1. Writing to be Understood
Cadet Joshua Pravel
Officer Training School 
Fall 2011

2. Overview Types of written communication The process of writing
The purpose of paper
Organization
Editing a paper

3. Types of Written Communication
The Resume
The Memorandum
Informational
Talking paper
After Action Report
The evaluation
Form 50
Informal 
Facebook message
Text Message

4. The Writing Process Preparing your paper Subject
Can be prepared later if preferred
Type of paper
Audience
Amount of information
Thesis Statement
Organization
Writing your paper

5. Preparation Brainstorm Free write Outline Brainstorm Outline
Formal Outline
Do not stress over intro

6. A Proper Thesis Not always explicitly stated like in an essay
Should state your argument
Must state objective of paper
Should be restated throughout paper
Does not necessarily need to be stated at end of paragraph

7. What would make this thesis better?
"Writing is a really good skill to have."

8. It's far too vague What does "good" mean BETTER
"Writing is necessary for being understood in today's society."

9. What would make this thesis better?
"Writing is beneficial for one main reason."

10. It's far too broad The specific "reason" is not stated BETTER
"Writing  is beneficial because it can be used as a means of communication without meeting people in person."

11. Organization Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Use an outline
Developing Paper
Vocalize what you write
Speak with clarity
Use prescriptive rather than descriptive writing
Always refer back to outline 
Outline, rough draft, break, edit

12. Deciphering High English
"The word-smith's craft is the quintessential medium for the spoken word."

13. Deciphered The goal of communication is to be understood BETTER
"Writing is the most precise way of communicating"

14. What is wrong with this sentence?
"Writing an effective means of communication when perfectly mastered."

15. It's redundant
BETTER
"Writing is an effective means of communication when mastered."

16. Organization Cont: The Paragraph
Have one clear thought
Develop argument and reinforce thesis 
Include support and evidence
Should have a conclusion and a logical point of transition

17. Editing Should be clean in appearance Should accomplish stated purpose
Read it aloud
Get others honest opinions
Make sure you are still getting your message across

18. Questions?