How to Write an MTI Thesis

【Abstract】The intention of this paper is to explore how to write an thesis at the postgraduate level. It is aimed at Masters of Translation and Interpreting. A thesis may be analyzed into four main parts: think clearly, plan strictly, write carefully and revise seriously.

【Key Words】MTI； thesis；think；plan；write；revise

１.Introduction

The most valuable knowledge is on the way of knowledge. This is a working guide on writing a MTI thesis. A MTI thesis is a written record of the work that has been undertaken by a master. It constitutes objective evidence of the author’s knowledge and capabilities in the field of translation and interpreting that is therefore a fair means to gauge them. Although thesis writing may be viewed as an unpleasant obligation on the road to a degree, the discipline it includes may has lifelong benefits. Now, let's get down to brass tacks.

２.How to write an MTI thesis

2.1 Think clearly

2.1.1 Think academically: academically reasoning aims for an objectifiable connection with reality. It features planned procedures, distinctive thinking strategies and a specific language style. Academic information and findings are systematically obtained and developed. New insights are balanced against established facts.

2.1.2 Finding a topic: To sustain your interest and energy over the long haul, pick a topic that interests you deeply, one you are excited about. The best way to begin is to search for an interesting question. At this stage, you should hunt for a good question, not the answer to it. Finding an answer is the purpose of your subsequent research and writing.

What really interest you? What do you want to learn？Are there already researching findings on your topic？What would be an appropriate question?

e.g.

What makes a good translator or interpreter?

How do you understand “the interpreter as a scapegoat”?

What a business interpreter do if note-taking is not allowed?

2.2 Plan strictly

2.2.1 Begin at the beginning: keep records. You can make cards, note-taking, cut and paste print.

2.2.2 structuring your material: now it is time to work with the material you have gathering. This work primarily includes reducing, summarizing and choosing.

Summarize the fundamentals of the text, in your own words and in terms of your own central research questions;

Clarify the central concepts of the text;

Quote or paraphrase important passages;

Characterize the text’s style;

Examine your own topic focus in relation to the text;

2.2.3 constructing a framework: after completing the above preparatory steps it will be time to build the scaffolding for your paper including the title, abstract, introduction, main text, conclusion, reference etc. The rationale for structure:

Introduction: what did you do and why?

Materials: how did you do it?

Observation: what did you find?

Discussion：what do you result and why?

Conclusion: what new knowledge have you extracted?

2.3 Write carefully

2.3.1 the aphorisms of writing: all communication involves two parties: the sender of the message and the receiver; in written communication, they are the writer and the reader:

Start writing early;

Spot errors early;

Write your thesis from the inside out;

End with a bang, not a whimper

Write the introduction after writing the conclusions

“No man is an island”. The critical review makes your work perfect.

2.3.2 Order of writing: Your thesis is not written in the same order as it is presented in. The following gives you one idea how to proceed.

first organize your paper as a logical argument before you begin writing.

make your figures to illustrate your argument (think skimming).

the main sections are: background to the argument (intro); describing the information to be used in the argument, and making points about them (observations), connecting the points regarding the info (analysis), summing up (conclusions).

outline the main elements: sections, and subsections.

begin writing, choosing options in the following hierarchy - paragraphs, sentences, and words.

2.3.3 the three watchwords of scientific writing:

Clarity

Precision

Brevity

2.3.4 write in four drafts: try to write as if you were speaking to someone: “see a face”. This way you get to say it clearly and directly.

Putting the facts together;

Checking for coherence and fluency of ideas;

Readability;

Editing.

2.3.5 the format of writing: listed below are the process of an MTI thesis.

Title: the title should be succinct, focused and objective, if possible, the scope of the thesis.

e.g. How to be a qualified interpreter

Abstract: A good abstract is concise, readable and quantitative; Length should be 1-2 paragraphs, approx. 400 words; Information in title should not be repeated; Be explicit; Use numbers where appropriate. Answers to these questions should be found in the abstract:

-Why did you do it? What question were you trying to answer

-How did you do itState methods.

-What did you learnState major results

-Why does it matterPoint out at least one significant implication.

Introduction: remember that the introductory pages are important because they create the first and perhaps lasting impression on the readers. It includes:

- A statement of the goal of the paper

-Sufficient background information

-Proper acknowledgement of the previous work on which you are building.

-Explain the scope of your work

-A verbal "road map" or verbal "table of contents"

Text: “Show them, don’t just tell them…” Ideally every result claimed in the text should be documented with data, usually data presented in tables or figures. The text mainly involves three steps:

-argumentation: what is the theme

e. g. what is the interpreting process

-demonstration: why comes the theme

e. g. why should we follow the interpreting rules

-summary: how do you result from the theme

e. g. how to follow the interpreting process

Conclusion: the conclusion records the power of your scientific thinking. You have to unite all that has gone before with a “thread of unified perspective”.

Reference: the bibliography should only contain references you have actually read.

e.g. [1] G.H. Vallins, Good English: How to Write It. London, UK: Andre Deutsch, 1964.

2.4 Revise seriously

2.4.1 Content of revision: write a good MTI thesis is a craft. It needs very careful revising.

Spell and grammar

Logic

Style

2.4.2 Requirements of revision:

Check the spelling including those in your reference, use a good spelling-checker; check the grammar including punctuation, sentence structure, subject-verb agreement(plural or singular), tense consistency, etc.

Leave no gaps in the chain of logic or ideas you express, avoid verbiage and clutter.

Develop your own writing style by careful reading and even more careful writing.

Polish what you have written by repeated reading and revision.

Ask your supervisor to comment on your thesis draft and amend it accordingly.

３.Conclusion

Writing a MTI thesis well is not very difficulty if you know how. Think clearly, plan strictly, write carefully and revise seriously. Clarity, precision and brevity are the three watchwords. Leave no gaps in the chain of logic or ideas you express, avoid verbiage and clutter. Develop your own writing style by careful reading and even more careful writing. Polish what you have written by repeated reading and revision. Ask your supervisor to comment on your thesis draft and amend it accordingly.

Enjoy writing you MTI thesis and good luck!

【References】

［１］Kane, Thomas S. The Oxford Guide to Writing. New York andOxford: Oxford University Press, 1983.

［２］Charles Lipson.Doing Honest Work in College Shanghai, China: East China Normal University Press, 2006.

［３］Randall VanderMey, Verne Meyer, John Kemper. The College Writer. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007.

［４］刘宓庆:《口笔译理论研究》，北京：中国对外翻译出版公司2003年版。