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Lecture 1

Writing is a medium of human communication that uses symbols and signs to represent language. It involves three main stages: manipulation of letters, structuring words and sentences, and communication of ideas or information. Good writing has characteristics like reasonable speed, correct spelling and grammar, logical sequence, and overall impact. The writing process can be guided by a teacher or done freely by the writer. Formal and informal writing styles are distinguished by word choice, tone, and perspective. Effective writing puts the reader first, uses simple language, employs jargon sparingly, utilizes active voice, and leverages formatting to aid readability. Proper planning and organization are important for clear communication through writing.

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Hamas Ullah
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
50 views

Lecture 1

Writing is a medium of human communication that uses symbols and signs to represent language. It involves three main stages: manipulation of letters, structuring words and sentences, and communication of ideas or information. Good writing has characteristics like reasonable speed, correct spelling and grammar, logical sequence, and overall impact. The writing process can be guided by a teacher or done freely by the writer. Formal and informal writing styles are distinguished by word choice, tone, and perspective. Effective writing puts the reader first, uses simple language, employs jargon sparingly, utilizes active voice, and leverages formatting to aid readability. Proper planning and organization are important for clear communication through writing.

Uploaded by

Hamas Ullah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WRITING

Writing is a medium of human communication


that represents language with signs and
symbols
INTRODUCTION

A way of communication

Visual representation of speech:


Composition

Speaking and writing are active skills

Used when receiver is not physical near


WRITING PROCESS

Divided into three stages

1. Manipulation : psych-motor ability to form


the letters from alphabets

2. Structuring :to organise letters into words,


words into phrases, clauses and sentences,
3. Communication : it is ultimate goal of
writing as interpretation in reading and
comprehension in listening
ANALYSIS
COMPONENTS
1. Reasonable speed
2. Correct spelling
3. Usage of appropriate words
4. Use correct connectors
5. Logical Sequence
6. Overall Impact

7. Right Register As Per Subject Matter And


Readers
GUIDED
COMPOSITION

Controlled Learner is
provided with
necessary Vocabulary,
structure thoughts, ideas
to be
Teacher guide expressed
and facilitate This is
gradually
reduced Finally the
learner writes
by his own
GUIDED
COMPOSITION

First teacher
write
Define topic
Discuss with
learner

Motivate
Arousing
interest
Helpout
learner
FREE WRITING

Teacher
Suitable for
provide limited
senior guidance

From dependence
to independence

No vocabulary
Enhance
or material is
confidence
provided
(University) Writing skills
Whether you’re a student
or teacher, writing skills
are necessary in today’s
world.
Essays, reports,
presentations and
research papers are just
some examples
writing, when used
appropriately, presents a
polished and professional
image.

Academic writing
skills encompass strong
composition, excellent
grammar, and a consistent
stylistic approach.
It is a learnt skill and,
What is type - style of writing?
This in writing refers to a particular style of
expression.
Characteristics include

A formal tone, use of the


third-person rather than
first-person perspective,
clear focus on the issue
or topic rather than the
author’s opinion, and
precise word choice.
Writers
employing the
formal style
avoid jargon,
slang, and
abbreviations.
Academic and technical
writing is formal writing.
Many beginner writers
have trouble in formal
writing. They resort to
informal writing, since it’s
easier and more familiar.
Characteristics of informal writing

the use of
colloquialisms and
jargon,
writing in the first
person or making
“I” statements,
making direct
personal
statements, and
imprecise word
choices.
Just as you probably would
not wear shorts and
flip-flops to a wedding,
there’s a time and a
place for informal
writing.

Informal writing is fine for


diary entries, blogs,
personal writing, letters
or emails to friends.
The most informal writing
imaginable is the text
message, full of
abbreviations such as “R U
here?” to convey quick
questions and responses.

In comparison, the most


formal writing of all can be
found in legal documents.
Writers working on papers
for school, college
application essays,
scientific papers, research
papers, conference
presentations, and
business proposals
generally employ a more
formal style.
Examples
Informal writing:
I think he’s a loser.
Formal writing:
Macbeth’s horrific choices cause him to lose
everything he holds dear: children, wife,
friends, crown and king.
The first statement is informal. The writer speaks
in the first person, using the word “I”, and
states an opinion. The slang term “loser”, is
used, which is inappropriate in a formal
context. They also uses the contraction “he’s”.
If this were in the middle of a paragraph, it
may be easier to understand to whom the
author is referring.

Note :
Taken as a simple statement, however, it’s
impossible to know whether the writer thinks his best friend,
his dog, or a rock star is a loser!
The second example uses an academic, formal
style. Written in the third-person, the
sentence omits references to the writer and
focuses on the issue. Strong, specific
adjectives like “horrific” convey the author’s
view clearly without resorting to slang. The
use of the colon creates a strong, formal feel
when properly used here to introduce a list.
Effective Writing Basics
Tips that can improve your
writing in any medium
Five keys to effective
writing
• Put the reader first
• Use simple words and short
sentences
• Use jargon only when necessary
• Write with verbs and nouns
• Format to improve readability
Five keys to effective
writing
• Key #1: Put the reader first
– Communication = understanding
– Write to Express not Impress
– Use words readers can picture
– Tie in to the reader’s experience
– What’s in it for me
Five keys to effective
writing
• Key #2: Use simple words and
short sentences
Example 1
• As per our conversation, I am
enclosing herewith a remittance of
$25 for the balance due on my
account. (18 words)
• As we discussed, here is the $25
remaining on my account. (11 words)
• Here is the $25 remaining on my
account. (8 words)
Example 2
• As pertaining to the question of
whether or not to construct a new
storage facility, corporate
management will ascertain the
appropriateness of such an issue in
the near future.
• Management will decide next week
whether to build a new storage
facility.
Tip
• Avoid wordy prepositional phrases
– In the amount of (for)
– In order to (to)
– Due to the fact that (because)
– In the event that (if)
– During the time that (when, while)
Five keys to effective
writing
• Key #3: Use jargon only when
necessary
– What is jargon?
Example 3
• The new FMIS system from Global
provides VOR/DME nav redundancy,
as well as enhanced GPS capability.
• Global's new flight management
system provides several ways to
navigate your airplane, including the
latest in satellite navigation.
Example 4
• While the new ST7000 provides
extensive memory and is extremely
user compatible, it lacks the requisite
capacity for calculating at a high rate
of speed.
• Our computer system is easy to use
and has enough memory, but it is too
slow.
Example 5
• Demand-side capacity combined with
transmission wheeling contracts and local
generation resources will be able to meet
local demand and spinning reserve
requirements for the next five years.

• WAPDA will be able to save and produce


enough power to meet local needs for the
next five years.
Five keys to effective
writing
• Key #4: Write with verbs and
nouns
– Use the active voice
– When it is okay to use passive
voice
Example 6
• The company (S) sells (V) insurance (O).
• Not: Insurance is sold by the company.

• The construction crew repaired the road.


• Not: The road was repaired by the
construction company.

• Tests showed the new material did not wear


well.
• Not: When tests were run, it was discovered
that good wear is not exhibited by the new
material.
Example 7
• Choose the right verb and the
right noun
– Mr. Johnson ran quickly across the four-
lane street, almost falling down when he
stepped in a large hole in the concrete.
(22 words)
– Mr. Johnson sprinted across the
boulevard, stumbling when he stepped
in a pothole. (13 words)
Five keys to effective
writing
• Key #5: Format document to
improve readability
– Use lists, bullets, charts, tables,
indents, italics, bolds, headings
and subheadings
Plan, organize, write
• Before you begin
– Who is the audience (“My audience
is _________.”)
– Purpose of the message (“My
purpose is________.”
– How will the reader use the
information (“So that the reader
will________.”)
Plan, organize, write
• As you begin
– Assemble all useful information
– Determine what’s important
– Choose what to leave out
– Group information logically
Plan, organize, write
• Four ways to organize
– Division
– Compare/contrast
– Cause/effect
– Problem-analysis solution
Division
• Start with main idea, then discuss
the parts
• Example:
– ACME Corporation faces four problems
that threaten its competitiveness:
• Outdated marketing plan
• Poor service record
• High prices
• Low Morale
Compare/Contrast
• Use familiar to explain unfamiliar
• Put the conclusion up front
• Example:
– If we expand in the West we will face the
same challenges as we did in expanding
to the South:
• Lack of identity
• Poor distribution
• Short p-term cash flow problem
• Untrained labor force
Problem-Analysis-
Solution
• Find a straightforward way to offer
recommendations
• Example:
– The shipping dock’s inability to ship
product fast enough results from a
inefficient tracking system. The solution
is to:
• Invest in a new computer system
• Retrain staff
• Inform customers of realistic shipping times
• Budget for overtime to meet peak demand
Cause/Effect
• Presents a clear-way analysis
• A-B; A-B-C-D; ABCD-E
• Example:
– Reorganizing the marketing department
will cause two benefits and one problem:
• Improved accountability
• Better communication
• Problem – poorer service to industrial
customers
Plan, organize, write
• Develop an outline
• Write
– Write the easiest part first
– Develop major sections one at a
time
– Introduction for main ideas
– Main point in first paragraph
– Turn off your internal editor
Plan, organize, write
• 90% of writing is re-writing and
editing
• Let the document cool
• Aim to cut first draft by at least
10%

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