Wilkes’ Top Writing Concerns:



Wilkes’ Top Writing Concerns: The Basics

(Always check your papers to be sure you have avoided these errors)

1. Ask yourself what role every word plays in each clause, every clause in each sentence, every sentence in each paragraph, every paragraph in the paper.

2. Avoid using the same verb, noun, adverb, or adjective in a paragraph and never in the same sentence. English is the richest written language on earth. . . Get to know it!

3. Be simple, clear, precise and avoid repetition.

4. Do not use the verb “to be” when avoidable. Passive voice is weak and not good for historical writing (or any other!) Use active “ed” verbs.

5. Do not use the verb “to say.” There are many more exact verbs which express communication.

6. In historical writing and most essays of any type, use third person voice. There is rarely any reason to use “I” in formal writing. Your reader should always assume that the opinion expressed in any declarative sentence is yours. Also avoid 2nd person “you” and “we.”

7. Avoid referring to the reader, “You should know that . . .”

8. In research writing, avoid long quotes. Express other’s ideas in your own words, but give credit. A quote should be a very rare and special thing in your paper.

9. Re-read, re-read, re-read. Then re-write!

10. All papers (unless otherwise specified) should be word-processed, double-spaced, 1” margins. Number pages in the upper right-hand corner except for first page which is never numbered.

11. Leave 2 spaces after any piece of sentence-ending punctuation; a period, exclamation, etc.

12. Semi-colons and dashes (-) are rarely used in good writing. They lead to run-on sentences and convoluted thoughts. Use a period! (Semis are acceptable but don’t catch the semi-colon disease.)

Avoid the “Dirty Dozen!”

Note: Eternal gratitude to Dr. Robert Kenzer for these lessons!

Wilkes’ Writing Tips Part 2: The Subtleties

Grammatical:

1. The verb is the most important part of your sentence

- make it active (he lurched, he jumped, he flung himself, etc.)

- in history writing, use past tense (It has already happened!)

i. BAD: Turner claims that settlers travel to the frontier to find sanctuary.

ii. BETTER: Turner claimed that settlers traveled to the frontier to find sanctuary.

- avoid “to be” and all its forms whenever possible

i. BAD: This migration was to be the greatest event in American history.

ii. BETTER: In American history, few events surpassed the significance of westward migration.

- avoid “to say” whenever possible (Turner argued, Turner espoused, Turner commented)

2. Pronouns are weak and often meaningless. Avoid them when possible.

BAD: It was based on the idea that the American frontier. . .

BAD: It was possible that they may find. . . .

BETTER: Turner based his thoughts on the idea that the American frontier. . .

BETTER: It is possible that future historians may find. . .

3. Never use multiple words when one will say it better. (Simplify your writing)

BAD: “He seemed not to have considered. . .”

BETTER: “He ignored. . . “

4. Don’t ask rhetorical questions in your writing. The reader can’t respond!

EX: “Don’t you think Turner should have known better?”

5. Vary word choice and the way you start sentences.

EX: He talks a lot about the West. He also talks on the issue of diversity. It seems as if despite all the talking, he just doesn’t get it. He should really take a look at America today.

6. Avoid parenthetical phrases. If it’s worth noting, put the ideas in a sentence.

EX: George Washington knew how to deal with western dissent (as evidenced by his actions with the Whiskey Rebellion), he employed a strong hand.

BETTER:

George Washington knew how to deal with western dissent. As evidenced by his actions with the Whiskey Rebellion, he employed a strong hand.

7. Use quotes sparingly. Don’t “chop” them (1-2 words) or make them too long (a paragraph).

8. Avoid 1st and 2nd person in formal writing.

BAD: I think Turner was wonderful and gave so much for each of us to ponder today!

BETTER: Turner’s profound insight into American history and culture stands the test of time.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download