Course Content
You will master all of the following skills and demonstrate mastery in writing examinations:
- Have clear objectives.
- Provide information that suits the reader's knowledge of the subject, educational background, technical expertise, need for concrete explanations, and need for depth of knowledge.
- Include everything every intended reader needs to achieve your objectives.
- Respond to requests by providing precisely what the person asked for under the conditions specified.
- Give readers the information they need at the specific points where they need it for maximum understanding.
- In emails, letters, and memos, write thanks, commendations, and genuine statements of good will that build teams and partnerships with clients.
- Present the information with consideration for the reader's possible reaction to the subject and you.
- Use the tone and level of formality that fit the objectives and the reader.
- Write email subject lines using words that alert the reader to the contents, required action, or critical information in the email.
- In the introduction, explain everything readers need to know to understand fully why they are receiving the document.
- In the introduction, describe all actions the reader is expected to perform and any critical information the reader must know.
- Write a clear statement of the contents at the end of the introduction so readers know what to expect and can prepare for reading.
- Put the information into clearly defined blocks that the reader can read, understand, and remember, one block at a time.
- For each information block, write an explicit opening statement the reader can use to begin putting the block's details into a framework.
- For lists with items that are each several paragraphs or pages long, open the lists with statements of the contents and open each list item with a description of the item's contents.
- Present information in a clear visual blueprint so readers can see the organization as they read.
- Write concrete, detailed descriptions of problems and issues.
- Write requests that state directly, unambiguously, and completely what you are requesting.
- Use key terms consistently.
- Use key terms consistently.
- Write concisely.
- Write clear, focused, organized paragraphs that help readers identify, understand, and remember concepts.
- Write active sentences that are complete, clear, and straightforward.
- Use only simple punctuation.
- Use words every intended reader will understand.
- Polish and proofread all documents.
- Use formatting that makes the text easy to read.