Fall 2009 1

Principles of Composition

CSE 6590

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Writing Rules

1. Use the active voice.

2. Avoid long sentences .

3. Use simple language.

4. Delete words, sentences, and phrases that do not add to your meaning.

5. Break your writing into short sections.

6. Use specific and concrete terms.

7. Keep ideas and structures parallel

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Rule 1 – Use active voice.

The active voice makes your writing more direct and vigorous, and your sentences more concise.

When to use passive voice? When the doer of the action is either unknown or less important

than the action itselfExample: The company was founded in 1953.

To change the writing “flow”Example: In Section 2, we present a survey of routing protocols in MANETs. We describe the proposed protocol in Section 3. Experimental results are discussed in Section 4.

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Rule 1 – Examples

The findings were analyzed by Smith et al..

Fuel-cost savings were realized through the installation of thermal insulation.

Smith et al. analyzed the findings.

The installation of thermal insulation cut fuel costs.

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Rule 2 – Avoid long sentences

Breaking a long sentence into two or more shorter sentences using “transitions”.

Eliminating wordy phrases and redundancies.

How long is too long? Read it out loud. If you run out of breadth before the sentence

ends, it is probably too long. Read it out loud to some else. If the listener gets confused or

starts forgetting ideas before the sentence ends, it is probably too long.

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Rule 2 – Example

I suggest that we change our service and supply more fast food to give employees what they seem to want so we can better compete with the Mendota Mall, our main source of competition in the area.

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Rule 2 – Example (cont.)

I suggest that we change our service and supply more fast food to give employees what they seem to want so we can better compete with the Mendota Mall, our main source of competition in the area.

I suggest that we change our service and supply more fast food to give employees what they seem to want. That way, we can better compete with the Mendota Mall, our main source of competition in the area.

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Rule 3 – Use simple language

Examples We deem it advisable for

you to wait.

We are effective by virtue of our experience.

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Rule 3 – Use simple language

Examples We deem it advisable for

you to wait.

We are effective by virtue of our experience.

We suggest you wait.

We are effective because of our experience.

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Rule 4 – Delete redundant words, sentences, and phrases

Use the fewest words possible to communicate your meaning.

Develop the habit of reading over the first draft of anything you write with a sharp eye for the “flab” (then the 2nd, 3rd drafts, etc.)

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Rule 4 – Examples

The designer shows a preference for track lighting.

We should not prolong the duration of this meeting.

in the majority of instances

at this point in time

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Rule 4 – Examples (cont.)

The designer shows a preference for track lighting.

We should not prolong the duration of this meeting.

in the majority of instances

at this point in time

The designer prefers track lighting.

We should not prolong this meeting.

usually

now

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Rule 5 – Break your writing into short sections

Divide a subject into topics; cover each topic in a paragraph.

Each new paragraph signals that a new topic has been reached.

Make each paragraph relatively short (less than 10 lines).

Usually the first or the last sentence of a paragraph summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.

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Rule 6 – Use specific and concrete terms

Say exactly what you mean! Don’t force your reader to guess your meaning.

Example: The new protocol offers

better performance.

The new protocol offers higher throughput and lower end-to-end delay.

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Rule 7 – Keep ideas and structures parallel

Ideas that parallel one another in content should parallel one another in form.

Parallelism requires that an article or preposition applying to items in a series be used either with the first item only or with each item; it should not be applied inconsistently.

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Rule 7 – Examples

Please complete this form, sign it, and then it should be sent to me.

Now is the time not for caution but courage.

It was both a long meeting and very disorganized.

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Rule 7 – Examples (cont.)

Please complete this form, sign it, and then it should be sent to me.

Now is the time not for caution but courage.

It was both a long meeting and very disorganized.

Please complete this form, sign it, and send it to me.

Now is the time not for caution but for courage.

The meeting was long and very disorganized.

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Rule 7 – More Examples

The guide includes: city maps a list of restaurants what to wear and pack when to go

At the meeting, Mr. Smith reported on the budget was asked a question about

training and he answered it explained the new filing

system.

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Rule 7 – More Examples (cont.)

The guide includes: city maps a list of restaurants what to pack when to go

At the meeting, Mr. Smith reported on the budget was asked a question about

training and he answered it explained the new filing

system.

The guide includes: city maps a list of restaurants advice on what to pack suggestion on when to go

At the meeting, Mr. Smith reported on the budget answered a question about

training explained the new filing

system.

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Rule 7 – Even More Examples

The manufacturing, the accounting, advertising, sales, and IT departments …

Blank CDs may be stored in the desk, parts room, or in the cabinet.

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Rule 7 – Even More Examples (cont.)

The manufacturing, the accounting, advertising, sales, and IT departments …

Blank CDs may be stored in the desk, parts room, or in the cabinet.

The manufacturing, the accounting, the advertising, the sales, and the IT departments …

Blank CDs may be stored in the desk, parts room, or cabinet.