Description
CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE WRITING
All written work, whether a paper, a summary, or a short-answer essay for a test question, should exhibit the following characteristics. Although each characteristic refers to “the paper,” you may substitute “the memo,” “the summary,” “the test answer,” or the name of any other written assignment.
Main Idea
The paper is focused, meets the expectations set up by the writer, and makes these expectations clear to the reader. The paper shows a clear sense of purpose.
Well-Organized
The paper is clearly developed; transitions are clear from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. In other words, the writer has not simply made a series of unrelated or vaguely related statements. Rather, each sentence and paragraph carries the reader closer to an understanding or appreciation of the writer’s goal.
Support
The writer provides specific, concrete, and appropriate information from memory, observation, reading, interviewing, or other sources. The paper is well developed with examples, details, illustrations, anecdotes, or the like.
Style
Sentences are varied and word choices are accurate. There is an absence of “clutter” or “padding.” Phrasing is clear and direct. Tone is handled consistently; sentence length and word choices are appropriate to the audience and purpose of the piece.
Mechanics
Punctuation, grammar, spelling, and aspects of format are handled correctly. The writer has prepared the paper carefully with attention to appearance and other details. Opening, closing, and title are strong and contribute to the sense of purpose, focus, and unity of the piece of writing.
Proofreading
Ask yourself the following questions:
What is my major point?
Have I supported generalizations, opinions, and conclusions with specific examples?
Have I avoided using unnecessary words and clichés?
Have I proofread for spelling, punctuation, and typographical errors?
Have I used the grammar and spell-check program in my word processing software?
Did I make the correct choices in accepting or rejecting the grammar and spelling suggestions?
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