Personal Reaction to Class Activity and William Zinsser's "Writing Good English"
What is your personal reaction to what you learned about writing from your peers and from William Zinsser? Did anything surprise or puzzle you? Do you strongly agree or disagree with any suggestion? Explain why. Answer in a paragraph. Write no fewer than 150 words and no more than 200. You may also mention any differences or similarities to you or your group's opinions on Wednesday.
Due in time for Wednesday, March 2 class. Bring a copy, word processed and double spaced, please.
29 comments:
Rules Rules Rules
The writing needs to follow acceptable structure. Coherence in sentences is an important part of structure.
Make a good connection to the reader. Make it interesting for the poor teacher. You have an audience and you ought to know that audience pretty well.
Choose details and examples carefully and logically. Beware of trying to make the example work too hard for you. The example is the start of the good answer, not the ending.
Good writing comes from good research. You will be much more comfortable with lots of ideas and facts to use before beginning. (teachers do this by having more than enough to teach each class).
Proofread your work. Read your work from bottom to top in order to catch common errors that your brain might fill in automatically.
Use rhetorical tricks to interest the reader. Examples include use of metaphor and other figurative language to entertain the poor teacher.`
It has been interesting to compare your ideas with William Zinssers’s and ponder my reactions. Your first rule about structure (and in particular about coherence) is a good match to one of his, based on the idea that, “You can solve most of your writing problems if you stop after every sentence and ask: What does the reader need to know next?” As far as Zinsser’s other advice, no doubt you’ve guessed that I find it compelling. It’s interesting to note that, within our communities, there are two such radically different styles: the Latin-filled writing that seems to intentionally confuse us and the Anglo Saxon writing used so effectively by both President Obama and the Bible. But most important for me are a few of the things he says: that there are “words that are in our bones”; that being yourself is the best way to represent your humanity; that “simple is good.” I hope that my students will heed Zinsser’s advice and, as a result, become better (and more human) writers.
—172 words
It is intriguing comparing William Zinsser's idea of “Writing Good English” to my classmates'. As a foreign student, I fully agree with the writing rules that my group pointed out: following structures, punctuation, and grammar. I see the reason why we take it seriously - we have learned so many do's and don'ts. After reading Zinsser's suggestions, I took a step back and asked myself “am I a good story teller? Do I define myself through my writing exactly the way I wish my readers to perceive me?” The tips Zinsser gives us are priceless, especially the “simple is good” and “short is better than long.” One of the most powerful advice that strikes me is to use the short, simple Anglo-Saxon nouns that “are in our bones”, which is definitely unexpected. Both Henry David Thoreau's and President Obama's pieces are mighty clever and compelling; those examples speak volumes about the true meaning of simplicity. Zinsser's “Writing Good English” not only makes me rethink about the essentials of writing, but it also encourages me to “be myself” and to become a true human writer.
(184 words)
Reading William Zinsser’s article “Writing Good English” is the great time to learn how to write well in English. As a second language student, I have struggled in English writing, because there are some conflicts of the writing rules which bother me in trouble between my mother language and English. One of the Zinsser points “Don’t try to find a noun that you think sounds more impressive or ‘literary’”, completely reverses my thinking of wring with fancy vocabulary; it clearly points to us an effective short cut – “Simple is good” and “Short is always better than long”. Both of examples, the Bible and President Obama, absolutely are the superb models of simplicity in using plain nouns and verbs. To follow Zinsser’s tips, I should use the best tools: “short, plain Anglo-Saxon verb”, logical thinking, and with my personality. I’m glad that some ideas of our group discussing have similarity with Zinsser’s in such as coherent structure and logical thinking. I believe that Zinsser’s advice is a powerful key which leads me to seek my writing trail in a “Humanity” by being myself.
--182 words
After reading “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser, I was amazed to find that there are some similarities to our group’s opinions. We all talk about that good writing must have good structure. I’d like to say that I agree with most of the ideas that Zinsser told the international students. He wants us to simplify, and he uses his favorite example to tell us that short is better than long. In his opinion, clean, simple, and smooth writing can attract a reader deep into the writing. Sometimes, while I’m writing an essay, I always think that “this is too simple, and I need to make it complex.” Or “these words are too common, and I need to find another gorgeous words.” The most important thing for me is he says: “fall in love with active verbs.” Now, I know that it’s best when using in active rather than passive. Zinsser reminds us that verbs have more vigor than nouns, and that short words are easier to read than long, and that one thought per sentence. As well as, he inspires me to write my own style writing. I hope I will become a better writer.
197 words
From reading "Writing Good English" and working with my classmates, we get some ideas in common to write good English; good sentence structure and expressing your thinking are the basic skills we need to learn. William Zinsser gives us the most useful suggestions to solve our writing problems. He advises us to use "plain Anglo-Saxon verbs" and "short Anglo-Saxon nouns" that make our articles" have clarity and warmth and vigor" and make contact of your readers. "Short is always better than long" gives me an inspiration to give up long and complex sentences that I think it is good and formal to write. He also gives some good and bad examples to let us know "writing is learned by imitation", and we can learn from good writings. I highly agree with his four principles of writing good English: "Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity and Humanity." I didn't expect that he gives us such simple ideas to make a good English writing, but it truly guides me on the right direction to writing. He also encourages us to be ourselves to tell a story by using the simple tools of English language. (189 words)
Reading “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser is such a pleasure as I find we feel and believe a lot in common. For example, Zinsser emphasizes “Simple is good” and “Short is always better than long.” This is so true. I can’t remember for how many times I was driven crazy by the “formal” letters full of complicated and meaningless Latin words (their destination often ends in my trash bin). Bible is also my favorite book. It tells a great history through its short but powerful words and sentences, vividly presenting the images of Lord Jesus, Peter and many other people with dramatically different personalities and background. Besides, it is encouraging to find our class practice matches some other skills Zinsser points out, that “Writing is talking to someone else on paper” – a good echo of one rule from my group that “good writing should has your own voice” ; that “writing is learned by imitation. We all need models.”– is exactly what we are doing. Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity and Humanity, four condensed and precious rules from “Writing Good English”, are going to be something I should follow and practise over a life time to make myself a true writer. (200 words)
“Writing Good English” by William Zinsser is a very beneficial article. I strongly agree with most of Zinsser’s rules. Fortunately, my group members and I had some similar ideas to Zinsser’s rules. For example, Mr. Zinsser mentioned, “short is better than long.” Mr. Zinsser is right. If we make our sentences short, our audience will understand our messages much better. In fact, they don’t feel tired when they read our writing. Moreover, another of Mr. Zinsser’s rules that I totally agree with is being clear in our writing. For instance, be specific and have a clear idea about what we wish to communicate. In addition, Mr. Zinsser astonished me by his words about passive-voice sentences. Mr. Zinsser made me realized that using passive-voice sentence in our writing is not good English writing. Using active-voice sentences is much better than passive-voice because it doesn’t have too many extra details. In summary, I concur with Mr. Zinsser’s advice because I discovered it to practical and sensible.
I strongly agree with William Zinsser’s opinion: clarity, simplicity, brevity, and humanity. After reading his article, I reviewed my writings I’ve done so far. He wrote “First, Clarity. If it’s not clear you might as well not write it.” This one were applied to my writing about reaction for “Stop googling. Let’s talk.” In that homework, I couldn’t understand pretty much so my writing was terrible. I lost my points and there was no coherence. Moreover, I would say my works were written by a primary student, and I was always focused on one piece of the story or article instead of the whole things. However, I followed the rules of brevity and humanity. I love this sentences, “Short is always better than long,” “Be yourself.” I knew I couldn’t write long with my limited knowledge and vocabulary. Even within short paragraph, for I had a lot of errors and repeated same words, I wouldn’t write long paragraphs. I truly tried to be myself. In the paragraphs, I would try to write my honest reaction. Through group discussion, I found same rules that planning, topic sentence (for clarity), punctuation(I didn’t mention but I thought). I fully agree with William Zinsser’s article. (201words)
It was fascinating to know how simple strategies of the good writing are. Many people told me the same rule as William Zinsser said, “Keep it simple.” After studying his samples, I had learned that “simple” means “using words that are in our bones.” I had experienced this myself after trying to read some interesting stories many times, but I gave up because they were too complicated to understand. Then I remembered another of Zinsser’s suggestions, “stop after every sentence and ask: What does the reader need to know next?” which would help solve this problem. The other tip I found helpful was to “organize your writing”—what you are writing in the first paragraph should be in the last paragraph, too. This rule can help solve a problem which my classmates and I have—although we plan our writing, we sometimes still write off topic. In addition, I believe that being yourself can bring out the good writing (your product is you.) Writing in good English doesn’t seem too hard after all if I follow Zinsser’s advice: keep it simple, know what readers want to know and organize your writing.
(191 words)
This “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser advised many rules and useful tips for good writing in English. However, I was not deeply impressed with his suggestions because I am already acquainted with those principles from my English teachers (at P.A.L.C.). My teachers always emphasized how important of “Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity, and Humanity” in their many ways. However, William Zinsser said we all need models for study. In fact, I have a strong conviction that “writing is learned by imitation” because I had experienced through “Here I am” class project. We all had followed examples of poems; indeed, we had seen all different beautiful poems from our fellow students. It was an amazing experience for that “imitation teaches creation.”Now, I can understand the difference between “we all need models.”, and “paralyzes students”. Also, I was surprised that the way he compared with pop-up medias and writing. It convinced me to read more good writing rather than getting --“It’s the death of logical thinking”—information from random images. I think William Z encourages me that more practice of writing with a good model will enhance my writing skills!
Words 193
“Remember: how you write is how you define yourself to people who meet you only through your writing.” This sentence caught my attention while reading “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser. I liked how he emphasized where the English language came from and how to use it. Zinsser strongly suggested using simple words (Anglo-Saxon derived) in writing in order for readers to fully understand what you meant; that “simple is good.” Also, I totally agree with him when he mentioned about the four principle of writing good English: clarity, simplicity, brevity, and humanity. He truly made sense about these writing principles, which I can abide to. Zinsser’s tips are profound and helpful to me as a foreign student. It gave me a clearer insight on how to write in English; that clear, simple, short and genuine sentences are my best friends. I am sincerely glad that I came across William Zinsser’s useful ideas; it motivates me to express myself more in the form of writing. I will always remember that in writing all I have to do is tell a story, use simple tools of the English language, and never lose my own humanity (W. Zinnser, 2010). -197 words
It is a fortune to get a penetrated instruction when you are overwhelmed by many suggestions on English writing. William Zinsser’s “Writing Good English” is one of those penetrated instructions for me. Although in class discussion, we have gathered many writing tips, such as accurate word spelling, correct punctuation usage, efficient drafting, and certain writing format. Following with Zinsser’s rules, I entered an enlightened road--use “short, plain Anglo-Saxon” words; employ the style of “clarity, simplicity, brevity, and humanity”; think logically; “tell a story”. I used to try to use many heavy vocabulary in my writing to show my ability to use them. Back then I would imply my viewpoint instead of explicit it. I used to pretend be a veteran giving an unnecessary long speech. Sometimes I lost myself in writing whereas I understood it in my mind. Why don’t I just be a story teller? Share what I am thinking while interacting with others.
--171 words
After reading William Zinsser’s article ”Writing Good English”, I get many new opinions I have not listened before. Mr Zinsser used the same criterion - clarity, simplicity and brevity - in his article just as his suggestion. “fall in love with active verbs” is one of my favorite phrases; It shall be easy to be remembered when I write some materials later. I am astonished by the his many opinions; for example: Is it really sure for the experiencing English writers as the same as the second language writers - “Don’t say currently if you can say now ... Don’t say facilitate if you can say ease.”? I could not refrain laughing when I saw the sentence “They think those long Latin words make them sound important. ”. I frequently received the letters like his description and I always thought these are classical writing styles. Yet, Mr Zinsser say: ”It no longer rains in America. ” I regret that my group discussion could not achieve Mr Zinsser’s thinking level. Maybe these views completely reflects the lingual confidence of Mr Zinsser.
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Roxana Khan
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It has been amazing learning experience to compare our group opinions and William Zinsser’s suggestion of “writing good English”. As a writer of second language in English; I always feel good writing means use complex words and sentences. In fact, this rule always follows to writing in my country. However, I deeply impressed by William’s suggestions “short is always better than long” Indeed, in our group discussion me peers also emphasized about clear and simple writing. In fact, I learnt from his article the four principles of writing good English is Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity, and Humanity. Moreover, I strongly agreed with Zinsser’s one important point of good writing in English always use active verbs, not passive verbs. He illustrates that”If you could write an article using only active verbs, your article would automatically have clarity and warmth and vigor”. As a foreign student when always I am struggling to write in English. At that moment I really inspired by William’s article to give up complex and long words and sentences in my own writing. In addition, William advices in his article use own voice in our writing. Williams Zinsser’s above suggestion encourages me to practice to write simple, short and clear writing in English.
(204 words)
It has been inspiring comparing both William Zinsser and my classmates’ ideas about “Good Writing”. I was amazed to learn that Anglo-Saxon verbs are the best tools to good writing .As a migrant, I strongly agree to Zinsser’s ideas about the rules on how to write good English. “Never try in you’re Writing to be someone else you’re not. Don’t lose that person by putting on air trying to sound superior” The question that lingers in my mind is, how clear is my writing? How does my writing define me? It is surprising to learn that, “Short is better than long” A vast number of immigrant student don’t realize it – they get to learn this rules at the University. Williams Zinsser’s advice about good writing is the best I have ever heard. “Long Latin nouns are the best enemy. Anglo-Saxon active verbs are your best friend. Short is better than long.” Zinsser's advice is very powerful .I will take heed to it and use it as a tool to better my writing without losing my humanity.
182 words
It is interesting and enlightening to compare our ideas with William Zinsser’s. As a professional writer, Zinsser gives me some new perspectives on writing good English. Thankfully one of our rules, logical structure, has been emphasized by Zinsser, explaining “logical thinking” is the hard part of writing so that we need to pay attention to “one thought per sentence.” I think it is the common rule for writing regardless of any language. However, it is my first time to understand the significance of “Anglo-Saxon nouns and active verbs,” encouraging me to write more “simple” sentences with “short words.” In a sense, the rule of “simplicity” strengthens my confidence in English writing for I have been troubled by the same “stupid” feelings. Most importantly, Zinsser’s talk inspires my interest in the history of English language.I hope I can gradually improve my English writing skills by following the principle “simple is good.”
180words
After reading “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser, I notice there are some similarities to the opinions of my group. “Be shorten your sentences” is what our teachers used to say, which William describes as “short is always better than long.” We all mention that “simple is good” in writing, which William uses many words and even takes Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama’s examples to explain. I am so surprised by the English language’s history (it is derived from Latin and Anglo-Saxon) and get to know why sometimes I understand what people say but sometimes I don’t; and it is so cheerful to know that even the people who were born here don’t understand either. I totally agree with the saying by William—“how you write is how you define yourself to people who meet you only through your writing.” I believe “be myself” is the best way to write down my article; and to understand “what is writing for” should be before knowing “what is good writing.” I hope through learning from all the above, I could enhance my English writing.
-182 words
Comparing my group members and William Zinsser’s advice, it seems we all agree that a writer should communicate ideas clearly and simply to “make a good connection to the reader”. However, I thought, “Even though we all know this well, why do we struggle so much to do so?” William Zinsser gave me several unexpected and convincing answers to my question. I noticed that I also frequently use Latin nouns to look sophisticated and intelligent. I believed that Anglo-Saxon words should be avoided since they sounded less academic. Indeed, my bad habits made my writing “pretentious” without knowing that “how you write is how you define yourself to people who meet you only through your writing.” Moreover, I did not realise the power of using short active verbs in my sentences until Zinsser showed the contrast of using active verbs and passive verbs with some sentences in the book, Walden. Now, I understand why my writing did not have “momentum.” Hopefully, by following his advice, “Fall in love with active verbs,” my article “would have clarity and warmth and vigor” and have better connection with my future readers. -188 words
It was a great experience from William Zinsser article “Writing Good English”. Also I surprised about Latin usages because it infected my own language “Farsi” too. There were similarities between my group and William Zinsser “Good Writing” When I am writing down an account of my ideas for other people to read, I have to explain my self particularly carefully. To write the “words that are in my bones.” William impressed me by “Don’t try to find a noun that you think sounds more impressive or literary.” It is opposite of what I am trying to write. I am looking for fancy words to make it interesting for reader. Now I understand the importance of writing that “simple is good” and “short is always better than long.” Also “ writing is not something I have to embroider with fancy stitches to make my self look smart.” I am completely agreed with William’s advice and he encourage me to use simple tools and words to be my self.
169 words
The master list of six rules prepared by our class group for good writing has many similarities with Zinsser's talk on "Writing Good English". For long time,I was of the view that using tough words and writing complicated sentences make the writing best and effective. But Zinsser's article "Writing Good English" has broken my false belief.Instead, the four principles- Clarity,Simpicity,Brevity and Humanity given by Zinsser are actually the back bones of a good writing. Zinsser has given the examples of President Obama's book and the holy Bible which are written beautifully in a simple but impressive language. Further, Zinsser emphasizes on use of short anglo-saxon active verbs which give momentum to the writing. By changing the active verb to passive in Thoreau's one sentence,Zinsser writes," I've taken Thoreau out of that sentence." Zinsser also writes about the importance of proper organisation of ideas with logical thinking which makes writing linear and sequential. Our group has also emphasized on use of literary devices to enrich the writing and also its proper proof reading. Good writings are an endless source of education. So by practising above discussed principles, we can make our writing best of all. words:199
There are many inspiring ideas from William Zinsser’s talk, but his conception of “good writing” surprised me most: a “good writing” is plain not ornate, short not long, and simple not complicated. Honestly, I had tried to use long and complicated sentences as well as lots of ornaments in my previous writing because I thought that made it more literary; However William Zinsser helps me find the problem: I ignored the readers’ feeling. They might feel tired and confused my complicated writing, and most of time they had no patience to read it again and again to understand it. For example, when I used some unusual words in my writing I could see my group members’ pain in their faces during group discussion even though I had been proud of those parts. William Zinsser said: “Writing is talking to someone else on paper or on screen.” “Don’t say anything in writing you wouldn’t comfortably say in conversation.” “Writing Good English” teaches me the ultimate nature of writing: simply, briefly and actively telling a story with humanity. (176 words)
I find the writing from William Zinsser is very interesting. His four principles of writing good English surprised me, which are “Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity, and Humanity”. Especially Simplicity. I usually think people would use a lot of fancy or complicated words just like those Latin nouns to make their writing look professional. Those Latin nouns and passive verbs make the writing very formal and very official, in my opinion also very hard to understand. That’s why I don’t like implication, I like things that are clear, simple and straightforward, so I strongly agree with “Simple is good”. I am what I write, so just “Be yourself.” I should give up using words which I don’t have good understanding about. Best tools are Anglo-Saxon active verbs. I didn't know this before but I do use them a lot in my writing. After reading Zinsser’s talk, I have better idea how to write good English, however, it is still hard to think before writing every sentence.
-164 words
After reading William Zinsser’s article “Writing Good English”, I find his ideas
useful and worthwhile. This article is about how to write effectively. His first point
is to focus on the four principles “They are Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity and
Humanity” while writing. I believe that if I focus on these principles, my writing
will be clearer, simpler, shorter and better organized. Also, he prefers Anglo Saxon
writing style which uses simple vocabulary rather than using Latin nouns.
Another piece of advice is to write in active verbs rather than passive verbs
because he says, “If you could write an article using only active verbs, your article
would automatically have clarity, warmth and vigor.” I strongly agree because
active verbs have more energy and the sentence will be short and to the point.
Zinsser’s writing tip is, “One thought per sentence”. I think it’s the best way to
avoid mistakes and confusion and it will be straightforward to the reader. I
believe if I follow Zinsser's instructions and ideas while writing, I will be a well organized
writer.
179 words
William Zinsser: Homework
By: Noah Gelb
After reading the article by William Zinsser and talking to my classmates I questioned my own writing. I realize I try to prove my intelligence through my vocabulary. I end up taking my personality out of my writing making it boring to read. I have to remember that “simple is good. Writing is not something you have to embroider with fancy stitches to make yourself look smart.” My classmates agree that brevity and simplicity keeps them interested (parallel to Zinsser’s rule). I agree with my classmates that simplicity is key. Zinsser also says “Never try in your writing to be someone you’re not.” This hits home for me because I lose touch with my emotions in my writing, and lose my humanity (as explained by Zinsser). I think good writing is nothing to do with showing off how smart we are. Writing should be a way to express who we truly are and make clear our values and beliefs.
167 words
It is fascinating to compare Willian Zinsser’s idea of “Writing Good English” with the rules that we came up with in my group. Organize your work, check for grammar mistakes and write in short sentence. What surprised me from Zinsser's encouragement was exactly the opposite of what I thought I should be doing when "Writing Good English." I'm working hard toward on learning how to write long Latin because I thought it will improve my writing . But Zinsser's suggestion are "Simple is good, long Latin nouns are the enemy." This made me think and ask myself what is good writing. However, I completely agree with the rule suggested because one of the hardest things for me is keeping my writing simple. After learning from Zinsser's about Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity and Humanity that they are actually the back bones of a good writing. This tough me a lesson if what I'm writing about is not clear how will my reader know what I'm writing about?. Also, I need write not to impress other but yourself. Great writing takes time focus and practice. Writing is the hardest things to do and is very frustrating. Writing is interesting you can always make mistakes but find ways to improve and strength your writing.
209 words English: 12 Student.
AMANJOT BRAR
“Writing Good English” by William Zinsser
Reading and comparing the article “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser is an interesting and motivating experience. As a learner, William’s article gives me amazing ideas for a good piece of writing. I am surprised by his way of explaining the Latin and Anglo-Saxon languages (“how do those Latin words do their strangling and suffocating”, and “The Anglo-Saxon words will set you free”). I was surprised when I knew about the difference between active and passive verbs. It is very difficult to digest that the passive verbs have been taken out life of the sentence. Most importantly, Logical thinking, which Zinsser is more worried about, is a very difficult part of writing. It’s always very hard job to put my ideas in a sequence (“how to organize what I am thinking”). The four principles: Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity and Humanity are very strong factors necessary to writing good English. It is very tough to use simple words in a short sentence with clarity and to still be yourself. In conclusion, this article pushes me to put my writing in simple words but full of life: also, using logical thinking is useful to make my writing more clearly.
196 words
I have read William Zinsser's words" Anglo-Saxon active verbs are your best friend" and " don't lose your humanity" over and over. Every time I remembered the way I thought about writing and how it was the opposite of William's. I always thought that long latin nouns were my friend to better writing. However, Anglo-Saxon are the enemy that make my writing very simple and embarrassing. I admire when he said" writing is not something you have to embroider with fancy" which I have always done. Teachers always have told me to reread my work because they know even I will find it nonsense. The reason is that I tried to put some Latine nouns somewhere in my writing to make it professional, when really I made it improper. I strongly agree with William is to keep our writing simple, and organizing our ideas. T tell a story that will stick our reader to the writing rather than be someone else and lose the reader.
164 words
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