Learn to Train
External
links are shown with a "
".
Get to the Point
In First
Things First 
: The Lost Art of Summarizing,” Professor
Joe Kimble emphasizes the importance of a good opening
sentence.
Richard Lauchman’s Plain
Language: A Handbook for Writers in the U.S. Federal
Government , includes
a chapter on organizing ideas. He explains how to prepare
the reader for what to expect by using summary statements,
being precise on the subject lines of letters and email
messages, and summarizing lengthy documents in one, up-front
paragraph.
Use Active Voice
Purdue University’s Online
Writing Lab gives several
examples of active and passive voice, and explains how
you can change your passive voice statements to active
voice.
Designed for learners of English as a Second Language,
the English
Club website provides clear examples of how
you can make your writing better by using active voice.
The European Commission’s Translation Service is
running a “Fight the Fog” campaign, which includes
many online resources for improving writing. In its Write
Clearly booklet, Fight the Fog gives tips on changing
passive voice to active by naming the agent of an action.
Use Tables
The Online
Technical Writing Textbook includes
a section on using graphics and tables when writing and
explains how you can use tables effectively for much more
than just showing numerical data.
Use Vertical Lists
The Online
Technical Writing Textbook explains the value of using
lists instead of traditional paragraphs. The site also includes guidelines for
writing and formatting different styles of lists.
