Writing in the Sciences之三：Write with verbs

各位蟲友，大家好！這是專業(yè)英語版推出的新活動——Writing in the Sciences。每周推出一期。所有資料都來自斯坦福大學(xué)論文寫作指導(dǎo)公開課。每期活動都是對課程中一個單元內(nèi)容的精華提要，并給出對應(yīng)的練習(xí)，并且任意嘗試一句或參與討論都有獎勵哦~~~~歡迎大家收聽~~~

Steps to becoming a better writer:
1. Read, pay attention, and imitate.
2. Write in a journal.
3. Let go of “academic” writing habits (deprogramming step!)
4. Talk about your research before trying to write about it.
5. Write to engage your readers—try not to bore them!
6. Stop waiting for “inspiration.”
7. Accept that writing is hard for everyone.
8. Revise. Nobody gets it perfect on the first try.
9. Learn how to cut ruthlessly. Never become too attached to your words.
10. Find a good editor!
11. Take risks.

活動說明：每期活動都會帶給大家一些專業(yè)英語寫作方面的建議。最后列出與本期內(nèi)容相關(guān)的若干專業(yè)英語句子，請各位蟲友依據(jù)每個單元的要求對句子進行修改，將結(jié)果跟帖給出~LZ會根據(jù)參考答案為大家評分，給予BB獎勵~歡迎大家積極參加~~

Unit 3. Write with verbs

上期活動說的是主動語態(tài)，本期討論的就是動詞了。你是否習(xí)慣把所有動詞都轉(zhuǎn)化為名詞用于科技文中？這里將給你另一個視角。PS：這期練習(xí)有點難……

Write with verbs
        use strong verbs
        avoid turning verbs into nouns
        don’t bury the main verb

I. USE STRONG VERBS
比較：1. Loud music came from speakers embedded in the walls, and the entire arena moved as the hungry crowd got to its feet.
VS
Loud music exploded from speakers embedded in the walls, and the entire arena shook as the hungry crowd leaped to its feet.

2. The WHO reports that approximately two-thirds of the world’s diabetics are found in developing countries, and estimates that the number of diabetics in these countries will double in the next 25 year.
VS
The WHO estimates that two-thirds of the world’s diabetics are found in developing countries, and projects that the number of diabetics in these countries will double in the next 25 years.

II. DON’T TURN VERBS INTO NOUNS
Obtain estimates of → estimate
Has seen an expansion in → has expanded
Provides a methodologic emphasis → emphasize methodology
Take an assessment of → assess
Provide a review of → review
Offer confirmation of  → confirm
Make a decision → decide
Shows a peak → peaks
Provide a description of → describe

III. DON’T BURY THE MAIN VERB
比較：One study of 930 adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving care in one of two managed care settings or in a fee-for-service setting found that only two-thirds of those needing to contact a neurologist for an MS- related problem in the prior 6 months had done so (Vickrey et al 1999).
VS
One study found that, of 930 adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were receiving care in one of two managed care settings or in a fee-for-service setting, only two-thirds of those needing to contact a neurologist for an MS-related problem in the prior six months had done so (Vickrey et al 1999).

下面是練習(xí)，期待蟲子們的參加（參考答案下期公布）~PS：本期練習(xí)有點難……

1. The fear expressed by some teachers that students would not learn statistics well if they were permitted to use canned computer programs has not been realized in our experience.


2. Important studies to examine the descriptive epidemiology of autism, including the prevalence and changes in the characteristics of the population over time, have begun.


3. Review of each center’s progress in recruitment is important to ensure that the cost involved in maintaining each center’s participation is worthwhile.