Style part 2 draft- A Guide to Style (or- how to write things that sound smart, yet can also be understood by others)

*Hi group- specifically I would like to know if you think these are the most important rules to address (I did but I’d like to know if others agree). Are the examples effective?

Of all the aspiring writers and students throughout history, there have been an elite circle of literary geniuses with 1000 watt brains  who have disregarded universal rules of style and clarity in their work. Some of these extra special folks can write 1,800 word sentences and use the poorest of grammar, yet still be regarded as brilliant artists.

Most of us just want to write successfully at work and school. Unfortunately for you, the experts have concluded that the ever-elusive stylishness that enables one to write smoothly, rhythmically, and clearly cannot be taught. Reader, do not despair. There are some basic rules that, if  followed, may improve your writing. It could possibly become A) more clear, B) more effective, C) easier to understand, and/or D) nicer to read.

Rule of Style #1- Consistent Topics

The most important part of your paragraph is its topic, or psychological subject. This means what your reader should be thinking about. If you have too many topics within a paragraph or body of information, this will confuse your reader. They will not know which is the most important at the time.

It would have been better to discuss the removal of Indians further and put the new idea (the imposed government schools) in a new paragraph.

Remember!

Paragraph= One idea + discussion of that idea.

Rule of Style #2- Less is almost always more.

The main goal when writing virtually anything is to be clear. Avoid using overly sophisticated words when unnecessary. Keep sentences fairly short and direct.

Revise for clarity. The phrases in italics in the example are known as nominalizations and meaningless modifiers, basically worthless sequences of words that clog up your paper. Remove these. Keep pronouns to a minimum and remember to use the same tense throughout.

 

Rule of Style #3- Put the most emphatic ideas at the end of your sentences.

Put the most complex or emphatic ideas at the end of sentences. If you do this, you will keep your readers engaged. They will want to know what happens next. Sentences will seem logical and sequential.

Poor examples-

“During lunch the king was shot, though just prior all had been enjoying their finger sandwiches.”

“Hurricanes cause mass destruction and displacement, as well as making the air very hot and humid.”

Good examples-

“Oliver Cromwell was well known as a member of the House of Commons and English military, though most famous for overseeing King Charles’ beheading.”

“There have been multiple incidents where the government has subjected Americans, without their knowledge or consent, to dangerous and debilitating medical experiments.”

Rule of Style #4- Explain to your readers, but not too much.

When discussing a subject in a piece of written work, the reader’s prior knowledge will have an enormous impact on their comprehension. As the author, you often have the advantage. It is important to explain ideas clearly to your audience.

However, a skilled writer always remembers that we are all part of a community. There is cultural information that is generally known and accepted. It is not necessary to explain these concepts, and may alienate your reader if you do so.

Rule of Style #5- Read your writing out loud to yourself.

If you read your writing out loud to yourself, you may hear things that do not sound right or are not clear. You may catch errors that your eye overlooked.

 

 

If you follow these rules, there is a good chance you may write sentences that work (or at least don’t end in headaches and confusion).