SourceURL:file://localhost/Users/mcicitta/Desktop/What%20Is%20Good%20Writing%3F.doc
As a teacher of writing one of the challenges is explaining why a good piece of writing is a good piece of writing. It’s relatively easy to tell a good piece of writing from a bad one simply by reading it. But, when you have to explain it, that’s where things get tricky.
So here are a few pointers to assist you in “explaining” what’s good about good writing.
- Are the ideas in the piece of writing interesting? Important?
- Is the writing organized in a logical and effective way? Moving from idea to idea in a smooth, non-jarring fashion?
- Is the writer’s voice original and appropriate to the piece of writing? Voice, of course, is the way a writer expresses their individuality or personality in their handling of their words.
- Is the writer’s choice of words memorable and specific? Do the words resonate and say just the right things?
- Are the sentences smooth, fluid and easily understood?
- Are the grammar conventions followed correctly so that the writing is consistent across the entire piece of writing and easy to read?
A further teaching challenge is attempting to discuss and describe good writing with students. By critiquing and reviewing shorter pieces of writing it’s easier to dissect, analyze and critique the writing’s structure, see how the different parts work or don’t work together and make a final assessment of the writing piece as a substratum to begin writing your own article.
For more information on this topic, check out these resources:
• WritersCafe.org, The Online Writing Community at www.writerscafe.org
• Websites for Writers and Authors at http://websitesforwriters.libroville.com/
• How to Write at http://www.wikihow.com/Write
• Plain Language at http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/humor/writegood.cfm
mcicitta 