Effective Writing Skills

Troy University Troy, AL 36082

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1. To review the content of the educational video

entitled “Effective Writing Skills.”

2. To help students distinguish between “writing” and

“good writing.”

3. To define the three (3) categories of Rules --

Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics -- as they relate

to “structurally sound” writing.

4. To present eleven (11) principles that impact writing

Style

Purpose of Workshop

Writing – definition: “a means of communicating with others”

Good writing – “a valuable skill that will benefit you in any profession”

Writing vs. Good Writing

Three Categories of

Rules that make Writing

Structurally Sound . . .

• Grammar• Usage• Mechanics

GRAMMAR -- (Rules that structure language) – The English language has many rules that you must follow to communicate in Standard American English (SAE).

Category 1: Grammar

USAGE – The rules that designate how language should be presented in writing / Formal or literary English with clearly constructed sentences, that require the following:

◦ No slang or contractions

◦ Complete sentences (no fragments) – An Independent clause is required.

◦ No use of subordinating conjunctions such as “So” or “And” to start sentences

Category 2: Usage

MECHANICS—The rules that establish how words should appear on paper.

◦ The first word in a sentence is capitalized.

◦ Correct punctuation marks should be used to denote type of sentence. Indent paragraphs.

Category 1: Mechanics

. . . that Impact Writing Style:

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice Parallel Construction Sentence Patterns Positive Statements Word Selection Connotation vs. Denotation Modifiers Relation of Ideas Metaphors and Similes Clichés Content

Eleven Principles

Active voice (write in this voice because it makes sentences more powerful and assertive). Put the agent of the action first in the sentence. Example: Julie drove the car.

Passive voice (uses a form of “to be” and distances the subject from the action or identifies the agent of an action at the end of a sentence.

Example: The car was driven by Julie.

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

Parallel structure or Construction – Adds clarity to sentences and helps reduce awkwardness of sentences.

It requires pairing similar grammatical forms.

Useful when comparing/contrasting ideas because it adds balance to sentences.

Uses correlative conjunctions such as either or, but also, and also may require repeating certain words in a sentence to add clarity.

Examples:

1) Riding a jet ski is more exciting than hiking in the mountains.2) Charlamagne was not only wise, but ambitious and

courageous.

Parallel Construction

Sentence Patterns -- Use a variety of sentence patterns to add interest to sentence and develop writing styles.

Sentence Patterns

Positive Statements -- Couch words in the affirmative phrasing when possible.

Positive (Affirmative) Phrasing

Word Selection (Word Choice) – Use the most appropriate word that suits tone, fits the rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, genre, etc.) and appeals to readers senses (create imagery)

Word Choice

Connotation versus Denotation (meaning) – Connotations (the underlying implied meaning); Denotation (definition of a word)

Connotation vs. Denotation

Use of Modifiers -- use modifiers as needed, but not to excess. All word do not need a modifier. Use verbs that evoke sensory details and that are precise. Do not engage in wordiness.

Modifiers

Relation of Ideas (Cohesion/Coherence/Logic) -- Use transitions (connectives) to help readers follow your writing. Also, punctuation can help support reading logic.

Relation of Ideas

Metaphors and Similes (figures of speech/figurative language) -- Appeal to the imagination and help readers visualize. Similes use like or as to creative a comparison relationship between different elements. Metaphor does not use like or as, but directly compares two unlike elements

Figures of Speech

Cliches (Overused Expressions and colloquialisms) -- An expression so overused it is worn out and trite. They lack originality. Examples: (1) That’s easier said than done. (2)She was older, but wiser. (3) To make a long story short, she was green with envy.

Cliché Usages

Content (Substance) – Try not to be redundant/empty in your writing.

Add substance. Avoid deadwood in writing. Stay focused on your theme. Be straightforward and succinct (to the

point).

Content

Once you understand basic rules of grammar, usage and mechanics, you can concentrate on style.

Principles of Style (principles of good writing) -- Generalizations about what good writers do, but not necessarily about rules

In closing,

Educational Video Network, Inc. 2005 www.evndirect.com

Video Source

Conclusion SSS hopes this presentation has given you

some useful information.

Feel free to suggest any other topics that you would like to see presented. Stop in the Office located in 109 Shackelford Hall Annex or Phone: 334-670-5985.

Have a great learning experience here at Troy University.