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The Weekly Language Digest| 1

7 Tips for Good WritingBy Joseinne Ignacio, Senior QC Specialist, QC Team

I am a firm believer that writers are made, not born. Your willpower in honing your craft

will determine how good a writer you will become. With the right mindset, anyone can be

good in wielding the pen. As such, I would like to share a few tips that will help you onthe road to becoming a good writer.

I learned these from my journalism

professors, who were mostly journalists and

editors, and from my years of experience in

writing:

Read, read, read. This is the most

important tip that any writer should take. For

starters, reading will improve your grammar,

sentence construction, and the way you

organize ideas. You will gain more

knowledge, expand your vocabulary,

stimulate your imagination, and enhance

your reasoning. The benefits of reading to a

writer or anyone are endless. Although

reading Bloomberg or The Financial Times

will probably be more beneficial to a

business writer, some of us would rather

read reviews about our dream cars or a

John Green book during our free time.

Acquire the tools of the trade. You

have to know your strengths and

weaknesses as a writer and focus more on

turning your weaknesses into strengths. If

you know you are not so good in articulating

Photo source:Mitchcommgroup

in English, you can exert more effort in

learning the language. Take grammar tests

and make Strunk and Whites The

Elements of Style your best friend. You can

be creative in improving a skill that you think

you are struggling with.

Relax. Good writing requires clearthinking. Relaxing clears up your mind. If

you feel that you are overwhelmed with the

amount of data you have to analyze when

writing a report, allow yourself to have a 5-

minute break and do something that is not

mentally exhausting like drinking water or

meditating. Avoid feeling anxious to beat a
http://blog.mitchcommgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/how-to-become-a-better-writer-20130412.jpghttp://blog.mitchcommgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/how-to-become-a-better-writer-20130412.jpghttp://blog.mitchcommgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/how-to-become-a-better-writer-20130412.jpghttp://blog.mitchcommgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/how-to-become-a-better-writer-20130412.jpg


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deadline, so you can focus more on your

task. Unless you enjoy procrastinating,

panicking will not help you in producing a

better output.

Practice makes perfect. WhileWrite

for Tenis already infested with spammers,

the websites premise is still applicable.

That is why I challenge you, reader, to write

about anything for 10 minutes daily without

worrying about errors and without stopping

to edit what you said. The idea is for you to

overcome the fear of writing or writers block

and to gradually make it easier to express

yourself. Besides, 10 minutes will not eat

much of your time.

Write what you know.Hayao Miyazaki,

the creator of Studio Ghibli and classic

animated movies for children like My

Neighbor Totoro, implied that for one to be

great in the field of anim, you have to

observe people. Anyone who has seen his

films knows that characterization is one of

his strong suits, which seems to be a

reflection of his ample knowledge ofpeoples behavior. This can be applied to a

research analyst writing a report. You have

to study and analyze the subject matter so

that when you write, the result will be a

substantial output. How much you know will

reflect on your written work.

Keep it short and simple (KISS).

When you are writing for a business, you

have to convey your message in as few

words as possible. Omit unnecessary words

in your copy, and go direct to the point. One

tip is to go over what you have written a

second time and delete words that you think

will not sacrifice the meaning of your

message.

Revise. When an editor or a reader

gives you constructive criticism about your

work, dont feel bad about it. Instead, take it

as an opportunity to improve your work. In

the future, applying what you have learned

from feedback will most likely result in fewer

errors and revisions. Writing is an arduous

and mentally strenuous task, but when you

produce a well-written work that your

readers are happy with, it will give you apriceless reward: fulfillment.

Source: http://qualitycontrolteam.blog.com/2014/03/07/7-tips-for-good-writing/

Vocabulary

willpower ability to control oneself; strong determination that allows one to do something

difficult.

anxiousafraid or nervous especially about what may happen.

procrastinate to delay doing something until a later time because one does not want to do it,

because one is lazy, etc.

premise a statement or idea that is accepted as being true and that is used as a basis of an

argument.
http://writeforten.com/http://writeforten.com/http://writeforten.com/http://writeforten.com/http://writeforten.com/http://writeforten.com/


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Useful Phrases

beat a deadline

Example: When trying to beat a deadline, writers usually do not have the time to even read e-mails or

to attend unscheduled meetings.

direct to the point

Example: Our clients prefer to read reports that are brief, concise and direct to the point.

writers block

Example: One way to overcome writers block is to begin in the middle of the report or to do the most

interesting part first, and then just go back to the introduction later.

Writing Tips

PARAPHRASING: Writing Using Your Own Words

A paraphraseis our own version of the ideas and information uttered by another person or taken from a

source.

Why do we need to paraphrase?

In general, every piece of information we borrow from a source requires attributionand

careful processing of the original text.

Paraphrasing saves us from committing plagiarism,which is a serious offense in the academe

and a sign of lack of professionalism in business.


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Steps in Paraphrasing Effectively:

1. Read and understand the information from the source.

> If you cant explain without looking at the original text, then it means you still do not fully

understand it to be able to write a legitimate paraphrase.

Write your own version.

a. Change the structure.

i. Find another focus.

> Focus should depend on our own purpose in using the information we borrow.

ii. Start at another place in the original sentence (i.e. do not begin your own

version with how the original text started)

Example:

You have to know your strengths and weaknessesas a writerand focus more on turning

your weaknesses into strengths.

As writers, we have to be aware of our strong and weak pointsand exert more effort in

improving our craft.

b. Change the vocabulary.

> Use different sets of words that convey the same meaning. (A thesaurus would be

very helpful)

Example:

Avoid feeling anxiousto beat a deadline,so you can focus more on your task.

Stopworryingabout the deadlineto allow yourself to concentrate on your work.

Changing both the structure and the vocabulary is advisable.

You do not have to change all the words. You may use what we call Shared Language without

having to quote. Shared Language refers to vocabularies commonly used in certain disciplines or

industries.

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More examples:

Original:

Good writing requires clear thinking. Relaxing clears up your mind. If you feel that you are

overwhelmed with the amount of data you have to analyze when writing a report, allow yourself

to have a 5-minute break and do something that is not mentally exhausting like drinking water or

meditating. Avoid feeling anxious to beat a deadline so you can focus more on your task. Unless

you enjoy procrastinating, panicking will not help you in producing a better output. Just like a

painter, you have to step back from your work to digest the information presented so that you

will see the big picture.

Plagiarized version:

Good writing needs clear thinking. Relaxing can clear up your mind. If you know that you are

overwhelmed with the amount of data youneed to analyze whenpreparing a report, give yourself 5

minutes to have a break and do an activity thatis not mentallytiring like singingor meditating. Dont

feelanxious to beat a deadline, so you canconcentrate more onwriting your report. Unless youlove

procrastinating, panicking will not be helpful. Just like a painter, you needto step back from your work

to digest the information presentedto see the big picture.

On this version, the writer simply changed some vocabularies (in blue font),

without effort to change the structure or use entirely different sets of vocabulary. Those in red font are

the words lifted directly from the source. The writer makes it appear that these are all his/her

ideas/words.

Legitimate Paraphrase:

Sometimes, a huge amount of data could be overwhelming to the writers. In this situation, writers

should not panic and should avoid worrying about deadlines because doing so would make them lose

their concentration. Instead of panicking, writers should relax to free their minds from any distraction.

As what the author stressed, having a clear mind is a key to producing well-written reports.

Dont forget to include citation/attribution.

> Even if you are successful in writing a legitimate paraphrase, attribution(or citation inacademic writing using MLA, APA or other referencing styles) is still necessary.

> To attribute, use phrases like according to, or use reporting verbs like said, emphasize,

mentioned, etc.

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Challenge

Paraphrase the following sentences/paragraphs taken from the article by changing

words or changing the structures. Include appropriate attribution.

1. Writing is an arduous and mentally strenuous task, but when you produce a well-written work that

your readers are happy with, it will give you a priceless reward: fulfillment.

2. You have to study and analyze the subject matter so that when you write, the result will be a

substantial output.

3. Read, read, read. This is the most important tip that any writer should take. For starters, reading

will improve your grammar, sentence construction, and the way you organize ideas. You will gain

more knowledge, expand your vocabulary, stimulate your imagination, and enhance your reasoning.

[Type here.]


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[Type here.]

Read the netizens posts or comments on the following Facebook pages and give a

report of their messages through paraphrasing.

1. Abi Gailon SMRT2. Goh Agnescommenting on the post from

The Straits Times about enhancing kampung spirit

among HDB residents in Singapore.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=767543896600175&id=566549713366262https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=767543896600175&id=566549713366262https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=767543896600175&id=566549713366262https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152079181602115&id=129011692114https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152079181602115&id=129011692114https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152079181602115&id=129011692114https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152079181602115&id=129011692114https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=767543896600175&id=566549713366262


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Discussion

As writers/analysts, discuss with your team how you overcome writers block.Share some tips on how you are able to beat a deadline without panicking. (Check

thisout for more tips.)

Note: The Weekly Language Digest may feature content or source that uses styles, guidelines or

rules not consistent with the Brandtology standards. When in doubt, refer to the Brandtology

Corporate Stylebook or other pertinent resources.

[Type here.]
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/7-ways-to-overcome-writers-blockhttp://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/7-ways-to-overcome-writers-blockhttp://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/7-ways-to-overcome-writers-block


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References

anxious . (n.d.). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved June 10, 2014, fromhttp://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/anxious

Avoiding Plagiarism: Quoting and Paraphrasing. (June 4, 2014). The Writing Center at University of Wisconsin.

Retrieved June 9, 2014, fromhttps://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase.html

Driscoll, D. & Brizee, A. (2012, May 14). Paraphrase: Write it in your own words.

Retrieved June 9, 2014, fromhttps://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/02/

Higher Score Free Advice 2 - Paraphrasing.pdf. (2007). Retrieved June 10, 2014,

fromhttp://www.higherscore.ca/downloads/Higher%20Score%20Free%20Advice%202%20-%20Paraphrasing.pdf

Ignacio, .J (March 2014). 7 tips for good writing. Retrieved June 10, 2014,

fromhttp://qualitycontrolteam.blog.com/2014/03/07/7-tips-for-good-writing/

premise. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved June 10, 2014, fromhttp://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/premise

procrastinate. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved June 10, 2014, fromhttp://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/procrastinate

willpower. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved June 10, 2014, fromhttp://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/willpower

EDITORIAL TEAM

Michael TiotuicoManaging Editor

Joseinne IgnacioVeronica SanchezVirginia Bautista

Contributors

Jeremy CortezLayout Artist
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxioushttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxioushttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxioushttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxioushttps://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase.htmlhttps://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase.htmlhttps://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase.htmlhttps://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/02/https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/02/https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/02/http://www.higherscore.ca/downloads/Higher%20Score%20Free%20Advice%202%20-%20Paraphrasing.pdfhttp://www.higherscore.ca/downloads/Higher%20Score%20Free%20Advice%202%20-%20Paraphrasing.pdfhttp://www.higherscore.ca/downloads/Higher%20Score%20Free%20Advice%202%20-%20Paraphrasing.pdfhttp://qualitycontrolteam.blog.com/2014/03/07/7-tips-for-good-writing/http://qualitycontrolteam.blog.com/2014/03/07/7-tips-for-good-writing/http://qualitycontrolteam.blog.com/2014/03/07/7-tips-for-good-writing/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premisehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premisehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premisehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premisehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinatehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinatehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinatehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinatehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpowerhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpowerhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpowerhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpowerhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpowerhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/willpowerhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinatehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procrastinatehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premisehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premisehttp://qualitycontrolteam.blog.com/2014/03/07/7-tips-for-good-writing/http://www.higherscore.ca/downloads/Higher%20Score%20Free%20Advice%202%20-%20Paraphrasing.pdfhttps://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/02/https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/QPA_paraphrase.htmlhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxioushttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxious