Good Writing
During the seminar we tackled the question: what is “Good Writing? This stemmed from the fact that we were reading many different types of narratives, including the ones that we each wrote. This can be a difficult question to answer when looking at the surface because people like reading different things. But the foundation of writing is the same. Melissa Donovan condensed good writing into Eight Characteristics of Good Writing.
- Clarity and focus- Ideas should be clear and plainly understood, readers are not should not be getting lost in the reading and having to reread. Throughout the paper the focus stays the same i.e.: the plot doesn’t change in the middle of the narrative.
- Organization- Sentences should flow. Is there a rhythm to the writing?
- Ideas and themes- Readers should be able to infer what the main idea or theme of the narrative is.
- Voice- Does the work sound like you, and not another writer?
- Language (word choice)- Use words simply to get your idea across, craft your sentences.
- Grammar and style- Follow grammar rules. Style is uniquely you and cannot be forced, but comes in time.
- Credibility or believability- Check facts
- Thought-provoking or emotionally inspiring- Readers should reflect upon what they have read. Does it make them question, make them change their mind, does your writing give them new ideas?
The Norton Reader also has eight strategies that will help you produce good writing and there are similarities between the two lists.
- Generate ideas- Brainstorm, free write, and research
- Develop a main point or thesis- Can be stated or implied
- Gather evidence- Evidence used is dependent upon the type of writing.
- Organize your ideas- Start with introduction, body, and end with a natural conclusion.
- Write multiple drafts- Write in short periods of time over several days.
- Acknowledge the words and ideas of other- Cite all sources.
- Get responses and revise- Ask family, friends, classmates, and editors to look over to find areas that can be improved.
- Edit, proofread, and format the final draft
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