How to use

Tac Writer - Academic Writing Assistant.

Tac Writer is a tool based on the TAC technique (Continued Argumentation Technique) and the Pomodoro method, known for promoting greater focus for various activities. We must first explain what this method and technique involve, and then present the application's functionalities. Developed by Narayan Silva, the TAC technique helps writers develop an idea or explain a concept in an organized manner, separating the paragraph into different stages: introduction, argument, citation, and conclusion. Depending on the complexity or scope of what is being elaborated, a conclusion is not possible within a single paragraph. To address this, a new paragraph begins where the introduction is an "argumentative resumption," that is, it clearly indicates that this new paragraph intends to continue the previous argumentation. This prevents the argumentation from becoming excessively long, causing reader fatigue.

Once it is understood that a new paragraph can directly continue the same subject, let's see how we can work on each stage of paragraph construction. In the Introduction, we should present what will be addressed explicitly and directly, while in the Argument we develop the theme, trying to indicate processes, problem resolution, and answers to questions. Citation, in turn, is nothing more than the help we resort to in order to support our argumentation. It can provide data through a direct quotation with four lines or more, or a shorter quotation, whether direct or indirect. In the first case of citation, one should use the "Citation" dialog box, while in other cases, the citation should remain without special formatting, together with the rest of the paragraph, in which case it should be written within the "Argument" dialog box itself. The Conclusion, no less important, serves to close an idea. Thus, using the TAC technique can promote greater content absorption by the reader, as well as ensure more organization, facilitating writing for those who write.

The Tac Writer program uses the Pomodoro method, by Italian Francesco Cirillo, as an aid in time management. Let's note that sometimes the writing process causes us mental fatigue when done for long periods without breaks. At other times, conversely, we dedicate little time and get distracted quickly. One way to work around these fluctuations and ensure more productivity with less fatigue is to organize time well. Recent research showed that the Pomodoro method is already one of the most used for studies in general:

"Among the most frequently reported study techniques are: use of summaries (88.4%), reading (77.5%), questions and exercises (71.3%), outlines (65.9%) and the Pomodoro study method (63.6%). Less than half of respondents reported also using group studies (48.8%), flashcards and mind maps (47.3%, each). The average weekly time dedicated to studies, excluding classroom time, was 11.78 hours (Standard deviation = 7.98) (2023, p.5)"

This method works with time distribution in two stages: study time and rest time. Twenty-five minutes are dedicated to the activity, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, the person can either finish or increase the rest time to 25 minutes. Therefore, using the Pomodoro method can assist in a more efficient and less tiring writing process for most people.