How do you write and present research well? Q4 – Do not metastasize with metadiscourse

Abstract

In the classic writing style, writers recognize that readers are competent and will recognize the truth as you lead them through your work. Soggy prose seeks “to argue for the truth.”[1] Your text should read like a conversation rather than a lecture. Match each sentence with one of the cardinal sins of writing to the left.[2,3] (Multiple choices possible) 1 Hedgingb)In general these results show that a system with zero‐cost identities does not require centralized allocation of identities to encourage cooperation.[4]2 Signpostingf)In this section we shall evaluate the rate of recombination for nonequilibrium conditions.[5]3 Redundantc)Here we report our new results on the samarium‐arsenide.[6]4 Self‐conscious, 6 Boostinge)Whether established pests are suitable for attempted eradication is extremely controversial.[7]5 Narcissismd)More recently researchers have attempted to quantify the effects of anxiety on foreign language learning.[8]6 Boostinga)These results are extremely significant statistically and compare favorably with validation studies.[9]

How do you write and present research well? 6—Tell it in the title

“…Defining the number of words a title should have is arbitrary, but exclude feeble expressions, mutilated verbs, boosting, and hedging. In Question 4 in this series, we identified 15 redundant words that lengthen titles unnecessarily, including use, study, analysis, new, performance , and application . These words appear in titles 50 % more frequently in Can.…”

How do you write and present research well? 5 –revise sentences over 30 words long

“…The two sentences above have several elements of metadiscourse that add unnecessary text: it should be noted that is a feeble expression; already mentioned is redundant; will discuss later in this manuscript and we will briefly discuss are signposting; and the possibility exists is hedging.…”

How do you write and present research well? 12—Design graphs to fit within the journal column width

“…Researchers quickly grasp information in graphs when they are intuitive. Tufte contends that graphical excellence maximizes data‐ink ratio and it is a matter of: (a) substance, statistics, and design; (b) clarity, precision, and efficiency, like writing (Q4—Do Not Metastasize with Metadiscourse); (c) communicating the maximum number of ideas with the least ink so that viewers grasp the ideas quickly; and (d) displaying the information honestly. In this article, we propose guidelines for line weights in plots which respect Can.…”