Quotes to Remember

Hello all!

The official "Quotes to Remember, Mock Trial 2011" is now on GoogleDocs!

I'd rather not make the link public, but I'll send it to you if you post a comment. Then you may edit it at will--it's still under construction!  :-)

Laura

Writing Tips

Hi Mock Trial people,


First, enjoy your Thanksgiving tomorrow! Between bites of ham, remember to thank God for all our blessings.


Second, in light of your statement-writing activities, I've compiled some writing tips from my English book--they're simple but quite powerful if you put them into practice.

Use a variety of

• sentence lengths
• sentence beginnings
• adverb
• prepositional phrases
• other phrases (participial, gerund, infinitive, appositive, absolute)
• dependent clauses
• sentence patterns

Emphasize information by placing important information

• in brief sentences that contrast with their context
• at end of sentences
• in unusual sentences
• inverted order (verb before subject, as in a question)
• periodic sentences (subject separated from predicate by several phrases or a clause)
• rehtorical question (use cautiously!)

Make your sentences "energetic" by using

• action verbs
• specific details
• accurate
• words (with very specific meanings)
• phrases (make sure you're using legal terms correctly)
• connotation (check meanings)
• pauses for breath (commas)
• figurative language (use cautiously!)

Don't let that overwhelm you--just jump in and start revising! :)

But not tomorrow. Tomorrow we eat ham. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sarah