Classical Composition:Elocution

CLEAR & CONCISE WRITING

Clear & Concise Writing

Getting to the point promptly can help you become a clearer thinker and a more engaging writer.

Eliminate wordiness!

Eliminate Redundant Pairs

When the first word in a pair has roughly the same meaning as the second, choose one.

Redundant pairs: full and complete, each and every, hopes and dreams, whole entire, first and foremost, true and accurate, always and forever. Example: For each and every book you purchase, you will

receive a free bookmark.

Revision: For every book you purchase, you will receive a free bookmark.

Delete Unnecessary Qualifiers

actually, really, basically, probably, very, definitely, somewhat, kind of, extremely, practically Example: Because a great many of the words in this

sentence are basically unnecessary, it would really be a very good idea to edit somewhat for conciseness.

Revision: Because many of the words in this sentence are unnecessary, we should edit it.

Reduce Prepositional Phrases

Overuse of can make sentences clunky and unclear

In, for, at, on, through, over, etc. Example: The reason for the failure of the basketball team

of the University of North Carolina in the Final Four game against the team from Kansas was that on that day and at that time, some players were frequently unable to rebound the ball.

Revision: The University of North Carolina’s basketball team lost the Final Four game against Kansas because they could not consistently rebound the ball.

Delete Unnecessary Modifiers

Sometimes the meaning of a word or phrase implies its modifier, making the modifier unnecessary. Example: Do not try to anticipate in advance those events

that will completely revolutionize society.

Revision: Do not try to anticipate revolutionary events.

Beware of zombies passive voice

In an active sentence, the subject comes first. In a passive sentence, the object comes first.

It is not a grammatical error, and it can be useful, but it can also frustrate or confuse readers. Example: The 1780 constitution of Massachusetts was

written by John Adams.

Revision: John Adams wrote the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution.

Another example: The letter was taken to the mailbox by Sally.

Revision: Sally took the letter to the mailbox.

Conclusion

At times, you may choose to keep a sentence just as it is, even though there are more concise ways to express your idea. Use repetition to emphasize a point

Include a redundant pair to create a certain rhythm

What’s important is that you make a conscious choice!

Sample Organization

I. IntroductionA. Hook (first sentence: interesting, grabs attention)B. Simple Background Info (What book? Who wrote it?

Etc.)C. Thesis (last sentence)

II. Background InformationA. More in-depth background info

III. Point 1IV. Point 2V. Point 3VI. Conclusion (restate thesis, leave a final thought)

Logical Fallacies

Logical Fallacies: What are they? Logical fallacies are arguments that don’t work

They seem convincing, but fail under close examination

What do logical fallacies do?

OversimplifyAssumeFail to provide evidenceMake jumps in logicDivert attention from the real issuesOVERALL: They damage your ethos

Logical Fallacies: ExamplesGeneralization. A conclusion about an entire

group based on a sample that’s neither large enough nor truly representative.Having met several Texans, I can tell you that they

are all outgoing.

Non sequitur. No clear connection between a conclusion and its support. Latin for “it does not follow.”Congress will surely approve the education bill,

since they already passed the voting reform bill.Rabbits are a symbol of the American Dream

because Lennie and George work on a ranch.

Logical Fallacies: ExamplesForced Hypothesis. The explanation is forced

because there’s not enough evidence. It often ignores alternative explanations or counter-arguments.Ex. Everyone clapped after Sophia’s recital, so she

must be an excellent pianist.

Slippery Slope. You cannot permit something because it leads to extreme consequences.Ex. If we allow the government to legalize

marijuana, it will next legalize cocaine and heroin. Before long, our kids will all be addicted to hard drugs.

Logical Fallacies: Examples

Begging the Question or Circular Reasoning. The claims of an argument assume the conclusion is true.Ex. God exists because the Bible says so, and the

Bible was written by God.

Red Herring. An irrelevant topic is introduced, diverting attention from the relevant debate.Ex. The government cannot begin to improve

education until it balances the budget.

Logical Fallacies: ExamplesStraw Man. An argument that distorts the opposition.Ex. People who oppose this education bill want us

to go back to the age of one-room school houses. Obviously, we live in a different era.The author exaggerates the opposing side’s position,

creating a “straw man.” A man made of straw is easy to defeat.

Ad Populum. An argument that appeals to an audience’s presumed shared values. Latin for “to the people.”Ex. As good Texans, we want what’s best for our

beloved state, which is why we can all agree that Cowboy Bob is the best candidate for governor.