Difference between revisions of "Good writing"
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− | <big>'''All good writing is original'''</big> - that is, it is different. | + | The best writers may be born, not made. But all writers can improve the way they write. Like many craft skills, writing it takes a lifetime to develop the ability to write well, and it is more a matter of learning than teaching, I can't teach you how to write; you can learn, and I can help you to learn. |
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+ | However, if you are searching for some rules, you may like to look at some simple principles. | ||
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+ | <big>'''All good writing is original'''</big> - that is, it is different, so you must find your own 'voice'. | ||
<big>'''Good writers think about their readers'''</big>. So a student writer should think about the teacher who is reading the assignment. If you can write in a way that your teacher likes, you will on the whole do better. | <big>'''Good writers think about their readers'''</big>. So a student writer should think about the teacher who is reading the assignment. If you can write in a way that your teacher likes, you will on the whole do better. | ||
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− | purpose | + | <big>'''All good writers think about why they are writing'''</big> - be clear about <u>why</u> you are writing, and you will write more clearly. (Student writers should be aiming to write like a professionsal in their subject - which, after all, is one purpose for which thjy are taking a degree course). |
See also [[Orwell's Rules of style]]. | See also [[Orwell's Rules of style]]. |
Revision as of 16:02, 23 February 2007
The best writers may be born, not made. But all writers can improve the way they write. Like many craft skills, writing it takes a lifetime to develop the ability to write well, and it is more a matter of learning than teaching, I can't teach you how to write; you can learn, and I can help you to learn.
However, if you are searching for some rules, you may like to look at some simple principles.
All good writing is original - that is, it is different, so you must find your own 'voice'.
Good writers think about their readers. So a student writer should think about the teacher who is reading the assignment. If you can write in a way that your teacher likes, you will on the whole do better.
and
All good writers think about why they are writing - be clear about why you are writing, and you will write more clearly. (Student writers should be aiming to write like a professionsal in their subject - which, after all, is one purpose for which thjy are taking a degree course).
See also Orwell's Rules of style.
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