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Steps in Effective Writing1. Generating good ideas – Thought LinesThe first steps in the writing process are the most crucial for developing a well-written unified paragraph. These steps are called Thought Lines. Taking the time to develop and focus your ideas will ensure good writing. Ideas for writing can be developed in three basic ways: freewriting, brainstorming, and journaling. Each technique helps you generate ideas on a broad topic. Those ideas can become the specific idea you want to develop into a paragraph. Once you have generated ideas, they can be organized by grouping the ideas in your list and then labeling each group or by creating a map or cluster of related ideas.Once you have evaluated your groups of ideas, you can develop a topic sentence that reflects the point you want to make about your ideas. A topic sentence is a single sentence that conveys the main idea you want to make. Your paragraph will then use many of the details you generated through your brainstorming to support the topic sentence. 1) A good topic sentence will be narrow enough to be thoroughly supported in a single paragraph, but not so narrow that there is not enough idea to support. 2) A good topic sentence also isn't so broad that it can't be thoroughly supported in a single paragraph. Always remember - only one idea in each paragraph. Once you have completed these steps, the thought lines, you will be ready for the next step in the writing process-outlines.2. Devising a Plan – OutlinesOnce you have generated a topic sentence and the details to support that topic sentence, it is time to organize your ideas. By organizing your ideas you will create a clear picture of the structure of your paragraph. The most efficient way to organize ideas is to outline them.1) With the aid of an outline you will be able to decide if you have enough supporting ideas for your topic sentence and you will be able to eliminate those details that do notsupport your topic sentence. 2) The outline will also let you test various methods of organization to decide which one suits your topic sentence the best and let you test the placement of your topic sentence within the paragraph to see where it will have the greatest impact on the reader. With the use of an outline you should be able to create organized, coherent, unified, well-supported paragraphs.3. Writing, Revising, and Editing the Drafts - Rough LinesThe next step in the writing process is producing a rough draft. A rough draft translates your list of details into sentences full of description, action, and detail. Once you have written the first draft, the real work begins.1) As you edit your draft, you will analyze each sentence for clarity; 2) you will evaluate your overall sentence structure to be sure you have variety in your sentences; 3) you will look at the words you've chosen to be sure they are accurate. 4) As you go through additional drafts you will also evaluate the grammar and mechanics of your sentences to be sure that you don't have any grammatical errors. Once you have edited the paragraph, you are almost finished with the writing process. All that remains is the Final lines.4. Writing a Paragraph: Polishing, Proofreading, and Preparing Final Copy- Final LinesThe last step in the writing process is proofreading.1) First,check the punctuation and mechanics of your paragraphs. This means you are making sure you don't have errors like comma splices or fragments. You are also making sure you put question marks at the ends of questions and periods at the ends of statements. 2) The next step is to check your word choice and spelling. You want to be sure that you have used the correct words for your intended meaning, so you want to be sure that you haven't used a two when you need a too. Be sure to double check the spelling of any word you often misspell and look up any word you are unsure of. If you are word processing, use the spell check on your computer to help you with your possible spelling mistakes.5. Writing a Paragraph: Focus on Coherence and UnityThe most grammatically perfect paragraph will not receive a good grade if it is poorly organized and not focused on a central idea. The paragraph must have unity and coherence. Coherence is whether or not what you write makes sense and whether or not the ideas are arranged in a logical manner. If ideas are out of order in writing, then the reader has a very difficult time trying to understand your point. As a result the reader will lose interest and you will not be able to convey your point.Unity is equally important. Unity means that your writing sticks to one point at a time. When you mix and match ideas in writing jumping from one idea to the next and back again, the reader has a hard time following you. Inevitably, the reader will not understand your point and will eventually lose interest.6. Focus on Support and DetailsIt is important that you provide enough information to support your ideas. Generally you need 3 to 5 examples per idea to be sure you've given sufficient support. The best way to develop support is to ask yourself questions about your ideas. You can evaluate the support at each stage of the writing process. Much of the work that you do in the rough lines editing is evaluating support and asking questions to be sure you have said enough to clearly communicate your ideas to your audience.Once you have gathered together as many details as you think you need, you then organize them with a rough outline. This gives you another opportunity to check for sufficient support. Does each section of the outline seem developed? Is there more than one detail for each section? Have you used specific rather than general words as you've outlined?。
英语写作基础教程第三版丁往道中文版In the world of academic publishing, the "English Writing Basics" textbook series by Ding Wangdao stands out as a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the intricacies of English writing. The third edition of this textbook, released in Chinese, further extends its reach to a wider audience, providing a solid foundation for students and professionals alike to master the art of effective communication in English.The book's structure is meticulously crafted, starting with the basics of sentence structure and gradually progressing to more complex writing tasks. Each chapter is carefully designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a smooth transition from the fundamentals of grammar to the nuances of academic writing. The use of examples and exercises throughout the text makes the learning process engaging and practical, encouraging readers to apply the knowledge they acquire in real-world scenarios.One of the most noteworthy aspects of this textbook is its emphasis on critical thinking and clear communication. It goes beyond the mere mechanics of writing to explore thedeeper reasons why certain writing techniques are effective. By encouraging students to analyze and evaluate their own writing, the book helps them develop a more nuanced understanding of how language can be used to persuade, inform, and inspire.The integration of Chinese language elements in thethird edition is a welcome addition. It not only caters to the needs of Chinese learners but also acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when writing in a second language. The use of Chinese to explain complex concepts and writing techniques makes the material more accessible and relevant to the target audience.The book's coverage of different genres of writing, including essays, research papers, and even emails and resumes, demonstrates its comprehensiveness. It equips readers with the tools and strategies they need to tackle a wide range of writing tasks, whether they are students preparing for exams or professionals seeking to enhancetheir professional communication skills.The "English Writing Basics" third edition by Ding Wangdao is not just a textbook; it is a comprehensive guideto mastering the art of English writing. Its depth and breadth, combined with its practical approach and user-friendly format, make it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to improve their writing skills in English.**英语写作基础教程第三版丁往道中文版：深入探索英语写作的精髓**在学术出版界，丁往道所著的“英语写作基础”教材系列以其全面性和权威性在英语写作指导中脱颖而出。
一本书改变了我的英文作文英文回答：The transformative power of literature is undeniable. Through its pages, words have the ability to ignite our imaginations, expand our horizons, and profoundly shape our perspectives. For me, one particular book emerged as a catalyst for a significant shift in my English writing journey.As an aspiring writer, I often struggled with expressing myself clearly and articulately. My prose lacked depth, my sentences were disjointed, and my ideas failed to resonate with my audience. However, upon encountering this transformative book, everything changed.The book opened my eyes to the nuances of language, the intricacies of grammar, and the boundless possibilities of creative expression. It introduced me to the works of master storytellers and essayists, whose words dancedacross the pages with an effortless grace and evocative power.As I immersed myself in the world of this book, I began to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of writing. I learned to craft concise and impactful sentences that flowed effortlessly. I discovered the art of using vivid imagery and figurative language to paint a vibrant tapestry of words. Through the pages of this transformative text, I gained the tools and inspiration to unleash my own writing potential.The impact of this book extended far beyond technical proficiency. It also ignited a passion for writing within me. The stories, essays, and poems it contained inspired me to explore my own imagination and share my voice with the world. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of words and the responsibility that comes with using them effectively.To this day, the lessons I learned from this transformative book continue to guide my writing. It hasempowered me to communicate my ideas with clarity, precision, and a touch of literary flair. Its influence is evident in every piece I pen, from essays to articles to short stories.In conclusion, the transformative power of literatureis undeniable. A single book can ignite a passion for writing, elevate our skills, and shape our perspectives.For me, that transformative book played a pivotal role inmy journey as a writer, and I am eternally grateful for its profound influence.中文回答：那本书深切地改变了我对于英文写作的看法。
英语作文写字的过程Writing an English composition involves several key steps to ensure clarity, coherence, and effectiveness.Here's a detailed process for crafting a well-written essay:1. Understanding the Prompt: Begin by thoroughly understanding the essay prompt. Identify the main topic,key instructions, and any specific requirements or constraints.2. Brainstorming Ideas: Take some time to brainstorm ideas related to the prompt. Consider different angles, perspectives, and examples that can support your thesis statement.3. Thesis Statement: Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or point of your essay. This statement should guide the direction of your writing and provide a central focus for your readers.4. Outline: Create an outline that organizes your ideas and arguments logically. Divide your essay into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section of the outline should correspond to a specific aspect of your thesis statement.5. Introduction: Start your essay with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader's attention and provides context for your topic. Introduce your thesis statement and outline the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.6. Body Paragraphs: Develop each main point in separate body paragraphs. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting evidence, examples, and analysis. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain coherence.7. Evidence and Examples: Use relevant evidence and examples to support your arguments. This can include facts, statistics, quotations, anecdotes, or scholarly sources. Make sure to cite your sources properly according to therequired citation style.8. Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze the evidence you've presented and explain how it supports your thesis statement. Provide insightful interpretations and connect your arguments back to the main topic of the essay.9. Counterarguments and Rebuttal: Anticipate potential counterarguments to your thesis and address them in your essay. Present opposing viewpoints fairly, then provide evidence and reasoning to refute them. This strengthens your argument and demonstrates critical thinking.10. Conclusion: End your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes the main points of your argument and restates your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead, leave the reader with a thought-provoking ending.11. Revision and Proofreading: Review your essay carefully for coherence, clarity, grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Make revisions as needed to improve theflow and effectiveness of your writing. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors for further refinement.12. Finalizing the Essay: Make any final adjustments and ensure that your essay meets all the requirements specified in the prompt. Format the essay according to the guidelines provided, including font size, spacing, and margins.By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the process of writing an English composition and produce a well-structured and compelling essay.。
英语m3作文五年级Learning English has been an integral part of my education for the past several years. As a fifth-grade student, I have had the opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of the English language and develop my proficiency in written and oral communication. This essay will explore my experiences and reflections on the English m3 essay, a vital component of my academic journey.The English m3 essay holds significant importance in my academic curriculum. It serves as a platform for me to showcase my understanding of the English language, my ability to organize and express my thoughts coherently, and my creativity in crafting a well-structured piece of writing. The m3 essay, which stands for "Mastery, Meaning, and Mechanics," challenges me to demonstrate my mastery of the language, my ability to convey meaningful ideas, and my attention to the mechanics of writing.One of the key aspects of the English m3 essay is the emphasis on mastery. This means that I must demonstrate a strong command ofthe English language, including proper grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. I have worked diligently to expand my vocabulary, refine my grammar skills, and improve my sentence structure. Through consistent practice and feedback from my teachers, I have been able to enhance my ability to communicate effectively in written form.The "meaning" component of the m3 essay requires me to delve into the substance of my writing. I am expected to present well-developed ideas, thoughtful analysis, and a clear understanding of the topic at hand. This aspect of the essay encourages me to think critically, to explore different perspectives, and to articulate my own opinions and insights. It challenges me to move beyond simply reciting facts and instead to engage in meaningful discourse.The final component of the m3 essay, the "mechanics," focuses on the technical aspects of writing. This includes elements such as organization, coherence, and the overall structure of the essay. I have learned the importance of crafting a clear and logical flow of ideas, using appropriate transitions to guide the reader, and ensuring that my essay adheres to the conventions of academic writing. Attention to these mechanics helps me to create a polished and professional-looking piece of work.Throughout the process of preparing for the English m3 essay, I have encountered both successes and challenges. One of the mostrewarding aspects has been the opportunity to explore topics that are of personal interest to me. The m3 essay allows me to delve into subjects that I find fascinating, whether it's the history of a particular civilization, the latest advancements in science and technology, or the examination of a thought-provoking social issue. This freedom to choose my own topic has fostered my creativity and has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.However, the m3 essay has also presented me with some challenges. Crafting a well-structured and cohesive essay requires a significant amount of planning, research, and revision. I have had to learn how to effectively organize my thoughts, integrate relevant evidence and examples, and ensure that my essay flows logically from one point to the next. Additionally, the pressure of meeting the required word count and adhering to the specific formatting guidelines has pushed me to develop my time management and self-editing skills.Despite these challenges, I have found the process of writing the English m3 essay to be an invaluable learning experience. Through the guidance and feedback of my teachers, I have been able to identify areas for improvement and to continuously refine my writing abilities. The m3 essay has not only helped me to become a more proficient writer but has also fostered my critical thinking skills, my ability to communicate effectively, and my overall confidence in my academic abilities.As I reflect on my journey with the English m3 essay, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I have witnessed my own growth and development as a writer, and I am excited to continue building upon the skills and knowledge that I have acquired. The m3 essay has not only been a requirement for my academic success but has also become a platform for me to express my ideas, to explore my interests, and to challenge myself to reach new heights.In conclusion, the English m3 essay has been a significant part of my educational experience as a fifth-grade student. Through the process of mastering the language, conveying meaningful ideas, and adhering to the mechanics of writing, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the art of written communication. This essay has not only strengthened my academic skills but has also inspired me to continue exploring the rich and diverse world of the English language. As I move forward in my educational journey, I am confident that the lessons I have learned from the m3 essay will continue to serve me well and help me to become an even more accomplished and versatile writer.。
英文作文写作步骤英文版英文：When it comes to writing an English essay, there are a few steps that I always follow. First, I brainstorm ideas and create an outline. This helps me organize my thoughts and ensures that my essay has a clear structure. Next, I focus on writing a strong introduction that grabs the reader's attention and clearly states my thesis. 。
After that, I work on developing my main points and providing evidence to support my arguments. I make sure to use a variety of sources, such as academic articles andreal-life examples, to strengthen my essay. Additionally, I try to use a mix of complex and simple sentences to keep the reader engaged.Once I have written the body of my essay, I move on to the conclusion. Here, I summarize my main points and restate my thesis in a new way. I also try to leave thereader with something to think about or a call to action.Overall, the key to writing a successful English essayis to plan ahead, focus on the structure and content, and revise and edit thoroughly.中文：当涉及到写英语文章时，我通常会遵循一些步骤。
机械作文模板英语翻译The Title of the Article: Mechanical Writing Template English Translation。
Introduction。
Mechanical writing template is a useful tool for students and professionals who need to write essays, reports, or other types of documents in English. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the mechanical writing template, including its structure, content, and usage. By following this template, writers can improve the quality and efficiency of their writing, and produce well-organized and coherent documents.Structure of the Mechanical Writing Template。
The mechanical writing template consists of several key components, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of these components serves a specific purpose and helps to organize the content of the document in a logical and coherent manner.The introduction is the first part of the template and is used to introduce the topic of the document and provide some background information. It should also include a thesis statement, which is a concise summary of the main argument or point of the document.The body paragraphs make up the main content of the document and are used to present the supporting evidence and arguments for the thesis statement. Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea and include relevant examples, evidence, and analysis to support it.The conclusion is the final part of the template and is used to summarize the main points of the document and restate the thesis statement. It should also provide some final thoughts or recommendations related to the topic.Content of the Mechanical Writing Template。
讲述学生写作文的过程英语When students embark on the journey of writing an essay in English, they often follow a structured process that helps them organize their thoughts and produce a coherent piece of writing. Here's a detailed look at the stages students typically go through:1. Understanding the Assignment: The first step is to read and understand the essay prompt or question. Students must clarify any ambiguities with their teacher or peers to ensure they are on the right track.2. Brainstorming Ideas: Once the assignment is clear, students brainstorm ideas related to the topic. This can involve free writing, mind mapping, or listing down all possible points they want to cover.3. Research: For an informative essay, students conduct research to gather facts, figures, and relevant information. They use reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.4. Outlining: Before writing the essay, students create an outline. This organizes the essay into sections, typically including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.5. Drafting the Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the essay. It includes a thesis statement that clearlystates the student's main argument or point.6. Writing the Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea that supports the thesis. Students present their points in a logical order, using evidence and examples to back up their claims.7. Developing the Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the thesis in a new way. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader and provide a sense of closure.8. Revising: After the first draft is complete, students revise their work. This involves checking for clarity, coherence, and consistency. They also ensure that their arguments are well-developed and that the essay flows logically from one point to the next.9. Editing for Language: In this stage, students focus on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. They may use tools like grammar checkers or ask peers for feedback to catch any errors they might have missed.10. Proofreading: The final step is proofreading, where students read through the essay one last time to catch any minor errors and to ensure that the essay meets all the requirements.11. Formatting and Citations: Students format their essay according to the required style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago) and ensure that all sources are properly cited toavoid plagiarism.12. Submission: Once the essay is polished and meets all the criteria, students submit their work, often electronically through a school's learning management system.Throughout this process, students may also engage in peer review sessions, where they exchange essays with classmates to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. This collaborative approach can be highly beneficial in enhancing the quality of their writing.。
初一英语作文路线图模板英文回答：Paragraph 1: Introduction.In this essay, I will provide a detailed roadmap for writing effective English compositions. I will cover the essential steps and elements to consider, guiding you through the process of producing well-crafted and polished pieces.Paragraph 2: Pre-Writing.Before putting pen to paper, it is crucial to plan and organize your thoughts. Brainstorm ideas, conduct research, and gather relevant evidence to support your main argument. Consider your audience and purpose, ensuring that your writing aligns with their expectations.Paragraph 3: Structure and Organization.A well-structured essay typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should establish your thesis and provide background information. Body paragraphs should develop your supporting arguments, providing evidence and analysis. The conclusion should restate your thesis, summarize your key points, and leave a lasting impression.Paragraph 4: Language and Vocabulary.Choosing the right words is essential in effective writing. Use precise and descriptive language to convey your ideas clearly. Expand your vocabulary by reading widely and looking up unfamiliar words. Avoid usingclichés or slang, and strive for originality in your expression.Paragraph 5: Grammar and Mechanics.Correct grammar and mechanics are fundamental towriting clarity. Pay attention to sentence structure,punctuation, and spelling. Use grammar checkers and consult reference materials to ensure accuracy. Poor grammar can distract the reader from your content.Paragraph 6: Revision and Editing.Once you have finished writing, it is essential to revise and edit your work carefully. Check for errors in grammar, mechanics, and word choice. Seek feedback from peers or teachers to gain an outside perspective and improve the quality of your writing.Paragraph 7: Conclusion.Writing effective English compositions requires following a structured approach, using precise language, and paying attention to grammar and mechanics. By following the steps outlined in this roadmap, you can improve the quality of your writing and achieve success in your English studies.中文回答：段落1，引言。
CHAPTER1Mechanics of WritingError-free writing requires more than just using good grammar.You must also usecorrect mechanics of writing in your documents.The mechanics of writing specifies theestablished conventions for words that you use in your documentation.Grammarreflects the forms of words and their relationships within a sentence.For instance,ifyou put an apostrophe in a plural word(“Create twofile’s”),you have made amistake in the mechanics of writing,not grammar.The mechanics of writing guidelines in this chapter work well for computerdocumentation,but other style guides might suggest different rules that are equallyeffective.In most cases,which rules you follow doesn’t matter as long as you areconsistent within your document or documentation set.See Chapter2for optionsrelated to the use of text and graphical elements,such as section headings,tables,andcross-references.This chapter discusses the following topics:I“Capitalization”on page2I“Contractions”on page4I“Gerunds and Participles”on page5I“Numbers and Numerals”on page6I“Pronouns”on page10I“Technical Abbreviations,Acronyms,and Units of Measurement”on page11I“Punctuation”on page141CapitalizationThe chief reason to capitalize a word is that the word is proper,not because the wordhas greater status than other words.A proper noun identifies a specific member of aclass.A common noun,on the other hand,denotes either the whole class or any randommember of the class.For example,King Henry VIII(a particular member of a class)was a king of England(the class itself).Answering the following question can help you determine whether a noun is proper.If the answer is yes,the noun is probably a common noun.Does an article or other limiting word appear before the noun?Limiting wordsinclude“a,”“the,”“this,”“some,”and“certain.”Notice the difference between the following sentences:Use a text editor to change the information in yourfile.Use Text Editor to change the information in yourfile.In thefirst sentence,the article“a”makes clear that the writer is not pointing to aparticular member of the group of text editors.Therefore,“text editor”is a commonnoun.But in the second sentence,the absence of an article or limiting word helps toclarify that the writer is pointing to only one member of the group.In that case,capitalize the proper noun“Text Editor.”Note–See Chapter13and Chapter14for examples of how to capitalize glossary andindex entries,respectively.Use an industry-accepted dictionary or other resource to verify capitalization ofcomputer terms.Refer to“Reference Works”on page328in Appendix D for suggestedresources.What to CapitalizeCapitalize the following items:I Proper nounsI The letters of many abbreviations and acronymsI Thefirst letter of thefirst word in numbered or bulleted listsI Thefirst letter of thefirst word infigure callouts(see“Writing Callouts forIllustrations”on page214)2Read Me First!I Thefirst letter of these terms when they are followed by a letter or number:“table,”“figure,”“example,”“appendix,”“chapter,”“section,”“part,”and“step”The font style and capitalization in cross-references might differ because theseaspects are determined by your template or tool.Go to Chapter3.See Section9in the reference manual.See the following table.I The Roman numeral that designates the sequence of a part divider in a manualPart IIII Thefirst letter of each term that identifies the name of a key on a keyboardControl-AEscape keythe M keyCtrl-Shift-QI Thefirst letter of thefirst word in a sentence,unless the sentence begins with aliteral command name or other literal computer term that is not capitalizedWrite in a way that avoids such occurrences.Incorrect:format enables you to divide the disk into slices.Correct:Use the format utility to divide the disk into slices.I Thefirst letter of thefirst word of a complete sentence following a colonThe software saves time:You can now press a single key to accomplish whatused to take hours of complex calculations.Select from two options:The Save option stores your changes and the Discardoption erases your changes.I Thefirst letter of thefirst word in a title or heading,thefirst letter of all otherwords in a title or heading except conjunctions,articles,prepositions of fewer than four letters,and the“to”in infinitivesSee“Using the Mouse”on page11.How to Delete Text With the Cut Function KeyI Thefirst letter of the second element of a hyphenated compound word in a title orheading unless the element is an article,preposition,or coordinating conjunction Installing a Half-Inch Disk DriveConfiguring the Audio-in ComponentI Figure captions,example captions,table captions,and table column headings,using the same rules as for titles and section headingsI Hardware switch names and buttonsPower-On/Off switchStandby switchPower buttonChapter1•Mechanics of Writing3What Not to CapitalizeDo not capitalize the following items:I The word“page”when followed by a numberRefer to page45.I The spelled-out words in most acronyms and abbreviations,even though thewords ordinarily appear in a shortened form in capital lettersfield-replaceable unit(FRU)direct memory access(DMA)I The“x”in hexadecimal text,as in“0x8E”I The“x”in“x86”I The“x”in dimensions,as in“12x12inches”I Any word for the sole reason of emphasizing it(use italic for emphasis)I The words“release”or“version”unless these words are part of a product nameI Variable names that are used in code examplesI Command and function namesI Words infigure callouts other than thefirst word,proper nouns,abbreviations,oracronymsI Thefirst word following a colon if the word begins a text fragmentThis button has only one purpose:to shut down the system.ContractionsContractions can potentially cause confusion for localization or nonnative Englishspeakers.When using contractions,follow these guidelines:I Never use a contraction when you want to emphasize the negative.Incorrect:Don’t press the Escape key.Correct:Do not press the Escape key.I Avoid obscure contractions,nonstandard usage,and regionalisms such as“mustn’t,”“mightn’t,””you’d best,”“shan’t,”“ain’t,”or“don’t”to mean“doesnot.”I Never create your own contractions.I Avoid adding“’s”for“is”or“has”to form a contraction(for example,“that’s”).This construction can be confused with possessive constructions.4Read Me First!I Use“it’s”and“its”correctly.“Its”is the possessive of“it.”“It’s”is the contraction of“it is.”If you must use these constructions,make sure that the antecedent is clear.Its features include expanding and contracting list items.It’s the correct contraction to use.The following contractions are not usually a problem for translators:“can’t,”“isn’t,”and“don’t”(for“do not”).Gerunds and ParticiplesWhen you use a gerund or a participle,ensure that the phrase or sentence in which the gerund or the participle is used is unambiguous.A participle is based on a verb,ends with“-ing”or“-ed,”and functions as an adjective.A gerund is also based on a verb and ends with“-ing,”but a gerund is used as a noun.Confusion can arise when a gerund is followed immediately by a noun because the gerund could be misinterpreted as a modifier.For example,the sentence“Moving companies can be a growth opportunity in an economic decline”is ambiguous because you can interpret“moving”in either of the following ways:The movement of companies can be a growth opportunity in an economic decline.The moving services industry can be a growth opportunity in an economic decline. Follow these guidelines when using gerunds and participles:I Rewrite sentences to avoid gerunds that are immediately followed by nouns.Tip–In many instances,you can avoid ambiguity by preceding the noun with an article or possessive pronoun.Incorrect:Disabling network services prevents IP packets from doing any harm to thesystem.Correct:Disabling the network services prevents IP packets from doing any harm to the system.The disabling of network services prevents IP packets from doing any harm to the system.If you disable network services,the IP packets do not harm the system.Chapter1•Mechanics of Writing5I Rewrite sentences to avoid participles that have ambiguous meanings.The following sentence is ambiguous because you do not know whether theparticiple“using”applies to the term“request”or“Document Editor.”The Document Editor sends an edit message request using thefile name as aparameter for the message.You can interpret this sentence in either of the following ways:The Document Editor sends an edit message request that uses thefile name as aparameter for the message.The Document Editor uses thefile name as a parameter for the message to sendthe message.The following sentence is ambiguous because you do not know whether theparticiple“used“applies to the term“variables”or“semaphores.”Semaphores are almost as powerful as conditional variables used in conjunctionwith mutexes.You can interpret this sentence in either of the following ways:Semaphores are almost as powerful as conditional variables that are being usedin conjunction with mutexes.Semaphores are almost as powerful as conditional variables when thesemaphores are used in conjunction with mutexes.Numbers and NumeralsA number is expressed by numerals(1,2,3,4),by Roman numerals(I,II or i,ii),or bywords.Cardinal numbers use words such as“one,two,three.”Ordinal numbers usewords such as“first,second,third.”In computer documentation,you most often use numerals when numbers arediscussed in text.6Read Me First!Spelling Out NumbersSpell out numbers in the following situations:I Numbers from zero through nine,unless the number is part of a measurement or isused in standards that are approved by organizations such as InternationalOrganization for Standardization(ISO)three computers(a count)3MIPS(a measurement)XDRfits into the presentation layer(layer6)of the ISO reference model.I Common units of time,greater than one second,from zero through ninefive minutesthree daysI ApproximationsYou can choose from hundreds of applications for your computer.I The zeroes in extreme values,such as“million”and“billion,”but precede thesewords with a numeral3million instructions per secondI Any number that begins a sentenceTenfiles are required.I A number that is immediately followed by a numeralPrint twelve500,000-bytefiles.Print12of the500,000-bytefiles.Using NumeralsUse numerals in the following cases:I Numbers10or greaterI Numbers less than10if they are of the same type and appear in the same sentence,paragraph,or bulleted list as numbers of10or greaterThe menu offers11options,but you use only4options.I Numbers less than10if they are used in terms common to standards that areapproved by organizations such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO)XDRfits into the presentation layer(layer6)of the ISO reference model.I Negative numbersI Most fractions(see“Using Fractions”on page9)I All percentagesChapter1•Mechanics of Writing7I All decimals,including the leading zero0.151.25I All measurements(see“Units of Measurement”on page13)6pounds3.5-inch disk drive12x12feetI Units of time smaller than one second5millisecondsI Bit and byte references4bytes8-bit colorI Chapter,section,page,step,figure,example,and table numbersStep4Section6.2I Part e uppercase Roman numerals,for example,“Part IV”Punctuating Numbers and NumeralsNumbers and numerals generally require the same punctuation as words.Punctuatingnumbers and numerals becomes troublesome,however,when the numbers arecompounded.Follow these guidelines:I Do not hyphenate numbers or numerals when they serve as single modifiers.Yourfile contains500,000bytes.I Hyphenate numbers or numerals in compound modifiers.Print the500,000-bytefile.I Do not use a comma in numerals of four digits.10286000I Use a comma in numerals of more than four digits.10,000600,000For more information about appropriate use of numbers and numerals,see“Numbers,Symbols,and Punctuation”on page144.8Read Me First!Using FractionsThe usage of numerals for fractions depends on the context.Sometimes,spelling out the fraction or using decimals is the preferred form.Follow these guidelines:I Use numerals for fractions in tables and for units of measurement,but spell outcommon fractions in running text.½-inch tape drivehalf the users in the testI Use a space between a numeral and its related fraction.8½inchesI If a fraction is used in a compound modifier,insert a hyphen between the fractionand its unit of measurement.8½-inch widthI Use decimals when decimals are the industry standard.3.5-inch disketteI In a table in which you are using a numeric modifier of a fraction to save space,spell out the modifying numeral to avoid confusion.In tables:ten½-inch tape drives(there are ten drives for½-inch tape)In tables:10½-inch tape drive(the drive is for10½-inch tape)Preferred in text:10tape drives for½-inch tapeChapter1•Mechanics of Writing9PronounsFollow these guidelines for the use of pronouns:I Avoid the indefinite pronoun or indefinite possessive pronoun,especially at thebeginning of a sentence,unless the noun to which the pronoun or possessivepronoun refers is clear.A pronoun that forces a reader to search for an antecedent can frustrate or misleadthe reader.Pronouns that typically cause this type of confusion include“it,”“they,”“its,”“theirs,”“this,”“these,”“that,”and“those.”Incorrect:It also describes how to install the software.Correct:This chapter also describes how to install the software.Incorrect:You can use these either individually or together.Correct:You can use these two options either individually or together.Incorrect:The value in this variable is used to determine when to pause during longdisplay output,such as during a software dump.Its value is reset each time theok prompt is displayed.Correct:The value in this variable is used to determine when to pause during longdisplay output,such as during a software dump.The variable’s value is reseteach time the ok prompt is displayed.I Do not usefirst person pronouns.Incorrect:We recommend that you install the custom components only on large systems.Correct:Install the custom components only on large systems.Incorrect:We can write a protocol specification that describes the remote version ofprintmessage().Correct:You can write a protocol specification that describes the remote version ofprintmessage().10Read Me First!Technical Abbreviations,Acronyms,and Units of MeasurementComputer documentation requires extensive use of abbreviations,acronyms,and units of measurement,many of which have become generally accepted“words”in the industry language.As with any word in a sentence,use abbreviations,acronyms,and units of measurement accurately and with consistent meaning in your documents.Do not create your own abbreviations or acronyms.Rely on industry definitions for these terms.Reference books of this type include The New IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms,IBM Dictionary of Computing,and Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary.Abbreviations and AcronymsAn abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase that is used in place of the entire word or phrase.“CPU”for central processing unit,“Btu”for British thermal unit,and“SGML”for Standard Generalized Markup Language are examples of abbreviations.An acronym is an easily pronounceable word formed from the initial letters or major parts of a compound term.“GUI”for graphical user interface,“pixel”for picture element,and“ROM”for read-only memory are common acronyms.Basic Guidelines for Abbreviations and AcronymsWhen using abbreviations or acronyms,follow these guidelines:I Do not use the Latin abbreviations e.g.,i.e.,vs.,op.cit.,viz.,and etc.I In most cases,write out the full word or phrase and enclose its abbreviation oracronym in parentheses thefirst time the word or phrase is used.Then,continue using the abbreviation or acronym alone.A local area network(LAN)consists of computer systems that can communicatewith one another through connecting hardware and software.Your companyprobably uses a LAN.I Do not spell out acronyms and abbreviations that are trademarked terms.I Avoid using acronyms and abbreviations in the plural form.Acronyms and abbreviations in the plural form can potentially cause problems for assistive technologies and for localization.I If you cite a term only once or twice in a document,show both the abbreviation oracronym and the spelled-out version at each occurrence.Chapter1•Mechanics of Writing11I If an abbreviation or acronym is used often in a document,repeat the spelled-outversion at thefirst appearance in each chapter where the abbreviation or acronymappears.I When writing out the full word or phrase,do not capitalize any letters unless theletters are capitalized as part of a standard or begin a proper noun.floating-point unit(FPU)Internet Protocol(IP)I Do not shorten trademarked terms.I When using an acronym,ensure that its pronunciation is natural and obvious to areader.The acronym“SCSI,”for example,is pronounced“scuzzy.”A user who does notknow that“SCSI”is pronounceable might expect to see“an SCSI port,”not“a SCSIport.”In such cases,provide a pronunciation key when youfirst use the acronymby itself,as in this example:A small computer system interface(SCSI,pronounced“scuzzy”)cable connectsthe disk drive to the SCSI port.Punctuating Abbreviations and AcronymsWhile you usually do not have to add punctuation to abbreviations and acronyms,thefollowing list provides a few exceptions:I Use periods in abbreviations that look like words.U.S.for United Statesno.for numberI Use punctuation marks other than a period in abbreviations or acronyms whenthat punctuation is standard form.I/O for input/output3-D for three-dimensionalI Add an“s”and no apostrophe to form the plural of abbreviations or acronyms thatcontain no periods.PCsISVsGUIsI Add an apostrophe and“s”to form the plural of abbreviations or acronyms thatuse internal periods.M.S.’sPh.D.’s12Read Me First!Units of MeasurementWhen abbreviating units of measurement,follow these guidelines:I Do not abbreviate common units of measurement,such as inches,pounds,feet,centimeters,and meters,unless space conservation is an overriding concern.You may use abbreviations within tables,for example.I Do not use the#symbol to indicate“pound”or“number,”a single quotation mark(’)to indicate“foot,”or a double quotation mark(“)to indicate“inch.”I Use standard abbreviations for units of measurement with great care.For example,the difference between Mb and MB is the difference between amegabit and a megabyte.Avoid this confusion by consistently spelling out a term like“megabyte”or by using the less-abbreviated form,“Mbyte.”I Do not add“s”for the plural of units of measurement.Abbreviations for units of measurement already account for plurals.For example,the abbreviations for1kilowatt and10kilowatts are written the same way:kW.I Use periods in abbreviations of units of measurement that look like words.in.for inchoz for ounce,lb for pound(because“oz”and“lb”are not words)I Leave a space between a numeral and an abbreviation unless the industry standardfor a particular unit of measurement does not include a space or unless theabbreviation resembles a word.12mm220V,10AI Include the metric or U.S.equivalent of a unit of measurement when appropriate.1in.(2.54cm)0.45359kg(1lb)Chapter1•Mechanics of Writing13PunctuationThis section reviews basic punctuation rules and guidelines for American English,notes exceptions,and suggests alternatives.The section is organized alphabetically.Note–Traditional punctuation marks have specialized meanings in the context ofprogramming languages.A classic example is that of quotation marks in the C shell orBourne shell.These shells have specialized,nonintuitive meanings for single quotes,double quotes,and back quotes.Watch for these types of specialized usages in yourwriting and editing.ApostropheUse an apostrophe in the following situations:I In e an apostrophe to replace letters that are omitted in acontraction.can’tisn’tI In place of e an apostrophe to replace omitted e thisinformal construction sparingly.Class of’66Technology of the’90sI For e an apostrophe to denote the possessive case of a noun.Add an apostrophe and an“s”to most indefinite pronouns,singular nouns(including collective nouns),and plural nouns that do not end in“s.”the manager’s responsibilitiessomeone’s systemthe group’s privilegespeople’s rightsTo form the possessive of singular nouns ending in“s”or its sound,you often addan apostrophe and an“s.”the mouse’s buttonsthe bus’s capacity14Read Me First!Add only the apostrophe when the addition of an“s”produces an awkwardsound.Plirg Systems’employeesIn a few cases,however,either is acceptable.M.Travis’sfilesM.Travis’filesAdd an apostrophe to form the possessive of plural nouns that end in“s.”the Travises’filesthe boards’interruptsAdd an apostrophe and an“s”to the last word of a compound to form thepossessive of most compound constructions.each other’sfilesanyone else’s businessThe possessive of two or more names depends on ownership.In thefirst example, ownership is joint.In the second example,ownership is individual.Malcolm and Mary’sfilesMalcolm’s and Mary’sfilesI To form e an apostrophe to form the plurals of most numerals andsymbols,lowercase letters,and single uppercase letters.Use an apostrophe to form the plurals of abbreviations and acronyms that useinternal periods.P’s and Q’s~’s and#’s1’sPh.D.’sThe apostrophe is not necessary,although not incorrect,when you are forming the plural of two or more unitary uppercase letters or numerals.CPUsuser IDsoperating system of the1990sSingle lowercase letters and single uppercase letters are awkward in the plural possessive form.Rewrite to avoid this problem.Chapter1•Mechanics of Writing15BracketsBrackets are not substitutes for parentheses.To preserve their unique service asmeaningful signals to your readers,construct sentences in a way that minimizes thegrammatical need for brackets.Use brackets in the following situations:I Within parenthetic e brackets to insert a parenthetic word or phrase intomaterial that is already enclosed by parentheses.Placing comments within a menufile often makes sense.(See page154ofAdvanced Skills,Revision A[May,1991]for related information.)I In optional command-line e brackets to set off an optional part of acommand line.date[yymmddhhmm]ColonThe following sections describe appropriate use of a colon.When to Use a ColonUse a colon in the following situations:I To introduce a list.When introducing a list,use a colon if the introduction isclearly anticipatory of the list,especially if the introduction contains phrasing suchas“the following”or“as follows.”Default settings include four secondary groups:operator,devices,accounts,and networks.The following options are available from the Diagnostics menu:I Test ComputerI Inspect ComputerI Upgrade SoftwareIf the introduction is complete in itself,use a period.See“Capitalizing andPunctuating Lists”on page39for other guidelines to use when punctuating lists. 16Read Me First!Ensure that any introductory text that ends in a colon is a complete sentence or a noun phrase.Avoid sentence fragments for introductory text that ends in a colon.Incorrect:For example,in your startup script,set:Correct:For example,in your startup script,set the following parameters: When the introduction to steps in a procedure is a complete sentence,the use of a colon is optional.If numbered steps immediately follow the statement,you can generally use a colon.If numbered steps do not immediately follow the statement, use a period.Learn how to send a message by following these steps:Follow the steps in this section to send a message.I Before explanatory e a colon to indicate that the initial clause will befurther explained or illustrated by information that follows the colon.The colon serves as a substitute for phrases such as“in other words,”“namely,”or “for instance.”Notice in the next example that thefirst word following the colon is capitalized.Capitalize thefirst word of the statement if the statement is a complete sentence.Do not capitalize thefirst word if the statement is a sentence fragment.This software project was bad from the start:Customer requirements werenever defined,management was not committed to the project,and thedeadlines were unrealistic.I After an e a colon after an introduction to a statement or question.Here is the choice:Do you want to save thefile or delete it?Remember this cardinal rule:Never reboot your system until you have savedall of yourfiles.I Before“for example”and similar e a colon before expressionssuch as“for example,”“that is,”and“namely”when the expression causes a major break in theflow of the sentence.Take precautions to preserve your data:For example,the best precaution thatyou can take is to save yourfiles often.I With the name of a disk e a colon after the name of a specific disk drive.Insert the diskette into drive A:and press Return.Chapter1•Mechanics of Writing17When Not to Use a ColonDo not use a colon in the following situations:I To introduce afigure or a table.Figure3–2shows the relationship between servers and clients.Table4–7lists the features and their corresponding UNIX®commands.The followingfigure shows the parts of the editing window.I When referring to screen elements in text.When afield name,menu option,orany element on the screen is followed by a colon,omit the colon in text.The Printers menu(even though the on-screen label is“Printers:”)The Hosts option(even though the on-screen label is“Hosts:”)I To introduce headings.Incorrect:<Level2Head>Preinstallation ChecklistBefore you begin the installation,verify several things about your system:<Level3Head>Check the ConfigurationCorrect:<Level2Head>Preinstallation ChecklistBefore you begin the installation,verify several things about your system.<Level3Head>Check the ConfigurationI At the end of a procedure heading.Incorrect:To Configure Your System:Correct:To Configure Your SystemI In a list that is introduced by“includes”or“are”within a sentence.Incorrect:The base colors that are used in four-color printing are:cyan,magenta,yellow,and black.Correct:The base colors that are used in four-color printing are cyan,magenta,yellow,and black.18Read Me First!。
