LEVELS OF LEARNING WRITING SKILLS - 1

LEVELS OF LEARNING WRITING SKILLS - 1

Learning how to write effective communication, can be described at three levels:

 Choosing the right words
 Constructing Sentences
 Designing paragraphs

(1) Choosing the right words
A skilled writer should choose words such that the receiver gets the meaning in a precise manner, without different interpretations. Following guidelines are useful:

(i) Searching words that the receiver understands
Adaptation is a process of simplifying; it is not as easy as it sounds because:
 Many individuals write at a more difficult level
 Writers know the subject better than the receiver
Extensive experience supports simplification.

(ii) Using familiar words
Familiar words enhance communication because they are easy to understand and absorb. Human memory favors familiar words as it speeds up filing and storage! For example, use:
 „Show‟ in place of „demonstrate‟
 „Use‟ instead of „utilize‟
 „Try‟ for „endeavor‟

(iii) Choosing short words
Short words communicate better; use:
 „Quit‟ in place of „terminate‟
 „Agreed‟ in lieu of „accorded‟
 „Last year‟ instead of „previous year‟

(iv) Using technical words with caution
Every field of specialization has words that have a specific meaning in that field and should be used when communicating with persons from the same area of specialization. They do not communicate well with others and hence should be used with caution, if at all.

(v) Adding vigor to words
Our senses and mind do not respond equally to all words – words with vitality attract better attention. Thus one must add zing to one‟s writings by using strong words. As a rule, a word is strongest when used as a verb, followed by when it is used as a noun. Adjectives and adverbs are comparatively weak and should be used sparingly. A few useful tips are:

(a) Selecting strong and vigorous words
The main purpose of any writing is to attract the attention and time of the reader. We know that strong and vigorous words attract attention from senses and mind. Use:
 „Tycoon‟ in place of „eminently successful businessman‟
 „Boom‟ instead of „period of business prosperity‟

(b) Using concrete words
Using concrete words makes writing more interesting instead of abstract words. Use of specific words adds exactness in ones‟ expressions.

(c) Preferring active to passive verbs
The active form of expression is better than the passive form - it is stronger and shorter. The passive form has a place only when „doer‟ is not important.

(d) Avoiding camouflaged verbs
Do not camouflage verbs into nouns; they dilute expressions. For example, use:
 Cancel and not cancellation
 Acquire and not acquisition

(vi) Selecting words for precise communication
One should have good command over the vocabulary. It helps in searching for the correct words and phrases that convey precise meanings in a given situation. A writer must try to have a very good collection of idioms, maxims, and proverbs. They are very powerful in conveying ones‟ thoughts in a precise manner.

(vii) Avoiding sexist words
These are words that show male dominance e.g., manly figure or manly habits.

(viii) Avoiding pronouns indicating sex
Do not use pronouns like he, she, him or her. This can be done by:
 Making them plural
 Rewording the sentence
 Going in for neutral expression like one, someone, etc

(ix) Avoiding words derived from masculine words
Do not use words like manpower, chairman, postman, watchman, etc
(x) Avoiding words that are demeaning to women
Words like womanizing, prostituting, etc should be left out of writing as they offend some readers.