I. MAKE YOUR PARAGRAPHS AND SENTENCES READ SMOOTHLY!
A good piece of writing moves along like a well-oiled machine. There are no sudden stops and starts, no sputtering, no unevenness. Each paragraph flows from the one preceding it and into the one following it. Within each paragraph, the sentences repeat the same pattern, following one another easily, in a clearly connected way, toward the central idea. The professionals call this kind of smoothness continuity. Achieving it is not very difficult at all. It is done with words or phrases strategically placed to form the links in the chain of thoughts and ideas.
Continuity Within Paragraphs
Since the related sentences of a paragraph should point toward the topic sentence, you can readily understand how good continuity can contribute greatly toward the smooth development of the main idea. Here a word or phrase that echoes the previous thought or makes some reference to it does the trick.
II. AVOID POINTLESS REPETITION!
Sometimes writers and speakers deliberately repeat words to create a special dramatic effect or to reach a climax. You are probably familiar with the technique so dear to the hearts of politicians who thunder: "I say that these conditions are intolerable. I say that the time has come to change them. And I say the time is now!"
However, unless you are pointing toward a special effect, try to avoid repetition. Nothing can kill interest more quickly than the monotonous appearance of the same word in every other sentence. There is no excuse for it because our language is rich with synonyms, and thinking of an alternate expression takes but a few extra seconds. A fairly safe rule is this: If at all possible, do not use a key word more than twice in the same paragraph.
III. MIX UP YOUR SENTENCES!
Before the 1900's, most essay writers favored long, complicated sentences, densely punctuated. This type of structure often made it difficult to follow the main ideas and contributed very greatly to the dryness that is associated with some classics.
The turn of the century brought ever-increasing emphasis upon brevity and clarity as the keynotes of a good writing style. Most modern authors prefer simpler, shorter sentences, averaging under twenty words. They get their effects not by heavy phrases and massive punctuation but by mixing up the form and pattern of their sentences, knowing that any design, if repeated often enough, contributes to dullness.
IV. GET RID OF LANGUAGE WASTE!
Most editors, when asked for advice on how to put life into a style, will say briefly and pointedly: "Cut! Cut! Cut!" This advice is based upon sound reasoning. Long-winded sentences, in speech or in writing, slow up the movement of ideas and rapidly bore the reader. You must learn to use the editor's blue pencil, too. Go over your sentences and cut out what is unnecessary. Make them get to the point. Make every word in a sentence do a job. Get rid of those that just lie around doing nothing. Don't be like the insufferable sleep-talker who never says in ten words what he can say in a hundred.
V. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WITH CARE!
It's not so much what you say that counts, but how you say it. On any given topic, most students with intelligence and imagination will come up with similar ideas. The differences in quality of the compositions will be found in the language they use - and language means words. That's why it should make a difference to you whether a particular word you have chosen is "a good one or a bad one." And that's why you must constantly strive to "find out a better in its place."
Try these five "tricks" and you will improve any piece of writing!
The benefits of great credit are significant. The effort that you put into improving your credit score will be well rewarded. Here are the some powerful credit repair strategies that can produce dramatic results in a short period of time.
Check Your High Credit Limits
The relationship between your current balance and the available credit limit on each of your revolving accounts has a major impact on your credit score. Consumers often overlook this important issue. Each and every revolving account on your report should be examined. If the high credit limit is understated send a dispute letter to each of the three credit bureaus asking them to update the information. Don't bother calling the credit card companies directly. The credit bureaus are responsible. Let them do the work. The results will be better and faster.
Increase Your High Credit Limits
There is one additional course of action that you should consider that can also reduce the ratio of your current balance to your high credit limit. Call each and every credit card company and ask them to increase your available limit. They may or may not agree, but you might be surprised. By the way, please keep in mind that you are doing this to improve your credit. Having a higher credit limit does not mean that you should use it.
Check the Age of Your Accounts
New accounts count against your credit score. Conversely, the credit bureaus will reward you for the accounts that you have maintained over time. When reviewing your three credit reports be sure to look carefully at the initial reporting date for each revolving and installment account. If the age of the account is incorrect on your credit reports send dispute letters to the bureaus. Here also don't bother contacting the creditor directly. You will find that this is well worth the time involved.
Resurrect an Old Account
It is not unusual to discover an account on your credit report that you forgot about years ago. If you don't have much credit please don't cancel the account. If you no longer have the card in your possession I suggest that you call the company and obtain a replacement card. When you get it you should make a small purchase. The exact algorithm used in the FICO score is a secret, but based on our observations it is best to have some occasional activity on a credit card. Old accounts are good accounts!
Secured Cards
If you have limited credit and want to it is essential that you get a few credit cards. Secured credit cards are an excellent option that is available to everyone regardless of credit history. In the credit repair business we recommend this course of action. It is true that opening a new account will have an adverse impact on your score, but it is worse to have a lack of credit. In this situation secured cards will have an important and positive impact. Typically there are some fees involved with these cards as well as relatively high interest rates.
Authorized User Cards
In addition to getting a couple of secured credit cards you should also ask a trusted friend or relative if they will make you an authorized card member on one of their accounts. Currently the FICO scoring model seems to give new authorized card members the full score benefit of the principle card members credit history. Please be aware that authorized user status is not the same as additional card member status. Authorized user status does not require that you qualify, and either your friend or you can cancel your status at any time. I suspect that both you and the principle card member will favor the authorized card member status.
Post Bankruptcy Cleanup
If you have had a bankruptcy you should take action to clean up your credit with all three bureaus immediately upon receiving your discharge. If you don't feel up to the task of dealing with the paperwork I suggest that you hire a reputable . A reputable credit repair company will be inexpensive and be able to do this for you very quickly. The credit bureaus are required to remove all of the derogatory information from each account that was discharged. If you don't take action to clean up your credit report it will not happen by itself. A comprehensive post bankruptcy clean up can have a dramatic impact on your credit scores within as little a sixty days after your discharge.
Copyright ? 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Both Jimmy Cox & Jim Kemish are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jimmy Cox has sinced written about articles on various topics from Web Development, Horse Racing and Investments. Finally - There's A Sure-fire Way To Write Better Compositions With Our Creative Writing School!Click here for FREE online Ebook