Writing tips
These are some tips to help you in your writing.
General
The ideal English text is easy to read and understand. Good writers usually use plain English words. So your sentences should be simple, clear and well structured.
When writing, remember the following recommendations in mind:
use simple language
use simple and clear sentences
write well structured paragraphs (with a topic sentences supporting details and a concluding sentence)
you may use subordinate clauses but keep them short
prefer active voice to passive voice
avoid slang language.
Sentence
Make your sentences simple and clear.
A sentence always encloses a subject, a verb and , optionally, a complement.
Examples:
she tells stories
She lies
A sentence may contain subordinate clauses (relative clauses, if clauses…)
Paragraph
As to paragraphs, keep the following rules in mind:
Concentrate on one main point per paragraph. Summarize this point in the first sentence ( topic sentence.)
All sentences that follow support the main point or limit its scope (supporting sentences)
The last sentence is a summary of the main point of the paragraph and is used as a transition to the next paragraph. (concluding sentence)
Text
The typical structure of a text is as follows:
(title)
introduction
main part
conclusion
Make your texts interesting. Vary the lengths of your sentences. Use a short sentence to put emphasis on an important statements. Vary the lengths of your paragraphs and avoid one-sentence paragraphs.
There are various possibilities on how to structure your texts, e.g.:
General to Specific:
general statement followed by details and examples
Specific to General:
details and examples followed by a generalization:
Known to Unknown:
provide new information based on what readers already know
Least Important to Most Important:
catch and keep readers' attention
Chronology (ordering by time):
e.g. in biographies
Process writing
Writing is a process. Famous successful writers follow these steps in their writing:
Collecting the data
Organizing the data
Making an outline.
The first draft.
Editing.
Possible reassessment of the ideas (crossing out some ideas, introducing new ideas, rearranging ideas…)
Final draft.
Type of texts
Descriptive
Argumentative
Letters (personal and business letters)
Cause and effects ...
Subject: Writing Tips 
Mon Jan 11, 2016 5:04 pm
