Writing Style

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Writing Style

• Level 2
• Concrete Language

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Use definite, specific, concrete Language

• "If those who have studied the art of writing are
  in accord on any one point, it is this the
  surest way to arouse and hold the reader's
  attention is by being specific, definite, and
  concrete."-Strunk and White

3
Use Imagery

• Use words which create sensations in one or more
  of the readers five senses.
• Human beings gain information about the world
  only in these 5 ways, it makes sense to engage
  them on this level.

4
Be Concise

• Write using nouns and verbs.
• Never use 2 words where 1 will do.
• The Adjective and Adverb are the enemies of good
  writing.
• There are 750,000 standard words in the English
  language use the word which means exactly what
  you mean, not one which must be modified to get
  your meaning across.

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Using the Right word Practice

• He ran very fast.
• She is very sad.
• It was a tall oak tree.

• Dashed, sprinted, rushed
• Depressed, distraught, morose
• The oak tree towered over us.

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Say what things Are rather than what they are Not

• When you tell someone what something isnt it
  gives very little information
• I dont drive a blue truck
• I drive a red ford sedan.

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Positive Form Practice

• not honest
• not important
• did not pay any attention to
• did not have much confidence in

• dishonest
• lying dog
• trifling
• ignored
• distrusted

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Level 2 Practice

• He showed satisfactionas he took possession
  ofhis well-earned reward.
• She did not think that studying Latin was a
  sensible way to use ones time.
• Get good grades.

• He grinned as he pocketed the coin.
• She thought the study of Latin a waste of time.
  
• Complete every assignment on time.

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Assignment

• Step into the painting in front of you and
  describe your surroundings from wherever you
  choose to stand. Paint a picture with your words
  I should be able to feel where you are standing.

The Mount of the Holy Cross Oil on Canvas
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Assignment continued

• Assignment rules
• Avoid all forms of the word to be.
• Tell what things are rather than what things are
  not.
• Write using nouns and verbs which appeal to the
  five senses.
• Touch on 4 out of the 5 senses.

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