Teaching ESL students how to write English stories and essays with style can be a challenge. What is style, anyway?
LEARN WRITING STYLE
Here are a few examples of how to write English with style. These come from Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer. This style tip encourages writers to use four numbers to improve their style.
One
A single idea in a short sentence can make a great impact. For example:
- I have a dream.
- Just do it.
- “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
Two
When you use two characteristics to describe an object, you create balance and rhythm. Balance and rhythm create a memorable and lasting image. For example:
- “Life is divided into the horrible and the miserable.”
- Rice and kimchi.
- Sweet and sour pork.
Three (Rule of Three)
It is the magic number in English. Three examples create a sense of completeness. For example:
- Veni, vidi, vici.
- Location. Location. Location.
- “Death doesn’t really worry me that much. I’m not frightened about it. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
Four
Use four examples or characteristics to create a sense of completeness. For example:
- There are four types of sentences: declarative imperative, exclamatory and interrogative.
- “Join the army, see the world, meet interesting people – and kill ’em.”
- From Woody Allen:
Doris: You have no values. With you it’s all nihilism, cynicism, sarcasm, and orgasm.
Harry: Hey, in France I could run for office with that slogan, and win.