This skill provides specialized guidance for the writing characteristics of papers in the humanities and social sciences.
I. Characteristics of Humanities Papers
Differences from Science and Engineering
| Aspect | Science and Engineering | Humanities/Social Sciences |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Experimental data, technical methods | Argumentation logic, theoretical analysis |
| Structure | IMRAD standard structure | Flexible and diverse |
| Figures and Tables | Mainly data charts | Mainly concept maps and flowcharts |
| Citations | Focus on literature from the past 5 years | Can trace classic literature |
| Language | Concise and objective | Can be moderately literary |
Common Types of Humanities Papers
- Literary Criticism: Work analysis, application of literary theory
- Historical Research: Analysis of historical sources, interpretation of historical events
- Philosophy Papers: Conceptual analysis, logical argumentation
- Educational Research: Teaching practice, educational theory
- Sociological Research: Analysis of social phenomena, survey research
II. Argumentation Structure
Common Argumentation Patterns
General-Specific-General Structure
引出论点 → 分论点1 + 论据 → 分论点2 + 论据 → 分论点3 + 论据 → 总结升华
Progressive Structure
现象描述 → 原因分析 → 深层探讨 → 解决方案/理论建构
Comparative Structure
观点A阐述 → 观点B阐述 → 比较分析 → 综合评价 → 自己立场
Problem-Oriented Structure
提出问题 → 文献回顾 → 理论框架 → 分析论证 → 回答问题
Elements of Argumentation
Thesis
- Clear, specific, arguable
- Avoid being too broad or absolute
- ❌ "Lu Xun is very great"
- ✅ "The satirical techniques in Lu Xun's essays embody his spirit of critical realism"
Evidence
- Textual evidence: quotations from the original text, analysis of works
- Theoretical support: academic viewpoints, theoretical frameworks
- Factual basis: historical events, statistical data, cases
Argument
- Clear logical reasoning
- Evidence is closely related to the thesis
- Avoid logical leaps
III. Writing Style
Characteristics of Academic Language
Objectivity
- ❌ I think this work is very moving
- ✅ This work evokes emotional resonance in readers through delicate psychological description
Accuracy
- ❌ Many scholars think so
- ✅ Scholars such as Wang Guowei (1927) and Zhu Guangqian (1932) all hold this view
Standardization
- Use disciplinary terminology
- Avoid colloquial expressions
- Maintain consistency of person (usually use the third person or "this paper")
Expressions Specific to the Humanities
Introducing Viewpoints
- As far as ... is concerned
- From the perspective of ...
- In the context of ...
- Based on ... theory
Analytical Expressions
- embodies ...
- reflects ...
- reveals ...
- presents ...
Evaluative Expressions
- has ... significance
- has ... limitations
- provides a new perspective for ...
- enriches the connotation of ...
Expressions to Avoid
| Avoid | Change to |
|---|---|
| I think | This article argues/the author argues |
| Everyone knows | The academic community generally believes/it is well known |
| Definitely | It can be inferred/there is reason to believe |
| Absolutely correct | Has a certain degree of rationality |
| Completely wrong | There are points worthy of discussion |
IV. Citation of Literature
Citation Methods
Direct quotation
- Short quotation (within 40 characters): integrate into the main text, add quotation marks
- Long quotation (over 40 characters): start a new paragraph, indent, do not add quotation marks
Indirect quotation (paraphrase)
- Summarize others' viewpoints in your own words
- The source still needs to be cited
Synthesized citation
- Synthesize the viewpoints of multiple scholars
- Example: On this issue, there are different views in the academic community (Zhang San, 2020; Li Si, 2021)
Common citation formats in Chinese humanities
Books
[1] 王国维. 人间词话[M]. 北京: 人民文学出版社, 1960: 15.
Papers
[2] 钱钟书. 论"通感"[J]. 文学评论, 1962(1): 13-25.
Ancient books
[3] [清]王夫之. 读通鉴论[M]. 北京: 中华书局, 1975: 卷十二.
Translated foreign works
[4] [德]海德格尔. 存在与时间[M]. 陈嘉映, 王庆节, 译. 北京: 三联书店, 2006: 42.
V. Chapter Writing Guide
Introduction/Preface
Content elements
- Research background and significance
- Research status (brief literature review)
- Research questions and objectives
- Research methods
- Thesis structure arrangement
Writing key points
- From macro to micro, gradually focus
- Clarify the innovation or unique perspective of the research
- Length: 10-15% of the full text
Literature Review
Organization methods
- Classify by theme
- In chronological order
- Classify by school of thought/viewpoint
- Classify by research method
Writing key points
- Not a simple list; it must include commentary
- Point out the contributions and shortcomings of existing research
- Lead to the necessity of this research
Main body discussion
Structure of each chapter
- Chapter introduction: the problem this chapter addresses
- Main discussion: developed in sections
- Chapter summary: the main viewpoints of this chapter
Paragraph transitions
- Use transitional sentences to connect paragraphs
- Maintain the coherence of argumentative logic
- Return to the main argument at appropriate times
Conclusion
Content elements
- Summary of the main findings/viewpoints of the research
- Theoretical contribution or practical significance
- Research limitations
- Future research directions
Writing key points
- Do not introduce new evidence
- Do not simply repeat the main text
- Elevate appropriately, but do not overstate
VI. Quality Checklist
Argumentation check
- Is the argument clear and arguable?
- Is the evidence sufficient and reliable?
- Is the argumentative logic clear?
- Have possible rebuttals been addressed?
Structure check
- Does each chapter revolve around the theme?
- Is there a logical connection between chapters?
- Is there repetition or omission?
Citation check
- Is the citation format consistent?
- Are there analytical comments in the citations?
- Is there excessive citation?
Language check
- Does it conform to academic language norms?
- Is the use of professional terminology accurate?
- Is there colloquial expression?