Writing Concisely Quiz

Effective Writing

• A paragraph can lack stylistic finesse, just like a meal can lack finishing touches.
• Sentence variety is key to engaging the reader.
• Types of clauses (independent, dependent) affect sentence structure.

Sentence Structure

• Simple sentence: one independent clause (e.g., "A typhoon is moving in.")
• Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by a conjunction (e.g., "A typhoon is moving in, and it may bring heavy rainfall.")
• Complex sentence: one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses (e.g., "According to a news report, a typhoon that may bring heavy rainfall is moving in.")
• Compound-Complex sentence: multiple independent and dependent clauses (e.g., "According to a news report, a typhoon that may bring heavy rainfall is moving in, so I will have my emergency kit ready.")

Word Choice

• Precise words help accurately relay thoughts and avoid confusion.
• Examples: "childlike" vs. "childish"; using the right word can affect the reader's response.

Consistency and Narrative Devices

• Consistent verb tense helps avoid reader confusion about the time setting.
• Narrative devices (anecdote, flashback, time stretch, time summary, flashforward, dialogue) add flavor and enrich the story.

Properties of Well-Written Text

• Four properties of well-written text: Organization, Coherence, Language Use, Mechanics.
• Using specific and concrete words helps convey the underlying message.

Writing Concisely

• Avoid cluttered sentences by removing repetitive ideas, repeated words, and rewording to eliminate unneeded words.
• Examples: original and revised sentences demonstrating concise writing.

Appropriate Language

• Avoid inappropriate words that obstruct the message.
• Assess accuracy and appropriateness of words for the situation.
• Avoid using slang, jargon, and colloquialisms in essays.