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