本帖最后由 Tdengyajiao 于 2010-4-1 15:08 编辑
Features of Good Writing
It is difficult, if not downright impossible, to provide a checklist for “good writing.” However, for this class, I tend to think of writing in terms of four main areas: content, organization, style, and mechanics. Although breaking writing down into components like this is somewhat arbitrary and subjective, it can be helpful for identifying areas of strength or weakness. When editing your own writing and when evaluating your peers, keep these categories in mind and try to focus your comments on improvements in specific areas.
Content is, quite simply, what you have to say: the clarity and interest of your central idea, the strength and appropriateness of your support, the depth of your insights into the topic. The best writing contains an exciting and clearly stated central idea (thesis) with detailed and convincing support. It provides fresh insights or is inventive in its approach. Quality decreases as the thesis and support become less exciting, less clear, less detailed, or less convincing.
Organization is the construction of your paper at the paragraph and overall level. This includes elements such as paragraph unity and development, logical progression of ideas, and the effectiveness of the introduction and conclusion. Good organization will give the reader the sense of being taken on a journey starting with an engaging title and introduction, moving through a clear argument or demonstration of the topic toward convincing and memorable conclusion. Weaker organization will leave the reader less sure where the essay is headed either at the local level (because of disunified or poorly developed paragraphs) or the global level (because of confusing progression, ineffective transitions, or weak introduction/conclusion).
Style comprises issues of sentence structure and variety, tone, and word choice. Stylistic preferences are often individual and subjective, but successful styles share certain characteristics. Clarity of both syntax and diction is essential, especially in academic writing. Generally, good writing employs varied sentence structures and vocabulary to maintain interest (but don’t sacrifice clarity to variety). Maintaining a consistent and appropriate tone for the purposes of the essay is also important.
Mechanics includes grammar and punctuation, spelling, and correct application of appropriate conventions (such as documentation). While command of mechanics does not in itself make for “good writing,” such command is essential if you want your writing to be taken seriously. Think of it as being like wearing a suit to a job interview: it doesn’t make you any more qualified for the job, but if you don’t do it you won’t make a very good impression on the interviewer. Sloppy mechanics discredit a writer and distract readers from the ideas in the writing. |
