{"product_id":"writing-with-precision-isbn-9780140288537","title":"Writing with Precision","description":"One of the most popular and respected style guides ever written, this handbook by a seasoned writer with more than forty years of experience offers ten principles and seven axioms that professional writers use to express their thoughts clearly and effectively. This latest edition is expanded to include an extensive glossary of American idiomatic expressions, developed to assist users from other backgrounds and cultures; new chapters with tips on little-known facts of usage, such as compound words, hyphenation, numeration, and capitalization; and explanations of technical problems encountered in writing and editing with tips and exercises to help solve them. For anyone faced with the challenges of written English, \u003cb\u003eWriting with Precision\u003c\/b\u003e can help readers write more clearly, more effectively, and more precisely than they ever have.Credo\u003cbr\u003ePreface to the Penguin Edition\u003cbr\u003ePreface\u003cbr\u003eAcknowledgments\u003cbr\u003eAbout This Book... Who Needs It?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 1: Writing with Precision\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Introduction\u003cbr\u003eCan Good Writing Be Taught?\u003cbr\u003eWhat Is Good \"Useful\" Writing?\u003cbr\u003eWhy the Confusion About \"Good Usage\"?\u003cbr\u003eWhy Bother to Write Better?\u003cbr\u003eThe Economics of Clear Writing\u003cbr\u003eThe Life You Save...\u003cbr\u003eGetting Down to Brass Tacks\u003cbr\u003eCopyreading Marks\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. The Craft of the Editor\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eDuties and Responsibilities of the Writer: A Preview\u003cbr\u003eDuties and Responsibilities of the Editor: A Preview\u003cbr\u003eChecklist of Editorial DOs and DON'Ts\u003cbr\u003eThe \"Rules\" of Editing\u003cbr\u003eTen Principles for Improving Clarity and Precision of Written Documents\u003cbr\u003eEditing Your Own Copy—Hardest Editorial Task of All\u003cbr\u003eChecklist of Steps in Revising or Self-Editing\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. Editing for Strength\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eDefinitions of Active and Passive Voice\u003cbr\u003eMake Every Word Count\u003cbr\u003eAn Unwritten Rule?\u003cbr\u003eWhen Should You Use a Passive Construction?\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE ONE: Prefer the active voice.\u003cbr\u003eSmothered Verbs\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE TWO: Don't make nouns out of good, strong \"working verbs.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e4. Editing for Conciseness and ClarityIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eWhy Is Conciseness So Important?\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE THREE: Be concise.  Cut out all excess baggage.  Keep your average sentence length under 20 words.\u003cbr\u003eToo Much of a Good Thing?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e5. The Quest for Clarity\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eChecklist: How to Keep Writing \"In Focus\"\u003cbr\u003eClarity Is Everything\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE FOUR: Be specific.  Use concrete terms instead of generalizations.\u003cbr\u003eDon't Sacrifice Clarity in Your Quest for Speed\u003cbr\u003eAbstraction—the Enemy of Clarity\u003cbr\u003eUse the Right Name for Things\u003cbr\u003eThe Ladder of Abstraction\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e6. The Quest for Precision\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eThe Importance of Word Order in the English Language\u003cbr\u003eAmbiguity\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE FIVE: Keep related sentence elements together; keep unrelated elements apart.  Place modifiers as close as possible to the words they are intended to modify.\u003cbr\u003eMisplaced Modifiers\u003cbr\u003eLook Out for \"Only\"\u003cbr\u003eDangling Modifiers\u003cbr\u003eSquinting Modifiers\u003cbr\u003eConsistency\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE SIX: Avoid unnecessary shifts of number, tense, subject, voice, or point of view.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e7. The Right Word\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eChoosing the \"Right Word\"\u003cbr\u003eGood English Is Appropriate English\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE SEVEN: Prefer the simple word to the far-fetched, and the right word to the almost right.\u003cbr\u003eThe evils of elegant variation\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE EIGHT: Don't repeat a word or words unnecessarily.  But don't hesitate to repeat when the repetition will increase clarity.\u003cbr\u003eReference Works\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e8. How to Make Order Out of Chaos\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eParallelism\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE NINE: Make sentence elements that are parallel in thought parallel in form.  But do not use parallelism to express thoughts that are not parallel. \u003cbr\u003eMaking Logical Arrangements\u003cbr\u003ePRINCIPLE TEN: Arrange your material logically.  Always begin with ideas the reader can readily understand.  If you must present difficult material, \u003ci\u003ego one step at a time\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eChecklist for Logical Arrangement\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e9. How to Write Letters and Memos\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eAXIOM ONE: Do not write without good reason.\u003cbr\u003ePlain Letters\u003cbr\u003eApplying the 4-S Formula\u003cbr\u003eMore Advice on Letter Writing\u003cbr\u003eThe Importance of Tone\u003cbr\u003eChecklist of Common Mistakes to Guard Against\u003cbr\u003eDon't Be Obsequious or Phony\u003cbr\u003eThe \"You\" Attitude\u003cbr\u003eUsing \"Word Softeners\"\u003cbr\u003eIs Tone Always Important?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e10. Know Your Audience\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eAXIOM TWO: Slant your presentation for your audience.\u003cbr\u003eChecklist for Audience Analysis\u003cbr\u003eAnalyzing Your Reader(s)\u003cbr\u003eWriting for the \"Average\" Reader\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e11. Getting and Holding the Reader's Attention\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eAXIOM THREE: Get straight to the point.\u003cbr\u003eExceptions to the rule.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e12. How to Do \"How-to-do-its\"\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eAXIOM FOUR: Show the reader!\u003cbr\u003eChecklist for Writing Instructions\u003cbr\u003eHow to Describe Simultaneous Operations\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e13. How to Write Regulations\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction\u003cbr\u003eCheck with the Legal Staff\u003cbr\u003eSome Steps in the Right Direction\u003cbr\u003eCutting Out the Legalistic Jargon\u003cbr\u003eThe Rules for \u003ci\u003eShall\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eWill\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Rules for \u003ci\u003eMust\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eShould\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChecklist for Writing Regulations\u003cbr\u003eException Disclosures\u003cbr\u003eConsistency\u003cbr\u003eAXIOM FIVE: Be consistent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e14. How to Write Reports\u003cbr\u003eWhat's the Problem?\u003cbr\u003eGetting Started\u003cbr\u003eTaking Notes: It's in the Cards!\u003cbr\u003eVisualizing the Final Report\u003cbr\u003eUsing Footnotes, Credits, and References\u003cbr\u003eUsing Copyrighted Material\u003cbr\u003eSumming Up\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e15. The Easy Way to Outline\u003cbr\u003eWhy the Old-fashioned Outline Often Doesn't Work\u003cbr\u003eChecklist: The Easy Way to Outline\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e16. How to Write Like a Pro\u003cbr\u003eEstablishing Good Writing Habits\u003cbr\u003ePat Jones's Advice\u003cbr\u003eProduction Rates for Writers\u003cbr\u003eAXIOM SIX: Rewrite—rewrite—rewrite!\u003cbr\u003eThe Mechanics of Writing Production\u003cbr\u003eAXIOM SEVEN: Allow in your planning for production delays\u003cbr\u003eDeadlines and supervisors\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e17. Retaining and Using Your New Knowledge\u003cbr\u003eTraining Is Big Business\u003cbr\u003eSome Ways to Help You Remember—and Use—Your New Knowledge and Skills\u003cbr\u003eThe Big Secret of Learning and Remembering\u003cbr\u003eInformation\u003cbr\u003eOn to the Millennium\u003cbr\u003eBooks on Cards\u003cbr\u003eBooks on Tape\u003cbr\u003eDepartment of Anticlimax\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEpitaph\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 2: Editing (and Self-Editing) with Precision\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e18. An Editor's Credo\u003cbr\u003eWhat Is an Editor's Job?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e19. Hyphenation and Word Compounding\u003cbr\u003eDoormats, Floormats, and Fruitflies\u003cbr\u003eSo What's the Problem?\u003cbr\u003eResearch\u003cbr\u003eGetting Down to Common-Sense Principles\u003cbr\u003eCommon-Sense Principle Number One\u003cbr\u003eCommon-Sense Principle Two\u003cbr\u003eCommon-Sense Principle Three\u003cbr\u003eCommon-Sense Principle Four\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e20. Avoid \"Second Cousin\" Words\u003cbr\u003eSecond Cousins and Lightning Bugs\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e21. Capital Crimes\u003cbr\u003eTo Cap or Not to Cap?\u003cbr\u003eUsing Style Manuals\u003cbr\u003eTop Editorial Priority: Reader Understanding\u003cbr\u003eWhy Do We Use Caps, Anyway?\u003cbr\u003eA \"Sea Story\" from Space\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e22. Vogue Words and Technical Jargon\u003cbr\u003eA Definition of Terms\u003cbr\u003eChanging Patterns of Language\u003cbr\u003eThe Two Cultures\u003cbr\u003eCommon-Sense Principles—Vogue Words and Technical Terms\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e23. Tell Me Not in Mournful Numbers\u003cbr\u003eFigures? Or Words?\u003cbr\u003eNumbers Speak Louder Than Words\u003cbr\u003eNumbers and Cases\u003cbr\u003eBillions and Billions and Billions\u003cbr\u003eAll Numbers Great and Small\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e24. The Dangerfield Syndrome\u003cbr\u003eMust We Die to Get Respect?\u003cbr\u003eDictums from a Newspaper Stylebook\u003cbr\u003eManners of Style? Or Style of Manners?\u003cbr\u003eFor Example?\u003cbr\u003eOnce More Unto the Breach!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e25. Writers and Editors—Can't We Be Friends?\u003cbr\u003eCrotchets, Anyone?\u003cbr\u003eTwo Words Better Than One?\u003cbr\u003eBlue Pencils and Blue Language\u003cbr\u003eHow Far, O Lord, How Far?\u003cbr\u003eTwo Schools of Thought\u003cbr\u003ePride of Ownership\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 3: Handbook\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow to Use the Handbook\u003cbr\u003eAlphabetical Listings\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 4: Exercises\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuggested Answers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbout the Contributors\u003cbr\u003eRecommended Reading\u003cbr\u003eBibliography\u003cbr\u003eIndex\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eJefferson D. Bates\u003c\/b\u003e has served as Editorial Director of the Air Force \"Readable Writing\" Program, and as the Chief of NASA's speechwriting group. After leaving government service, he became president and CEO of Speak\/Write Systems, Inc., a firm specializing in teaching writing and speaking skills. The author of five nonfiction books, he lives in Reston, Virginia.","brand":"Penguin Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46304518635749,"sku":"NP9780140288537","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780140288537.jpg?v=1767744620","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/writing-with-precision-isbn-9780140288537","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}