And a chance to correct Dr. Tom�read on!
One way of thinking
about this is to consider the idea that �writing is thinking.� Perhaps, to
build on this, we could say that writing is thought being expressed in
written communication. So, we might extrapolate and say that clear writing is
the result of clear thinking. I can speak for myself, and perhaps for you,
when I say that quite often I�m in a sort of mental fog, or in a mental
jumble. This is not the best time for me to be clear in my written
communication. So, I must focus and organize my thoughts, which I�m
attempting to do at this moment, I hope successfully.
What I am about to share with you are a loose-knit set of
�guidelines� that I�ve compiled from a variety of sources, most of which I�m
unable to provide attribution.
Writing for UOP Assignments:
�
When it comes to ideas, ensure that your own are
complete, original and insightful. Be sure when using ideas of others that
they are summarized in a clear, easy to understand way. Use ideas in new
ways, reflecting fresh thinking (your fresh thinking).
�
When organizing, be sure that your writing flows from
one idea or thought to another with smooth transitions and logical sequence.
�
Your �voice� is important, so ensure that your ideas
and thoughts come through in an honest, convincing way. Make your writing fresh
and �alive.� Try using, appropriately and skillfully, imagery or figurative
language to engage the reader (that includes me).
�
Regarding structure, write using a variety of
sentence structures and lengths that helps flow.
Pretending we are working with a scale of 1 to 5 with five
being the highest or best, consider the following:
�Dr. Tom� is really UOP
(Washington Campus) Professor I. Thomas Sheppard, Ph.D.
1.
Verbs has to agree with their subjects.
2.
Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3.
And don�t start a sentence with a conjunction.
4.
It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
5.
Avoid cliches like the plague. (They�re old hat.)
6.
Also, always avoid annoying alliteration.
7.
Be more or less specific.
8.
Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually)
unnecessary.
9.
Also, to, never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
10.
No sentence fragments.
11.
Contractions aren�t necessary and shouldn�t be used.
12.
Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
13.
Do not be redundant; do not use more words than necessary;
it�s highly superfluous.
14.
One should never generalize.
15.
Comparisons are as bad as clich�s.
16.
Don�t use no double negatives.
17.
Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
18.
One-word sentences? Eliminate
19.
Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
20.
Eliminate commas, they are, not necessary.
21.
Never use a big word when a diminutive one will suffice.
22.
Kill all exclamation points!!!!!!!
23.
Use words correctly, irregardless of how others use them.
24.
Understatement is always the best way to put forth
earthshaking ideas.
25.
Use the apostrophe in it�s proper place and omit it when its
not needed.
26.
If you�ve heard it a thousand times: Resist hyperbole; one
writer in a million can use it correctly.
27.
Puns are for children; not groan readers.
Here�s your chance to correct Dr.
Tom. Write the �Rools� so they read properly.
Here are some
thoughts about writing,
Next:
Dr.
Tom�s �Rools� for Good Righting
- A
five paper is clear, focused and interesting. The writing flows. There
is an abundance of detail that the writer has carefully chosen to
contribute to the reader�s understanding of the topic. The paper is
organized and well crafted, with the writer never losing focus on what�s
important for the reader. There is an insightful treatment of the
writer�s observations and thoughts about the subject as well as
consideration of other�s ideas and theories. Key
words: Insightful, elaborated and well crafted. - A
four paper is purposeful and well written, but there is a certain lack
of depth in the way the writer develops the ideas. The writer has
applied theory and principles appropriately. Although the writer has
adequately addressed the topic, it is not elaborated. A four paper is
less insightful and elaborated than a five, but is more focused and
developed than a three paper. Key words:
Developed ideas, comfortable communication, moderately well crafted. - Three
papers do not explore the topic with any real depth or a sense of
importance. Instead, the paper remains rather on the surface, even
though the reader can understand the ideas. There is no real attempt to
link theory to practice. The writer may go one of two ways: almost
getting lost in a listing of details, including some unimportant ones,
without any real sense of larger purpose; or giving general statements
without enough supporting detail. The reader may feel a bit unsatisfied
after finishing the paper because the writer has not focused the paper
toward a conclusion. Key words:
Partial development, adequately crafted. - In a
two paper, the writer has attempted to write about the topic. The
writing falls short because the writer does not carefully choose detail
to inform the reader. Even though the reader can see the significance of
the ideas, there is not enough development to inform the reader
adequately. The writer�s control of the tools of writing may be so weak
that the text is somewhat difficult for the reader to follow. Key words: Under-developed, sparse
communication, errors interfere with meaning. - The one paper demonstrates an
attempt at communicating the writer�s thinking. The paper is generally
very short. The ideas in the paper have almost no development and they
may not connect to one another. The writer�s lack of skill in creating
text leaves the reader to fill in supporting details and connections. Key words: Undeveloped
ideas, difficult communication, disconnected statements.