Chapter 03 Improving Writing Techniques.pptxVIP

CHAPTER 03 Improving Writing Techniques The Writing Process Formal Research Methods for Gathering Information Search manually (books, magazines, journals). Access electronically (Internet, databases, compact discs). Go to the source (interviews, surveys, questionnaires, focus groups). Conduct scientific experiments (measure variables using control groups). Informal Research Methods for Gathering Information Look in organization files. Talk with your boss. Interview the target audience. Conduct an informal survey. Brainstorm for ideas. Formatfor anOutline Tips for Making Outlines Organizing Business Messages Main idea comes first followed by details and explanations Organizing Business Messages Explanation precedes main idea Advantages Useful When Effective Sentences subject verb Employees send many e-mail messages. Complete sentences have subjects and verbs and make sense (are capable of standing alone). Clauses also have subjects and verbs. Independent clauses can stand alone. Dependent clauses rely on independent clauses for their meaning. dependent clause independent clause When you speak, you reveal yourself. Phrases are groups of related words without subjects and verbs. phrase phrase In the afternoon, I work at the mall. Fragment Even though the pay was low. Many candidates applied. Revision: Even though the pay was low, many candidates applied. Avoid sentence fragments. Fused Sentences Two candidates applied only one was hired. Revisions: Two candidates applied. Only one was hired. Two candidates applied; only one was hired. Two candidates applied, but only one was hired. Comma Splice Many were qualified, Jeff was hired. Revisions: Many were qualified. Jeff was hired. Many were qualified; Jeff was hired. Many were qualified; however, Jeff was hired. Many were qualified, but Jeff was hired. Revise the following to avoid fragments, run-on sentences, and comma-s