I have placed each student into a group according to a chapter title (I will cover the Bits and Pieces section):
ch. 1 Transaction
Dylan
Jared
Laurel
Danny
ch. 2 Simplicity
Liz
Heather
Michelle
Pat
ch. 6 Words
Carla
NIck
Carly
Katya
ch. 8 Unity
Richard
Evan
Kevin Ward
Ch. 9 Lead and Ending
Niko
Zach
Jordan
Kevin Wery
Based on your assigned group you must write a short paragraph response about what one thing from the chapter you found most important and why. Think about what you thought was the most important tip Zinnser gave about your assigned topic. Please title your post with the chapter topic. Again, this must be completed by Friday night.
You then must respond to at least one post from each group (including your own) by Sunday night.
Jared Crawford Chapter 1, The Transaction
ReplyDeleteWhen I first starting reading chapter one, I immediately felt like I was not going to enjoy reading this book. Zinsser starts out the chapter telling a story about the time he was asked to speak to a group of students about the writing process and writing methods. Alongside him is a surgeon, who is also a casual writer. At this point when Zinsser and the surgeon begin to answer questions, Zinsser comes off as arrogant and rude. When the surgeon answers with a “yes”, Zinsser is quick to answer with a “no”. Zinsser almost seems to be trying to make a point with his contradicts. And while the doctor is very upbeat and exciting with his answers, Zinsser is brief and lackluster. I felt like I was going to read another book about the perfect way to write and if you do not follow Zinsser’s methods you are wrong. But after finishing his story, Zinsser explains his reasoning. This story shows that never will one writing method or principle make your work good. While some people may prefer gimmicks and symbols, others can produce work just as good without using them. As Zinsser puts it, good non-fiction writing is really about being able to get the reader to keep reading. And you do that by putting a piece of yourself on the paper. When writing, it is important not to stick to a method or a formula, but rather to put yourself on the paper. Put the words that you feel express what you want, and create a sense of aliveness. You can get someone to read anything, as long as it’s real. However, at the end Zinsser backtracks a little on what he has said. Asking if these principles of getting yourself into the paper can even really be taught. Maybe you just spent fifteen bucks on a book that has a bunch of tips that will not even apply to you. Maybe writing is not about tips and tricks but rather about being true to you. But unfortunately that probably sounds too cliché which means Zinsser would hate it.
I thought that Zinsser came off a little harsh as well. It does make sense that there are more than one writing style and honestly I think writing depends on the reader. I would like to think that a persons writing style is a work of art. Writing has certain guidelines but different styles.
DeleteNo one writing piece is the same. The same way no reader has the exact same image in their head when they are putting words together. Because of this I completely agree with with Zinsser saying that no one writing style will work every time. Despite his tone, I was happily surprised with how chapter 1 turned out.
DeleteI agree with Zinsser in this chapter as well. Every piece of writing is different, everyone has their certain style of writing and thinking process. He did sound harsh while expressing his opinions but all in all i agree with him.
DeleteI really like the line about putting yourself on the piece of paper. You need to take your words and what you think is important and turn that into a piece of writing that intrigues the reader. There is so many different ways to do this. That is why no one writing piece is the same.
DeleteHaha. You point out great things about Zinnser's writing style. We will talk about that a lot as we continue in this book. But the message of getting readers to keep reading really is the most important.
DeleteCarly Ryan
ReplyDeleteChapter 6: "Words"
Zinsser’s most significant message in the Chapter entitled “Words” is summed up in his sentence “The race in writing is not to the swift but to the original.” Zinsser means that an effective writer will avoid “cheap words, made-up words and clichés”. An effective writer should not use overused literary phrases such as “only to be met by” and “sending shock waves.” These phrases, according to Zinsser, make you appear to the reader as a hack and they will likely stop reading upon reaching them. He tries to remind readers not use words in confusing or misplaced ways as well. Zinsser urges us to “care deeply about words.”
I agree that a writer should care about the words they use but I think the reader knows what to expect from certain articles. If I am reading a Forbes magazine article I expect a different type of writing style than if I was reading an article in People magazine. Expectations are different for different articles and books.
DeleteI agree with Carla, certainly for the purposes of this class we ought to avoid clichés and what Zinsser describes as 'cheap words'. However the source of a piece of writing and the pressures on the writer should be considered. It should not be shocking when a reporter who must remain topical uses phrases that are quick to come to mind instead of spending days agonizing over the perfect novel way to say something. When I read the Globe it is to know what is going on in the world; if I want to appreciate great writing I'll reach for the New Yorker, or a book.
DeleteI agree with all three of you. But, I do also think it is important to note that these 'cheap words' may be subject to change within each writing style. Something that may be cheap in formal writing may be acceptable in Forbes magazine. Similarly, word choice that may be too formal, could ruin an article in that same magazine. Great writing can be portrayed in a multitude of ways, with different word choice within each genre of writing.
DeleteTo me it seems as though Zinsser wants us to think a lot about our reading but also not. In some chapters he says to just put yourself on the paper and make sure you can engage the reader. In others like this chapter he says to pay attention to every word. That just seems a little contradictory to me ,but I agree that being original is certainly the most important.
DeleteI agree with Jared, originality is a very important while writing. also word choice does vary depending on what is being written. There are many different ways to express what you're writing but the specific word choice can be key.
DeleteTo me words are just words, they don't really mean much but I can understand that a writer would care about them. Words are how they make a living and how they do what they love. I can however relate to Zinsser talking about originality. Originality is so important and can make you stand out and be unique, when everyone else blends in.
DeleteI agree with Carla's point. I think the word choice used in a piece of work depends on where the work is coming from.
DeleteCarly, so important. I can not tell you how many times students think that using fancy words will make them sound smarter and their work better. It is just not the case. If you can say it in five words then do it.
DeleteChapter 1: The Transaction
ReplyDeleteThe most important tip that I got out of Zinsser's Chapter 1 is rewriting. When a student ask Dr. Brock if rewriting is important to do, Dr Brock responded by saying, "absolutely not". He says to "let it all hang out". Zinsser on the other hand thinks the exact opposite. He says that rewriting is the essence of writing. Professional writers rewrite their sentences over and over and then rewrite what they have rewritten. This tip is helpful because by rewriting your sentences, this helps to get the most clear and precise words out of what you're writing. By doing so, everytime you rewrite, you will most likely find an error or a word you'd like to change that you didn't catch the previous time you rewrote it.
I agree with Zinsser in this chapter. I must have rewritten my paragraph 10 times. I found myself wanting say more or say less. Searching for the perfect words to complete my thoughts. Not an easy process. As Zinsser says, " Writing is hard work".
DeleteRewriting helps in so many ways for a writer. It allows you to make as many changes as possible to make the writing sound its best. Changing words, phrases, and even eliminating sentences all together have always come for me during the rewriting process
DeleteI agree with Zinsser in this carter as well. I have to rewrite almost all my work because of errors or just finding a better way to make my point.
DeleteI found this chapter to be confusing, Zinsser seems to accept and even write highly of the idea that different writers will have different ways of writing, from the many rewrites that he recommends to the 'lets all hang out' method that Dr. Brock uses. However in the following chapters he discusses writing far more strictly from his own point of view.
DeleteHeather Hayes
ReplyDeleteChapter 2; Simplicity
This chapter was short and to the point. Which was important to me. I Seem to get lost in a myriad of words. Zinsser expresses his frustrations with the " Clutter of American writing and the unnecessary words used in everyday language such as-memos, business reports and medical plans and trying to decipher it all. Zinsser stresses the importance of a clean sentence. Remove words that have no function, use words correctly and keep it simple.A great tip Zinsser shares is to have a clear head. " Clear thinking becomes clear writing, one can't exist without the other"
Simplicity is key. I dislike having to dissect a report, a memo, or an article just to understand it. It becomes very stressful.
DeleteThe simpler to understand the better. Readers often read a piece to be informed or for entertainment. Creating a sense of confusion defeats that purpose.
DeleteI agree with that last quote entirely. I often get overwhelmed with everything I am trying to express when writing a paper. This is when I take a step back and clear my head of all of that clutter. A clear mind is a clear paper.
DeleteWhen writing something that interests readers, the writing usually has to be filled with good content. However, balancing juicy word choice and content with simplicity is what turns good writing into great writing.
DeleteI hate it when writers try to show off how much smarter they are than everyone else instead of focusing on delivering the message that they may want to give you in there writing. Using simple words is key
DeleteI agree that sometimes writers like to add big words or add something unnecessary maybe just because they can. Although sometimes, some things simply can not be written concisely. Maybe a lengthy report, although boring to read, could end up being much more valuable
DeleteThe tip that Zinsser tells about having a clear head is an extremely important tip. I tend to try to write when music is on and i have things on my mind and getting sidetracked tends to happen.
DeleteI believe simplicity is key because it allows the reader to understand your point without getting confused. However, I love a story with detail. I wouldn't want to miss out on great detail or information because a writer is trying to be too simple.
DeleteExactly, Heather. And the idea of clearing out the clutter goes well with the chapter on words.
DeleteKevin Ward
ReplyDeleteChapter 8: Unity
Zinsser expresses that "all writing is ultimately a question of solving a problem." Often times the best way to solve real world problems is by creating a plan and sticking to it. Likewise, this chapter emphasizes the importance of consistency in writing, specifically the unity of tense. This means that there should be a point of view chosen before the piece is written; this should be maintained throughout the remainder of the piece. Not to say that you cannot switch tenses to create a flashback or make a point, but there should be a tense that will principally address the reader. Despite flaws or backwardly assembled information that may be present in a writing piece, maintaining consistency in tense will allow the writing to be concise and powerful, as well as familiar to the reader. According to Zinsser, unity establishes strong writing regardless of flaws in the piece. Without it, however, "your paper will soon come tumbling down".
The hardest part for me when it comes to writing is switching tenses. In my own mind it makes sense but others get confused. I think this is the hardest chapter for me because I usually mess up tenses.
DeleteWhen I try to write I try my best to keep it all in the same tense as much as I can. Zinsser expresses how important unity is to a paper and keeping it "sturdy" without contradicting yourself throughout the piece is what I find to be most important
Deletewhen i try to write i too try to keep the same tense. Although i do find it hard sometimes because in a lot of circumstances your mind does like to contradict itself.
DeleteKevin, excellent points. We will be talking a lot this semester about how there has to be consistencies in writing to hold everything together.
DeleteCarla Oliveira
ReplyDeleteChapter 6: Words
The most important tip that Zinsser discusses in Chapter 6 Words is the word and concept of “journalese”. “Journalese” is making up words or using clichés to write a story. Zinsser does not like that type of writing because it makes the article less credible and makes the writer seem like a hack. A writer should always have a dictionary and thesaurus while writing their article. A writer should always invest time in the words they use and their meaning because every writing has a reader.
I agree with Zinsser's theory of not making up words or using too many cliches however I've always felt using a thesaurus and a dictionary when writing takes away the "personality" and true voice of a piece. I find myself using words that I normally wouldn't and I feel almost like a phony trying to use a large vocabulary that doesn't sound like me.
DeleteChapter 6: Words
ReplyDeleteI felt the most important piece of information provided in this part was his recommendation to pay attention to how a sentence sounds to the reader. The writer reminds us to really consider a sentence's rhyme scheme, to ruminate on alliteration, and recommends that one recognizes the need for variation to keep one's writing interesting. Typically I would only think of these techniques as belonging to the world of poetry and wouldn't have bothered with them in essays or other forms of writing. That said I feel like much of what he says in this chapter walks a fine line when put next to what he says in chapters 2 and 3 about keeping your writing simple, clean and to the point.
Nick, I am glad you brought this up. It really is useful to read your writing out loud so you can hear what the reader will hear.
DeleteChapter 2: simplicity
ReplyDeleteChapter 2 is all about keeping your sentences simple. Every sentence should be down to its cleaning component. If a sentence has to much clutter you will lose the reader. If the reader is lost, Vinsser says it's usually because of the writer. Clutter doesn't always make sentences better, it can often make them confusing and hard to follow. Vinsser also says that a clear sentence is not an accident rand most likely took multiple revisions to get there.
I agree with Vinsser about the importance of simplicity and clarity in writing. While writing in the sciences we are taught to write as simply as possible, then go through the paper and take out as many words as possible without losing meaning.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChapter 8: Unity
ReplyDelete"First, get your unities straight." Zinsser preaches that unities are the anchor of good writing. It helps keep your reader interested and let's them know you have a plan and a consistent message that you are trying to get across. You want to make one point, not a bunch of different points. This will only lose the interest of your reader. Zinsser also stresses the use of proper tenses. He says to not mix up your tenses because it is going to confuse the reader. They will likely not be able to follow your writing and stop reading because it makes little to no sense. He also tells us to ask ourselves many questions, but the two most important questions we must ask are, “How much do I want to cover?” & “What one point do I want to make?" What he's trying to say is to be prepared. Have a good idea of what you are trying to say, before you try and say it. If you start rambling on and on with no guidelines, you aren't going to be able to satisfy the reader. With that being said, if you are writing and you feel your starting to think a different way then you had originally planned, that is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure you go back and rewrite till it all makes sense and is consistent from beginning to end.
I thought back to high school when I read this chapter. My teacher wouldn't be as mad with a few misspelled words or improper grammar as long as the content was there. If everything made sense from start to end, then even flawed writing can be enjoyable. I earned better grades with unity.
DeleteTo jump around and try to deliver to many msgs in your writing is asking to much of your readers. Sticking to one point will make your readers more interested and engaged with what you are trying to say. Too much information doesn't resonate with your readers. One point will make your readers remember what you are trying to say and may engage there intrest
DeleteI thought it was important how Zinsser said that if at any point you feel your paper going in another way, there is no reason you can not go back and write the entire paper in that way. If you find yourself more comfortable in a certain tense then just stay in that tense.
DeleteI agree with Kevin. Just about every on of my teachers said the same thing. As long as the content is there, the word count doesn't matter.
DeleteI agree that sticking to one point will make the reader more interested and want to continue reading, otherwise they will become confused and not wan to read it any longer.
DeleteExcellent advice. And going with what Jordan said, you always need your readers in mind. You do not want to confuse them, but rather keep them reading.
DeleteDylan Aspden
ReplyDeleteChapter 1: The Transaction
In this chapter the most important thing that I took away from the reading was that there are many different ways to go about writing. Everyone sees writing in different ways causing them to develop their own methods as to how they write. By knowing this, it can help a writer expand their writing abilities by studying how other writers write and see what works for them. One can then experiment with new techniques and see what works best for them. By seeing other methods that work for other writers can help anyone create their own unique style of writing that makes them feel comfortable.
Transition is something i have always struggled with.
Deleteyes i feel reading and studying other styles of writing can help yourself
I agree that looking at other styles of writing can help you find a unique style of your own. I also agree with Zinsser when he says, "Any method that helps you to say what you want to say is the right method for you."
DeleteHumanity & Warmth: Reading something that make you feel something... inspires you... lights a fire inside yourself that triggers ideas or actions.
DeleteChapter 2: Simplicity
ReplyDeleteDuring the second chapter, Zinsser hones in on the benefits of simplicity. He believes, "the secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to it's cleanest components." Had I read this chapter two years ago, I would disagree with Zinsser in ignorance. I used to think that good writing consisted of complicated verbiage and allusions to things that hadn't fully been explained or introduced. In result, my own writing had too much going on, making it difficult for the reader to follow. Zinsser’s point is important because I had a hard time understanding that good writing attempts to convey one’s thoughts to another in a clear and direct manner. Stripping every sentence to it's cleanest components allow me to focus on each part, one at a time. My biggest difficulty was trying to explain the big picture all at once. By breaking each part down, I can remove all the clutter from my head; everything I wanted to say about the entire paper. By breaking each part down, I can focus. When I am able to focus, I realize that sometimes simple is better.
I agree with what you wrote. I also think that clear thinking does turn into clear writing. When you only concentrate on the one part, it makes it easier to focus. Although I do believe thinking clearly is very hard for people to do, they must force it upon themselves.
DeleteVery well said... keeping in mind that question, 'What am i trying to say?' You are redirecting your focus to the main point, the main thesis of the writing objective. Breaking things down is just another way to say that you are narrowing down your ideas and keeping the writing clear and understandable for your readers. - Katya Simas
DeleteFrom what you have read so far, do you think he takes his own advice?
DeleteZack O'Reilly
ReplyDeleteChapter 9: The Lead and the Ending
"The most important sentence in any article is the first one. If it doesn't induce the reader to proceed to the second sentence your article is dead." This statement by Zinsser to open the chapter is very intriguing and agreeable. The first sentence of a piece is like the first impression with a person. It sets the tone of the piece and tries to capture the readers attention. Failure to do so could result in someone just putting the piece down before giving it a chance. That could be unfortunate if it is a very good article otherwise. Zinsser also says that sometimes a writer will feel like they don't have a good lead in their writing, but a writer should be thankful if the lead does the job. Leads are also important for every individual paragraph. They make the transition between paragraphs much smoother. Endings are just as important as leads. Endings also make the transition between paragraphs go smoother. For me, I have never been good at endings because I often say too much trying to conclude my points so it comes off a bit awkward.
I've always struggled with openings and conclusions when I've written papers. No matter how well written a paper is, if a reader isn't grasped at the beginning two things could happen: 1. They'll read the paper with little focus. 2. They'll put it down before they have even started. We've all read something and put it down right away, or been dissatisfied with how it was summed up. Again stressing the importance of the lead and the ending.
DeleteVery very true but i would also like to add that the title is extremely important too and can also grab a readers attention.
DeleteSaying that a first sentence is like a first impression is a perfect analogy. Sometimes when a first sentence is good you do not even notice it, but when it is bad, sometimes you just stop reading right there. Nailing that first impression and being able to grab your reader in is the most important aspect to any paper. If you can not even get them to start reading then what is even the point in writing.
DeleteTo me, if the title of the article or whatever i may be reading does't interest me, i automatically put it off. It must grab me and pull me into the article right off the first sentence.
DeleteZinnser nails it on the head when he says the most important sentence is the first one. If that sentence doesn't intrigue the reader, then you are not doing your job. That is why I also agree with Dan, with what he said about a title. I feel like if a title can catch your eye then you are bound to want to read it.
DeleteI absolutely agree that the most important sentence is the first one. If I were to read the first sentence and it didn't jump out at me or make me want to read more, I would just pass it right up.
DeleteI think Zinsser gives far to much weight to the first sentence. A good start to a piece may make it stronger and more compelling, but it is quite simply silly to say that the reader will choose weather or not to read the second sentence based solely on the quality of the first sentence. As a reader I am unlikely to pick up a random piece of writing knowing nothing about it. Before deciding to read something I am going to want know what it is about from a title, and a brief description or abstract provided before the piece. My interest or lack there of is more likely to make me read something.
DeleteThe first sentence of an article is very important because that sentence decides wether I continue to read the article. The closing sentence is just as important because as a reader I need proper closure.
DeleteThe beginning of a writing piece is to inform the direction you, the writer, intend to go in. It should preview the reader on what you will actually be talking about. This will hook the audience so they can decide whether they want to continue reading or not. The end of a writing piece should leave the audience with a lesson or pieces of information they can sit and resonate with. - Katya Simas
DeleteSo true, Zach. You know they saying don't judge a book by its cover, but everyone does. You have to hook your reader right away.
DeleteGina Vozzella
ReplyDeleteChapter 8: Unity
Zinsser says that it is important to keep everything in the same tense throughout your entire piece of work. I also think this is very important because the work will not make sense if you keep changing the tense. The reader will become totally uninterested and be extremely confused while reading it. If you keep everything the same it shows you know what you are doing and that you have a plan. It will make the reader want to finish what they started reading and they will stay interested throughout the entire work. Although you can switch tenses when you are talking about something that may have, or will happen, you need to go right back to the tense you were using the entire time so that the reader does not get confused.
I agree with his concept of keeping everything in the same tense. Tense allows the reader to distinguish the order in which events happened, even if the events were not explained chronologically. Also, as you explained, staying consistent with tense shows the reader that you understand the fundamentals of composing a paper.
DeleteWhile I don't find any problems with the suggestion to keep tenses, and point of view, et cetera the same I didn't feel that it was worth mentioning at this point. These are things that are supposed to be covered in high-school.
DeleteMixing up tenses absolutely ruins your writing. It does nothing but confuse the reader. If you can stay in the right tense however, it will only help you out. Also, I agree you should only make one point. Leave the reader thinking about one point, not multiple points.
Deletei must add on the importance on remaining tenses with one's writing. I can't stress on the fact that tenses allow the reader to know where the narrator is coming from. Scattered minds have scattered writing.
DeleteJordan Frazier Chapter 9
ReplyDeleteThe most important piece to any piece of writing to me is its title and very beginning. Your title and beginning grab the reader’s attention and make people want to continue reading. I can’t tell you how many times I have scrolled through fb and have clicked on articles to read just because they had a title that grabbed my attention. I would later ask myself why I wasted many time reading this. Reason being the title and possibly the first very beginning.
The ending to me is also extremely important because it is essential in order to make a piece of writing stay in your mind and resonate. For example I’ll never ever forget the story of the boy in the striped pajamas because of the ending that story had.
Bottom line the beginning of any piece of writing actually makes you read the piece of writing and the ending of any piece of writing makes you remember any piece of writing. The old saying don’t judge a book by its cover is very true.
You must have had a really great English 101 professor. lol Seriously though, titles are so crucial. They focus, hint at content, and hook readers.
DeleteChapter 6 Words By Katya Simas
ReplyDeleteThe key lesson that i took after reading the chapter listed above was to consider the rhythm and sound of your writing. Words are to be utilized to be effective. You dont need an abundance of words and fancy jargon to make a point. Its usually the short and simple phrases that really stay with a reader. Prime example: After reading a novel written by Paulo Coelho, I remember reading, "Love Simply Is." This exact phrase is now found tattooed on the spine of my back. Its the sentences that are easy to remember and that speak volumes that stay with your audience. Be an effective writer NOT a know-it-all who likes to use unnecessary large vocabulary.