Transcript Writing Style

Writing Style
Level 2
Concrete Language
Use definite, specific, concrete
Language
"If those who have
studied the art of
writing are in accord
on any one point, it is
this: the surest way to
arouse and hold the
reader's attention is
by being specific,
definite, and
concrete."
-Strunk and White
Use Imagery…

Use words which
create sensations in
one or more of the
reader’s five senses.

Human beings gain
information about the
world only in these 5
ways, it makes sense
to engage them on this
level.
Be Concise…
Write using nouns and verbs.

Never use 2 words where 1 will do.


The Adjective and Adverb are the enemies of good writing.
There are 750,000 standard words in the English language; use
the word which means exactly what you mean, not one which
must be modified to get your meaning across.
Using the Right word Practice

He ran very fast.

Dashed, sprinted,
rushed…

She is very sad.

Depressed,
distraught, morose…

It was a tall oak tree.

The oak tree towered
over us.
Say what things Are rather than
what they are Not…
When you tell someone
what something isn’t it
gives very little
information…
I don’t drive a blue
truck…
I drive a red ford sedan.
Positive Form Practice

not honest

dishonest


not important
 did not pay any
attention to
 did not have much
confidence in
lying dog

trifling
 ignored

distrusted
Level 2 Practice


He showed satisfaction
as he took possession of
his well-earned reward.
She did not think that
studying Latin was a
sensible way to use
one’s time.
 Get good grades.

He grinned as he
pocketed the coin.

She thought the study
of Latin a waste of
time.

Complete every
assignment on time.
Assignment
Step into the painting in
front of you and
describe your
surroundings from
wherever you choose
to stand. Paint a
picture with your
words; I should be
able to feel where you
are standing.
The Mount of the Holy Cross
Oil on Canvas
Assignment continued…
Assignment rules:
 Avoid all forms of the
word “to be.”
 Tell what things are
rather than what things
are not.
 Write using nouns and
verbs which appeal to
the five senses.
 Touch on 4 out of the 5
senses.