Fifteen Rules for Effective Writing - Coursework Example

Writing Rules Running Head: Writing Rules Fifteen Rules For Effective Writing Writing Rules 2 Abstract This paper aims to present fifteen rules for effective writing. Each rule would be examined in terms of their applicability to contemporary writing, i.e., whether the so-called rule is: always true; only true in certain situations; or never true. Writing Rules 3 INTRODUCTION Writing is a skill which can be honed over time. It just takes a good grasp of the English language, an artistic flare, a degree of creativity and imagination, and a genuine interest for writing. However, as can be expected from this kind of theoretical discipline, writing follows a set of rules to guide practitioners into the correct line of thought and discourse to ensure a sense of reward and success in this field. It is in this regard that the objective of this paper is to present fifteen writing rules and determine their applicability to contemporary writing whether the so-called rule is: always true; only true in certain situations; or never true. FIFTEEN RULES FOR EFFECTIVE WRITING The first six rules are derived from George Orwell, (whose real name is Eric Arthur Blair), a British author who “established himself as one of the most important and influential voices of the century”. (Orwell 1945) 1. “Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.” (Orwell 1945) I think this is only true in certain situations. Although a writer is always encouraged to be innovative and present new ideas, at times, it is better to use other figures of speech as appropriate for the situation. Therefore, the applicability of this rule depends on the writing topic and the situation which calls for their use. 2. “Never us a long word where a short one will do.” (Orwell 1945) This is always true. This is one of the rules which is being observed in effective writing due to the clarity and conciseness that short words provide. There might be misconceptions that by using long word, the writer is perceived as being intelligent or verbose. The objective of the essay Writing Rules 4 should always be taken into primary consideration. This is more important than trying to build or establish an image which might be construed as false. 3. “If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.” (Orwell 1945) This is also always true. Effective writing relays information which should be clearly understood. Unnecessary words have tendencies to dilute or confuse the meaning that the writer aims to relay. 4. “Never use the passive where you can use the active.” (Orwell 1945) This is never true. Despite the theory on passive versus active voice being constantly reinforced in English classes during the primary and secondary levels of education, there are still tendencies for people to forget their distinguishing characteristics over time. The active voice “is better because it’s shorter and more forceful”. (Orwell 1945) 5. “Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.” (Orwell 1945) This is only true in certain situations. More and more essays, assignments, presentations require technical specifications utilizing scientific words, jargons, or even foreign phrases. Therefore, as much as this can be avoided, writers do so. However, if the situation calls for writing essays with specialized words, then, at all cost, do. 6. “Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.” (Orwell 1945) This is always true. As Orwell noted, these rules are only made to guide writers: they are easy to memorize but are most often, difficult to apply. In this regard, Orwell emphasized that it is still important “above all, be sure to use common sense”. (1945) In Writing Rules 5 addition, experience also gives the writer more confidence in organizing thoughts and messages which are needed for the work. The next rules for effective writing were taken from Mantex, in the discourse, “26 Golden Rules for Writing Well”, to wit: 7. “Don’t abbreviate.” (Mantex 2007) This is always true. Effective writing calls for words to be written in full to avoid confusion and words to be interpreted differently. The writer should remember that his readers come from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Abbreviating might have different meanings and interpretations for people from walks of life. 8. “Check to see if you leave any words out.” (Mantex 2007) This is always true. In contemporary writing, the assistance of the software program utilized for encoding or typing the essay, calls for grammar check and spelling check to ensure an excellent presentation. 9. “Dont use double negatives.” (Mantex 2007) This is always true. Failure to follow this rule would create confusion as to the message the writer intends to relay. This is negating a previously negative statement. 10. “Dont use commas, that arent necessary.” (Mantex 2007) This is always true. Although there are still tendencies to pause between line utilizing commas, effective writing prefers concise phrases. Those phrases which can be cut and period used should be done so appropriately. 11. “It is important to use apostrophe’s right.” (Mantex 2007) This is always true. Some writers still have tendencies to misplace apostrophes and thereby change the meaning and Writing Rules 6 use of the words. However, as noted above, the grammar and spelling check provided in Word software programs used for typing and encoding, recognize the need to change and edit words which are not properly punctuated. 12. “Never start a sentence with a number.” (Mantex 2007) This is always true. Effective writing calls for beginning sentences with prepositions or articles to introduce the number. The rationale for this is: if for example you ended one sentence with a number, then, started another sentence with another number, they will definitely be confusion as to the accuracy of your statements. (“The data showed the number of people who recovered is 68. 50 of these are children.”) A reader might interpret the number as 68.50. 13. “It is important to be consistent in using points of view.”(Mantex 2007) This is always true. Essays are usually written in the third person point of view. The whole essay should be written utilizing the point of view first applied. This is applied to avoid confusion and to ensure clarity in the discourse. If the first or second points of views are required, then, they should also be used all throughout the essay for consistency. 14. “Avoid unnecessary redundancy.”(Mantex 2007) This is always true. Sometimes, we are not aware that we are violating this rule due to the familiarity of using common words. For example, there is the tendency that we say: Can you please repeat it again? (That is redundancy). Or “the moral lesson of the story is...” Effective writing utilized concise, direct words without necessary being redundant to reinforce or emphasize, as required. Writing Rules 7 15. “Always check your work for accuracy and completeness.”(Mantex 2007) This is always true. However, due to the fast pace of work, there are also tendencies to fail checking the accuracy and completeness once work is accomplished. Contemporary writing already provides appropriate utilization of technology to facilitate checking, as mentioned above. ANALYSIS Several literatures are available presenting rules for effective writing. It is interesting to note that the literatures mentioned above encompass time frames which started as far back as six decades ago and as new as this year (Annie 2009). Despite the span of time which evolved, the rules for effective writing remain the same and remain true and applicable to contemporary writing. The only significant difference is the utilization of technology to assist the contemporary writer in checking for the grammar, spelling and accuracy of one’s work though the Word Software Program. This program makes checking virtually easily with just a flick of the fingers in the keyboard. The wonders of technology are of great assistance to ensuring one’s discourse is free from grammar and spelling mistakes. As appropriately advised by Orwell, these rules may be easy to memorize but it takes constant practice to make one’s literary work perfect. There is not shortcut to effective writing. One should remember that humans always have tendencies to make mistakes. These mistakes give the writer the opportunity to examine his work and to closely evaluate the areas for improvement. Effective writing simply aims to transmit a message that should be clear, concise, direct, and easily understood. This is the reason Writing Rules 8 that most of the rules from different literatures emphasize using short words and sentences and being clear and direct. If the writer was able to achieve this objective, then, he is considered effective. CONLUSION Effective writing needs more than rules to compose a fairly effective essay. Rules are merely practical guides that give the writer direction and focus on the concepts and theories which he already has a competent grasp of. Writing, to be effective, has to consider other factors such as the audience or the reader, the writing process itself, and even the elements of communication. Of greater significance, a writer should possess a genuine interest for his work to be able to excel in this endeavor.   References Annie. (2007). Three Critical Rules for Effective Writing. The Teich Group. Retrieved on March 24, 2009 from Mantex. (2007) 26 Golden Rules for Writing Well. Manchester. Retrieved on March 24, 2009 from Orwell, G. (1945). Work : Essays : Politics and the English Language. K1 Internet Publishing. Retrieved on March 24, 2009 from Read More