This document discusses the principles of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) writing. It covers using key phrases with parts of speech, objective descriptions, and loaded nouns and verbs to write concisely while precisely conveying meaning. Learning activities provide examples and practice identifying these techniques to create short yet sharp sentences.

1. Writing 101
KISS -
Say what you mean and
mean what you say

2. Learning Objectives

To understand the principles of KISS in writing.

To write with beautiful simplicity.

3. Introduction

Recall the difference between writing with
simplicity, and simple writing.

Simple is being immature in our writing while
simplicity is expressing more with less.

We will develop our writing, guided by the
principles in KISS.

4. Phrases

Phrases expand on your ideas for more details.

4 parts of speech – Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives and
Adverbs – called NAVA, are usually expanded as
these are key parts of speech

They carry the key idea in a sentence.
1) The world's democracies are powerful and
capable. (adjectival phrase)
2) Terrorism is an obvious example. Infectious
disease is another. (noun phrase)
To check phrase type, check the head.

5. Learning Activity 1

Say whether which NAVA phrase these belong to:
1) Transparency in governance is the essential
element.
2) The world needs a fair and balanced society.
3) Our human nature has driven us to seek the
acquisition of ever-greater quantities of riches
and possessions.
4)We now live in an era in which dangerous
developments can have devastating consequences
everywhere.

6. Learning Activity 1 Answers

Say whether which NAVA phrase these belong to:
1) essential element – noun phrase
2) fair and balanced society – adjectival phrase
3) riches and possessions – noun phrase
4) live in an era – adverbial phrase

7. Objective Descriptions

KISS dictates that we do not use unnecessary
conjunctions and descriptions.

We use objective descriptions, if necessary.
1) A child looks up and saw an enormous figure.
2) The church bell tolls, loud and clear.
3) The baby wailed non-stop.

Q: How do the descriptions in these sentences
objective – readily and generally agreeable?

8. Learning Activity 2

Say why these descriptions are objective – that
is – they are generally agreeable.
1) We have developed a physical distaste of the
cooking in the army.
2) We hit the waters running, as we were heavily
covered in sweat.
3) The atmosphere was stifling after 1 month of
dry weather.

9. Learning Activity 2 Answers

Say why these descriptions are objective – that is
– they are generally agreeable.
1) We have developed a physical distaste of the
cooking in the army – Army is not known for
great food.
2) We hit the waters running, as we were heavily
covered in sweat – Being hot and sweaty, you
would want to dip in the cooling waters.
3) The atmosphere was stifling after 1 month of dry
weather – dryness is overbearing in drought.

10. Loaded Verbs and Nouns

We have established that we need to use
descriptions, only if necessary.

Loaded Nouns and Verbs – those that carry
sufficient meaning to save yourself descriptions –
are powerful allies in your quest for KISS.
1) Top champion
2) sprinting quickly
3) Massive giant
4) Bad gangster

Q: What key ideas do these nouns/verbs carry?

11. Further Examples

The liberation of Iraq was an absolutely foolish
notion spawned by the world's most sophisticated
and educated elite from the finest universities of
the United States.

The price that America has paid for this delusion
has been a huge loss of lives and cash, and deep
national divisions.

The idea of a League of Democracies will
alienate many. It will divide the world at a time
when a new global consensus is needed to address
pressing global challenges.

12. Precise Verbs and Nouns

Loaded nouns and verbs help you carry your key
ideas, powerful allies to KISS your writing.

While you are using your verbs and nouns, think
exactly what verb/noun you use to convey.
Which of the verb below conveys it better? Why?

On a per capita basis, China and India produce
far less greenhouse gas than Japan, Sweden and
especially the gas-guzzling United States.

On a per capita basis, China and India emit far
less greenhouse gas than Japan, Sweden and
especially the gas-guzzling United States.

13. Precise Verbs and Nouns

The key is to think about what happens in the real
world when you are using the verbs.

'Emit' makes sense because they reflect what
happens in the real world – that greenhouse gases
are unwanted by-products; hence, 'emissions'.

They have subtle differences.

Before you use a loaded noun or verb, think about
the real-world meaning it carries to make it
precise.

14. Learning Activity 3

These words have the same physical result in the
real world – they all convey the meaning of
something onto something else. Form sentences
with them.
1) Smear – to spread haphazardly
2) Plaster – to afix one small thing onto another
3) Dab – to offer small quick touches to another
4) Spread – to distribute something on another evenly
5) Swab – to spread in one quick, straight motion

15. Learning Activity 3 Answers
1) The loansharks smeared the house with paint.
2) The bucket hole was plastered over with tape.
3) The nurse dabbed an antiseptic lotion on my little
brother's wound.
4) The butter spread was delicious.
5) To remove the dirt that has clogged up the wound,
the nurse swabbed it off.

16. Discussion

What are the 3 KISS techniques discussed
today? (think about descriptions and key parts
of speech)

How do they help in creating short (concise)
and sharp (precise) sentences?

17. In Summary

KISS represents simplicity in writing and the 3
methods discussed include:
1) Use key phrases
2) Use objective descriptions
3) Use loaded Nouns and Verbs

They help by providing us with a variety of
effective methods to keep our writing short yet
sharp.