1. Chapter 5 Revising Your Writing
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2. Revising Your Writing
Words
Sentences
Paragraphs
Tone

3. Defining Style How an idea is expressed (not its substance
Style consists of words the writer uses
How words are combined into sentences and paragraphs

4. Defining Mechanics
Mechanics are elements in communication that show up only in writing, for example, spelling, punctuation, abbreviations, capitalization, number expression and word division.

5. Principles of Style Words Sentences Paragraphs Tone Write clearly.
Write concisely.
Sentences
Use a variety of sentence types.
Use active and passive voice appropriately.
Use parallel structure.
Paragraphs
Keep paragraphs unified and coherent.
Control paragraph length.
Tone
Write confidently.
Use a courteous and sincere tone.
Use emphasis and subordination.
Use positive language and the “you” attitude.

6. Write Clearly Be accurate and complete Use familiar words
Use specific, concrete language
Avoid dangling expressions
Avoid clichés, slang, unnecessary jargon

7. Use Language your Reader can understand
Prefer Short and Simple Words
Use Language your Reader can understand
Long
Short
Ascertain
Learn
Modification
Change
Endeavor
Try
Substantial
Large
termination
End
initiate
Start
utilization
Use

8. Defining Dangling Expressions
▪ Any part of a sentence that does not logically fit in with the rest of the sentence.
▪ Its relationship with the other parts of the sentence is unclear – it dangles.

9. Fun with Dangling Expressions
Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while traveling to Gettysburg on the back of an envelope.
I had been driving for about 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.
Two cars were reported stolen by the Groveton police yesterday.
Dr. Lopez gave a presentation on the use of drugs in our auditorium.

10. Avoid Dangling Expressions
Make the subject of the sentence the doer of the action expressed in the introductory clause.
Move the expression closer to the word that it modifies.
Make sure that the specific word to which a pronoun refers is clear.
Otherwise revise the sentence for coherence.

11. Defining Cliché
A Cliché is an expression that has become monotonous through overuse.

12. Use Language your Reader can understand
Cliché Expressions Examples
Use Language your Reader can understand
According to our records
For your information
Company policy requires
Do not hesitate
Please be advised that
Thank you for your attention to this matter
If you have any other questions
Our records indicate that

13. Defining Slang
Slang a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal and are restricted to a group of people.

14. Use Language your Reader can understand
Slang Expressions Examples
Use Language your Reader can understand
Can of worms
Pay through the note
Chew out
Play up to
Gut feeling
Security blanket
Go for broke
Wiped out
Keep your cool

15. Arrange These Terms from Most to Least Specific
western seaport
seaport
place
San Diego
Pier 45
sport
jump ball
activity
basket-ball
team sport
ignition failure
situation
problem
engine trouble
car problem
country
neigh-borhood
street
state
city

16. Write Concisely Avoid redundancy and wordy expressions
Avoid hidden verbs and subjects

17. Defining Redundancy
A Redundancy is the unnecessary repetition of an idea that has already been expressed or intimated.

18. Redundancy Example
NOT Signing both copies of the lease is a necessary requirement.
BUT Signing both copies of the lease is necessary.

19. Use Language your Reader can understand
Avoid these Common Redundancies
Use Language your Reader can understand
Avoid
Use
New innovation
Innovation
Combine together
Combine
Divide up
Divide
Plan ahead
Plan
11.00am in the morning
11.00am
Repeat again
Repeat
Free gift
Gift

20. Use Language your Reader can understand
Avoid Wordy Expressions
Use Language your Reader can understand
Avoid
Use
Are of the opinion that
Believe
In the event of If
Due to the fact that
Because
Pertaining to
About
For the purpose of
For or to
With regard to
In order to To

21. Writing Effective Sentences
Use a variety of sentence types.
Use active and passive voice appropriately.
Use parallel structure.

22. Use a Variety of Sentences
Simple Sentence
A simple sentence contains one independent clause and presents a single idea and is short
Example:
I quit.
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses.
Stacey listened and I nodded.
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
I will move to Austin when I start my new job.

23. Developing Logical Paragraphs Types of Ethics
Unity
▪ A unified paragraph gives information that is directly related to the topic
▪ Presents the information in a logical order and omits irrelevant details
Coherence
A coherent paragraph weaves sentences together so that the discussion is integrated.
Length
Excessive long paragraphs look boring and difficult

24. Creating an Appropriate Tone
Write confidently
Use a courteous and sincere tone
Use appropriate emphasis and subordination
Use positive language
Stress the “you” attitude