sarahENGL328

Blog #5

2004-07-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Sarah Bentley

            Two helpful guides to better writing are The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White, and Style: Towards Clarity and Grace, by Williams. Both of these books are packed with beneficial information that will help its readers be better writers. I will be discussing some of the key element that I learned from the books.
            In the book by Strunk and White there are many grammar rules that are listed, showing the correct way to from sentences. Most of the time the rules can be applied to writing, but since the book does not make exceptions for every case, occasionally it is okay to deviate from the rules, if a piece of writing will be improved without them.
            Some key rules found are how to correctly use pronouns, when to use different types of punctuation, and where to place commas. It also has some principals of composition, which gives rules on how to improve the sound of writing. It says to use the active voice since; “The active voice is usually more direct then the passive”(18). When an essay does not switch voices, and stays in the active voice, it is much easier then one that does.
            Another common theme found in Elements of Style is the simplifying of words, Keeping words simple and avoiding needless words keeps writing concise and unpretentious. A common mistake is using big words in writing to sound more knowledgeable, but the result is choppy sentences, leaving mistrustful readers. It is necessary to keep words simple and omit any needless words. Strunk and White explain why this is important saying, “Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts”(23). Many feel the need to bulk up sentences and paragraphs, while it is the opposite that improves writing and provides clarity.
            The Williams book also includes grammar rules, but it is much more flexible. It gives a common grammar rule, followed by several examples, which show how to apply the rule in different contexts. This book is helpful, because when it gives the common writing advice it allows the reader to make the final call, and encourages the rule only to be used if it will improve the writing. For those who are unsure of when a rule may be broken, the book explains cases when it may be better to break the rules.
            A key topic in this book is clarity. The two key principals of clear writing given are “(1) the subjects of the sentences name the cast of characters and (2) the verbs that go with those subjects name the crucial actions those characters are part of”(21). In writing, it is best to use subject names rather than pronouns to prevent confusion. Also, the characters actions are best described in verbs, opposed to verbs turned into nouns, which is nomalization, to keep the writing clear. This method also eliminates many unnecessary words, creating shorter sentences, and better clarity.
          Besides grammar rules, this book largely focuses on creating a cohesive paper, which ensures that sentences and paragraphs flow together even if it means going against the rules. Williams warns, “The problem is to discover how, without sacrificing local clarity, we can shape sentences to fit their context and to reflect those larger intentions that motivate us to writing in the first place” (45). It is a difficult job to strike a compromise between clarity and cohesion. Some good advice is to begin a sentence with old information and end with new, allowing the sentences to flow together.

Blog #4

2004-07-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Sarah Bentley

            I really enjoyed reading my classmates blog entries. There were many good responses, and interesting interpretations of the text that I had not thought of. In each blog I found that I shared in some similar thoughts with my classmate, but also discovered some new idea. One common idea in all the entries was that both The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White, and Style Towards Clarity and Grace, by Williams were very useful reference books, only in different ways.
            One paper I read was Roxanne’s, which I thought made several interesting points. She explains my feeling towards the Williams book well, saying, “Williams writes in depth the various examples to satisfy any question a writer might have concerning style and how to achieve it. The book is also a handy reference manual, however, the depth and manner Williams uses is more sophisticated, indicating writers follow many different paths to writing styles and he offers rules to satisfy each.” This statement does a great job summing up the way I feel about the Williams book. I think that it is an excellent reference book because it is so flexible in the advice it gives, allowing writers to concentrate on the way their writing sounds instead of just applying a rule.
            Another point Mary makes about the books I think is right on was when she says, “Williams allows for writers to write with different styles; however he gears his text for the professional writer or writing student. Strunk and White gear their book for the students who need to follow rules at the onset so they can get the writing process right.” This makes sense to me in the way I think of each book. I feel that I am in between the writing level of these two books. I have still not mastered all the grammar rules, so the Strunk and White book is useful to aid me when I am unsure how to construct a sentence. But in the grammar rules I am pretty confident in I look to the Williams book to allow me construct my sentences and paragraphs, without concentrating to much on “proper” grammar, but aiming to make them clear and cohesive so they flow together.
            The other blog I looked at was Mary’s. In her entry she stated that “S&W(Strunk and White) take a mechanical approach by putting their emphasis on “right” and “wrong” grammar and urging writers to change style by analyzing word choices.” Most who read Strunk and White would agree with this statement. It is clear that the rules are written as law, and some follow them accordingly. I agree with Mary’s feelings when she says, “I reacted argumentatively to the idea that someone can tell me with words are “right” or “wrong.” I also do not like to be told exactly how I should write. Writing is not an exact science. It is often best when one relies not on rules, but on sound and intuition.
          After reading my classmates essays I found that we agreed in many points. I also was able to hear new ideas, which allowed me to expand my feeling on the books. All the essays I read were very interesting, with well-argued points.

Blog #3

2004-07-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sarah Bentley

            I found both The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White, and Style Towards Clarity and Grace, by Williams to be useful aids when writing papers. They are both reference books, but each book is written in dramatically different style. The Elements of Style is a short, compact book, with a list of rules commanding the writer how he must write. On the other hand the book by Williams is a much longer book, with many examples, and flexibility in all advice given. Despite the differences, each book is an effective tool in writing, just in a different way.
            The Strunk and White book is a more convenient book to have handy then the book by Williams when actually beginning the writing process. It is short and well-organized, which makes it easy to locate a rule when a problem arises during writing. The book can also be reread with ease and little time since it moves quickly, allowing the reader to reabsorb the grammar rules before beginning a writing assignment.
            All the rules given are clarified by examples. The examples are short and efficient, making the reader quickly grasp the rule, and then be able to apply it to his writing. Short examples makes for a quick, easy understanding, but it also limits the understanding in writing to only certain instances, not making allowances for special cases that may arise.
            The Elements of Style is written forcefully, as if this book is the final say on any grammar discrepancies. There is no consideration that is some cases a rule will not fit, or occasionally writing is improved by the bending of the rules. In these cases it is best to turn to the Williams book.
            Williams has a way of showing and clarifying how to apply the advice given. It does this by giving several examples that explain how to use the rule in a variety of contexts, showing the reader that rules are flexible, and may be at times broken.
            This book is one best read cover to cover with the attempt to internalize what is written. It is not a good reference book to go back to when writing a paper since it is not organized in an easy-to-find format (The Elements of Style is a better choice at that time), which would allow one to easily find the topic that deals with a problem that may suddenly come up when writing a paper. It does, however, have more constructive advice that will greatly improve writing when applied.
            Both of these books are important aids in writing, and should be continually referred to in order to keep bettering one’s writing style. They are filled with advice, examples, and other helpful information. Although reference books are not everyone’s favorite reading choice, most find them essential to good writing and revision.

Blog #2

2004-07-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sarah Bentley

Original Undergraduate Catalogue writing:

Graduates of the nursing program receive a bachelor of science in nursing and are eligible to qualify as registered nurses through the Michigan Board of Nursing licensure examination. This examination is given at times and places specified by the State Board of Nursing, usually twice a year. Candidates should file application immediately after official completion date of degree requirements. Upon receipt of the application and all credentials, a temporary permit to practice will be issued and an examination date assigned. Licensure is granted upon successful completion of the State Board of Nursing licensure examination.

Revised writing:

Nursing Program graduates receive a bachelor of science in nursing and are eligible to qualify as registered nurses through an examination, which is given twice a year at times made by the State Board of Nursing. Graduates should file application immediately. A temporary permit to practice will be issued and a date assigned when the application is received. Licensure is given once the examination is successfully completed.

I used Williams’ advice when making this revision. Williams says that writing is easier to understand if big unnecessary words are taken out or simplified. In the original work I simplified many of the big words that made the writing choppy. Also, I followed the advice of omitting many words, especially pronouns, to make the paper more concise. The revised version is shorter and easier to read, allowing for better clarity.
I also used the advice of Williams not to split up a sentence, making a sentence confusing and hard to follow. I prevented readers from becoming confused by matching subjects and verbs in a sentence. Also, I tried to make the sentences flow, so readers would not have to pause, and try to reassemble the sentence in their mind.When I finished I looked over my work, making sure that in applying the rules my work was still cohesive. The sentences needed to sound good, besides just being grammatically correct. I compared the two to ensure that the reader could still find the necessary information that was in the original version, making sure the revised sentences kept their topics consistent.

Strunk and White Blog

2004-07-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Strunk and White
When I was assigned to read The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, I was not pleased. I had the book from a previous class, but had never bothered to read it. From flipping through the pages I saw it was a reference book, and from past experiences I came to believe all reference books were boring. I knew the book was essential in my present class, so I settled down to what I though would be a very long, tiresome night of reading.
After reading the introduction, my feelings on the book began to change. White describes his old professor, Strunk, in a way that allowed me to picture him in a mind, and see his frustration as he reads over a student’s paper and sees another broken grammar rule that he had many times repeated. I can see the crazy-haired professor, with a red face barking at his students, when White describes him as, “Sergeant Strunk snapping orders to his platoon” (xiv). This old professor’s life was spent studying grammar and writing, and he demanded nothing less than perfection from his student. Now that I had a picture and bit of background about the authors I was more inclined to begin the book.
I had anticipated on the book taking a long time to read, but I was wrong. It moved quickly, and was not difficult. There were some good points mentioned, and I learned some new grammar rules. Since the grammar rules are written in a short organized format, and filled with lots of examples, I found them easier to internalize and go back to when writing a paper. The Strunk and White book is a helpful reference tool; it is something I will keep and use often.
One rule, rule eleven, which is “A Participle phrase at the beginning of a sentence must refer to the grammatical subject” (13), I have often heard, but have always had difficulty following. Now, after reading this book, I feel I have a better handle on the rule. The examples really clarify what the text says. They allowed me to see the mistakes I often make in papers, and showed me how to fix them, making my paper clearer.
Another part of the book I found extremely helpful was titled, “A Few Matters of Form”(34-38). It showed common writing devices used, and the errors that often accompany them. The section explains the correct and proper way to use these devices. There was one word that the section mentioned called colloquialism, which is a phrase or slang word that many mistakenly place quotation marks around, drawing attention to the word. I find this is something I often do, and now see my mistake; I agree with the book that it is better to just use the words and not draw attention to it.
Although, the book was well-written and organized, there were a couple problems I found. Strunk and White write forcefully, as if this book is the final say on any grammar discrepancies. They do not take into consideration that is some cases a rule will not fit, or occasionally writing is improved by the bending of the rules. There are no laws of writing that can be applied to everything, although this book is written as if it is the law. The authors may benefit to remember the quote, “Just when you think all birds fly, in walks a penguin.” In some instances the same rules cannot be applied.
In part four, “Words and Expressions Commonly Misused”(39-65), I found that some of the advice about word use was just personal preference. It seems as if some words annoy the authors, so they urge the reader not to use them. The description for Enthuse shows their biased views; it is described as “an annoying verb growing out of the noun enthusiasm. Not recommended” (45). This section seems to be in a large part a description of pet peeves they find in others’ writing.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it very helpful. It is packed with good advice in an easy to read, easy to understand format. Although, I admit to having at first dread reading it, I am glad I did, and recommend others to do the same.

First Post

2004-06-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

My name is Sarah Bentley. Just testing my Blog.