This week the ESL students will focus on precision writing. That means, using the fewest number of words to communicate an exact idea.
Rewriting Process
Rewriting is an important part of learning how to write well. But, sometimes students just correct the small errors and don’t think about the entire text. You have to learn how to fix the problems yourself.
Here is one way to make writing better: remove tired words and phrases.
For example:
- not only … but
- such as
- and so on
- the following
- due to the fact that
- at all times
- at the present time
- in most cases
Many verbs are also tired because they are used too often and add little information. For example
- be, can, go, make, have, let, put
Writing Exercises to Practice
Here are a couple of exercises which I uncovered in a terrific book, 500 Word Theme by Harry Kroitor and Lee Martin (1994).
Editing for Style: Tired Verbs
Read the paragraph. Pay attention to the tired verbs (e.g. be, can, go, etc). rewrite the paragraph.
The Volkswagen is unexcelled for dependability. It is well behaved under driving conditions in which other cars are kept off the road. Unlike conventional cars with their engines over the front wheels, the VW engine is in the back, which gives superior traction to the rear wheels. As a result, the VW can climb steep, slippery hills with ease or it can go with sureness through ice snow, mud and sand. Furthermore, other cars are easily outperformed by the VW even under the most extreme temperature conditions because there are no radiator problems in the VW. The VW engine is air cooled, thus there are no leaks, rust or antifreeze problems particular to conventional cars. Any time, summer or winter, day or night, the VW is ready to go anywhere.
A suggested revised paragraph can be found here.
Quick Editing Exercise
Read these sentences. How can you rewrite them to remove the tired words and phrases and make the ideas stronger and clearer?
- In today’s fast paced modern world, finding out the true facts in foreign affairs and business is becoming increasingly difficult.
- I am writing for the purpose of updating our information. Would you be kind enough to give this matter your full attention and consideration?
- It is the belief of everyone who was involved that during the time that we were away someone broke in for the purpose of robbery, despite the fact that we had taken full and complete precautions.
- I would like you to obtain for me a duplicate copy of the invoice which is dated March 1, 2012.
- Our expansion and modernization plans are proceeding on time, as scheduled.
Writing Exercise to Practice Precision
This is deceptively hard writing challenge. Your job is to describe abstract concepts.
- Watch this short video.
- Make a list of the 11 simple concepts presented.
- Write a short paragraph about each concept. How did the artists decide to present each concept with basic tools (like a dot or line)? Was it successful?
Tiny Story from Sebas and Clim on Vimeo.