...Study Unit Improving Your Writing When you complete this study unit, you’ll be able to • Identify your audience, medium, and purpose • Focus your ideas • Organize your material • Plan both informal and formal writing projects • Use words, punctuation, and sentences to achieve the effect you want • Revise, edit, and proofread to make your final copy accurate, professional, and attractive Preview Preview Writing a strong letter to apply for a job or putting together a convincing argument for a business report requires more than a collection of nouns, verbs, and punctuation. Good communication skills include the basics, of course, but proper planning, a pleasant style, and close attention to detail also count. This study unit is designed to help you make the best use of the writing tools you already have by making them work for you as you plan, develop, revise, and present your work. iii 1 Prewriting Organizing Your Material Patterns of Organization Outline Options Developing an Outline The Formal Outline 2 6 6 9 11 16 WRITING YOUR DOCUMENT 21 Types of Writing Key Considerations Writing the First Draft STRENGTHENING YOUR STYLE How to Give Your Writing Punch Choosing the Right Words Informality and Formality Using Words Properly REVISING, EDITING, AND PROOFREADING Revising Your Writing Editing Your Work Proofreading the Final Draft Presenting Your Work 21 25 33 36 36 ...
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