Assumption When writing a thesis (M.Sc. or Ph.D.), one tends to write in the assumption that your reader is an idiot (in some universities, this applies), thereby demonstrating your grasp of all the nuances and complexities within your chosen field. A paper is written in the opposite assumption, that your reader is fairly well versed in his/her science. Thus, long explanations of well known principles, facts, theories, etc., should be avoided at all costs. However, local geology and concepts must be explained in a way understandable to any reader not familiar with the detailed stratigraphy or geography.