Understanding the writing process

Sheryl Ward — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:45:05 +0000

Many people underestimate the time it takes to write a document. It is helpful to think about writing in six steps:

planning the document
researching the information
analysing the information
drafting the document
editing the document for readability
proofreading for credibility.

Each of these steps needs time allocated to it. Spending time thinking about the writing task at the font end will save time at the drafting and editing stages. Many people underestimate the time it takes to proofread a document carefully and sentences like the following regularly occur. Can you pick the incorrect words?

The principle affect of the new regulations will be too limit the sale of alcohol to miners.

More about the writing process in the next blogs.

(correct words are principal, effect, too and minors ( although miners could possibly work in a mining site).

Write to express not impress

Sheryl Ward — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:12:36 +0000

Robert Gunning, the Gunning half of the Gunning-Fox Readability Index said, 'Write to express not to impress'. Unfortunately, many writers still believe that a heavy, pretentious style of writing is more impressive than a simple style. In fact it is generally better to use the simpler word and phrase than the pompous alternative. Do you use whilst or while, utilise or use? Using simpler words will allow your reader to focus on your message rather than be distracted by the language. You want your readers to be impressed more by the clarity of your argument and style of writing than by pretentious words and heavy phrases.

Can you find simpler alternatives to these words?

endeavour
commence
demonstrated
render
included herewith
peruse

(Answers: try, start, shown, help, attached, read)

Writing that Works

Understanding the writing process

Write to express not impress