On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.
-
date post
22-Dec-2015 -
Category
Documents
-
view
214 -
download
0
Transcript of On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.
![Page 1: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
On Writing: A few reminders
BA 301
Maureen O’Connor
![Page 2: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Writing comes more easily if you have something to say. ~Sholem Asch
![Page 3: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
FIVE COMPONENTS OF GOOD WRITING
– SOLID, WELL-RESEARCHED CONTENT– APPROPRIATE TO THE AUDIENCE– CONCISE– CLEAR– COHERENT
![Page 4: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
CONTENT
Have a I told the reader the purpose of my document?
… to provide information?… to propose a course of action?… to summarize a document?… to solve a problem?
![Page 5: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Content, con’t.
Is my message clear to my reader?
Have I included all I know, and researched any potential questions?
Are my ideas organized by their relevance to my position?
Do my main ideas stand out? Have I kept my paragraphs to one idea each? Are my transitions smooth?
![Page 6: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Understanding the Reader
– Who is my reader? How should I tailor my writing?
Internal vs. external audiences The reader’s familiarity with the topic The reader’s attitude toward the topic The reader’s style and tone expectations Removing bias and attitude from your writing
![Page 7: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Content
Transitions and paragraph structure
Begin with your conclusion and offer support (deductive organization)
Use transitional phrases and words Repeat certain key phrases for emphasis and
transition Limit paragraphs to 4-5 sentences
![Page 8: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Content
Paragraph structure:– Topic sentence – main idea
Supporting sentence Supporting sentence Supporting sentence Concluding or transitional sentence
![Page 9: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Organizing sentences into paragraphs
Begin with the topic sentence The topic sentence defines the entire
paragraph Supporting sentences offer logical support in
logical order to the topic sentence 3-4 compound sentences in a paragraph
should be adequate
![Page 10: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Paragraphs should contain
A controlling idea, defined by the topic sentence
The body of supporting information. The conclusion of the controlling idea. Paragraphs will also often contain a
transitional sentence
![Page 11: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Content
Unified paragraphs “ Incorporation offers many benefits for a business
and its owners. For example, owners are not responsible for the business’s debts. Investors hope to make money when they buy a stock in a corporation. Incorporation also enables a business to obtain professional management skills. Corporations are subject to more governmental regulation than other forms of organization.”
![Page 12: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Transitions
To show addition: – again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), further, furthermore, in
addition, in the first place, moreover, next, too To give examples:
– for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate To compare:
– also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly To contrast:
– although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet
To summarize or conclude: – all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on the whole, that is,
therefore, to sum up To show time:
– after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while
To show place or direction: – above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left
(north, etc.) To indicate logical relationship:
– accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus
![Page 13: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
“Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”
![Page 14: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Conciseness
– Edit for unnecessary words Due to the fact that = because In advance of = before Along the lines of = like At this point in time = now
![Page 15: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Conciseness
To stay informed on the latest information, analysts must read a great number of published materials about finance
![Page 16: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Conciseness
To stay current, analysts must read many finance publications
![Page 17: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Conciseness
For the sake of our cost reduction goals, we changed the way we ordered equipment
![Page 18: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Conciseness
To reduce costs, we changed the way we ordered equipment
![Page 19: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Conciseness
There are several planning strategies that we can use to reduce our income taxes
![Page 20: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Conciseness
We can reduce our income taxes by using several different planning strategies
![Page 21: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Conciseness
In spite of the fact that our costs rose by 10 percent, we still were able to keep our prices stable
![Page 22: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Conciseness
Although costs rose by 10 percent, our prices remained stable
![Page 23: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Conciseness
Ultimate consumer means a person or group of persons, generally constituting a domestic household, who purchase eggs generally at the individual stores of retailers or purchase and receive deliveries of eggs at the place of abode of the individual or domestic household from producers or retail route sellers and who use such eggs for the consumption as food.
![Page 24: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Conciseness
Ultimate consumers are people who buy eggs to eat them
![Page 25: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Conciseness
Where’s the verb?– One of the fastest ways to add conciseness is to
search for your verb and ask yourself whether you’ve got a verb or a verb phrase
– Keep your verb fairly close to your noun
![Page 26: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Conciseness
We made an analysis of ways to cut costs We analyzed ways to cut costs
We are able to make the determination of the cost of an asset due to the fact that we have records of its purchase
We can determine an asset’s cost because we have purchase records
![Page 27: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Conciseness
Inaccurate or awkward use of words
– Our advertising expense, which is 1 percent of total sales in a negligent/negligible amount
– This memo will discuss how to account for the theft of the filling station.
– This memo will discuss how to account for the robbery at the filling station
![Page 28: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Conciseness
Came to a conclusion = concluded Causes a misstatement = misstated Provides a matching of = matches Makes an analysis of = analyzes Will serve as an explanation of = will explain
![Page 29: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Conciseness
Awkward word use
By using the net present value method, the chances of accepting a poor investment are reduced.
Use of the net present value method reduces the chances of accepting a poor investment
![Page 30: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Conciseness
– Avoid the passive; always use active verbs
“Corporate income taxes were raised by 15% by the current administration” = “The current administration raised corporate taxes by 15%”
It was decided by management that work hours would increase by 10%” = “Management decided to increase work hours by 10%.”
![Page 31: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Conciseness
– Avoid big words
endeavor = try
interface with = work with
utilize = use
![Page 32: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Conciseness
– Avoid jargon
Spell out acronyms in first use Use words with precision Use words you know
![Page 33: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Writing is thinking on paper – William Zinsner
![Page 34: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Grammar and Punctuation
– Watch for: Sentence fragments Run-on sentences Misuse of clauses Parallel construction Apostrophes and plurals Quotations spelling
![Page 35: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Grammar
The road signs you give a reader to help navigate your thoughts and words
– Fragments: To measure the yield correctly For example, all the employees who are eligible for
retirement
![Page 36: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Grammar and punctuation
Punctuation– It’s and its– Commas vs. semicolons
Commas separate an independent from a dependent clause
She flew home to Chicago, leaving her dog behind.
![Page 37: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses
I flew home to Chicago; it will be good to be home.
(don’t capitalize the first word in the second clause)
![Page 38: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
All punctuation sits inside the quotation marks.
According to Dean Dawson, all students are expected to “be as honest as George Washington.”
![Page 39: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Capitalization
Proper nouns are capitalized– Portland State University– John Smith– President Wim Wiewel
The position people hold is not capitalized unless the name succeeds it.– He was a vice president in the finance
department.
![Page 40: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Capitalization
Departments, fields of study, topics are NOT capitalized unless they appear at the start of a sentence.
– Advertising is an exciting field– He studied advertising in school.
![Page 41: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Grammar
Commas
– In a series of three things, there is only a comma between the first two:
I like apples, oranges and tangerines
![Page 42: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Grammar
Independent clauses and dependent clauses are connected with a comma– I went to the store, which was down the street.– The dress she wore, which was blue, was very
striking on her.– Of all the gin joints in the world, this one served
the best martinis
![Page 43: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Grammar
Run on sentences: when independent thoughts are connected with no punctuation:
– Discounted cash flow techniques are not used by all companies however, they are popular in large corporations.
![Page 44: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Grammar
Parallel structure: grammatical equality in verbs, nouns, pronouns, etc.– This report will discuss the computer’s features,
how much it costs and its disadvantages.– This report will discuss the computer’s features,
costs and disadvantages.
![Page 45: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Grammar
We recommend the following procedures:– Hire a consultant to help us determine our needs– Investigate alternative makes and models of equipment– We should then set up a pilot program to assess retraining
needs for employees who will use the new equipment.
![Page 46: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Why we like parallel structure
Friends, Romans and you people from the countryside, lend me your ears.
![Page 47: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Subject verb agreement
Singular noun = singular verb
Too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the pizza
Correct?
![Page 48: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Verb tense agreement
Keep the tense within your sentence appropriate for the time
Sarah attended the Crockett School of Business, which was in San Antonio, Texas.
![Page 49: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Idioms and word choice
Frowned upon Accompanied by a
person Accompanied with a
thing Angry with someone Angry about something
Argue about an issue Argue with a person Concerned with a
problem Concerned for a person Good/well
![Page 50: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
Idioms and word choice
Accept/except Affect/effect Among/between (3 vs 2) Amount of/Number of (can’t
be counted, can be counted) Fewer/less (can be
counted/can’t be counted) More than/over
Passed/past (the former is a verb, the latter never is)
Because/that (“the reason is because” is redundant; “the reason that” is correct
Regardless/irregardless (no such word in English)
Who’s/whose
![Page 51: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
Most Common Mistakes
Its and it’s Whose and who’s Which and that Affect and effect Who and whom Verb tense Active verbs Buzzwords
Too many words Possessives and
plurals Using quotation marks Using “and” instead of
“to” Using “of” instead of
“have” Top heavy sentences
![Page 52: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
What to use?
It’s a nice day (it is) vs. Its hair was red (possessive) Whose house is it (possessive) vs. Who’s going?
(who is) The weather will affect us (verb) vs. The weather has
an effect (noun). Buy the dress that is red and white (specific to the
object) vs. She wore a lovely dress, which was red and white (not critical to the object)
To whom are you speaking (follows a pronoun) vs. Who is at the door? (no pronoun implied)
![Page 53: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Easily confused words
Allusion/illusion Beside/besides Bimonthly/semi-monthly Concurrent/consecutive
Discreet/discrete Principle/principal Desert/dessert There/they’re/their
![Page 54: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
The preposition thing
– Try and come to my party vs. Try to come to my party
– You should of seen her face vs. You should have seen her face.
![Page 55: On Writing: A few reminders BA 301 Maureen O’Connor.](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032523/56649d7b5503460f94a5f3f2/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)