The Princeton Review - Writing Smart - The Savvy Student’s Guide to Better Writing (The Princeton Review)

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The difference between the almost right word and the right word isthe difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.

Mark Twain

The written word is a powerful tool. It can tell a story, inform, persuade, evoke emotion, and moreoften more effectively than can be done verbally. The ability to write properly, effectively, and in a compelling manner can vastly improve your chances for success in almost any endeavor. People often form strong opinions about you based on your facility with the written word.

Unfortunately, however, the widespread use of modern technology has created the false impression that writing skills dont matter much anymore. After all, when texting and email allow for nearly instantaneous written communication, how can we hold such casual exchanges to any meaningful standard? Moreover, in the age of spellcheck and autocorrect, who really needs knowledge that our phones, tablets, and computers can store and apply for us? The truth is that we all do. Technology cannot compensate for poor writing skills. The inability to express yourself clearly creates a negative impressioneven in the 21st century.

In some ways, writing standards are as stringent as ever. For example, standardized tests like the SAT and various AP Exams are moving toward an emphasis on writing skills. The SAT now has a Writing and Language section as well as an optional essay, while several AP Exams have been redesigned to feature more free-response questions. Similarly, many undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs place great emphasis upon the personal statements required for admissions to ensure a minimum level of competency. Even in jobs that dont require much formal education, people are now more likely to email or text one another instead of conversing face to face. More and more, communication to carry out personal business or simply socialize is handled in writing in the form of texts or email. Rest assured that you are being critically evaluated when you do so.

Perhaps this is why many people feel uncomfortable writing anything they know will be read by someone else, whether it is a research paper, a cover letter, or a project proposal. A central principle of this book is that clear, organized, and effective writing is highly achievable when you put in a little time, effort, and practice.

The key components of good writing are clarity and honesty. Clarity is for your reader. Unless you write clearly and coherently, your reader will wander from sentence to sentence, never fully grasping your point. Honesty is for you. You will write better when you understand what you are writing.