English Papers (latex-paper-en)
Complete toolkit for English academic paper writing with LaTeX.
Overview
The latex-paper-en skill provides comprehensive support for writing English academic papers in LaTeX, with a focus on major publication venues (IEEE, ACM, Springer, NeurIPS, etc.).
Key Features
- Multiple compilation recipes (pdflatex, xelatex, latexmk, with bibliography workflows)
- ChkTeX integration for LaTeX linting
- Format checking with venue-specific rules (IEEE, ACM, Springer)
- Bibliography verification (BibTeX format validation)
- Prose extraction for grammar checking
- Style guide references (Common Chinglish errors, academic writing best practices)
- Chinese-to-English academic translation (Deep Learning, Time Series, Industrial Control domains)
- De-AI writing analysis for reducing AI-generated text traces
Environment Requirements
Note: This skill assumes LaTeX environment is already configured on your system.
Windows: MiKTeX or TeX Live installed and added to PATH macOS/Linux: TeX Live installed
Required tools: pdflatex, xelatex, latexmk, biber, chktex
Using the Skill in Claude Code
This skill is designed to work with Claude Code and similar AI assistants. Simply mention the relevant trigger words in your conversation, and the assistant will activate the appropriate module.
Argument Conventions
Provide clear inputs in your request:
- Main
.texpath (required for tool execution) - Target scope (section/chapter or full document)
- Module choice (compile / format / grammar / translation / etc.)
If any of these are missing or ambiguous, the assistant will ask for clarification instead of guessing.
Execution Guardrails
- Tools/scripts run only when you explicitly request execution.
- Destructive operations (
--clean,--clean-all) require explicit confirmation.
Example Usage
Compile your paper:
Please compile my LaTeX paper main.tex using xelatex with bibtex
Check format:
Can you check the format of my paper for IEEE conference submission?
Translate to English:
Translate this Chinese text to academic English (Deep Learning domain):
本文提出了一种基于Transformer的方法...
De-AI polishing:
Please reduce AI writing traces in my introduction section
Modular Design
The skill uses a modular design where each module can be invoked independently:
| Module | Triggers | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Compile | compile, 编译, build | LaTeX compilation |
| Format Check | format, chktex, lint | Format checking |
| Grammar Analysis | grammar, proofread | Grammar analysis |
| Sentence Decomposition | long sentence, simplify | Long sentence decomposition |
| Expression | academic tone, improve writing | Expression optimization |
| Logic & Methodology | logic, coherence, methodology, argument | Logical coherence & methodological depth |
| Translation | translate, 翻译, 中译英 | Chinese-English translation |
| Bibliography | bib, bibliography | Bibliography checking |
| Reference Integrity | ref, label, reference check | Figure/table reference validation 🆕 |
| De-AI Polishing | deai, 去AI化, humanize | Reduce AI writing traces |
| Title Optimization | title, 标题, title optimization | Generate and optimize titles 🆕 |
Output Protocol
All suggestions must use a diff-comment style and include fixed fields:
- Severity: Critical / Major / Minor
- Priority: P0 / P1 / P2
Minimal template:
% <MODULE> (Line <N>) [Severity: <Critical|Major|Minor>] [Priority: <P0|P1|P2>]: <Issue>
% Before: ...
% After: ...
% Rationale: ...
% ⚠️ [PENDING VERIFICATION]: <if evidence/metric is required>
If a tool fails (missing script/tool or invalid path), respond with an error comment and a safe next step.
Compile Module
Tools (matching VS Code LaTeX Workshop)
| Tool | Command | Args |
|---|---|---|
| xelatex | xelatex |
-synctex=1 -interaction=nonstopmode -file-line-error |
| pdflatex | pdflatex |
-synctex=1 -interaction=nonstopmode -file-line-error |
| latexmk | latexmk |
-synctex=1 -interaction=nonstopmode -file-line-error -pdf -outdir=%OUTDIR% |
| bibtex | bibtex |
%DOCFILE% |
| biber | biber |
%DOCFILE% |
Recipes
| Recipe | Steps |
|---|---|
| XeLaTeX | xelatex |
| PDFLaTeX | pdflatex |
| LaTeXmk | latexmk |
| xelatex -> bibtex -> xelatex*2 | xelatex → bibtex → xelatex → xelatex |
| xelatex -> biber -> xelatex*2 | xelatex → biber → xelatex → xelatex |
| pdflatex -> bibtex -> pdflatex*2 | pdflatex → bibtex → pdflatex → pdflatex |
| pdflatex -> biber -> pdflatex*2 | pdflatex → biber → pdflatex → pdflatex |
Usage in Claude Code
Simply ask the assistant to compile your paper with specific requirements:
Basic compilation:
Compile main.tex using xelatex
With bibliography (recommended for papers):
Compile main.tex with xelatex and bibtex workflow
With custom output directory:
Compile main.tex using latexmk and output to build directory
Clean auxiliary files:
Clean auxiliary files for main.tex
The assistant will execute the appropriate compilation commands based on your request.
Script CLI:
python scripts/compile.py main.tex
python scripts/compile.py main.tex --biber
python scripts/compile.py main.tex --outdir build
python scripts/compile.py main.tex --recipe xelatex-biber
Failure Handling
- Missing LaTeX tools: install TeX Live/MiKTeX and ensure PATH is set
- Missing file/script: verify working directory and
scripts/path - Compilation error: summarize the first error and request the relevant log snippet
Format Check Module
Usage in Claude Code
Ask the assistant to check your paper format:
Check the format of main.tex
Check main.tex format with strict mode for IEEE submission
The assistant will analyze your paper and provide format suggestions.
Grammar Analysis Module
LLM-based grammar checking focusing on:
- Subject-verb agreement
- Article usage (a/an/the)
- Tense consistency
- Chinglish detection
Script CLI (MVP):
python scripts/analyze_grammar.py main.tex
python scripts/analyze_grammar.py main.tex --section introduction
Usage in Claude Code
Ask the assistant to check grammar:
Check the grammar in my introduction section
Proofread the methods section and fix Chinglish errors
Sentence Decomposition Module
Decompose long sentences (>50 words or >3 clauses) to improve readability.
Script CLI (MVP):
python scripts/analyze_sentences.py main.tex
python scripts/analyze_sentences.py main.tex --section methods --max-words 45 --max-clauses 3
Usage in Claude Code
Simplify the long sentence in Section 3
Split sentences longer than 50 words in my introduction
Expression Module
Improve academic tone by replacing weak verbs and colloquial phrasing.
Script CLI (MVP):
python scripts/improve_expression.py main.tex
python scripts/improve_expression.py main.tex --section related
Usage in Claude Code
Improve academic tone in the abstract
Replace weak verbs in the related work section
Logic & Methodology Module
Ensure logical flow between paragraphs and strengthen methodological rigor in academic writing.
AXES Model for Paragraph Coherence
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assertion | Clear topic sentence stating the main claim | "Attention mechanisms improve sequence modeling." |
| Xample | Concrete evidence or data supporting the claim | "In our experiments, attention achieved 95% accuracy." |
| Explanation | Analysis of why the evidence supports the claim | "This improvement stems from the ability to capture long-range dependencies." |
| Significance | Connection to broader argument or next paragraph | "This finding motivates our proposed architecture." |
Transition Signals
| Relationship | Signals |
|---|---|
| Addition | furthermore, moreover, in addition, additionally |
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, in contrast, conversely |
| Cause-Effect | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus |
| Sequence | first, subsequently, finally, meanwhile |
| Example | for instance, specifically, in particular |
Methodological Depth Checklist
- Each claim is supported by evidence (data, citation, or logical reasoning)
- Method choices are justified (why this approach over alternatives?)
- Limitations are acknowledged explicitly
- Assumptions are stated clearly
- Reproducibility details are sufficient (parameters, datasets, metrics)
Common Issues
| Issue | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Logical gap | Missing connection between paragraphs | Add transition sentence explaining the relationship |
| Unsupported claim | Assertion without evidence | Add citation, data, or reasoning |
| Shallow methodology | "We use X" without justification | Explain why X is appropriate for this problem |
| Hidden assumptions | Implicit prerequisites | State assumptions explicitly |
Usage in Claude Code
Check logical coherence in my introduction section
Analyze methodological depth in the methods section
Add transition signals between paragraphs in Section 3
Script CLI (MVP):
python scripts/analyze_logic.py main.tex
python scripts/analyze_logic.py main.tex --section methods
Translation Module (Chinese → English)
Supported Domains
| Domain | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Deep Learning | neural networks, attention, loss functions |
| Time Series | forecasting, ARIMA, sliding window |
| Industrial Control | PID control, fault detection, SCADA |
Translation Workflow
- Terminology Confirmation - Identify terms and confirm translations
- Structure Analysis - Analyze paragraph structure, determine tense
- Sentence Translation - Translation with annotations
- Chinglish Check - Detect and fix common errors
- Academic Polish - Final review
Script CLI (MVP):
python scripts/translate_academic.py "本文提出了一种基于Transformer的方法" --domain deep-learning
python scripts/translate_academic.py input_zh.txt --domain industrial-control --output translation_report.md
Usage Examples
Basic Translation Request:
Translate the following to academic English (Deep Learning domain):
本文提出了一种基于Transformer的时间序列预测方法...
With Venue Specification:
Translate the following for IEEE Transactions format:
实验结果表明,我们的方法在多个数据集上取得了最优性能...
Bibliography Module
Usage in Claude Code
Ask the assistant to verify your bibliography:
Verify references.bib for format errors
Check references.bib against main.tex for unused entries
The assistant will check for:
- Required field completeness
- Duplicate entries
- Unused entries
- Citation format consistency
Script CLI:
python scripts/verify_bib.py references.bib
python scripts/verify_bib.py references.bib --tex main.tex
python scripts/verify_bib.py references.bib --tex main.tex --json
# With online verification (CrossRef + Semantic Scholar)
python scripts/verify_bib.py references.bib --online
python scripts/verify_bib.py references.bib --online --email you@example.com
Result includes missing_in_bib and unused_in_tex for citation consistency.
De-AI Polishing Module
Reduce AI-generated writing traces while preserving LaTeX syntax and technical accuracy.
Features
- AI trace detection with pattern matching
- Section-wise analysis with density scores
- Batch processing for entire chapters
- Syntax-preserving editing (LaTeX commands, math, citations)
Usage in Claude Code
Interactive analysis (single section):
Analyze AI writing traces in my introduction section
Full document analysis:
Check AI trace density across all sections in paper.tex
Reduce AI traces:
Reduce AI writing traces in the methods section while preserving technical accuracy
Batch processing:
Process all sections in paper.tex to reduce AI traces
Output Example
================================================================================
DE-AI WRITING TRACE ANALYSIS REPORT
================================================================================
File: paper.tex
Total lines: 450
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION-WISE AI TRACE DENSITY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[HIGH] INTRODUCTION
AI trace density: 8.5%
Traces found: 12 / 141 lines
[MEDIUM] METHODS
AI trace density: 3.2%
Traces found: 5 / 156 lines
Reference Documentation
See references/DEAI_GUIDE.md for:
- Common AI patterns to remove
- Section-specific guidelines
- Output format specifications
- Quick reference replacements
Reference Files
references/TERMINOLOGY.md: Domain terminology (Deep Learning, Time Series, Industrial Control)references/TRANSLATION_GUIDE.md: Translation principles, Chinglish correctionsreferences/STYLE_GUIDE.md: Academic writing rulesreferences/COMMON_ERRORS.md: Common mistakesreferences/VENUES.md: Conference/journal requirementsreferences/DEAI_GUIDE.md: De-AI writing guide and AI pattern detectionreferences/CITATION_VERIFICATION.md: Citation verification workflowscripts/check_references.py: Reference integrity checker (standalone)scripts/online_bib_verify.py: Online bibliography verifier
Title Optimization Module
Generate and optimize paper titles following IEEE/ACM/Springer/NeurIPS best practices.
Key Principles
Based on IEEE Author Center and top-tier venue guidelines:
- Conciseness: Remove "A Study of", "Research on", "Novel", "New", "Improved"
- Searchability: Place key terms (Method + Problem) in first 65 characters
- Length: Optimal 10-15 words; acceptable 8-20 words
- Specificity: Use concrete method/problem names, avoid vague terms
- Jargon-Free: Avoid obscure abbreviations (except AI, LSTM, DNA, etc.)
Quality Scoring
Each title receives a score (0-100) based on:
- Conciseness (25%): No ineffective words
- Searchability (30%): Key terms in first 65 characters
- Length (15%): Within optimal range
- Specificity (20%): Concrete vs vague terms
- Jargon-Free (10%): No obscure abbreviations
Usage in Claude Code
Check existing title:
Check the quality of my paper title
Generate title candidates:
Generate title candidates for my paper based on the abstract
Optimize existing title:
Optimize my paper title to follow IEEE best practices
The assistant will analyze your title and provide:
- Quality score with breakdown
- Specific issues detected
- Multiple improved candidates (ranked by score)
- Suggested LaTeX code
Script CLI:
python scripts/optimize_title.py main.tex --check
python scripts/optimize_title.py main.tex --generate
python scripts/optimize_title.py main.tex --optimize
python scripts/optimize_title.py main.tex --compare "Title A" "Title B" "Title C"
python scripts/optimize_title.py "papers/*.tex" --batch --output title_report.json
Title Generation Workflow
- Content Analysis: Extract problem, method, domain, key results from abstract/introduction
- Keyword Extraction: Identify 3-5 core keywords (method + problem + domain)
- Template Selection: Choose appropriate pattern (Method for Problem, Problem via Method, etc.)
- Candidate Generation: Create 3-5 variants with different emphasis
- Quality Scoring: Rank candidates by quality score
Common Title Patterns
| Pattern | Example | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Method for Problem | "Transformer for Time Series Forecasting" | General research |
| Method: Problem in Domain | "Graph Neural Networks: Fault Detection in Industrial Systems" | Domain-specific |
| Problem via Method | "Time Series Forecasting via Attention Mechanisms" | Method-focused |
| Method + Feature | "Lightweight Transformer for Real-Time Detection" | Performance-focused |
Ineffective Words to Remove
| Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|
| A Study of | Redundant (all papers are studies) |
| Research on | Redundant (all papers are research) |
| Novel / New | Implied by publication |
| Improved / Enhanced | Vague without specifics |
| Based on | Often unnecessary |
| Using / Utilizing | Can be replaced with prepositions |
Good vs Bad Examples
Good: "Transformer for Time Series Forecasting in Industrial Control"
Bad: "A Novel Study on Improved Time Series Forecasting Using Transformers"
Good: "Graph Neural Networks for Fault Detection"
Bad: "Research on Novel Fault Detection Based on GNNs"
Good: "Attention-Based LSTM for Multivariate Time Series Prediction"
Bad: "An Improved LSTM Model Using Attention Mechanism for Prediction"
Venue-Specific Guidelines
IEEE Transactions:
- Avoid formulas with subscripts (except simple ones)
- Use title case (capitalize major words)
- Typical length: 10-15 words
ACM Conferences:
- More flexible with creative titles
- Can use colons for subtitles
- Typical length: 8-12 words
Springer Journals:
- Prefer descriptive over creative
- Can be slightly longer (up to 20 words)
NeurIPS/ICML:
- Concise and impactful (8-12 words)
- Method name often prominent
Best Practices
- Start with keywords: Put Method + Problem in first 10 words
- Be specific: "Transformer" > "Deep Learning" > "Machine Learning"
- Remove fluff: Delete "Novel", "Study", "Research", "Based on"
- Check length: Aim for 10-15 words (English)
- Test searchability: Would you find this paper with these keywords?
- Avoid jargon: Unless widely recognized (AI, LSTM, CNN)
- Match venue style: IEEE (descriptive), ACM (creative), NeurIPS (concise)
References
Recommended Workflows
Fast Pre-Submission Check
- Format check (strict mode)
- Grammar analysis (abstract + introduction)
- Bibliography verification
Full Quality Pass
- Format check → fix critical issues
- Grammar analysis
- De-AI polishing
- Sentence decomposition
- Expression restructuring
- Bibliography verification
Translation Pipeline
- Terminology confirmation
- Translation with annotations
- Chinglish check
- Academic polish