Table of Contents

Getting Started

Planning saves time.

PLAN! before you start to save time, rewrites, and get your message across.

• Use techniques from free-form "mind mapping" to structured techniques such as outlining.
• Overcome writer's block.

Style is important!

Should the style be formal or informal?

• Know your audience.
• Write in plain English!
• Format the page for easy reading.

Using Active Language

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Active is Better Than Passive!

Active language gives your writing power and clarity.

• Learn to recognize passive language.
• Discover why active is better than passive.

How-To

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How-To

Passive Language is Sneaky!

Sometimes passive language is hard to spot and sometimes it's okay!

• Recognize some common words that signal passive writing.
• Find the missing people and put them back in!
• Identify some clever uses of passive language.

Using Basic Grammar Rules Correctly

 Grammar Stumbling Blocks!

Do any of these rules give you fits? If you're not sure, try some of the Practice Activities first to see how you do. If you do need some reminders, go to the how-to section to begin.

• Fix run-on sentences.
• Avoid problems with subject/verb agreement.
• Conquer confusing words.
• Tackle punctuation bloopers.

Writing Clearly

 Back to Basics

• Get to the point!
• Go from gobbledygook to simplicity.
• Stamp out unnecessary words and phrases.

Banning Buzzwords and Jargon

• Zap the buzzwords.
• Eliminate jargon.

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Practice

Putting it All Together!

The Art of the Rewrite

• Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
• Let it flow, find the pollution, and clean it up!

Final Activity

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