CLD 121 Journal Entry 6 - Ch. 33 - 63 of Writer's Resource
Editing for Clarity
An integral step of a well written paper is that it’s written clearly and concisely, with complete sentences that make logical sense and fit together well. The sentences should be closely connected and have a clear focus and flow of paragraph structure. The choice of language, including verb choice and voice of the sentences should fit the argument. There are many ways to edit a paper, however, only three strategies of editing for clarity will be examined. These strategies are, but not limited to, eliminating redundant words, untangling mixed up sentence structures, and using appropriate language. The purpose of this paper is to help categorize some common writing mistakes as a resource to avoid similar pit falls in future papers.
Sentences can be too wordy. Every word should count, and a sentence should be as clear and concise as possible. Redundant words are those that are added for effect, but do not add any strength to a paper. Words such as really, definitely, and absolutely are modifiers that can be omitted from a sentence. Phrases can usually be summarized in a concise word. For example, the word “because” can replace the phrase “for the reason that”. Sentences should be straightforward and not written in a roundabout way, which makes the reader guess what the writer is saying. To do this, one can omit expletives such as “there are” and this will reduce the wordiness in a sentence. Eliminating redundant words makes a paper look polished.
Sentences can begin one way and then midway through, change directions. We are all guilty of doing this when writing a first draft. As ideas come through our brains, we write them out and our sentences appear to be jumbled. Using careful subject and verb choices can help eliminate the mixed up sentence problem. An easy way to untangle mixed up sentences is to separate the ideas in two sentences instead of one. This helps the reader see the ideas clearly, and helps the sentences fit together. Sentences can also be confusing when they shift from present to past tense or vise versa. It is important to stay in one tense throughout the paper. Modifiers in sentences can be arranged to make the sentence better, and avoid sounding ambiguous or biased. Modifiers also help vary sentences, and can be placed at the beginning of sentences to help them sound different than others. This makes a paper interesting to read.
Language is crucial in sentence structure. Slang and non-standard English should be avoided. Sentences should read as formal but not pretentious with fancy words that take away from the purpose of the sentence. Jargon, the use of technical slang, should be avoided unless defined after use. Biased or sexist language is harmful. It attacks gay and lesbian groups, ethnic or religious groups and people with disabilities. Words need to be placed in the right order to be read clearly. Specific words should be used, such as, university students as opposed to students. Clichés are overworked phrases, like face the music and green with envy, and should be rewritten as plainly as possible. A dictionary and thesaurus is an excellent tool to help writers vary their language and use the proper words.
In conclusion, a writer creates a good paper when the following elements have been considered: eliminating redundant words, untangling mixed up sentence structures, and using appropriate language. These guidelines can help a good paper be a great paper that’s polished, clear, concise, and conveys the writer’s purpose in a manner that is focused and strong.
Word count: 593
An integral step of a well written paper is that it’s written clearly and concisely, with complete sentences that make logical sense and fit together well. The sentences should be closely connected and have a clear focus and flow of paragraph structure. The choice of language, including verb choice and voice of the sentences should fit the argument. There are many ways to edit a paper, however, only three strategies of editing for clarity will be examined. These strategies are, but not limited to, eliminating redundant words, untangling mixed up sentence structures, and using appropriate language. The purpose of this paper is to help categorize some common writing mistakes as a resource to avoid similar pit falls in future papers.
Sentences can be too wordy. Every word should count, and a sentence should be as clear and concise as possible. Redundant words are those that are added for effect, but do not add any strength to a paper. Words such as really, definitely, and absolutely are modifiers that can be omitted from a sentence. Phrases can usually be summarized in a concise word. For example, the word “because” can replace the phrase “for the reason that”. Sentences should be straightforward and not written in a roundabout way, which makes the reader guess what the writer is saying. To do this, one can omit expletives such as “there are” and this will reduce the wordiness in a sentence. Eliminating redundant words makes a paper look polished.
Sentences can begin one way and then midway through, change directions. We are all guilty of doing this when writing a first draft. As ideas come through our brains, we write them out and our sentences appear to be jumbled. Using careful subject and verb choices can help eliminate the mixed up sentence problem. An easy way to untangle mixed up sentences is to separate the ideas in two sentences instead of one. This helps the reader see the ideas clearly, and helps the sentences fit together. Sentences can also be confusing when they shift from present to past tense or vise versa. It is important to stay in one tense throughout the paper. Modifiers in sentences can be arranged to make the sentence better, and avoid sounding ambiguous or biased. Modifiers also help vary sentences, and can be placed at the beginning of sentences to help them sound different than others. This makes a paper interesting to read.
Language is crucial in sentence structure. Slang and non-standard English should be avoided. Sentences should read as formal but not pretentious with fancy words that take away from the purpose of the sentence. Jargon, the use of technical slang, should be avoided unless defined after use. Biased or sexist language is harmful. It attacks gay and lesbian groups, ethnic or religious groups and people with disabilities. Words need to be placed in the right order to be read clearly. Specific words should be used, such as, university students as opposed to students. Clichés are overworked phrases, like face the music and green with envy, and should be rewritten as plainly as possible. A dictionary and thesaurus is an excellent tool to help writers vary their language and use the proper words.
In conclusion, a writer creates a good paper when the following elements have been considered: eliminating redundant words, untangling mixed up sentence structures, and using appropriate language. These guidelines can help a good paper be a great paper that’s polished, clear, concise, and conveys the writer’s purpose in a manner that is focused and strong.
Word count: 593