Keys to Readable SentencesSelect your level of languageAdjust the density of infoKeep subjects and verbs close togetherWrite squeaky-clean proseAvoid pompous languageWrite to express, not to impressAvoid excessive use of is/are verb formsWatch use of (and try to avoid) –ing.Use active voice for clarityKeys to Readable WordsAvoid using longer words when shorter ones will sufficeEliminate dead phrases- words that add nothing to the meaning of the sentenceAvoid words that sound knowledgeable without being specificAvoid redundant phrasesAvoid business jargonSome examples:WordinessAdvance forwardFor the reason thatIn light of the fact- use instead: becauseActive vs. Passive VoiceThe instructor required all students to read journal articles.Special rates will be given to student magazine subscribers.Use instead: Student magazine subscribers will receive special rates.Writing TipsVerb: Noun:The boy caught the ball vs. The ball was caught by the boyAvoid starting sentences with subordinate clauses.I will go into the garden after I have finished this cup of tea.After I have finished this cup of tea, I will go into the garden.Mechanics of WritingGrammarClear writingPunctuationWord choicewww.plainlanguage.govStyle: The Bad & the GoodBad WritingGood WritingLow verb/ word ratio per sentenceHigh verb/word ratio per sentenceExcessive use of is/are verbsConcrete verbsAbstract nounsConcrete nounsMany prepositional phrasesFew prepositional phrasesFew clausesLinked clausesPassive voiceActive voiceSeparation of key wordsSubject-verb, actor-action relationship is clearLong, rambling sentencesSpecific, precise sentencesMain ideas of sentences difficult to findMeaning of sentences is easy to find and processSentences must be read several timesMeaning emerges after one readingJTC 300 1nd Edition Lecture 4 Outline of Last Lecture I. Cover Letter FormatsII. Resume formats Outline of Current Lecture II. Keys to a readable StyleA. Style Defined III. Keys to Readable Paragraphs IV. Keys to Readable SentencesV. Keys to Readable WordsVI. Writing Tipsa. Mechanics of Writingb. Style: The Bad & the GoodCurrent Lecture (Chapter 4)Keys to a Readable Style Plan:- Determine reader’s knowledge of subject- Determine style expectations- Adjust style to:o Readerso Purposeo ContextStyle Defined- Words & Phrases usedo Variables, significant findings, meanings- Paragraph/sentence structure used- Way you express ideas, i.e. toneAll based on: Audience!!Keys to Readable ParagraphsThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- Begin each paragraph with topic sentenceo Summarize upcoming content- Only include information relevant to topic sentence- Place sentences in a logical order- Avoid long sentences and long paragraphs Keys to Readable Sentences- Select your level of languageo Adjust the density of info- Keep subjects and verbs close together- Write squeaky-clean prose- Avoid pompous languageo Write to express, not to impress- Avoid excessive use of is/are verb formso Watch use of (and try to avoid) –ing. - Use active voice for clarityKeys to Readable Words- Avoid using longer words when shorter ones will suffice- Eliminate dead phrases- words that add nothing to the meaning of the sentence- Avoid words that sound knowledgeable without being specific- Avoid redundant phrases- Avoid business jargonSome examples:- Wordinesso Advance forwardo For the reason thato In light of the fact- use instead: because- Active vs. Passive Voiceo The instructor required all students to read journal articles.o Special rates will be given to student magazine subscribers. Use instead: Student magazine subscribers will receive special rates.  Writing Tips Verb: Noun:  The boy caught the ball vs. The ball was caught by the boyAvoid starting sentences with subordinate clauses. I will go into the garden after I have finished this cup of tea. After I have finished this cup of tea, I will go into the garden.Mechanics of Writing- Grammar- Clear writing- Punctuation- Word choicewww.plainlanguage.gov Style: The Bad & the GoodBad Writing Good WritingLow verb/ word ratio per sentence High verb/word ratio per sentenceExcessive use of is/are verbs Concrete verbsAbstract nouns Concrete nounsMany prepositional phrases Few prepositional phrasesFew clauses Linked clausesPassive voice Active voiceSeparation of key words Subject-verb, actor-action relationship is clearLong, rambling sentences Specific, precise sentencesMain ideas of sentences difficult to find Meaning of sentences is easy to find and processSentences must be read several times Meaning emerges after one