Principles of Good Writing:
This post is not specifically linguistic, but an aid to teaching writing. This short list remains open, maybe you, or I, will think of another principle:
Principles of Good Writing:
1. Read the assignment, and adhere to the given format.
2. Tell the reader what you’re going to tell her, tell it to her, then tell her what you told her.
3. Get straight down to business in the introduction.
4. Develop your points one paragraph at a time. One idea per paragraph, one paragraph per idea (occasionally two).
5. Make friends with commas, and fluff them up with the occasional semicolon or colon. Use exclamation points and question marks for rhythm and fun.
6. Pay attention to description – use colorful adjectives, carefully chosen nouns, and active, lively verbs.
7. Don’t depend on your reader to do the analysis. Hand it to her on a silver platter.
8. Read your paper aloud to catch awkward sentences, or sentences that don’t say what you want them to say.
9. Avoid the obvious. Say something meaningful.
10. Tell the reader something she doesn’t already know.
11. Bring other minds to bear on the subject – use your sources carefully and richly.
12. Writing begins at revision.
13. Establish and maintain your relationship with your reader: don’t preach to her and don’t underestimate her.
14. Leave the reader with a conclusion that will sink so deep that it appears in her dreams.
Ways to prepare for a good essay: Freewrite, cluster, journal, outline, meditate.
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