Response to Chapter 7
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A writer must be able to create well shaped writing. Many writers use words that mean nothing, or use phrases for no reason, and use useless adjectives and adverbs in wrong places. In Chapter seven, he breaks down the main problems with papers to just little points that can positively effect your paper. Williams was able to break down concision to six easily changeable points. As writers we must be able to delete words that mean little, no redundancy, don't use words that are implied by others, use a direct word instead of a phrase, change your negatives to affirmatives, and delete useless adjectives and adverbs. It is hard to identify all of these problems in a writing, but if you are able to change these minor problems, it will create a concise paper without clouding your message.
Actually, this does not make the paper look better, it makes the paper lose it's shape and control. By shape and control, I mean less clutter and a well delivered message. It makes it harder for people to focus on the actual subject when there is a bunch of words in the way. Trying to get to the point can also be very redundant. If you have a big vocabulary, that doesn't mean that you should use it to make your point look better. If you clutter your paper, it makes it hard for us readers to understand, and that is one of the main rules in concision. It should not be redundant and you should definitely delete meaningless words, not just to get your message across and be done with it, but also, to appeal to your reader.
To me, I think that useless words just get frustrating, I always catch myself saying "he could've said the same thing a lot easier than that." And the thing is, I'm probably not the only one saying that line. As a reader, I would have to agree with the six points of concision. When a paper or speaker starts to get wordy and use meaningless phrases, I start to lose interest. But as a writer I try to be able to balance, both the phrases, I start to lose interest. As a writer I try to be able to balance, both the phrases and words, plus explaining the direct objective. As a writer this is one my flaws. I try to be concise and still explain my message. I would have to keep the message in mind. You can't forget the main point. Many do, and end up getting lost in their own paper. If you can display your message consisively than that is one of the steps to connecting to your audience.
--Good work here. I'm a little confused by your definition of shape and control, but I get what you're getting at.
