PPT PPT Module Module 16 16 Revising RevisingSentences Sentences and andParagraphs Paragraphs McGraw-Hill/Irwin ©2007, The McGraw-Hill Companies, All Rights 16-2 Revising Revising Sentences Sentences and and Paragraphs Paragraphs To learn how to Build a forceful style Choose between active and passive voice Make your writing tight and concise Vary sentence patterns Use the right tone 16-3 Revising Revising Sentences Sentences and and Paragraphs Paragraphs Start by answering these questions: What’s “good” style? Are there rules I should follow? What should I look for when I revise sentences? What should I look for when I revise paragraphs? How does organizational culture affect style? 16-4 To To Create Create Good Good Style Style Use friendly, conversational words Avoid contractions, slang, and even minor grammatical lapses Edit your writing to sound confident, even in uncomfortable situations Allow for some individual variation —use your own “voice.” 16-5 Half Half Truths Truths About About Style Style None of the following is necessarily true—decide what is appropriate based on audience and discourse community: Write what “sounds” good Never use I Use big words 16-6 To To Improve Improve Style Style Get a clean page or screen Try WIRMI (What I really mean is) Read the draft aloud to someone Ask someone else to read it to you Read widely and a lot Use the techniques on the next slide 16-7 To To Revise Revise Sentences Sentences Use active verbs most of the time Use strong verbs Tighten your writing Vary sentence length and structure Use parallel structure Put your readers in your sentences 16-8 To To Revise Revise Paragraphs Paragraphs Begin most paragraphs with topic sentences Use transitions to link ideas e.g., and, but, however, for example, after, moreover 16-9 To To Deal Deal with with Poor Poor Style Style at at Work Work Use the techniques in this module Help your boss (or co-worker) learn about writing Recognize that style may serve purposes other than communication Ask if people truly like the standard ... and concise Vary sentence patterns Use the right tone 16- 3 Revising Revising Sentences Sentences and and Paragraphs Paragraphs Start by answering these questions: What’s “good” style? Are... sentences 16- 8 To To Revise Revise Paragraphs Paragraphs Begin most paragraphs with topic sentences Use transitions to link ideas e.g., and, but, however, for example, after, moreover 16- 9... Work Work Use the techniques in this module Help your boss (or co-worker) learn about writing Recognize that style may serve purposes other than communication Ask if people truly like