Posts Tagged ‘English’

You can use the “Hamburger Paradigm” of writing not only for technical articles and copy but for other types of communications as well, ranging from emails to criticism. In “Hamburger Communication” the principle is simple: sandwich your criticism in between two sweet layers of positive comment. This is sometimes also known as “1+1+1” or “2+1+1”…

  “Hamburger Model” is a writing paradigm used in some schools and writing programs. It’s a quick and useful way of explaining how to organize the content of a typical non-fiction article, paper, or other kinds of similar prose. Think about the main parts of a juicy hamburger: Top bun, bottom bun, and whatever goes…

© Ugur Akinci If you draw out the parallel elements in seemingly different things you can establish analogies and write interesting articles. By drawing an analogy between two objects or processes you throw a fresh light on both. You thus create a new venue of  evaluation that did not exist before. GOURMET COFFEE and FREE-LANCE…

© Ugur Akinci Whenever possible, avoid using gender-biased words and phrases. For example, instead of “Chairman,” you can try “Chair,” “Moderator,” or “Facilitator.” But if the gender of the “Chair” is obvious from the context, then you can use “Chairman” or “Chairwoman” as appropriate. Here are some other suggestions (inspired by Microsoft Style Guide): OLD…

Good writing is consistent writing, whether you’re writing a software manual or marketing copy. If you end your sentences with the same mood, voice and tense that you start them with, the battle is already won. [Which rule did this sentence violate already? Answer at the end.] VOICE If you start with active voice, end…

Write at the level of your audience. If you are writing a manual for electrical engineers, you do not need to explain what Ohm’s Law is. Actually, if you do, you may insult and alienate your highly educated readers. If, however, you are writing a children’s book or a general purpose newspaper article, you have…

Generality is the enemy of good writing. Sparkle your copy by getting as specific as you can. EXAMPLE: She bought food items. BETTER: She bought canned sardines, a pound of aged Swiss cheese, three 75-watt bulbs, and the latest issue of Time magazine with Bill Gate’s face on the cover. EXAMPLE: The train stopped in…

© Ugur Akinci Sometimes I come across an online tool so different, useful and imaginative that I can’t help but sing its praises. The OneLook Dictionary (www.onelook.com) is one such application, available for free to all English writers of the world. Imagine you are describing the way a room is furnished but you do not…