Principles of Good Writing

Principles of Good Writing
Leslie A. Hill
Submitted By
Vipanjeet Kaur

About the Essay
• “Principles of Good Writing” has been taken from L.A.Hill’s book A Prelude to
English.
• The essay gives us the basic features of good writing. L.A.Hill explains that writing skills can be mastered with practice and discipline. • The essayist has also given a few practical tips of good writing.

Key Points
• The first step is to think logically and clearly. Such thinking helps us to write clearly and logically. This, however, is difficult in the beginning because our mind wanders continually. But the ability to think clearly and logically can be improved with practice.
• The second thing is to improve our vocabulary and expression. The best way to master vocabulary and learn new words and phrases is to inculcate reading habits.

Key Points cont…
• Learn to write by actually writing and it needs a lot of hard work. Choose topics of your own interest from day to day life or your own experience. Read newspaper carefully to get new topics to write on.
• Keep a notebook or diary with you to note down the ideas that come to your mind.
• Write interestingly. In order to do so you have to identify your readers and their interests. If you are writing for teenagers then write something that appeals to them.

Key Points cont…
• Most readers are interested in the present. So your writing should be relevant to contemporary period. Choose topics of topical interest – latest fashions etc • Opening/introductory paragraph should catch readers attention and should be very interesting.
• The main body of writing should present the ideas introduced in first paragraph.
Come to the point at once, avoid irrelevant material and then conclude it.

Key Points cont…
• Take interest in what you are writing. Believe in your viewpoint intensely and convince your readers of your honesty.
• Avoid forcing your own problems upon readers.
Take interest in your readers problems and write about them.
• Create your own style of writing. Do not copy anyone else’s style of writing.
• Write simply and in a conversational tone.
Elaborate and decorated style is not in vogue.
Use clear and plain English without jargon, officialese and hackneyed expressions.
» Vipanjeet