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What makes good writing
The document discusses how to write effectively and outlines seven key traits of good writing: ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, conventions, and presentation. It emphasizes that good writing has clear, consistent ideas that flow in a logical progression from point to point. It also stresses developing one's writing by reading widely, noticing what works and doesn't work in different styles of writing, and practicing revising weak writing.
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What makes good writing
- 1.
- 2. GOOD WRITING… Oftenis in the eye of the beholder (or teacher) Depends upon the intended audience Letter to Mom vs. letter to the President A supervisor vs. a friend Varies with the mode of writing in question Short story vs. epic poetry Persuasive essay vs. research report
- 3. In short: Thereare as many definitions of “good” writing as there are forms of writing
- 4. Fortunately, thereare some common general characteristics that all good writing shares.
- 5. The traits(in order of relevance): Ideas Organization Voice Sentence Fluency Word Choice Conventions Presentation
- 6. IDEAS The focalpoint of writing – why read if the work has nothing to say? Not necessarily something earth-shatteringly original (though originality is good) Consistency of ideas also important – everything said should contribute to the overarching idea or theme of the work
- 7. ORGANIZATION Content should “flow”in a logical manner Structured conversation, not rambling Manner of organization should contribute to the overall aim of the work
- 8. WHAT IS “FLOW”? English types like metaphors, and writing terms are no exception In basic terms, flow is a logical, sequential progression of ideas (i.e. getting from point A to point B smoothly) Writing that flows well doesn’t have to sound pretty, but it can.
- 9. VOICE Writing style Distinguishes an author’s work from everyone else’s Bland, third-person detached writing lacks a solid voice Active, verb-driven writing is more interesting and clear
- 10. Example: “Whenone must write an essay for College English, one must always take care to use appropriate punctuation and spelling.” “Essays should give you an idea of what’s important to you, and that importance should be reflected in the attention given to mechanics.”
- 11. SENTENCE FLUENCY Sentencesare complex and demonstrate high aptitude for the English language Easy to read, sound natural
- 12. WORD CHOICE Avariety of words are used Words are appropriate to the context of the work Challenging words based on writer’s level of ability Words “move” the reader based on the authorial purpose (i.e. forceful words in a persuasive essay, etc.)
- 13. CONVENTIONS Writing follows properconventions of language Spelling Grammar Punctuation Appropriateness of conventions depends on audience and authorial purpose
- 14. PRESENTATION The workmust be easy on the eyes in order to be consumed The reader should understand how sections are linked together, and what topics are “nested” within what others Follow formatting guidelines of publication or instructor Looks aren’t everything, but they are important
- 15. HOW TO DEVELOPYOUR WRITING Read a lot, and read widely Consume writing by a variety of authors in a variety of different fields and styles Determine what “works” – what kinds of writing do you like and find engaging? Notice what doesn’t work – what makes you bored or confused? When you encounter bad writing, practice fixing it. How could you rework a sentence, or reorganize an essay to help its point shine through?