Modules 15 & 16

Module 15


At times it is difficult to choose the right word to use. The right word depends on the situation, your purpose, your audience, and the words that you have already used. Use should use words that are accurate, appropriate, and familiar. You should not use technical jargon unless it is essential and known to the reader.

Using the right word helps your image. It lets people know that you know what you are talking about and essentially makes you look better. It also helps you to get the response that you want. It helps you build credibility and demonstrate your professionalism.

There are some words that confuse some writers. These words include words with similar sounds that can have very different meanings. Some examples are accede and exceed, accept and except, access and excess, adept and adopt, advice and advise, just to name a few. It is important that as a writer you understand the differences in words like these.

Module 16


Revision is a very important step in the writing process. As the book says, revising sentences and paragraphs can make the difference between a not-so-great document and a really effective paper or e-mail message.

On the first round of revision you will focus on content and clarity. You'll add, expand, modify and maybe delete sentences and paragraphs. In the second round of revision you will focus on organization and layout. At this point you will change the order of sentences and paragraphs to make them flow better.

Good writing style is both businesslike and friendly. It sounds like a person talking to another person. Most writing rules are general guidelines because each writing piece depends on the specific circumstances and who the audience is.

When revising sentences use active verbs most of the time, Use verbs to carry the weight of your sentence, tighten your writing, vary sentence length and sentence structure, use parallel structure, and put your readers in your sentences.

Important Points


Organizational culture affects style because different cultures may prefer different styles.

When revising paragraphs begin most paragraphs with topic sentences and use transitions to link ideas.