Remember, it is no sign of weakness or defeat that your manuscript ends up in need of major surgery. This is a common occurrence in all writing, and among the best writers.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Avoid fancy words....If you admire fancy words, if every sky is beauteous, every blonde curvaceous, every intelligent child prodigious, if you are tickled by discombobulate, you will have bad time Reminder 14.
Interpretation
Use simple and clear language to communicate effectively.
This quote emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication by cautioning against the use of overly elaborate or fancy words. It suggests that while ornate language may seem impressive, it can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. The advice is to prioritize straightforwardness and simplicity to connect better with others.
In practice
A teacher reminding students to express their ideas without using complicated language.
Remember, it is no sign of weakness or defeat that your manuscript ends up in need of major surgery. This is a common occurrence in all writing, and among the best writers.
The surest way to arouse and hold the attention of the reader is by being specific, definitive, and concrete. The greatest writers - Homer, Dante, Shakespeare - are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures.
Instead of announcing what you are about to tell is interesting, make it so.
The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.
Rather, very, little, pretty - these are the leeches that infest the pond of prose, sucking the blood of words. The constant use of the adjective little (except to indicate size) is particularly debilitating; we should all try to do a little better, we should all be very watchful of this rule, for it is a rather important one, and we are pretty sure to violate it now and then.
The role of the teacher remains the highest calling of a free people. To the teacher, America entrusts her most precious resource, her children; and asks that they be prepared ... to face the rigors of individual participation in a democratic society.
If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.
Middle-income countries need to attend to the education of their poorest people to build their economies and ensure long-term stability.
Children want to mimic adults. They notice when you choose to prepare fresh vegetables over calling in another pizza pie for dinner. They will see that food made with love and care outweighs going through the drive-through window.
The child is truly a miraculous being, and this should be felt deeply by the educator.
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it.
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