1. Nature and Style of Sensible Writing
Sensible writing is clear, logical, and purposeful. It avoids ambiguity and provides information in a way that is easy for the reader to follow.
The style depends on the context, such as formal for academic or professional documents, and informal for personal or casual communication.
Good writing also balances clarity with creativity, ensuring it engages readers without losing its message.
2. Describing
Descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of a person, place, event, or object using sensory details (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing).
It uses specific adjectives, imagery, and examples to help readers visualize and experience what is being described.
For example: "The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink."
3. Defining
Defining involves explaining the meaning of a concept, term, or idea, often using simple and precise language.
Definitions can be formal (dictionary-style) or informal (context-specific), and they may include examples to enhance understanding.
For instance: "Sustainability refers to meeting current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own."
4. Classifying
Classification organizes information into categories based on shared characteristics.
It helps simplify complex ideas by grouping similar elements together.
For example: "Fruits can be classified into citrus (like oranges and lemons), berries (like strawberries and blueberries), and tropical fruits (like mangoes and pineapples)."
5. Providing Examples or Evidence
Examples and evidence support ideas, making arguments more convincing and relatable.
They can include statistics, real-life scenarios, quotes, or anecdotes, depending on the context.
For example: "Studies show that regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease."
6. Writing Introduction and Conclusion
Introduction: Sets the tone and provides context for the topic. It should grab the reader’s attention and state the purpose or thesis.
Example: "Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, requiring immediate action to secure a sustainable future."
Conclusion: Summarizes key points and reinforces the main message, leaving a lasting impression.
Example: "By adopting eco-friendly practices, we can collectively combat climate change and preserve our planet for future generations."
7. Writing Practices
Writing practices include strategies to improve writing skills, such as:
1) Planning and outlining ideas before drafting.
2) Regularly reading and analyzing high-quality writing.
3) Revising and proofreading to refine grammar, structure, and style.
4) Consistent practice helps hone clarity, creativity, and precision.
8. Comprehension
Comprehension involves understanding written material by identifying main ideas, supporting details, and the author’s intent.
Techniques include skimming for key points, scanning for specific information, and summarizing content in one’s own words.
Strong comprehension skills are essential for critical analysis and effective communication.
9. Précis Writing
A précis is a concise summary of a longer text, capturing its main ideas without unnecessary details or personal opinions.
Steps include:
1) Reading the original text thoroughly.
2) Identifying key points and arguments.
3) Writing in your own words while maintaining the text’s essence.
For example: A précis of a 500-word article on pollution may be a 100-word summary highlighting its causes and effects.
10. Essay Writing
Essays are structured pieces of writing that explore a topic or argument in depth.
Key components:
1) Introduction: Presents the topic and thesis statement.
2) Body Paragraphs: Provide evidence, examples, and analysis supporting the thesis.
3) Conclusion: Summarizes key arguments and restates the thesis.
4) Essays can be descriptive, argumentative, narrative, or expository, depending on the purpose.
