Results analysis of 120+ compositions Common errors Topic: Why did you choose Sharif University of Technology?

Rule # 1: Stop thinking in Farsi language and write in English. This kind of mental translation does not fit into English writings structure, style and rules. As a Persian student follow the given guidelines below in order to be an effective English writer. A) AVOID USING THE GENERIC (applying generally) "MAN" or MEN or MANKIND or HUMAN BEING or Humanity. Do not use them. This is Thinking in Farsi. Instead, the following words can be substituted as Thinking in English. Lets identify who are these human beings in a given topic? General public / citizens / civilians / residents / inhabitants / individuals / students / employees / managers / writers / workers / neighbors / tourists /immigrants /Iranian people/ general population / worlds population Everyone / anyone / one / someone / somebody / anybody NOT: USE: The new computer desk is constructed of man-made materials. The new computer desk is constructed of synthetic materials. Man (or mankind) has made great leaps in computer technology over the past ten years. Great leaps in computer technology have been made over the past ten years.

NOT: USE:

Lets review few Thinking in Farsi type of writing E.g.: Every human needs to decide a good decision in the important situation of his / her life. Every student encounters a critical decision regarding his / her major in a university. Stop using and too many times in a sentence or in a compound sentence. This is again Thinking in Farsi. This is an error. Look at this sentence written by one of your classmate: Since I was going to high school and we know that this field of studying is very good and important and need to be very good in Math and Physics. (pay attention to the Choice of Words) We previously realized that this field of study is very beneficial, important and one needs to be excellent in subject of Math and physics. OR: Write a simple sentence, continue your sentence by an and then finish your thought by putting a period at the end of your sentence. See the following example: They are interested in visiting the new industrial facility and taking few pictures from the site. OR: list your items then use an and to end your sentence. E.g.: The reasons I have chosen Sharif University of technology are as follows: Intelligent students, knowledgeable professors, non-political atmosphere and high-tech laboratories that are provided for the students.

Stop using But too many times after stating a sentence followed by an and. See the example of Thinking in farsi: I.and.and., but I.and but. . As a general rule, BUT is an informal contrast. Instead, use: However which is a formal conjunction or look the list given in CW. Do not start a sentence by BUT or So. This is an error. Instead of but, use On the other hand Instead of So, use Thus or Hence or Therefore

Do not start a sentence by and or because. This is an error. Instead of and, use In addition or Further. Use because after an independent phrase. I couldnt pass the exam, because there wasnt enough time. The following conjunctions and words are INFORMAL. Please use them in conversation, not in FORMAL writing. Also, So, But, because, and also, Actually, before, after, after that, thing(s), people. Do not use the word thing in formal writing. Instead of thing(s), be very specific, state what thing is. Thing (s): Factor, Criteria, Reason Do not use people or person in a formal writing when the topic is specific.

Instead of people, use students or a specific group of individuals. Do not use &, instead of & use and. Do not use 2, instead use two. Do not use After that, instead use Next or Then or Second. Do not use place, instead use environment. Do not use in the World, instead use overseas or abroad or foreign country Do not use Before to start a sentence, instead use before after an independent phrase. I couldnt finish the project before leaving the Lab. Do not use between for many individuals, instead use among. Between is used for two choices. Do not use like, instead use such as. Do not use so on, use etc. Generally avoid etc. Use a comma (,) after every conjunction. Do not start a sentence by: In Iran or At Sharif, they are used at the end of a sentence. Do not start a sentence by: Maybe, instead use perhaps. Do not start a sentence by: Of course instead use Certainly.

Learn proper collocations by using the Cambridge or Longmans dictionary. See the example of your classmates: About SUT And amount of science actions varies much in this center of education. It is not a out of thought thing to choose here.

There are a variety of science projects that are being done at SUT. Obviously, it is logical to choose SUT. Learn the collocations for the following words: Choice, ability, knowledge, issue, education, reason, power, purpose, benefit, activity, belief, limit, intelligence, theory The word Research can be used as singular or plural. Do not use Researches. Although both form are correct. Do not use Ten millions dollars, instead use Ten million dollars. Use Millions of people . Rewrite Rephrase / Paraphrase