #1
Dear Personnel Director:
On March 27, I received a
phone call from Mrs. Karen
Krane from New York, who
was once a data entry clerk
in your Ohio office. She was
under the direct supervision
of.....
Example of a hidden main point
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Get to the point #2
The same example rewritten so that the main point is clear.
Dear Personnel Director:
Please verify the employment of Mrs. Karen Krane? She was a data entry clerk in your Ohio office… (fill in the details)
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Avoid explosions Do not wait until the
end of the day to introduce a problem.
Avoid writing a list of concerns (şikayet) that you have been thinking about for a long period of time.
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Avoid explosions Strongly worded emails
can create more conflict (anlaşmazlık) than intended
Angry emails give a negative impression
What you say cannot be taken back
When possible, call or meet in person instead
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Use active and passive voice appropriately Active places blame (suçlamak):
“You are past due on your registration payment.” Passive is less confrontational (çatışmacı):
“Your registration payment is past due.”
Source: Purdue University
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Proofread! (düzeltme)
Re-read to ensure: Accuracy, grammar, spelling Message clearly delivered
Rewrite or reorganize if necessary!
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Finally: Take the 20-second test After a 20 second scan, what stands out most? Did your main idea come through? Will the reader know what action to take?
Source: Purdue University
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
When requesting help by email, etc ... They don’t have to answer (Re)search before asking Minimize their effort Be polite Ask in their proficiency
(Ferruh Mavituna, “Nasıl soru sorulur ve cevap alınır”)
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Recommended reading (in Turkish)
Bilgi kaynağı: insan – Nasıl soru sorulur ve cevap alınır?
http://enisden.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/bilgi-kaynagi-insan-nasil-soru-sorulur-ve-cevap-alinir/
Part 2
Writing a Report
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Report writing topics
3.a Planning
3.b Structure
3.c Style
Part 2.a
Planning
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
What is a Report? A structured written presentation which gives:
A response to specific request An account (muhasebesi) of something An answer to a question A solution to a problem
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
The report-writing process
1. Identify your audience
2. Define your purpose
3. Collect your ideas
4. Select the material and decide
how to show the significance of your facts
5. Structure your ideas
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
1. Identify your audience Who is your audience?
Professor Manager Client Colleagues
Helps decide level and purpose Write more persuasively (inandırıcı) Know their expectations Organize your message to address their needs
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
The Audience: your professor What will your professor be looking for?
Coherent (tutarlı), cohesive (bağlı) organization Clearly articulated (bağlantılı) ideas Detailed research Compelling (ilgi uyandırıcı, dikkat çekici) arguments to
support thesis
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
2. Define your purpose (amaç) What is the purpose of the report?
What are you trying to prove? What question are you answering? What problem are you solving? What process or experiment are you
describing?
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Collect your ideas
Collecting is: Taking notes Doing research Performing experiments
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Select the material
Selecting is: Ensuring each idea
supports your main objective (amaç)
Deciding if the information relevant (ilgili), or just something you happen to know on the subject?
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Structure your ideas
Structuring is: Organizing into logical blocks Creating a logical flow Enhancing clarity through charts or graphs Deciding which data should be moved to
appendices
Part 2.b
Structure
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Critical success factor for life
The majority of your perceived (sezilen) ability comes from how you communicate
70% How youcommunicate it
30% What you know
Source: CGAP Direct
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
What makes a report effective An effective report is:
appropriate to its purpose and audience accurate logical clear and concise (az ve öz) well organized with clear section headings
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Report Format
1. Title page
2. Table of contents
3. Abstract/Executive Summary
4. Introduction
5. Discussion
6. Conclusions
7. Recommendations
8. Bibliography
9. Attachments / Exhibits
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
1. Title Page
Title
Author's name
(position and qualifications)
Place of origin
Date
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
2. Table of contents Number pages starting with the Introduction Abstract usually numbered with lower case Roman
numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc.)
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
2. Table of contentsTable of Contents
Table of Contents iiiAbstract iv1. Introduction 32. Discussion 3 2.1 Subjects 3 2.2 Apparatus 3 2.3 Procedures 33. Conclusion 44. Recommendations 45. Bibliography 5 5.1 Internet Sources 66. Attachments 7Exhibit A 8Exhibit B 9Exhibit C 9
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
3. Abstract/Executive Summary Concise summary of the essential elements of the report
Purpose Scope Achievements Main points Conclusions Recommendations
Independent (can be read on its own) Comprehensive (covers all the main points) Clear and concise Short, only 10-15% of the length of the report Written in full sentences and paragraphs
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
4. Introduction States purpose, assumptions, scope, approach,
intended audience, possible benefits Defines special terms Explains why the report is necessary Gives motivation for writing the report
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
5. Discussion Main body of the report Headings clearly identify the content
E.g. “WebServices in the Financial Sector” Should NOT be entitled “Discussion”
May include: Theoretical basis of research Analysis of data and findings Charts and Graphs Evaluation of the methods used
Structure should reflect the analysis and objective
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
5. Discussion Presented in an order that leads logically towards
the conclusions and recommendations. Chronological based on your research Past, current, future technologies Problem, solution 1, solution 2, solution 3 Simple Complex
State how it is organized up front
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Any volunteers?
Tell me about your project
and how it is structured
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
6. Conclusions Drawn from evidence, analysis, interpretation and
evaluation presented in the discussion No new material introduced Follows logically from the Discussion Conclusions section should give:
Key points Main findings NOT another Executive Summary
Overview of the research, where you've reached, and where further investigation might be warranted
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
7. Recommendations Suggestions for possible actions
based on the research Applications of your research in
industry Recommendations to scientific or
business community Possible improvements to your
research Areas for further research
be definite (kesin)be perceptive (anlayışlı)be imaginative (yaratıcı)be rational (makul)
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
8. Bibliography The bibliography lists all publications either cited or
referred to in preparing the report Give full details of all publications and web pages either
cited or used for background research while preparing the report.
e.g.1. R. Resnick, D. Halliday and K.S. Krane, (1992), Physics
4th ed. (Wiley: New York) p. 55.2. J.P. Gordon, H.J. Zeiger and C.H. Townes, "The maser -
new type of microwave amplifier, frequency standard, and spectrometer", Phys. Rev. 18, 1264-1274 (1955).
3. Sigma Pro Inc, http://www.sigmaprotraining.com/outsourcing.htm
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Attention – Citation Cite the work you have benefited from. Avoid plagiarism (intihal)
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Recommended Reading (Turkish) İntihal/aşırma tespit ve engelleme önerileri
http://enisden.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/intihalasirma-tespit-ve-engelleme-onerileri/
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Cite like ... “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because
of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. (Albert Einstein)” [5]
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) [1], has provided interdomain routing services for the Internet’s disparate component networks since the late 1980’s [2].
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
9. Attachments / Exhibits Includes detailed data or information that would
affect the coherent flow of the report For example
a long derivation of an equation a listing of a computer program written to
assist in analysis of data Supporting, yet not essential, data:
companies, addresses, pages of findings
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Report Format (again)
1. Title page
2. Table of contents
3. Abstract/Executive Summary
4. Introduction
5. Discussion
6. Conclusions
7. Recommendations
8. Bibliography
9. Attachments / Exhibits
Part 2.c
Style
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Effective whitespace Blank line between paragraphs Bullet points where appropriate Not right-justified
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Effective whitespace2. Method
Describes the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections:
• Subjects• Apparatus• Research Instruments/Tools • Procedures.
Method section continues on the same page after the end of the Introduction. Describes the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections:
2.1 Subjects
This sub-section is optional. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections.
2.2 Apparatus
This sub-section is optional. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section.
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Ineffective whitespace
Describes the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections: Method section continues on the same page after the end of the Introduction. Describes the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections: This sub-section is optional. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. This sub-section is optional. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section. Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. This sub-section is optional. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section. ethod section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. This sub-section is optional. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section.
detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section. ethod section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. This sub-section is optional. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section is often divided into three subsections. the study in enough detail to permit another investigator to replicate it. The Method section.
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Easy to read Clear, concise language Short sentences Correct grammar and spelling Pitch at appropriate level: not everyone knows what
you know (seviyeyi ayarla) Concrete (somut) examples that support, not distract
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Keep it simple An example using
“impressive” words:
“Subsequent to the
passage of the subject
legislation, it is incumbent
upon you to advise your
organization to comply
with it.”
An example using simple words:
“After the law passes,
you must tell your
people to comply with
it.”
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.“
- Albert Einstein
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Coherent (tutarlı) Obvious signposts guide your reader through the
report Follow a logical sequence
Chronological based on your research Past, current, future technologies Problem, solution 1, solution 2, solution 3 Simple Complex
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Cohesive (bağlı) Every sentence supports your objective Topic sentences introduce a paragraph’s main idea:
“There are three main reasons why CORBA technology is used in web application development…”
“The advent of the Internet provided new ways for people to communicate which has caused a revolution in the fields of sociology and anthropology.”
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Effective paragraphs
Place information where it will be seen: First and last paragraphs First and last sentences
Keep paragraphs simple: Short paragraphs are more likely to be read Each paragraph should contain one main point
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Passive (edilgen) sentences Rare occasion (nadir fırsat) where “passive” style is
preferred Not good: "You cannot import those goods from Africa." Good : "Those goods cannot be imported from Africa."
Fix these sentences: “We will discuss the economic consequences of the
reunification of Germany.” “Solving this problem is difficult if you are renovating the
office.” “People considered him one of the best designers.”
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Consistent, obvious headings Use Microsoft Word “Style” function Automatically insert Table of Contents using “TOC”
field - example
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Templates from the Web In Microsoft Word
Select “File, New” Click on the templates
under the title “Templates on Microsoft office online”
(These may change but valid in different versions)
Title of Term Paper
Your Name Course Number
Date
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Templates from the Web Take what is given and
customize to match your style
This IS NOT SUFFICIENT for your purposes. It must be customized.
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Spread the load Not all of your ideas will come at once Spend time noting initial ideas and set the document
aside When you come back to it later, you will find that
your ideas have gelled and that you can see the way ahead more clearly.
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Repeat: your professor is the audienceI am suggesting that your professor grade as follows: Coherent, cohesive organization – 33 ⅓ %
Use of standard report structure Ideas appropriately placed in each section
Clearly articulated ideas – 33 ⅓ % Use of topic sentences Simple syntax and correct grammar Correct use of bullets, whitespace Charts and graphs
Quality and depth of research – 33 ⅓ % Thesis pushes boundaries of what was learned in classroom Research from a variety of sources (web, interviews, original ideas) Compelling arguments to support thesis
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Recommended Reading (in Turkish) Öneriler: Rapor Yazarken Dikkat
Edilmesi Gerekenler
http://enisden.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/oneriler-rapor-yazarken-dikkat-edilmesi-gerekenler/ Sunum Teknikleri – Dikkat Edilmesi Gerekenler
http://enisden.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/sunum-teknikleri-dikkat-edilmesi-gerekenler/
Questions?
Boğazıçı University Tom Atkinson
Feedback Give an assessment of today’s session What did you like most and least? Assess (değerlendir) the verbal presentation? Assess the slides? How useful do you think this topic will be for future
classes and your life?
enis.karaarslan@mu.edu.tr
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