Hints for Better Writing

Ms. Byrne’s Hints for Better Writing

As you re-write your work, always check for P-A-R-C. Also revise sentence fragments [frag], sentence structure [ss], syntax [S], purpose [purp] or thesis [thesis], logic [log], grammar [gr], punctuation [p, verb tense agreement [vt] to ensure your written work is precise, accurate, relevant, and clear.

* Eliminate the pronouns “I, “you,” and “they.” Doing so will increase the analytical credibility of your work.

* Eliminate “their” because a sentence usually contains an antecedent that is either singular, or is confused.

* Watch word usage. That is, use the correct form of “their” or “there” ,“its” or “it’s” and the like.

* Use words that are precise; avoid generalizations such as “always” or “everybody”, and subjective terms such as “huge”, “fantastic”, “perfect” and the like.

* Learn to paraphrase well. This site from Indiana University has a good tutorial: https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/plagiarism_test.html

* Work on writing that is precise, accurate, relevant and clear: P – A – R – C.

Adopting these hints may mean sentences will need to be revised until they become precise, accurate, relevant and clear.

To help understand the professor’s expectations for student work, the following explanation of a “C” paper will elucidate the matter. You will recognize that a C is an honorable score.

Description of a “C” paper

Content

The “C” paper fulfills the assignment, meeting all specified requirements, such as subject, organization, and length, and reflects the author’s awareness of audience and purpose. The paper presents a central idea supported by relevant material (facts, figures, examples… or other details). The reasoning is sound; arguments are supported with adequate evidence; and the paper makes appropriate use of specific, concrete, and relevant information. Other points of view are acknowledged and responded to as appropriate. Sources of information are accurately presented and...