Writing for CE 314KHow to get lab experiences and

results into a written document?

Spring 2002

Dr. Hillary Hartwww.ce.utexas.edu/prof/hart/manual/index.htm

Office Hours -- ECJ 8.214MW 11:00-12:00 Th 3:00-5:00

471-4635

hart@mail.utexas.edu

TAs – ECJ 3.256BRebecca Bennett T 3:45-5:15

Kenny Miller T 11:30- 1:00

Th 11:00-12:30

Organization of a Lab Report

• Title page• Table of Contents (if more than 4 pp)

• Introduction– Background

• Test Procedure

• Results and Discussion

• Conclusions• Appendices

Introduction

• State purpose of lab and purpose of report

• Provide basic definitions

• Provide background information– include basic equations– use subheading Background

Test Procedure

• Briefly describe testing procedure

• Refer to detailed procedure in appendix

• Discuss changes or deviations from established procedure

Results and Discussion

• Present results in figures and tables– Use titles and labels – see next slide.

• Tell the story of what happened, weaving in figures and tables.

• Analyze and interpret the results

• Compare the results with theory– did the expected happen?

• Organize results to illustrate main points

Guidelines for Integrating Graphics with Text

•Position each graphic as near as possible to the narrative it supports.

•Comment on every graphic at least once in the text. Discuss significance!

Guidelines for Labeling

Label each graphic clearly with a figure or table number and a title.

Place the figure number and title beneath a figure (graph, chart, etc.). Place the table number and title above a table.

Create a title (or a title and a caption) that draws attention to significant aspects of thegraphic.

Conclusions

• Restate most important findings

• Describe relevance of findings and their application to engineering problem-solving

• Do NOT introduce new information

Appendices

• Give each appendix a letter and a title

• Number pages separately from report– e.g., A-1

• Include detailed information:– Data sheets, sample calculations, mathematical

derivations . . . anything not essential for a reader’s understanding of the report.

• Include a References section

• Cite each appendix in body of report

Read Requirements!

• All the information on “Required Organization of Lab Reports” applies to your writing over the course of this semester.

• The “Other Requirements” apply directly to all of your writing assignments.

Passive Voice Active Voice

Elapsed time is indicated by a pointer.

A pointer indicates elapsed time.

The project was completed by the installation crew.

It is suggested that readings be recorded hourly.

The installation crew completed the project.

I suggest you record readings hourly.

When to use which?

• to emphasize the agent of the action:Previous researchers established the relationship between chemical qualities and model parameters.

Active Voice Passive Voice

• to emphasize the object:The relationship between chemical qualities and model parameters was established by previous researchers .

The water sample was heated to a temperature of 1000C.

• to be concise and direct:JMC Consulting recommends that BPAmoco adopt a risk-communication plan

Passive voice is the easiest way to avoid saying “I” or “we:”

–The data were reduced by averaging two dial-gage readings.

But it’s not the only way:• Averaging the two dial-gage readings reduced the data.

When passive voice makes a more straightforward sentence, use it!

Otherwise, strive to use active.

Where to use which?

• Passive – to explain what you did: Procedures– The data were reduced by averaging two dial-

gage readings.

• Active – to state theory or conclusions: Discussion of Results and Conclusions– As a result of its anisotropic structure, the

elastic limit of wood is relatively low.

Using Topic Sentences

• Once concrete has been mixed and allowed to cure, various test can be performed to determine if the concrete meets desired strength specifications . . .– paragraph describes destructive and

nondestructive testing methods

• Sentence provides good transition from previous paragraph (on concrete mixing).

Providing transitions between sentences

• Slump tests determine the consistency of concrete. A low slump indicates a stiff mixture. The desired slump is between 3 and 4 inches.– Choppy!

• The consistency of concrete is determined by slump tests, in which a low slump indicates a stiff mixture. The desired slump for this experiment is between 3 and 4 inches.– Improved

Streamlining: Removing the Dead Wood

The following report outlines the different

aspects relating to the current feasibility of

constructing a magnetically levitated bullet

train in Central Texas.