Chapter 3
Improving Writing Techniques
By: Kristin Kozlovsky
Researching
 Importance
 What
your Research
should Answer
Formal Research
Informal Research
Organizing
 Grouping
 Outlining
Information
and Scratch Lists
Direct Pattern vs. Indirect
Pattern
 Placement
of the Main Idea
 When
to use the Direct Pattern
 When
to use the Indirect Pattern
Reviewing Sentence Structure
 Complete
 She
Sentences
likes to run.
 Phrases
 After
the bell…
 … through the woods
 Clauses
 When
companies use a paid time-off plan,
they have a stable workforce.
Composing Tips
 Avoid

The author requested publication. Even though
there were grammar mistakes.
 Avoid

Run-on Sentences
Most people present using PowerPoint some are
also using voice thread.
 Avoid

Sentence Fragments
Coma-Splice Sentences
Some people like to play basketball, others like
to watch it.
 Control
Sentence Length
Sentence Length vs. Audience
Comprehension
Percent of
Comprehension
120.00%
100.00%
80.00%
60.00%
40.00%
20.00%
0.00%
8 Words
15 Words 19 Words 28 Words
Number of Words
Ways to Improve Writing
 Develop
 Use
Emphasis
Active and Passive Voice
 Using
Parallelism
 Develop
Unity
Developing Emphasis
MECHANICS
Stylistically
 Know
when to De-Emphasize
Active and Passive Voice
 Active
means Subject = “Doer”
 Mary
 Passive
 The
 When
draws a picture.
means Subject = Acted Upon
pictures were drawn by Mary.
to use them
Parallelism
 Balanced
 Match
Writing
things together
 Improves
reader comprehension
Unity
 Avoid
Zigzag Writing
I
appreciate the time you spent with me in our
interview, and I have enrolled into your class.
 Avoid
Confusing Mixed Constructions
 The
reason she was hired is because she is
qualified.
 Avoid
 To
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
win the lottery, a ticket must be purchased.
Paragraph
 Coherence



Repeat Key Ideas or Key Words
Use Pronouns
Use Transitional Expressions
 Control
Paragraph Length
Rough Draft Tips
 Overcoming
 Be
Writers Block
in a Quiet Place
 Sprint/Polished
 Go
Writer
Straight to the Keyboard
Conclusion
 Researching

Informal/Formal
 Organizing


Outline/Scratch Lists
Indirectly/Directly
 Composing

Sentences
 Emphasis
 Active/Passive
Voice
 Parallelism
 Unity

Coherent Paragraphs
Sources
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