Looking at Writing
Basic Principles of Good Writing are the same across subjects: Is the writing clear? Does it contribute
value to the greater discussion?
Where is meaning compromised? What is confusing?
First: Global:
thesis/main point/main claim and subclaims if there are any
evidence or reasons – specific, strong. Are they facts or opinions? Are they documented?
logic – the principle that makes your reasons relevant to your claim
all ideas and sentences support the thesis/main claim
transitions to guide the reader
one idea per paragraph, topic sentence
conclusion that “reassembles” the evidence toward the thesis/main claim. includes why what you
have presented is of value
Second: Local/Sentence Level:
word choice – does the word convey the intended meaning? is there a clearer word or phrase? is there
a shorter, more comfortable one? (bolded in example) untangle supergroups of nouns
verbs – is there a noun in your sentence that could instead become a more vivid verb? is it possible to
eliminate your “ing” words? (underlined in example)
Example:
The Federalist’s argument that destabilization of government was the result of popular
democracy was based on their belief in the tendency of self-interested groups toward sacrificing
the common good for their narrow objectives.
The Federalists argued that popular democracy destabilized government, because they believed
that self-interested groups tended to sacrifice the common good for their narrow objectives.
one idea per sentence – look for run-on sentences, or incomplete sentences (phrases)
an agent/a subject for each sentence
Third: Grammar, Punctuation, and Mechanics (spelling, hyphens, capitalization, numbers, italics)
Six Principles of Clear Writing – adapted from Williams and Colomb, The Craft of Argument
1. Each sentence must have an agent / subject.
2. Express the agent’s/subject’s actions as verbs not as abstract nouns
3. Get to the main verb quickly
-avoid long introductory phrases
-avoid long abstract subjects
-avoid interrupting subjects and verbs
4. Begin sentences with information that is familiar to readers
5. Push to the end of a sentence the information that is newer, more complex
6. Begin sentences consistently. Focus your subjects on a few familiar agents/subjects.
System of Imageable Words
life
thing
stuff
nourishment
utility
creature
object
merchandise
food
transportation
animal
device
household goods
produce
conveyance
livestock
tool
furniture
fruit
vehicle
horse
hammer
table
apple
motorcycle
palomino
ballpean
Federal drop-leaf
Fuji
Harley
*bolded words are at basic level of categorization – they evoke distinct mental images – best to use
words at this level whenever possible