Logical Fallacies: The Fallacy Files
Cliche List — The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
Eliminating Wordiness | Undergraduate Writing Center
In concise writing words pull their own weight. Each carries meaning essential to the content of the sentence. Try to identify which words add meaning to the sentence and which just take up space. As you revise your work, keep these enemies of concision in mind. 1. Weak words Some words are the written equivalent of “um.” Generally speaking writers can kind of rely on certain online indexes of journals to basically start their research. The words in boldface have little to do with the point of the sentence; they can go. 2. We’re used to seeing some words paired: each and every, true and accurate, full and complete. The end result was brighter in color than we had hoped, but we plan to repaint the wall in the future . This sentence only needs the italicized words, not the bold ones: The result was brighter than we had hoped, but we plan to repaint the wall. 3. If you can think of one word to replace several, use the word. Pared down, the sentence reads like this: 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
How to Make Sentences Clear and Concise
How to Make Sentences Clear and Concise ( printable version here ) Richard Lanham, a professor of English at UCLA, invented an easy-to-use method for making your writing clearer and more concise. The Writing Center strongly advocates Lanham's "Paramedic Method" for your writing. 1a. Original : In this passage is an example of the use of the rule of justice in argumentation. 1b. Original : The point I wish to make is that fish sleep with their eyes open. 2. Original : Burning books is considered censorship by some people. 3. Original : The theory of relativity isn't demonstrated by this experiment. 4. My opinion is that.... Want more information? Back to ' Focusing/Connecting Ideas ' Writer's Web | Writing Center | Make an Appointment | Library Copyright 2010
Drafting Legal Documents, Principles of Clear Writing
Home | Previous | Next Principles of Clear Writing 1. Write in the active voice . The active voice eliminates confusion by forcing you to name the actor in a sentence. The passive voice makes sentences longer and roundabout. plus Examples of passive verbs: was received, is being considered, has been selected. The passive voice reverses the natural, active order of English sentences. Passive: The regulation [receiver] was written [verb] by the drafter [actor]. Active: The drafter [actor] wrote [verb] the regulation [receiver]. Passive constructions are confusing when used in regulations. Putting the actor before the verb forces you to be clear about responsibility. The messenger will deliver the material. Avoid words like this: They are called "nominals" -- nouns with verbs inside. 3. To impose a legal obligation, use "must." To predict future action, use "will." DON'T SAY : The Governor shall approve it. SAY: The Governor must approve it. OR : The Governor will approve it. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Creative Writing Prompts
Many creative writers use prompts to generate new material. Prompts can be challenges -- for example, write a story using only one syllable words or craft an alphabet story where the first sentence begins with the letter A, the next sentence B, and so on -- or themes provided by journals, or a poem to which an writer can respond. For example, the Sun lists prompts and deadlines every issue. For a list of up-to-date journal prompts, deadlines, and contest information, see the Writing Program's bulletin board in Jensen on the second floor. Creative Writing Exercises Compiled by Catherine Reid Creative writing exercises, like any kind of warm-up routine before playing a sport or a musical instrument, help loosen up your imagination while honing your writing muscles. Though the exercises are more fun done with two or more people, each can be done alone. The prompts: 2) Describe a memorable event, positive or negative, and how it felt to you, but do not name the feeling.
Fifty Writing Tools: Quick List
Use this quick list of Writing Tools as a handy reference. Copy it and keep it in your wallet or journal, or near your desk or keyboard. Share it and add to it. I. Nuts and Bolts 1. Strong verbs create action, save words, and reveal the players.4. 6. II. 11. Dig for the concrete and specific, details that appeal to the senses.15. III. 24. 28. IV. 40. All of these tips are available via podcast through iTunes. To purchase a copy of “Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer,” visit your local or online bookstore or click here (as an Amazon affiliate, Poynter will receive a small cut of the profit).
Writing Prompts – Creative Copy Challenge — Curing Writer's Block One Fun Challenge at a Time
