‘You want to write a sentence as clean as a bone. That is the goal’. – James Baldwin
High School Writing Sydney
An essay is a series of interconnected sentences. We can talk about how to structure sentences, and about introductions and conclusions, and about any aspects of the essay as a whole. And this is all important. But we should not overlook the sentences, the basic building block of all writing.
George Orwell said we should have written prose like a window pane, we see straight through the writing to see the author’s message. This can seem easy, but it easy for the reader, not the writer. The author goes to a lot of effort to make things easy for the reader. If a student can write an essay that makes things easy for the examiner, and has something worth saying, they will do well.
Ernest Hemingway said that the prose is like an iceberg, the larger part is unseen, but it is has an effect. Sentences, even very simple ones, can imply a lot of information along with the literal statement they make. If we master this then we can produce concise sentences that are easy to read, yet convey a lot of information, and perhaps emotion and persuasion.
– Be succinct – You appreciate this when reading. So write that way.
– Who? What? Where? When? Why? Can you answer this is a sentence, or two.
– Speak in concrete terms, creating a visual picture. The vine was avocado green and as thick as a arm.
– Evoke emotion, to make the reader care.
– Avoid long ‘run on’ sentences, which have several ‘and’s, buts, commas, and conjunctions, unless this is creative writing or melodramatic speech.
– Active sentences are better 95% of the time. Passive might work for science lab reports, or background information. Occasionally a passive sentence works in a certain context.
– Only use difficult or technical works when they are relevant to the subject you are writing about. Don’t show off you Brobdingnagian vocabulary.
– Grammar is important in academic writing, but clarity is more important. So if you find a clear way to express an idea that bends the rules, go ahead. And certainly avoid any sentence that is awkward, even as it is grammatically correct.
High School Writing Sydney
Mastering our written language will benefit every subject that we study. We start from the humble sentence, and build the concise, structured essay.
Information Disclaimer
The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.