31 Questions
What are some principles of effective writing?
Using strong verbs and avoiding turning verbs into nouns
What does the text say about clear writing?
It can be learned and improved
What is the main message about writing to inform in the text?
It is a skill that can be developed through logical thinking
Which of the following is an example of eliminating negatives and using positive constructions instead?
He usually came late
Which of the following is a strong action verb that could replace 'exploded' in the given sentence?
Erupted
Which of the following is a strong action verb that could replace 'shook' in the given sentence?
Trembled
Which of the following is an example of reducing dead weight words and phrases?
Writing 'This paper reviews cancer biology study design, using examples that illustrate specific challenges and solutions' instead of 'This paper provides a review of the basic tenets of cancer biology study design, using as examples studies that illustrate the methodologic challenges and or that demonstrate successful solutions to the difficulties inherent in biological research'
Which of the following is an example of using strong verbs?
Writing 'This paper reviews cancer biology study design' instead of 'This paper provides a review of cancer biology study design'
Which of the following is an example of cutting dead weight phrases?
Writing 'Many students like writing' instead of 'There are many students who like writing'
Which of the following is an example of using active voice?
Writing 'The author should be considered a buffoon' instead of 'The author should be considered to be a buffoon'
Good writing ______ an idea clearly and effectively.
communicates
Good writing is ______ and stylish.
elegant
Writing to inform is a ______, not an art.
craft
Reduce dead weight words and phrases: Get rid of jargon and ___________.
repetition
Use strong verbs and avoid turning verbs into __________.
nouns
Hunt down and cast out all unneeded words that might _________ your reader.
slow
Watch out for the verb 'to be': Often 'there _________' is extra weight.
are
Compare: 'Loud music came from speakers embedded in the walls, and the entire arena moved as the hungry crowd got to its feet.' With: 'Loud music ______ from speakers embedded in the walls, and the entire arena ______ as the hungry crowd leaped to its feet.'
Use strong verbs and avoid turning verbs into ______
nouns
Hunt down and cast out all unneeded words that might ______ your reader
confuse
Reduce dead weight words and phrases: Get rid of jargon and ______
redundancies
Good writing communicates an idea ______ and effectively.
clearly
Good writers: ______ something to say.
Have
Clear writing starts with clear ______.
thinking
Reduce dead weight words and phrases: Get rid of ______ and repetition
jargon
Use strong verbs and avoid turning verbs into ______
nouns
Hunt down and cast out all unneeded words that might ______ your reader
slow
In passive-voice sentences, the subject is acted upon; the subject doesn’t ______.
act
Compare: 'Loud music came from speakers embedded in the walls, and the entire arena moved as the hungry crowd got to its feet.' With: 'Loud music ______ from speakers embedded in the walls, and the entire arena ______ as the hungry crowd leaped to its feet.'
exploded, shook
Reduce dead weight words and phrases: Get rid of jargon and ______
eliminate
Hunt down and cast out all unneeded words that might ______ your reader
distract
Test your knowledge on the principles of effective writing. Learn how to reduce dead weight words, use strong verbs, eliminate negatives, and more.
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