Lard Factor Formula* [W,W3**]

(# Words in Original Sentence - # Words in the Revised Sentence) / # Words

in Original Sentence (O-R)/O

Example:

The reader could possibly argue here that Scrooge is unaware of the
uncomfortable state of his employee; however, the text goes on to show how
little care Scrooge does have for the well being of his employee. [37 words]

The reader could possibly argue here that Scrooge is unaware of Cratchit's
discomfort; however, the text provides additional evidence of Scrooge's
disregard for his employee. [25 words]

(37-25)/37 = 32% Lard

The two poems also share many similarities. One of these similarities is that
both poems make use of the image of the sea, but each uses this image for a
different reason that offers a little deeper view of each poet's view of society.
Wordsworth uses the sea as a soothing image. [52]

The two poems also share many similarities. One of these similarities is that
both poems make use of the image of the sea, but each uses this image for a
different reason that offers a little deeper view of each poet's view of society.
Wordsworth uses the sea as a soothing image. [25]

(52-25)/52 = 52%

Both men's passion for their goals, pushes them to find what they are looking
for whether it be adventuring to the North Pole or reviving human life. [27]

Both men's passionate goals push them toward discovery, either to the North
Pole or to the revival of life. [19]

(27-19)/27 = 30%
Goal-- Revise until you have removed at least 30% Lard or more.
*Lanham, Richard A. Revising Prose. Second Edition. New York: MacMillan, 1987. **Degen, Michael. Crafting Expository
Argumen: Practical Approaches to the Writing Process for Students and Teachers. Dallas: Telemachos, 2001: 92-93