Writing Reminders

1
Writing Reminders

• Specific Tips on Writing
• Technical Reports

2
Think before Writing

• Outline First, Draft Second
• Rough-broad
• Detailed-specific

3
Summarizing Existing Analysis

• Organization (use section headings)
• Introduction-background Summarizing key issues
  or data Conclusions
• Sources (see instructions)
• Value-Added doing paper to expand insights
• Highlighting key economic issues insights
• Summarizing key data
• Highlighting key (econ/data) debates

4
Summarizing Existing Analysis Problems

• Problems in sources
• Sources too general or non-econ in nature
• Problems of value added
• Careless organization
• Merely reporting No breaking down of key
  economic or data points or debates

5
Specific, Data-oriented Analysis

• Organization (use section headings)
• Intro Background-Model Setup Data Results
  Conclusions
• Existing Sources
• Execution
• Clarity of tables/equations (includes labeling)
• Discussion of results (step-by-step)

6
Specific, Data-oriented Analysis Problems

• Problems in Data Model
• Lacking links to existing economic models
• Omitting key (available) variables
• Problems in Execution
• Poor presentation of results
• Discussion of results too brief or generic

7
Writing Data/Technical ReportsClarity, Clarity,
Clarity

• Write in Simple, Direct Sentences
• Greater complexity in subject matter demands
  greater simplicity in communication
• Match Presentation to the Audience
• Specialized v. Plain English Vocabulary

8
Formatting to Improve Clarity

• Mark Major Sections
• Use headings fonts to help reader identify
  progression from section to section
• Label Graphs/Tables
• Labels and specific references to these labels in
  the text help readers keep track of your
  presentation
• Selective Use of Bullets/Lists
• Especially efficient for identifying key
  definitions of variables or results

9
Attention to Details

• Cut out the Fat
• does this sentence add to the readers
  understanding in any important way?
• Limit Pronoun Use
• Use the noun again unless the reference is clear
• Consistency Over Variety in Words/Phrases
• Provide Concrete, Specific, Methodical
  Explanations Rather than Vague Generalities
• Example The results in Table 1 indicate that
  the coefficient on income is 0.80. This means
  that a 10 percent increase in income raises
  quantity sold by percent.
• Not The results show quantity goes up when
  other things change.

10
REVIEW REWRITE

• Review for Clarity
• Read from another persons perspective or let
  another person read
• Review for Grammar
• Major grammatical flaws will not only make your
  report confusing but also cause people to lose
  confidence in your methods