Abstract
A novel work of reference is proposed which is to be implemented as a writing aid in the form of software tools. This reference source is named Chusaurus and is based on a compilation of well-written, useful expressions extracted from papers and books which could be used to assist in the generation of scientific text. The expressions have blank spaces (representing missing words) which should be filled in by the user to suit his/her needs. The most important feature of the Chusaurus lies in the help it provides to non-native users of English in coping very rapidly with linguistic difficulties, since it provides pieces of real language in use. For example, it assists them in producing correct phase structuring with adequate vocabulary, which is one of the aspects of English that can be extremely different from their own native language. Two possible implementations are discussed. In the first, the resourse could be implemented as an extra function in word processors.The expressions would be accessed from menus with the compiled expressions being indexed according to their suitability for use in the different sections (and for the subjects) most likely to appear in a paper. The second implementation is more sophisticated and involves the development of a writing environment in which support tools would assist the user in selecting and organizing the material to be written as well as in producing a well-written text.
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Oliveira, O.N., Caldeira, S.M.A., Fontana, N. (1992). Chusaurus: A Writing Tool Resource for Non-Native Users of English. In: Baeza-Yates, R., Manber, U. (eds) Computer Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3422-8_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3422-8_7
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