Keys to write well
"Make the paragraph the unit of composition." With these few words William Strunk Jr. and EB White captured one of the most important rules for good writing. His book, The Elements of Style, the classic instruction manual for writers. But what does it mean to make the paragraph as a unit of composition? And how is it done?
Strunk and White They are not helpful. They continue to say that a paragraph can be as long as you want, from one sentence to many. In fact, they argue that it is not even necessary that a short written prose that expresses a single idea, keep paragraphs. The point is that paragraphs introduce the topics within a larger composition. They warn the reader that another step in the argument is coming. As such there primarily to help the reader, but also for the writer, to help maintain clear thinking and concise as you type the work.
gurus of writing, which came after Strunk and White, have added three key ideas that help to give us a clearer idea of \u200b\u200bhow to address a paragraph.
Start with the known, complete with the new
The good sentences and paragraphs should be good to start like a good politician starts telling us what we already know or what they have in common. Save the new idea to the final. This simple trick works because it respects the way the mind learns, develops based on what they already know.
Compare the following versions of the same idea. Which is easier to understand?
The question is whether investors will be able to learn from the stunning drop in the valuation of the shares so far had been of high returns. The recent collapse in prices of Internet stocks was higher than all other crashes occurred in the stock market during this century.
Of all the crashes of the stock market that occurred during this century, the recent collapse in the price of Internet stocks was the worst. Will it serve this stunning drop in the valuation as a lesson in high-yielding stocks that investors can learn?
The first version mentioned it again in the first place and known at the end, both in the same sentences as in the short paragraph in general. The first sentence begins with a question on the subject of the second part of the sentence. This is puzzling. It would be best to write in reverse, placing first the idea of \u200b\u200bthe drop in prices followed by the question that arises by this fall. Similarly the second sentence puts him back before the known (the recent drop before the previous fall). Overall the small paragraph puts the new first. The writer wants to ask whether investors are likely to learn whether or not the drop in prices, but to do so effectively before anything you must set the fall and then ask your question. But instead it does the opposite.
The second version is handled correctly. Began with the story and spent the recent collapse of the known to the new. Then repeat what is already known to ask the question, which actually is the purpose of the paragraph. Notice how the second version appears to be much clearer and more convincing, simply because they meet this rule of placing what is known before the new, both within sentences and within the paragraph.
Limit the number of subjects in the sentences of each paragraph
In fact most of the paragraphs are more complicated than the small example above, which was simplified for comparison. Typically speaking, a paragraph is usually from three to a dozen sentences. Each of these sentences must have a subject. The second key point in order to structure a good paragraph is the need to limit the number of subjects to a minimum, making sure that the letter does not resemble a book of children's primary
Now let the initial part of one of the most famous speeches of the twentieth century, which gave President John F. Kennedy the day he took possession of the presidency. Many people believe that his last words ("Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what can you do for your country.") Are responsible for the speech made the strings vibrate and the renewal of patriotism for a generation Americans. However, Kennedy's speech is much more than a collection of a few famous lines. It is a masterpiece of writing, very well done that makes what Kennedy has to that becomes personalized through selection of the subjects of their prayers.
"Today (we) are celebrating a victory of party but a celebration of freedom, symbolizing an end as a beginning, which means both a renewal and change. Since (I) have taken the oath before you and Almighty God the same solemn offering our forebears prescribed for almost one hundred seventy-five years.
The world is very different now, because the man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. But the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still be a matter of discussion in all parts of the world &
(We) should not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. (You) Let the word out between now and from this place, also to friends and enemies, saying that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.
(You) Let her know all nations, regardless of the wish us well or ill, that we are willing to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, fight any foe to assure survival and success of liberty.
This (we) swear, and more. "
The number of subjects in these long and complex sentences is completely controlled opening and is surprisingly simple. (We)-I - world-man-beliefs-(us) - (you) - (you) - (us). In fact, several of the following prayers continue the same structure of the subject, as most start with (us).
Kennedy What are you doing? Even when drafting the long and complex sentences Kennedy remains focused on its subject pronouns are more personal: I-we-you. The result is that the reader or listener perceives that Kennedy is talking personally to him or her and does so from the heart. Despite prayers as elaborate and sometimes flamboyant prose so the there is no sense of bureaucratic obfuscation. The second key point, to give your reader a sense of consistency and simplicity even when the issue is complicated and long sentences, is through control of the subject through its paragraphs.
Take this simple test. Take some of his own writings. Underline all subjects in sentences. If more than three or four different subjects in a paragraph typical of average length, this means that his writings are not consistent. But this measure should be used with care and tact. If you have all the subjects of their sentences in paragraphs are equal, then their writings begin to resemble children's books.
Make sure each paragraph contains a matter to be discussed, and a discussion point
The key to writing a good paragraph is to remember that each one must contain a subject to be treated, and a discussion point. The issue to address is the first. This is a presentation consisting of one or two sentences telling us in general terms, this is the paragraph. What follows is the point, a one-sentence statement that includes the main comment on the subject you have brought up. Finally we must add several sentences to the argument that further extend or defend his point, through some type of supporting evidence or something similar. You can vary this structure by inserting the sentence containing the point just at the end of the paragraph. But most readers unconsciously expect to find the point at the end of the issue to be addressed, therefore should only vary the basic paragraph structure when there is actually a good reason.
The mind learns to develop what is already known. For that reason, the paragraphs should start with the known and finish with the new idea.
Here's an example:
AGENDA: The second-generation strategy for holders begins with the recognition that the range is vital for survival. Those suppliers that are in the game to win, need to understand that what might seem like a quantum leap in scope, it is often quite inadequate in relation to the scope of the independent browser. Providers need to focus toward reaching within a search domain defined by the client that mimics the way that defines its business independently. ITEM: The browser metaphor becomes how to solve a consumer problem and not take a look at a product brochure. DISCUSSION: If it takes more products than the provider can make, then he must develop the necessary reach through partnerships with suppliers complementary. If the scope for competitors is an essential part of the value of browsing, they're competing providers must find a neutral (and legal) to accomplish this before a stranger do it for them ...
The theme of this paragraph from Blown to Bits: the New Economics of Information Transforms Strategy (Made Pieces: The New Economics of Strategy Information Processing) is that companies are reacting to a competitive threat must reflect on their "reach." The point is they need to redefine the scope in relation to the problem of the consumer. The following discussion highlights in some of the implications of that point.
Most people learn in school that every paragraph should have a topic sentence and that the topic sentence should be placed first. Now is the moment to forget this rule. Instead it is better to remember the three keys that are required to write a good paragraph: progress from the known to the new, keep the number of subjects to a minimum and that each paragraph have an issue to be addressed, a point and a discussion .
** Special Collaboration: Ms. Mariana Wade., A graduate of the Bachelor of Communication Studies, Mexico 2002.
Alumni / ae: I send this material to read and internalize what is part of our next workshop. As again, rearranging dates. Yes ask almost ready with the report of the documentary, because I will ask the class what followed, after we meet.
What is writing?
Writing for communication
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