Strengthening Your Writing

1. Unclear writing indicates unclear thinking. Read well-written prose, both geological and nongeological. Collect well-turned phrases for use in your work. Strengthening Your Writing General ideas about writing. Richard Mitchell: Less Than Words Can Say. Clear writing stems from clear thinking. How can you make your writing clearer? The most basic mechanics. “Geologist can apply their knowledge ... .” “It could of been avoided.” “An example would be the brachiopods.” “If I would of known ... .” “Rocks are important. It can tell you ... .” Advancing your cause.

2. Clean up your language. Know the mechanics of your language: English. Strengthening Your Writing (cont.) How can you make your writing clearer? Listen to what you have written: lean on friends and loved ones. The Kronkite-Rather-Brokaw test. Recognize (and expunge) your limitations. Work hard to identify and eliminate recurring weaknesses. Except for glaciers, few things in geology are cool. Recognize the limitations of your audience. Avoid jargon, acronyms, and abbreviations. There is no substitute for a conservative writers’ manual. The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition. Fowler’s Modern English Usage. The Elements of Style, Strunk & White. Anything by Karen Elizabeth Gordon

3. Three important approaches to improving your writing skills. Too often native English speakers have let themselves lapse into sloppy and imprecise usage that, among other things, confuses our colleagues for whom English is a second language. Strengthening Your Writing (cont.) How can you make your writing clearer? Practice Practice Practice Most of all, you have to care about excellence in writing. Scientists all over the world seek to hone their skills with the English language.

4. The Seven Components of Writing Organization Grammar Punctuation Syntax Style Precision Contents

5. Suggestions I have compiled as a result of reading essays, theses, and dissertations. Hint: the two lists do not always agree. You can become a star. Pages and Pages of Hints Four pages with examples. Writing hints from John Geissman. Editor, GSA Bulletin. These suggestions: not GSA style but matters of general style. Work at it!