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Write Essays Like a Rock Star—Resource Articles

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Table of ContentsIntroduction.......................................................................................1How to Approach Your Audience....................................................2How to <strong>Write</strong> a Strong Introduction and Conclusion.....................7Common Words to Avoid..................................................................9Avoid Cliches....................................................................................11Transitions........................................................................................13Rules on Comma Usage...................................................................17


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> StarResource <strong>Articles</strong>Lily Iatridis


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> StarResource <strong>Articles</strong>by Lily Iatridishttp://fortuigence.comCopyright 2013 Lily IatridisPDF EditionPDF Edition, License NotesThis ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away toother people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copyfor each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your useonly, please delete this copy and purchase your own. Thank you for respecting the hard work of thisauthor.


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>IntroductionReaders adore a writing style that’s clear and enjoyable. No matter how interesting a topic is to areader, if the writing style of a book or article on that topic is awkwardly structured, has aninappropriate tone, poor word choice, or grammatical issues, that book or article is doomed to beleft unread.In order to create a positive reading experience, a writer needs to know how to develop his or herstyle. This ebook, offering a short collection of articles on the subject, guides the young writer ona few of the basics -- from considerations of purpose and audience to addressing some of themost glaring grammatical problems often seen among young writers today.The first article in this ebook, “How to Approach Your Audience,” is an initial writing etiquetteguide to help the young writer develop a positive relationship with her audience at the outset ofher written work. The ebook then touches on writing introductions and conclusions in its nextarticle, as these two highly important parts of any piece of writing are so often cursorily donetoday, almost as if in afterthought.Next, three articles that follow focus on word choice and flow for the young writer. “CommonWords to Avoid” encourages working with a wider vocabulary so that the reader doesn’t getbored by repetitive wording. On the other hand, “Avoid Cliches” gives a specific listing ofphrases not to be used. The list in “Transitions” offers young writers the opportunity toexperiment with moving seamlessly from one subtopic to another using a wide variety ofphrasing choices.Last but not least, all young writers today must review our simple listing of “Rules on CommaUsage.” A comma is a simple punctuation that brings a pause in a sentence, first learned in earlyelementary school. However, when misused, the comma will completely interrupt a reader’s trainof thought.Enjoy! These articles are structured to be easy to read and follow. They belong to a largercollection of resource articles in Fortuigence’s Essay <strong>Rock</strong> Star online writing course for nonfictionor expository essay writing.1


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>How to Approach Your AudienceEthical Communication AlwaysFirst and foremost, you must communicate with your audience in an ethical manner. Ethicalcommunication boils down to three fundamental rules:Be helpful. Being helpful means providing the information people need to do their jobs,to be productive, to make good decisions, and to be safe.Don't offend people. Not offending people means using language that affirms people'sworth and dignity as opposed to putting them down or judging them. In short, berespectful of others, regardless of their actions or point of view.Tell the truth. Telling the truth needs little translation. Of course, one shouldn't tellselective truths designed to mislead others or to wound their feelings. That'smanipulation. Tell the truth clearly.Sometimes telling the truth and not offending some people is almost impossible. Later in thisarticle, we'll discuss the best way to balance between the two.Gender-Fair LanguageEven though you don't intend any gender bias in your writing, you must be careful not to uselanguage that makes one gender seem superior to another. Usually, this means avoiding languagebiased in favor of men. Here are some guidelines for avoiding this problem:Use gender neutral nouns, for example, humankind not mankind, all people not all men,or police officer instead of policeman.Reduce the number of gender-specific pronouns by using plurals where possible orinterchange the pronouns his and her, she and he in your writing.Give equal treatment to men and women.2


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Tone“Tone” refers to the way a communication sounds. For example, we could say that the tone of aletter is upbeat, resigned, cheerful, threatening, forgiving, confident, uncertain, plaintive,reassuring, and so on.The key to understanding tone is to consider it your persona in written form. A persona is aperson's perceived personality or public role, such as that of a well-known official, actor, orcelebrity. One's persona doesn't necessarily reflect their inner or true personality.From the start, you establish a tone in your writing that lets your readers know how you -- thescientist, earth mother, CEO, lawyer, prospective employee, student, or consultant, for example-- see them and the topic you’re discussing.In writing, tone gets easily interpreted differently by different readers, so it's especially importantto simply evaluate each sentence via the rules of ethical communication given above. Never hitthe "send" button when you're feeling anything but emotionally calm or neutral about whatyou've just written. Put your document in your drafts folder until you're able to feel that way.Otherwise, let a neutral trusted friend or colleague review your work.How to Tell the Truth Without Being OffensiveAn effective writer uses a positive tone whenever possible. But how do you stay positive whenthe news is bad, when you must criticize someone's actions, or to deliver a warning?Direct, clear language should always be your trademark. However, you don't want your tone tobe brutal, abrupt, disgusted, superior, or enraged. Review these guidelines for communicatingnegative messages:Preface the bad news with the most positive, encouraging, yet honest words you can.Avoid negative, insulting words. Think of having to face and interact daily with theperson or author of the work you're criticizing for the indefinite future. Honesty anddiplomacy are important here.Share an alternative with the reader after you explain the bad news. Remember,constructive criticism is always useful.Make your reprimands or demands civil. In writing, this translates to little use of all caps,bolding or underlines.3


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>If you're feeling at all emotional when writing your piece, keep it in your drafts folderuntil you can review it objectively or without any emotion whatsoever. If you can't do areview without any emotion, let a friend or colleague review your piece and identifyunnecessarily harsh or offensive places in your writing.Using Formal vs. Informal ToneWith every aspect of style in your writing, your choices depend upon your analysis of thesituation. Who is your audience, and what is your purpose? How do you want your audience toperceive you?Some writing goals are best achieved by a formal tone, some by an informal tone and some by atone falling somewhere between the two. For example, consider choosing an outfit for aparticular occasion. When would you dress more casually, when more formally, and whensomewhere in between? If you're not sure what tone to use for a particular audience, ask a friendor colleague more familiar with that group of readers.Here are guidelines for a formal writing tone:Use "big words," or college level vocabulary.Use long and complex sentences as well as short and simple ones.Use formal titles such as Doctor, Professor, Mr., Mrs., Counselor, Representative,Supervisor, etc.Use respectful language.Avoid contractions.Avoid slang.Avoid exclamation points.Avoid humor.4


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Here are guidelines for an informal writing tone, generally the reverse of the formal:Avoid "big words."Keep sentences short and simple.Avoid formal titles; use first names or even nicknames, if appropriate.Use contractions.Use exclamation points.Use tasteful humor.Avoid Jargon In Both Formal and Informal Writing"Jargon" is the specialized or technical language of any trade, organization, class, profession, oreven hobby such as sports or video gaming. Below is a list and brief definition of various formsof jargon. Two exceptions to using jargon are given at the bottom of the list.Gobbledygook: long stretches of pretentious, often unintelligible words; reminds one of thegobbling, "gook"-ing and strutting of a turkey.Slang: informal, casual, often playful words. These are typically short-lived figures of speechthat are deliberately used in place of standard terms for added raciness, humor, irreverence, orother effect. Two examples include "bling," or "'cuz."Tech Speak: As defined by Edward Tenner in his book How to Talk High Tech: "Tech Speak is apostcolloquial discourse modulation protocol for user status enhancement. It's a referentialsystem for functional-structural, microscopically specific macroscopic-object redesignation. It's auniversal semantic transformation procedure. It's a holophrastic technocratic sociolect. It's ameta-semiotic mode for task specific nomenclature." Yikes!Computerese: otherwise known as the Tech Speak of computer geeks. "He was running OS/2 SE1.0 on an AT/099 with an ST251-1."Alphabet Soup: This is language laced with acronyms. "An RFP was issued by DOE; ORNLresponded for the ORR."PC: "Politically Correct" speech is language that goes to absurd lengths trying to avoid offendingvarious classes of people. "The anthropology professor lectured on Neanderthal Person."5


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>There are two exceptions to the use of jargon:With an audience well-versed in highly technical language, Tech Speak can keep yourwriting short and simple. Explanations in layperson's terms to an audience of specialistswould be unnecessary and tiresome. Use the level of "technical language" that will mosteffectively communicate with your specific audience.In creative writing, some characters may use jargon in their dialogue. This depends on theauthor's chosen character development and setting.<strong>Write</strong> to Your Readers, Not to the SubjectSometimes writers become so immersed in their subject, they forget that they're writing to otherpeople. Here are five ways to ensure you always write to your reader:Use the pronouns “you” and “your” liberally. They serve as both singular and plural.Keep the statements with an "I" in them to a minimum.Focus on the reader’s needs and benefits, or on how something affects the reader, notyou.Don’t write about your own emotions unless you’re very sure that would be appropriateand welcome. If you have any doubt about your reader's interest, don't write about them.Don’t tell the reader how to feel or what to decide. Feeling and decision are the reader’schoice.Create reference points from the reader's perspective. In other words, give examples,metaphors, and analogies that relate closest to the reader's personal experiences.6


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>How To <strong>Write</strong> A Strong Introduction and Conclusion1. Get clear on the goals of the introduction and write your introduction to meet those goals.Goal 1: The introduction sets the tone for your paper. Remember, when you write theintroduction, you're introducing not only your subject or argument, but also yourself, theauthor. What kind of persona do you want to project? (Persona- the voice, personality orcharacter representing the author and/or narrator.) The tone of the introduction is an importantpart of any strategy of persuasion.Goal 2: The introduction tells what you’re writing about and limits the scope of your subject.In other words, it states the focus of the paper.Goal 3: The introduction provides any background or context that will help your readerunderstand how and why your work matters or how and why it's a part of a larger picture ofsomething. For example, in the case of the personal statement, your work clearly mattersbecause it tells the reader who you are, answering their original question.Goal 4: The introduction presents your thesis or central claim about your subject.Goal 5: The introduction gives a brief overview of the organization of your paper. This willhelp prepare your reader to follow your argument easily.2. <strong>Write</strong> an opening to your introduction. This is a one sentence statement that grabs the reader'sattention.For an opening, you can...Share an interesting or important detail, i.e. an interesting and relevant statistic,Ask readers a question,Begin with an informative quotation,Start with thought-provoking or engaging dialogue.7


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>3. <strong>Write</strong> a Conclusion that meets the two goals below.Goal 1: The conclusion typically includes a summary of what the piece of writing hassuccessfully discussed, argued or proven. An excellent conclusion is also used to maintain yourreader’s interest by extending, not simply repeating the argument. Even in the conclusion youshould strive to produce in your reader a sense of discovery and prospect in the subject.Goal 2: The conclusion brings writing to a close. This includes answering questions leftunanswered in middle paragraphs, summarizing main points, emphasizing the specialimportance of one of the main points, restating the focus or primary message, and last but notleast, saying something to keep the readers thinking about the subject.8


Common Words to Avoid<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Listed below are commonly overused words to the left and some of their synonyms. If you findyou have too many of the overused words in your written work, replace them with one of theother choices.Also: too, moreover, besides, as well as, in addition toAwesome: fine wonderful, marvelous, fantasticAwful: dreadful, alarming, frightful, terrible, horrid, shockingBad: troublesome, mischievous, horribleBut: however, moreover, yet, still, nevertheless, though, although, on the other handFine: acceptable, average, enjoyable, fair, mild, satisfyingFun: pleasant, pleasurable, amusing, entertaining, jollyFunny: amusing, comical, laughable, jovialGood: excellent, exceptional, fine, marvelous, splendid, superb, wonderfulGot, Get: received, obtained, attained, succeed inGreat: wonderful, marvelous, fantasticHave to: need to, mustHappy: blessed, blissful, blithe, captivated, cheerful, chipper, content, convivial, delighted,ecstatic, elated, exultant, gay, glad, gleeful, gratified, intoxicated, jolly, joyful, jubilant, light,lively, merry, pleasant, pleased, sunny, thrilled, tickled, upbeatInteresting: arresting, captivating, consuming, engrossing, enthralling, exciting, fascinating,gripping, intriguing, riveting, spellbinding<strong>Like</strong>: such as, similar to, similarlyLots: numerous, heaps, many, scores, innumerableMad: angry, frustrated, furious, incensed, enraged9


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Nice: pleasant, charming, fascinating, captivating, delightful, pleasurable, pleasing, amiable,becomingSad: bereaved, bitter, blue, cheerless, dejected, despairing, dismal, distressed, down, forlorn,gloomy, glum, heartbroken, hurting,low, melancholy, morbid, morose, mournful, pessimistic,somber, sorrowful, troubledSaid: uttered, mumbled, expressed, declaredScared: afraid, fearful, terrified, frightenedSo: thus, accordingly, thereforeStuff: kit, luggage, objects, effects, equipment, gear, paraphernalia, substance, things,possessions, trappingsThen: first, second, next, later, finally, afterward, meanwhile, soonVery: extremely, exceedingly, fantastically, unusually, incredibly, intensely, truly, fully,especially, shockingly, bitterly, immeasurably, infinitely, severely, surely, mightily,powerfully, chieflyWell: sound, robust, strong10


Avoid Cliches<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>As a rule, the use of cliches is a “no-no” in formal writing assignments. Here is a list of examplesof cliches in American English, for your reference:“fresh as a daisy”“bright as the sun”"cute as a button""I've painted myself into a corner""It's easy as pie""out of the woods""in the clear""wake up and smell the coffee""six feet under""buy the farm""eat crow""armed to the teeth""bit off more than I could chew""an ace in the hole""the straw that broke the camel’s back""madder than a wet hen""fit to be tied""not just another pretty face""built like a tank""actions speak louder than words"11


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>"hear a pin drop""lay down the law""not seen hide nor hair of him""life goes on""reach for the stars""roll with the punches""in it for the long haul""fly by the seat of my pants""cool as a cucumber""turn over a new leaf"12


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>List of Transitions Within SentencesExperiment with different transitions for smoother sentence flow and greater variety invocabulary. Use the transitions that blend naturally with your writing style.Addition:also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover,similarlyWhen there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will beable to overcome difficult situations.Consequence:accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose,hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, whereforeHighway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning.Contrast and Comparison:contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise,on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather,similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrastThe children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parentswere very proactive in providing good care.Direction:here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above,to the left, to the right, in the distanceShe scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprisecoming her way.13


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Diversion:by the way, incidentallyHe stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill.Emphasisabove all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularlyThe Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting.Exception:aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of,saveConsensus was arrived at by all of the members exclusive of those who could not vote.Exemplifying:chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely,particularly, including, specifically, such asSome friends and I drove up the beautiful coast chiefly to avoid the heat island of the city.Generalizing:as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usuallyThere were a few very talented artists in the class, but for the most part the students only wantedto avoid the alternative course.14


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Illustration:for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration,illustrated with, as an example, in this caseThe chapter provided complex sequences and examples illustrated with a very simple schematicdiagram.Similarity:comparatively, coupled with, correspondingly, identically, likewise, similar, moreover, togetherwithThe research was presented in a very dry style though was coupled with examples that made theaudience tear up.Restatement:in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differentlyIn their advertising business, saying things directly was not the rule. That is to say, they tried toconvey the message subtly though with creativity.Sequence:at first, first of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time,for now, for the time being, the next step, in time, in turn, later on,meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier,simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind,The music had a very retro sound but at the same time incorporated a complex modern rhythm.15


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Summarizing:after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event,in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis,in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finallyShe didn't seem willing to sell the car this week, but in any case I don't get paid until the end ofthe month.16


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>To Use a Comma, or Not to Use a Comma?Deciding when to add a comma can be tricky. But if you follow these ten simple rules, you’llquickly resolve the vast majority of your comma usage questions.Rule 1: Use a comma to separate the elements in a series (three or more things), including thelast two.Example:He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.Rule 2: Use a comma + a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so) to connect twoindependent clauses. An independent clause is a related group of words that contains both asubject and a verb.Example:He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base.Rule 3: Use a comma to set off introductory elements.Example:Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how silly he looked.Rule 4: Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements. A parenthetical element is a part of asentence that can be removed without changing the essential meaning of that sentence.Below are a number of examples to help you get a better grasp of the various parentheticalelements possible. Please note that the parenthetical elements are underlined.Examples:The truth is, deciding when to use a comma can be tricky.The Founders Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River, is falling down.17


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Their years of training now forgotten, the soldiers broke ranks.Yes, it is always a matter, of course, of preparation and attitude.I'm telling you, Juanita, I couldn't be more surprised.Calhoun's ambition, to become a goalie in professional soccer, is within his reach.Eleanor, his wife of thirty years, suddenly decided to open her own business.Rule 5: Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives. In other words, if you can put an andor a but between the adjectives in a sentence, a comma can probably go there instead.Examples:He is a tall and distinguished fellow. He is a tall, distinguished fellow.I live in a very old and run-down house. I live in a very old, run-down house.Rule 6: Use a comma to set off quoted elements. Generally, use a comma to separate quotedmaterial from the rest of the sentence that explains or introduces the quotation:Examples:Peter Coveney writes, "The purpose and strength of the romantic image of the child had beenabove all to establish a relation between childhood and adult consciousness.""The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many things."Rule 7: Use commas to set off phrases that express contrast.Examples:Some say the world will end in ice, not fire.It was her money, not her charm or personality, that first attracted him.18


<strong>Write</strong> <strong>Essays</strong> <strong>Like</strong> a <strong>Rock</strong> Star — Resource <strong>Articles</strong>Rule 8: Use a comma to avoid confusion. This is often a matter of consistently applying Rule3, adding commas after introductory elements.Examples:For most the year is already finished.For most, the year is already finished.Outside the lawn was cluttered with hundreds of broken branches.Outside, the lawn was cluttered with hundreds of broken branches.Rule 9: Typographical Reasons. Place a comma between a city and a state, a date and the year,a name and a title when the title comes after the name, in long numbers, and so on.Examples:Hartford, ConnecticutJuly 4, 17765,384,703Rule 10: When in doubt, don’t use a comma! Try not to use a comma unless you can apply aspecific rule from this page to do so.19

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