How do I ... ?

... format the table of contents?

The table of contents is a source of information for readers and supervisors. It provides insight into your project. The table of contents shows what theories and methodology you have used and what phenomenon you have examined.

Checklist

  • Is the table of contents formatted consistently?
  • Is it in line with the contents?
  • Do the chapter titles make sense and indicate what you are addressing in the respective chapter?
  • Have you made sure that there aren’t any single subchapters in the paper?
  • Is the numbering of the chapters consistent?
  • Have you ensured that the table of contents does not have a page number?

... structure the bilbiography?

The bibliography is an alphabetic list of the primary and secondary sources, according to a uniform structure in line with the requirements of your department. Take care that the bibliography is in conformity with the referencing style you are using, and that Internet sources show the URL and the date when they were last accessed.

... use academic language in my paper?

Take care that the wording of your academic paper is precise, and that you use the relevant terminology correctly. Provide definitions of key terms and use those terms consistently. Explain any abbreviations you use. Avoid overly long sentences. Your paper should state proven facts rather than retelling information. Maintain a good balance between the active voice and passive voice. Avoid colloquial language and common metaphors (e.g. ‘head over heels’). Be precise when referring to quantities. Avoid subjective and generalised statements or qualifiers (e.g. ‘superb essay’). Do not use unnecessary fillers or pointless phrases.

Tipp

  1. If your teacher has noticed many grammar or spelling errors in your paper and if German is not your first language, please inform them of this. In this case, we recommend you to have your text proofread. The same applies if you write your paper in English or another admissible language.
  2. Distance from or agreement with contents covered is usually expressed by means of academic phrases. Here is a fictitious example: “The approach followed by Smith (2088) gives rise to doubt, and his typology indicates theoretical shortcomings, which …” In this part of the sentence, the author presents a personal opinion in an academic way. The reader thus realises that the author does not agree with Smith’s typology. The “shortcomings” mentioned above should then be addressed and commented on. You can present a ‘subjective (personal)’ opinion in an objective way by commenting on it and justifying it. You can search the Internet or contact the writing mentors at the CTL for help with your academic writing style.
  3. Generalised phrases are statements that do not convey information but are usually found in text versions that still require revision, e.g.: “Since the very beginning of modern times, scholars have discussed a great variety of phenomena.”
  4. Ask your teacher whether you may use first-person sentences or not. This depends on the teacher and discipline in question. If you are allowed to use first-person sentences, bear in mind that there are three different types of sentence, depending on the role of the first-person subject: (1) narrator (I could not understand …), (2) researcher (I studied …) and (3) author (in Chapter 3, I will …). The first type is not permitted in German academic language. You can, however, use the second and third types provided that your teacher agrees to it.
  5. You will not be able to detect all language errors even after several correction cycles. Each paper needs proofreading. Ask your friends and acquaintances to read your paper, and offer to read theirs in turn. This will help you identify errors more easily and you can jointly improve your academic writing style. Orient your writing style towards recent articles in your discipline. Developing a good academic writing style is a process which involves familiarising yourself with the sociolect of your discipline and which will improve further the more texts you read or write.

Checklist

  • Have you used colloquial expressions? Have you avoided words and phrases such as ‘let’s see’, ‘make it clear’, ‘incredibly good’, ‘you’d rather’?
  • Are your spelling, syntax and grammar correct? Have you used appropriate academic phrases to express your attitude (opinion, distance, agreement) to propositions (theories, terms) you have referred to?
  • Do all paragraphs include an introduction and explanation?
  • Have you taken care to divide overly long sentences (more than three lines) and make them more comprehensible?
  • Have you eliminated fillers?
  • Have you taken care to eliminate pointless (generalising) sentences?
  • Is there a good balance between the passive voice and active voice?
  • Have you used first-person sentences in the required way?