[ Exercise 8 ]

1. Explaining the method to inexperienced engineers is difficult owing to its computational complexity. [ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   The original sentence is confusing because it is unclear who is explaining the method to the inexperienced engineers. Although the revised sentence still does not reveal who is explaining the method, the sentence is simplified by turning the noun (explanation) into a verb and putting the action towards the front of the sentence.
   
2. This study simulates the program.[ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   Turning nouns into verbs greatly simplifies a sentence. Consider the following examples:
   Original
   The committee must make a consideration of the proposal.
   Revised
   The committee must consider the proposal.

   Original
   The engineer performed calibration of the machine.
   Revised
   The engineer calibrated the machine.

   Original
   The researcher conducted an experiment on the new material.
   Revised
   The researcher experimented with the new material.

   Original
   The group has to make a discovery of all feasible options.
   Revised
   The group must discover all feasible options.

   Other examples include
   give consideration to consider
   reach a conclusion conclude
   undertake an investigation of investigate
   make a provision for provide

   
   
3. The deposition rate slightly increases.[ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   Although the original sentence is in active voice, the verb (occurs) does not express what the deposition rate does as clearly as the revised sentence when the noun (a slight increase) is turned into a verb.
   
4. Novice engineers do not need to know how the variables are distributed. [ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   In addition to turning the subject (knowledge) into a verb, the revised sentence switches from passive to active voice.
   
5. In addition to considering the variability of the control factors, the proposed procedure implements related tasks. [ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   Depending on the sentence's context, implement, execute, perform and promulgate can be used as alternatives to carry out.
   
6. Schmee and Hahn (1990) recommended using iterative least squares (ILS) as a simple method for analyzing censored data. [ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   To increase word variety in a sentence, method, means, approach, and strategy can be used instead of always saying way.
   
7. Simply calculating the scores normalizes operations. [ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   Turning two nouns into verbs and switching from passive to active voice greatly simplifies the sentence's meaning.
   
8. Varying the control factors improves the condition.[ more >>> ]
   
   
9. We recommend that the engineer simulate the program. [ more >>> ]
   EDITOR'S NOTE
   Although the writer should be careful not to overuse First Person (We, I, My, Our) in a technical document, using "We" in the revised sentence is acceptable because an opinion is being expressed. Other common First Person expressions are "We believe", "We can infer", "We postulate", and "We hypothesize".
   
10. The operator reserved the ticket for me. [ more >>> ]
    
    
11. The system assigns the weights to the variables. [ more >>> ]
    
    
12. The next phase examined the unknown factors. [ more >>> ]
    
    
13. An instructor can assess a student's willingness to learn by examining his or her academic performance. [ more >>> ]
    
    
14. Solving environmental problems heavily depends on how the local community responds to governmental legislation. [ more >>> ]
    EDITOR'S NOTE
    Depending on the degree to what solving implies, alleviating, modifying, resolving, eliminating, and eradicating can be used instead.
    
    
15. Conventional approaches can not promulgate accurate information to the public. [ more >>> ]