Clarity in Writing

Aaron Bridges

Purpose:

 

The purpose for the concept of clarity in writing is to help students realize what they can do to make their own writings clear, concise, and ready to be read by others.  The value of clarity in writing is more valuable than most students understand or realize.  Many students are so quick to start writing that they neglect the task of planning and organizing. 

 

Materials:

 

-Piece of student’s writing, first draft

-Blank sheets of paper

-Pencils and pens

-Examples of unclear writings

-Overhead projector

 

Time Allotted:

 

Approximately 20-40 minutes

 

Objectives:

North Carolina Curriculum Competency Goal 6: The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.

 

Eighth Grade

6.01- Model an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression by:

·        Using phrases and clauses correctly, including proper punctuation

·        Applying correct language conventions and usage during formal presentations

 

North Carolina TE/ IRA Standard 3:

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate and appreciate texts.

 

Script:

  First I’ll start off the class by asking the students, “Have you ever been misunderstood because you were unclear?” “What do you think about clarity in writing?  What does it mean to have clarity in your writing?”  I will record the classes’ responses on the overhead or the board.  I will wait for their responses and acknowledge their answers.  “Clarity in writing is established when the reader is aware of the author’s statement and his or her purpose.  Many times writers will confuse the reader by injecting opinion into the piece; this can trip up the reader and cause the reader to misunderstand the point of the message.  After waiting and listening to their answers, I’ll reinforce the idea of BREVITY! And how it can greatly increase the understanding of your message by saying what needs to be said and not continue to dwell and not confuse the subject. 

          I will ask students to examine their first drafts in front of them; they will then review their papers and underline all pertinent information.  Hopefully they will be able to underline most of their papers, however if not, I will ask them to fill in an outline with their points that are most needed, to show them what they need to improve on. 

 

 

Some reasons clarity is lost in writing

 

  • Misspellings
  • Improper use of adjectives, nouns, verbs, or adverbs
  • Too many ideas in a small space (paragraphs are not organized well)
  • Use slang terms sparingly, only when you are certain that the audience is familiar with the terms
  • Lack of focus
  • Don’t use acronyms; write out words (MADD= Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
  • Use standard language, not offbeat styles
  • Avoid foreign languages
  • Too much opinion and not enough facts

 

          One of the best practices in clarity is to use a writing plan.  A plan is called lot of different things, but I know it as a writing plan.  A basic plan helps one organize their thoughts before they begin writing their paper.  A writing plan may seem juvenile or more “lower-level” for a lot of middle grades students; however, it is a great way for them to plan the paper and organize their thoughts.  Here is an example of a simple outline.  You’ll notice that there is no introductory or conclusion paragraph; this is because once the main ideas are established, it is easier to create the introduction and conclusion. 

 

 

1: Main idea of paragraph

  a: supporting sentence

  b: supporting sentence

  c: supporting sentence

  d: conclusion and segue

2: Main idea of second paragraph

  a: supporting sentence

  b: supporting sentence

  c: supporting sentence

  d: concluding sentence and segue

3: Main idea of third paragraph

  a: supporting sentence

  b: supporting sentence

  c: supporting sentence

  d: concluding sentence