Page 126 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

Fig 3.3.1 Formal and informal words list

Clarity and Simplicity in Writing friend. Talk aloud to yourself if your friends
are becoming weary of hearing about your per-
Clear and uncomplicated writing is good sonal statement.
writing. Two questions to ask yourself about
each sentence as you edit for clarity are: what 2. Double-check your Meaning
am I truly attempting to convey? have I been
as precise as I possibly can about that? Sometimes a confusing passage reveals a
lack of thought rather than a communication
Here are some suggestions for improving breakdown. How frequently we really do not
the clarity of your writing. know what we mean and don’t even recognise
that we don’t know what we mean is startling.
1. Speak It Out Loud Individuals often claim that they “simply can’t

Sometimes a teacher would point out a con- describe it” when, in reality, they are unsure
fusing passage in a student’s essay and ask her of what they are actually attempting to com-
to clarify what she meant. She responds well, municate.
and the teacher says “That’s terrific. Add that Writing clearly mirrors thinking clearly.
to your writing.” Uncertain thinking frequently manifests in

“Seriously?”, she asks in response. “ Can I writing.
write it exactly like that? You’ll need to clarify your meaning before

“Of course, it can be written exactly like attempting to edit the writing. Speaking aloud
that.” is helpful once more. Delete the passage if it
turns out that you are not making a significant
To clarify a piece, try discussing it to a point.

120 SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication