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 within
each chapter.
‡ Use the word processor·s 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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‡ A minimum of one-inch margins should be used on all sides, so
supervisors or committee members may insert editorial marks or
marginal 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 plagiarism
and 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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‡ Try to make every draft look like a final draft : well-organized, carefully
edited, clearly printed and otherwise demonstrate that care has been
taken in its preparation. Drafts of all work should reflect careful attention
to detail. Don·t 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.