"Writing Good English": A Reaction
What is your personal reaction to what you learned about writing from your peers and from Willam Zinsser? Did anything surprise or puzzle you? Do you strongly agree or disagree with any suggestion? Explain why. Answer in paragraphs (but not an essay). Write no fewer than 100 words and no more than 200. Due in time for Wednesday's class. Bring a copy, word processed, please.
28 comments:
Here are our class rules:
1.Know the grammar
2. Without ideas, there is no writing.
3. Being creative (something out of nothing; something new and novel)
4. Be simple and understandable
5. Writing needs to flow in an understandable way.
6. Be aware of difference between speech and writing in terms of formality. Keep texting out.
7. Use figurative language.
8. Can we read it? Be careful to do that.
9. Don’t be boring!
10. Don’t waste the reader’s time.
11. Be specific and make it possible to picture it.
12. Feel free to make mistakes!
13. Use critical thinking before you start.
14. Be yourself but be aware of your audience.
Although the student rules created in class do not exactly match William Zinsser’s, they do still sometimes reflect his ideas. This class has a fine sense, already, of the presence of the reader in particular. I was impressed!
As far as Zinsser’s suggestions go, no doubt you’ve guessed that I chose the article because I personally agree with him. 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 importantly 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, personally, that my students will heed Zinsser’s advice and, as a result, become better (and more human) writers.
--159 words
William Zensser in “Writing Good English” indicates five strategies for plain writing. Those are very different from my knowledge and skill of writing. I know two languages, Persian and Italian; both of them are derived from the same main source Sanskrit [Indo-European] language. My teachers constantly recommended to use “long, pompous nouns,” words, and sentences to show how my writing “sound important” for a reader. I am very surprised when Zensser said, “Simple is good,” or when he said, “Short is always better than long.” Zensser ideas are astonishing for me because his principles of writing are more clear and understandable than writing strategies of my Persian or Italian teachers. Now, I understand why I hated writing in either Persian or Italian. William Zensser is right, and his strategies make English writing smoother and swifter for any reader. Reading a good test in English is not only interesting but also helpful to figure out the emotion that comes from English language and culture. (164 words)
I am an enthusiastic supporter of something that is easy to understand or gadgets that are easy to use. If writing becomes complicated, it brings a burden to a reader. I believe the writer’s opinion that simplicity and clarity are true characters of a good writing.
Writing is an art form like an image or a drawing. If I sketch so many lines, unnecessary details, paint with unrelated colors, I lose its shape as it becomes confusing. He ( W. Zinsser ) stated…..”writing will need to be lean and tight and coherent…”(7) It is an art of bringing your message across in the shortest time possible. Sentences should be like arrows hitting a target. It is bringing out an image or idea right on the table.
Therefore I am convinced of the saying “less is more” and of the author’s statement that simplicity and clarity are principles of a good writing.
150 words
“Writing Good English” by William Ziusser was wonderful. I loved his article because it indicates that short and simple is the best. As a writer I am very similar to his style. I always try to keep my writings short and plain. The place that I came from is Iran, and teachers ask you to write long and complicated because they believe that only if you could write this way, then your writings sound professional and important. I am very happy that Ziusser mention “Long Latin nouns are the enemy” when I get a letter from the bank or from a lower, I have a hard time understanding them. I do admire him both as a writer and as a person. As you can see in my writing I also strongly agree with him because his explanations were amazing.
Ensieh Rezai
Words – 140
My personal reaction after reading William Zinsser article is: amazing lecture! Excellent advices! The successful writer, teacher, and editor, William Zinsser shows us that simple and precise English writing can be lovely. Reader prefers to understand what one writes rather than appreciate her ability to use a grand vocabulary. Simple vocabulary and short sentences promote an easy read. Even though you are capable of good grammar, logical structure, creativity and fabulous words, your message to the reader might still be confusing.
I really enjoyed reading William Zinsser “Writing Good English”, because it is very simple and plain writing .I think what is more important, is staying on topic and being creative. What I learned about writing from peers and from William Zinsser is: writing should be short, concise and clear.
I totally agree with the rule that William Zinsser suggested to all of us, “short is better than long”. I will try to use his four principles of writing good English, “clarity, simplicity, brevity and humanity".
168 words
Reading “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser I found that there are useful advices for academic tasks. However, I was surprised by the strong ideas and the stereotype conception of foreign languages. Arabic is “all adjectives” that “would be ruin of any journalist trying to write good English.” Spanish has too many long nouns, too much feeling, but not action. Furthermore, he says “words derived from Latin are the enemy.” How would be expressing ideas in English without those “Latin enemies?” If more than three quarters parts are “derived” from Latin. People love “those long Latin usages,” so they do not feel “Latin have infected everyday language.”
I agree that languages are “learned by imitation,” but “writing courses” are necessary for an excellent writing. Every language has rules; for instance grammar and literary devices are tools that enriched any great writing. So, writers need to learn how to take advantage of them. Besides technique, a dose of creativity is essential. Masters come from “practice makes perfect” and from a unique divine gift.
I believe Zinsser’s advices would help me to write better my work reports and perhaps my school assays, but it would not help a writer to become a Master.
201 Words
I have to say that William Zinsser's piece on "Writing Good English" is one of the best pieces Brad has given use to read. I enjoyed it so much that i ran around my house reading it to everyone. It made me laugh and really think about the way i have been writing my paragraphs for class assignments. I strongly agree with the fact that people with higher end jobs use big words that are unnecessary. "They think those long latin words will make them sound important". I love it! He is so straight up and honest. One thing that i did notice was that he is talking about these people and they can easily read it, and he obviously does not care. If there were more people like William Zinsser this world would not be so complex.
- 137 words
“Simple is good” is one of the rules for good writing on which all members of my group were agreed. When we encountered it in Zinsser’s piece, we were proud because we had right. It was a sign which tells us that we are on the right path as far as a good writing piece is concerning.
What surprised me much is Zinsser’s state that we should “fall in love with active verbs.” I always thought that writings with those verbs are boring. Yet, when I compare two Zinsser’s examples of writing pieces with active and passive verbs, I see how they are different- one strong and clear and other weak and vague.
I always looked at writing in foreign language as a difficult task, and never thought of it as “talking to someone else on paper.” This Zinsser’s statement makes sense (when we talk, we do not have time to be someone else that ourselves what is not true when we are writing).
Words 164
As none of you knows, I speak more than one language: English, Korean (my native tongue), Japanese, and ASL (American Sign Language). Surprise!
Korean, which is my first and foremost language, is originally made up of words, unlike the other countries. When I was in Korea, my tutor constantly reminded me to write long and complicated words to write in Korean to be felt sophisticated.
Because what my tutor said to me, I’ve always tried to write using “long, pompous words,” so I may feel like sophisticated, and highly educated. I always used those horrendous words that nobody can understand.
But, After I read Zinsser’s article of “writing good English” he suggests, however, “simple is good.” Now I know, using a simple and condense words can make the writing beautiful, I don’t have to use fancy words as long as my ideas get across!
-143 words.
My personal reaction to William Zinsser Lecture “Writing Good English” is that it was an excellent lecture. He explained everything in a very simple manner, and whatever he talked about he had clear examples to show. For example he talked about the “four principles of English”. “they are Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity, and Humanity. He explained each principle in a clear and detailed manner. Reading along I got to see where I can improve my writing skills. For example whenever I write essay I make them very detailed, and I am trying to sound smart. After reading this piece I learned that “Simple is good writing is not something you have embroider with fancy stitches to make yourself look smart”
William Zinsser gives a lot of helpful tips for example, the four principles of writing good English: clarity , simplicity, brevity, and humanity. A lot of this not only applies to people learning English as a second language but for students who are already enrolled in college. The message I got from Zinsser was that it’s better to sound clear rather than being too complex. Other tips mentioned was to be yourself, avoid long sentences, learn how to use proper grammar. I also think writing defines who you are so you shouldn’t worry about impressing your readers. Many professionals write to sometimes confuse the readers. They use a lot of long pompous nouns like situation, liberation, discrimination. I couldn’t agree any less with Zinsser when he said “those nouns express a vague concept. The sentence seems to be such a drag or (long and pointless). When I receive letters like those I just shred them.
-155 words
Ru
One of the rules for good writing, pointed out in William Zinsser’s article, and in my class, was the rule: “Be simple and understandable.” I have learned from Zinsser that a good writer has to be concise with use of “short, active verbs,” “specific nouns” and “specific details.”
After reading that words like “currently” and “assistance” should be avoided in writing, I
was confused, because I have thought that these words make my writing more powerful; obviously, I have been mistaken. If I looked from a reader’s point of view, it would make more sense, because words “now” and “help “ simplify the writing and make it more understandable to the reader. Use of simple words in writing is like an easy conversation in written form (“talking to someone else on paper”).
I agree with Zinsser’s opinion that “The hard part of writing isn’t the writing; it’s the thinking.” Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate what is worth mentioning in writing from what is irrelevant. We have to think deeply and logically in order to properly organize writing, but if we ask ourselves” what does the reader need to know next,” we will avoid reader’s confusion and disappointment.
-198 words
I found a very interesting and unusual fact that Willliam Zinsser describes long Latin words as horrible. Three and four syllables in nouns are common in my native language, Russian. I have preferred to use long words in my English writing because they look familiar to me.
Is simple good? I am not sure. It is very difficult to match such things as simplicity and literature devices; an allusion, illusion, etc. My favorite author, Umberto Eco uses them in a grade scale that each his page makes me wonder. Also, his novels are full of Latin words and phrases, and it does not disturb me.
In spite of my doubts, I thank Mr. Zinsser, because he gives very clear and plain instruments for Writing Good English and shows me some roots of my mistakes.
- 134 words
William Zinsser article “What is good writing?” had a great impact on me. I totally agree with Zinsser’s tips on becoming a better writer. I have learned a great deal especially when he mentioned, “What are your tools?” This inquiry gave me confidence that whenever I write, my sentences should be short and precise, so a reader can digest one thought at a time. Basically, one sentence should have one idea with a complete thought. Also, the writing should be simple, concise, and correct to allow the readers to understand better and visualize the context in their minds. This approach to writing will lead to “Good English Language.”
I have come from Pakistan, and I was encouraged to write long sentences. In fact, my educators believed in quantity, not quality. Therefore, I am finding it difficult to write in simple English.
I have gained much knowledge about writing from my peers; I am going to follow my peers’ suggestions and William Zinsser’s tools. Hopefully, I will improve my writing.
(171 words)
The differences between William Zinsser' s advice and the rules created by our group turned my thought upside down. We agreed that using long words and nouns made the writing more academic and advanced. We would rather use 'currently' other than 'now', 'assistance' instead of 'help', which is just opposite of Zinsser's English writing principle of 'Brevity'.
I had been told our way through one and one English course and never doubted it. Even though I know that verbs play an important role in my mother tongue-- Chinese and I also mentioned it to my group. However, I did not notice that these two languages have the common--feeling life in the words. It is certainly the secret to attract readers.
Knowing what is good English writing and how is to be learned by imitation, I am confident to fellow Zinsser's idea to be myself, working in the vein of being a better writer.
--154 words
Learning from my peers and William Zinsser is enlightening. I never realized using fewer words can have more meaning. I agree with his simple method of writing in this article, about being clear, simple, short, and yourself. He says using active verbs in your article would, “automatically have clarity, warmth and vigor”.
Something surprising and helpful to me is William Zinsser’s advice to write one idea or thought per sentence. This will make my writing clearer and stronger. By having good sentence structure with his suggested methods, I will be able to make better connections with my intended readers.
His discussion on active verbs have made me look at my own writing, I always try to use long words like further and moreover, and forget about the power of simple words like “for” or “but”. It’s the small syllables that can make all the difference.
His ideas are definitely powerful, but he should go to the next step by informing us when it’s best to use each of his writing ideas. For example, when talking to a good friend, would you have a conversation with a university professor the same way?
Overall, I am glad Brad had us read Zinsser’s article, it will definitely make me a better writer.
--200 Words
During the economic crisis, most people reduced the expenses to satisfy their needs. Today, I have read the article,“Writing Good English”, by William Zinsser. I firmly agree with his rule of “simple is good”. Although I hesitated to use fancy words which I have accumulated over years, it sets me free. Being simple helps me focus and have the courage to follow my heart. I have also learned that good writing shouldn’t bore the readers; however, it is very significant for me to know how to use simple nouns, active verbs and propositions properly. It could assist me to show people that I am well educated.
-110 words
After reading William Zinsser’s advices about, “Writing Good English,” I was shocked. His Ideas of a good writing is totally different than mine. I thought a good writing should have unique vocabularies, proverbs, and verbs, but I found them, “Enemies,” for my writing. He expresses the English history in two categories which I never thought of them before, “Latin Nouns and Anglo-Saxon Active verbs.” Also the examples of variant writers made each one more understandable. Moreover, he mentioned four Principles of writing good English, “Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity, and Humanity,” which I agree with three of them, but disagree with Humanity. I don’t have any problem with writers who write about them self and share their experience and ideas with others, but I know they are people out there that are looking after fictions and heroes in books. Sometimes as a writer you just have to imagine things and put yourself into your hero’s character in order to connect with him. Once you’ve done that your audience can relate themselves to your character too. Over all, as a second language writer, William Zinsser’s advices made me feel more comfortable about writing and I wish, “Brad’s wish,” become true in my work more. (201 words)
After I read “Writing Good English” by William Zinsser, I feel big relief about English writing.
Some English teachers taught me to use fancy words to state my ideas, because they may be impressed by what I have known already and the other students may admire how elegant my essays are. That’s why they always ask the students to check thesaurus before they write down any simple words.
However, according to William Zinsser’s opinion, short, simple and plain words are the best. It’s a valuable advice for the students learning English as a second language because most of them, for example me, try very hard to be looked smart by “embroidering with fancy stitches.”
We are misled. “Words that resonate with the oldest truths” are the most powerful; therefore, don’t be shamed of using any of these words anymore as long as you express yourself clearly.
---146 words
My personal reaction to what I learned about writing from the class and reading by William Zinsser was one of shock. I was shocked because although it makes sense to me that people from another culture and language would have a different style to their writing, it was interesting to me to see the similarities from the class generated list and that of Zinsser. Zinsser’s main points were clarity, simplicity, brevity, and humanity. These were brought up in our group discussions as well albeit a less refined version.
While I agree with these rules, it frustrates me to apply these short, yet simple powerful writing tools. All my adult life I have read documents that don’t use these. I’ve listened to people of influence make my head hurt with their linguistics. Trying to phase in these tools instead of implementing them into my writing feels foreign to me as well. I suppose with practice anything is possible, even if I don’t enjoy it. But maybe that is one of the gifts of writing; enjoying doing it. (176 words)
After reading the article by William Zinsser “Writing Good English”, I am thrilled to learn all those information’s. As a result, I have noticed that writing good English comes with active verbs; because it gives the reader clear understanding of the story. However, what I really thought it was useful to gain from this article, was that William Zinsser four principles of “Writing Good English”, which are (Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity and Humanity). The reason is when a writer uses those principles: the writing becomes an outstanding peace and also it gives perfection to the story. Most importantly, I strongly agree follow his rules and I love how William Zinsser suggested “Simple is good and short is always better then long”. I’m so convinced to use those Strategy or technique to make my writing become better from now on.
-150 words
We do have some similar ideas with the reading package, even though we are all from different countries and we all define good writing differently, but there are some rules in common.
In the reading package, I really agree with the part where it says, “Be yourself. Never try in your writing to be someone you’re not. I think it’s really important, because there’s really no point of writing such pieces if you are not being yourself and just faking everything. Then the writing will not touch reader’s heart.. It will on the other hand be really dull and dry. We all like to read stuff that’s interesting and realistic.
--110 words
I was surprised to see what my classmates thought should be “a good writing”. They have good ideas but, most of it did not apply to my country (Ethiopia) language.
“Writing Good English” by William Zinsser’s was very interesting. I felt like he understood and showed me it was okay to be different even in writing. Zinsser's said “Be simple and understandable.” I couldn’t agree more. However it got me questioning why some of my teachers want me to use fancy words that I did not understand? It must be to make me sound and look important. Certainly, Zinsser is not one with small vocabulary and knowledge of the English language. Yet, he writes so clearly and passionately. I like how bold, commanding and brazen he is in giving advice and delivering his message for the sake of “good wring”. After all, English being my second language I know writing is hard work. It takes practice, effort, determination and discipline. I hope with my determination and Brad’s help I can become a good writer.
I truly enjoyed reading William Zinsser’s piece about “Good Writing”. I thought every single example and rules he stated was true and it was a really fun piece to read. It made me laugh at the part where he says that he saves letters that use long Latin words in a folder called “Bullshit File.”
I pretty much fell in love with his four principles of writing good English which were “Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity, and Humanity.” I thought of it as a gate which will guide me in English. I was really glad that Zinsser and my group had one rule in common which was ‘Short and simple’.
I strongly agreed with his ‘Humanity’ rule. He says “Be yourself. Never try in your writing to be someone you’re not” which reminded me of a similar quote that I heard long time ago and that goes like “Never try to be someone you’re not”. I guess I kind of over looked at this rule and thought that it not only applies in writing, but it also applies in real life.
-179 words
“Writing Good English” reminds me of Kurt Vonnegut’s “How to Write with Style” but in a more humorous tone (“Pure garbage.”). Even though I benefit from both of them, I appreciate it more since it targets on people who were not born to be English speakers.
I’ve lost confidence of writing in English for years because thinking of good writing means “just use different words.” along with all the opposites that William Zinsser warned his audiences to avoid. I exclaimed and cheered inside my heart of hearing he is “hopelessly in love with English” for “it’s plain and it’s strong.” Simply brief and clear, and yet it evokes resonance. I admire it.
Besides his principles of writing, he emphasizes logic thinking which organize writing to be “linear and sequential;” is the actual hard work. I assure that takes way more time than writing itself; a story can be told in different ways, it depends on how (well) the writer arranges it. And I believe that all the so-called “new media” workers, especially foreign amateur website text editors, should study his words thoroughly, and recite the “Repeat after me:” part every time before starting their works. Pity your readers, please. – 199words
What is "Good Writing" ..
Maryam.K
English 12
Brad
When I first started reading what William Zinsser had to say about good writing, I thought it was quite long, but I read through I was more interested in what he had to say. Though he had "lot's" to say, he made everything very much clear and understanding, which is a key for us readers to keep on "reading, and understanding what we are reading". I have never heard or seen anyone express their thoughts of writing in a way which he have, he said everything that we think, but no one is brave enough to confess to it. He clearly said that there is two half's to the English language, the "Latin and the modern" English , Latin, is what makes it so hard to understand and write in English and we all often use this "Latin" words because we think that it makes us sound so much more "intelligent" (smart in other words) . When we really could use the simple form of English to express ourselves in the writing world.
What surprised me in this that, I have always though of writing that way too, but never knew others could perhaps felt or thought that way too. I thought that "the Latin" is a "must" and everyone must use it in the "professional" world. But, not anymore, because even the professionals would want to understand you the first time.
I do strongly agree with what he say's and suggests. He really does make's allot f sense. And what really stood out the most to me was what he said about writing " I have four principles of writing good English. They are Clarity, Simplicity, Brevity and Humanity." What he means by these principles is that, when you write, what you write has to be clear, simple, short and the very important and final rule, simply being yourself, never trying to be someone your not. (Avery good message for many people out there).
It was very interested to see how people were thinking so differently about writing good English. Reviewing the suggestion of my classmates, while I am strongly in support of writing simple and precise, and find that a very effective way of addressing a wider span of reader, I was very much surprised, and kind of disagree with at least one of the rules stating “feel free to make mistakes!” Though simple and precise writing is what I find good but making mistakes so easily is not. As a person coming from a different linguistic background I like the most a more simple and a better defined writing in contrast to a more sophisticated and complex fancy kind of writing. Since language suppose to be a mean of communication and a way of addressing people, the simpler and the more precise it is the wider group of people it can reach. English as an international language most be more in that fashion. As William Zinsser mentioning in his interesting essay “I can’t imagine how hard it must be to learn to write comfortably in a second -or third or fourth language” so it is the same difficult to read and get an exact meaning from a second or third language.
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