Yay! Weekend! I was so busy during the week doing assignments that I am really glad that my classes are over for the week. I hope I can sleep a lot, finally...
Well, today's study notes:
Rule 10. As a rule, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence; end it in conformity with the beginning.
Ending with a digression, or with an unimportant detail, is particularly to be avoided.
Rule 11. Use the active voice.
Oh yes. I have some trouble with using the active voice.... I need a lot of practice..
Example. My first visit to Boston will always be remembered by me.
--> I shall always remember my first visit to Boston. (more direct, bold, and concise)
Example. The reason that he left college was that his health became impaired.
--> Failing health compelled him to leave college.
As a rule, avoid making one passive depend directly upon another.
Example. Gold was not allowed to be exported.
--> It was forbidden to export gold (The export of gold was prohibited).
Example. Mobilization of the army was rapidly carried out. (the verb has no function beyond that of completing the sentence)
--> The army was rapidly mobilized.
Rule 12. Put statements in positive form.
Example. He was not very often on time. --> He usually came late.
Example. He did not think that studying Latin was much use. --> He thought the study of Latin useless.
Honestly, I am not sure about this rule. I mean, it is good to avoid "tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language," but I think there is a difference between "did not think ... was much use" and "useless," and also between "not important" and "trifling."
I think using positive forms sometimes fail to capture the subtlety of the situation..
But anyway, I should pay attention to the choice of words so that I don't end of being so verbose and hesitating.
Example. Did not remember --> forgot
Example. Did not pay any attention to --> ignored
I'm done for today! X-) Let there be no snow tomorrow!!
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