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TECHNICAL WRITING TIPS Select an approved style manual before beginning any writing. Note the rules of

capitalization and punctuation for headings. Lack of attention to headings in

early drafts can create a problem later.

Number the pages from the beginning of the thesis to the end, rather than withineach chapter.

Use the word processors table of contents generation feature from the start.

This will help you maintain your sanity through many revisions! Include only

chapter chapter and main headings within each chapter in the table of contents.

Use an 11 or 12 point font for all drafts. The UBC library allows a minimum points

size of 8.

Check with your department for the preferred font. Traditionally, a serif font (like

Times Roman, Garamond, Bookman or Courier New) is used for theses or

dissertations.

Double-space all text, even in proposals.

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Samb A minimum of one-inch margins should be used on all sides, so

supervisors or committee members may insert editorial marks ormarginal comments in the text.

Also include , a cover page, table of contents, list of tables (if

appropriate), list of figures (if Appropriate), reference list.

Follow style guide conventions when citing ideas and material from

other sources. The APA manual , version 4, has a section on plagiarismand how to avoid it. Paraphrasing the work of others is acceptable but

only if the original source is cited.

List exact page numbers for all direct quotations. For example, see the

APA or Turabian style manuals for advice on how to cite material and

how to present quotation that have omitted words (see ellipsis points in

both manuals).

Be prepared to produced up to five drafts before final approval of the

work is accepted. Graduating papers, these and dissertations are serious

pieces of scholarly work. You will not likely ever again have a piece of

work so thoroughly scrutinized.

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Samb Try to make every draft look like a final draft : well-organized, carefully

edited, clearly printed and otherwise demonstrate that care has beentaken in its preparation. Drafts of all work should reflect careful attention

to detail. Dont use your advisor as a copy editor.

Although it may seem cheaper to pay someone to do word processing, in

the long run it may end up costing more than estimated because of the

many changes that usually occur as drafts of the material are submitted.Students planning to have someone else type their work should be sure

to reach an understanding about how much it will cost to have revision

work done and new drafts printed.