This document discusses principles of effective writing. It identifies characteristics of good writing such as clarity, being compact, complete, concise and correct. Important elements for good writing are to put the reader first, use simple words and short sentences, use jargon only when necessary, write with verbs and nouns, and format to improve readability. Some tips provided include writing in the active voice, using the right verb and noun combinations, and following a pre-writing, writing and post-writing process to plan, organize and evaluate the document.

1. Principles of effective Writing
BY: POOJA RAJ SRIVASTAVA

2. Concept of Writing skill
A productive skill that requires practice and
training. Good writing communicates an idea
clearly and effectively.

3. Characteristics of good writing
• Clarity (of thought & expression)
• Compact (structured & organized)
• Complete (all necessary information)
• Concise (being brief in your expression)
• Correct (true information is provided)

4. Important elements for good writing
• Put the reader first
• Use simple words and short sentences
• Use jargon only when necessary
• Write with verbs and nouns
• Format to improve readability

5. Put the reader first
Communication for understanding
Write to Express not Impress
Use words readers can picture
Tie in to the reader’s experience
WIIFM – What’s in it for me

6. Use simple words and short sentences
Example:
As per our conversation, I am enclosing herewith a remittance of $25 for the balance
due on my account. (18 words)
As we discussed, here is the $25 remaining on my account. (11 words)
Here is the $25 remaining on my account. (8 words)

7. Avoid wordy expressions
Fewer in number fewer
Give rise to cause
In all cases always
In a position to can
In close proximity to near
A majority of most
In the amount of for
Due to the fact that because
In the event that if
Are of the same opinion agree
At the present moment now
Less frequently occurring rare

8. Use jargon only when necessary
• Example:
• While the new ST7000 provides extensive memory and is extremely
user compatible, it lacks the requisite capacity for calculating at a
high rate of speed.
• Our computer system is easy to use and has enough memory, but it
is too slow.

9. Use the active voice
• The company (S) sells (V) insurance (O).
• Not: Insurance is sold by the company.
• The construction crew repaired the road.
• Not: The road was repaired by the construction company.
• Tests showed the new material did not wear well.
• Not: When tests were run, it was discovered that good wear is not exhibited by the
new material.

10. Write with right verb and the right noun
Example:
Mr. Johnson ran quickly across the four-lane street, almost falling down when he
stepped in a large hole in the concrete. (22 words)
Mr. Johnson sprinted across the boulevard, stumbling when he stepped in a pothole.
(13 words)

11. Format document to improve readability
• Pre-writing phasePlan
• Writing phaseOrganize
• Post-writing phaseEvaluate

12. Pre-writing
• Audience analysis
• Identification of purpose
• Collection of material (Literature Review)

13. Writing
• Organizing the material
• Division
• Compare/contrast
• Cause/effect
• Problem-analysis solution
• Preparing an outline
• Introduction
• Main part
• Conclusion

14. Contd…….
• Writing the first draft
• Write the easiest part first
• Develop major sections one at a time
• Introduction for main ideas
• Main point in first paragraph
• Turn off your internal editor

15. Post-writing
• Revising the content (finding shortcomings)
• Editing (correction, if any & Aim to cut first draft by at least 10%)
• Evaluating (whether the purpose is achieved or not)
• Preparing the final draft

16. Thank You!!