Professional Documents
Culture Documents
W2 - W5
W2 - W5
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Write Simply
The key to clarity is simplicity.
The power of simple writing is immense.
E.g: I have a dream. Martin Luther King Jr.,
1963
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Use Simple Sentences
The simple sentence is a good tool for
cleaning up muddy writing.
Practice Brevity
The best writers need to be edited.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Eliminate Jargon, Clichs, and Bureaucratese
Jargon is technical language used in specialized
fields or among people with a common interest. Good
writers for the mass media use words and phrases
that are commonly understood by their audiences.
Clichs are overused words, phrases and clauses.
They have been used so often that they have lost
their original luster.
Bureaucratese is a general name for a serious
misuse of the language. Do not try lather writing with
unnecessary and imprecise meaning.
E.g: Inclusive vs No one left out
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Vary Sentences Type and Length
Simple, Compound, Complex and Compound-Complex
Writers should convey ideas and information to
readers quickly and efficiently.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
Transitions
Transitions ties the writing together.
Readers should be able to read through a
piece of information without stops or
surprises.
Purpose
Writing for the mass media has three major
purposes: to inform, entertain or persuade.
Writing Environment
Writing for the mass media often takes place in the
presence of others who are doing the same thing.
The writing is frequently done under deadline
pressure.