Summary of Mastering Style: The Learning and Teaching of Writing
Summary of "Mastering Style: The Learning and Teaching of writing"
Main Ideas and Concepts:
- Importance of writing:
- Challenges in writing:
- Many writers struggle with clarity, often producing convoluted prose that obscures meaning.
- Common issues in writing include jargon, legalese, and academic obfuscation, which can alienate readers.
- Theories on Bad writing:
- Improving writing:
- The concept of "classic style" is introduced, where writing should serve as a clear window onto the world, allowing readers to visualize and understand concepts easily.
- Writers are encouraged to minimize jargon and unnecessary complexity, focusing instead on clarity and vividness.
- Role of Educators and Journalists:
- Trends in Digital writing:
Methodology and Instructions for Improving writing:
- classic style Principles:
- Treat writing as a way to show rather than tell; use vivid examples and clear narratives.
- Avoid cliches and jargon; strive for originality and clarity in expression.
- Engage readers by anticipating their knowledge level and providing necessary context.
- Practical Tips:
- Read and analyze good writing to understand what makes it effective; reverse engineer successful sentences.
- Seek feedback from real readers to gauge clarity and understanding.
- Revise drafts multiple times with the goal of enhancing clarity and reader engagement.
Speakers:
- Sam Molton: Director of Educational Research and Assessment at Harvard Initiative for Learning and Teaching (HILT).
- Steve Pinker: Cognitive scientist and author of "The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to writing in the 21st Century."
- Jill Abramson: Former executive editor of The New York Times and journalist, sharing insights from her extensive career in journalism.
Notable Quotes
— 03:02 — « Dog treats are the greatest invention ever. »
— 18:00 — « This was a no-brainer. »
— 36:23 — « The consultants and the bureaucrats and the lawyers all have in common a desire to obfuscate. »
— 40:04 — « Show, don't tell. »
— 50:10 — « The curse of knowledge is the chief contributor to opaque writing. »
Category
Educational