Key terms: style; readability; KIS principle.
Exercises
Exercise 1. Review questions:
- What does one’s style depend on?
- What can reports be spoiled by?
- Describe the principle that should be applied when writing a report.
Exercise 2. Here are some examples of longer words that we are tempted to use when writing. Give shorter alternatives. (If you need help, use a Thesaurus).
Abundance |
Finalise |
Alteration |
Forward (verb) |
Appreciable |
Fundamental |
Authentic |
Initiate |
Beneficial |
Locality |
Commencement |
Merchandise |
Deficiencies |
Optimum |
Encounter |
Problematical |
Endeavour |
Sufficient |
Envisage |
Termination |
Felicitous |
Utilise |
Exercise 3. Using phrases that are pompous and long-winded is a common fault of report writers. Replace the following phrases with ones saying the same thing in a simple way.
- in the not distant future
- in the event that ...
- prior to ...
- taking into consideration
- not without considerable trouble
- in view of the fact that
- in such a fashion as to ensure
- manpower resources
- for reasons of a practical nature
- adjacent to
- in the work situation
- in the interim period
- the expensive nature of the product
- the position in regard to the availability of .....
- will find it advisable to ...
- the least possible degree of...
- an increase in pressure became apparent
- not by any means unknown
- adopted measures to ...
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