On Writing Well Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What can we learn from Zinsser's account of how Dr. Brock and Zinsser approach writing?

We learn that there are many different ways to approach writing and no correct way.

Ultimately, what is the writer trying to sell in his or her piece of writing?

The writer is trying to sell his claim that there is 'no right' way to write. Everyone is unique which means everyone writes differently.

What does Zinsser mean when he says that writers must search for humanity and warmth in their writing?

Zinsser means that good writing is strong, alive, and unique rather than just sounding like a robot.

What is meant by the phrase, 'Clutter is the disease of American Writing?'

American society tries to sound important and professional by inflating writing with unnecessary words, circular paragraphs, and meaningless junk. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'clutter' consist of?

Circular paragraphs Signup and view all the answers

What is the secret to good writing according to Zinsser?

Simplicity (simple, direct, clean writing) Signup and view all the answers

How can a writer rid himself or herself of clutter?

First, clear your mind of clutter and then rewrite or revise your writing, eliminating useless elements. Signup and view all the answers

Zinsser describes clutter as a euphemism. What does that mean?

He means that clutter is an unnecessary substitution in writing. Clutter adds cloudy vagueness, camouflages true meaning, and removes the writer's individuality. Signup and view all the answers

What are three examples of euphemistic techniques in our language?

<ol> <li>Laborious phrases instead of simple words 2) Unnecessary prepositions draped on verbs 3) Professional sounding language as verbal camouflage</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How did Zinsser identify clutter in his Harvard student's papers?

Brackets around unnecessary parts of writing Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important rule in developing your own style?

Be yourself! In order to do this, you must relax and have confidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the statement, 'Writing is an intimate transaction between two people'?

Writing is a personal way for people to connect, which is why you should express your personality and style. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the writer's primary audience?

His or herself! Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between craft and attitude in writing?

Craft is a precise skill that writers must master and attitude is how writers utilize that skill to express themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What does Zinsser mean by saying, 'Be yourself when you write'?

The best way to write is to express yourself through your attitude and style. Do not be afraid to add humor but refrain from using words or phrases you do not say on a regular basis. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'journalese'? Give two specific examples from the book.

'Journalese' is unoriginal writing that is the death of freshness and creativity in style. Examples include using cheap words and clichés as well as patching together words from other parts of speech. Signup and view all the answers

What two books does Zinsser recommend every writer should use to explore words?

Webster's New World Dictionary and Roget's Thesaurus Signup and view all the answers

What does sound and rhythm have to do with good writing?

Sound and rhythm are vital in order to please the reader's inner ear. Signup and view all the answers

List three ways in which Zinsser suggests a writer create 'poetry' when writing prose.

<ol> <li>Reverse the order of a sentence 2) Substitute in fresh words 3) Alter sentence length</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with the expression, 'She is rather unique'?

Being 'rather unique' is no different from being 'unique'. The word 'rather' is useless because it does not add significant meaning to the phrase. Signup and view all the answers

What is a split infinitive?

A split infinitive is an infinitive with an adverb or other word between 'to' and the 'verb'. Split infinitives are gradually becoming more accepted as Standard American English. Signup and view all the answers

In what areas was the usage panel Zinsser was a member of liberal? Conservative?

The usage panel was liberal in accepting new words and phrases but conservative in grammar. Signup and view all the answers

Zinsser notes that the only way to write better is to do this?

Practice and force yourself to write a certain amount regularly. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the statement, 'All writing is ultimately a question of solving a problem.'

Zinsser means that all writing has a purpose because there is always some sort of problem or question that needs answering. The problem can be as simple as tone. Signup and view all the answers

List the three unities mentioned in Chapter 8.

P- Pronouns, T- Tense, M- Mood. Must remain consistent throughout writing! Signup and view all the answers

What are two of the most important questions you ask yourself before you write?

How much do I want to cover? What one point do I want to make? Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by Zinsser's comment, 'Don't ever become the prisoner of a preconceived plan. Writing is not respecter of blueprint.'

Zinsser means that just because you plan your writing beforehand, does not mean you have to stick with it. Embrace the new, better ideas that come to you along the way and make adjustments to the beginning. Signup and view all the answers

Name two things a lead is supposed to do.

<ol> <li>Capture reader's attention 2) Provide hard details on why the piece was written and why he/she should read it.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is Zinsser's recommendation in regards to collecting material for a paper?

Zinsser recommends collecting more material than you will use and searching for unique material everywhere rather than just the obvious sources. Signup and view all the answers

Zinsser states that, 'Knowing when to end an article is far more important than most writers realize.' When should a writer end his or her paper?

A writer should end his or her article after they have presented all the facts and made their point. 'When you're ready to stop, stop.' Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of appropriate ways to end an article.

<ol> <li>Bringing story full circle by echoing a note sounded at the beginning 2) Unexpected and provocative quotation.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Writing Approaches and Individuality

Zinsser emphasizes diverse approaches to writing, asserting that there's no singular correct method.
Each writer's uniqueness shapes their writing style and expression.

Clarity and Simplicity

Writers aim to convey that there is no universally right way to write, promoting individual expression.
Zinsser advocates for clarity in writing, likening clutter to a disease; unnecessary words dilute meaning.

Understanding Clutter

Clutter consists of meaningless jargon, superfluous words, and convoluted sentences.
To eliminate clutter, writers should first clear their minds, then revise by removing unnecessary elements.

Exploring Euphemisms

Clutter can be seen as euphemistic, obscuring true meaning and inhibiting individual voice.
Examples of euphemistic techniques include verbose phrases, excessive prepositions, and jargon-laden language.

Developing Personal Style

The key to developing writing style is authenticity; writers should relax and express their true selves.
Writing is described as an intimate exchange, encouraging personal expression and genuine connection with readers.

Audience and Writing Skills

The primary audience for any piece of writing is the writer themselves, emphasizing personal investment.
Craft refers to the technical skills in writing, while attitude encompasses the writer's personal expression.

Language and Creativity

"Journalese" is criticized for its lack of originality, relying on clichés and uninspired phrasing.
Recommended resources for exploring language include Webster's New World Dictionary and Roget's Thesaurus.

Aesthetic Qualities in Writing

Sound and rhythm enhance writing quality, appealing to the reader's auditory sensibilities.
Techniques to create poetic elements in prose include reversing sentence order, using fresh vocabulary, and varying sentence length.

Writing Mechanics

The phrase "rather unique" is redundant, as "unique" inherently implies exclusivity.
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb separates "to" from the verb; acceptance of this form is increasing in modern English usage.

Consistency in Writing

Three unities to maintain in writing are pronouns, tense, and mood, ensuring coherence throughout the piece.
Writers should determine their coverage and main point early, guiding the writing process effectively.

Flexibility in Writing

Zinsser encourages writers to remain adaptable, allowing new ideas to reshape their initial plans.
Understanding when to conclude a piece is crucial; writers should stop when they feel all essential points have been addressed.

Engaging Conclusions

Effective leads must attract attention and present critical details about the writing's purpose.
Suggestions for concluding an article include revisiting themes presented early or utilizing a thought-provoking quotation.

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Description

Explore key concepts from William Zinsser's 'On Writing Well' through these flashcards. Each card highlights essential lessons about writing approaches and the individuality of the writer's voice. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their writing skills and understanding of the craft.