Writing Improvement

Question 1

What is the Army writing standard?

Answer 1

BLUF in first or second paragraph, use active voice, use short sentences (15 words or less), short words (3 syllables or fewer), paragraphs no more than one inch deep, use correct spelling, grammar, & punctuation, use I, you, & we instead of “this office”.

Question 2

Principles of good writing

Answer 2

short sensible sentences and paragraphs; efficient phrases, vocabulary, and images; active voice (primarily); packaging that supports.

Question 3

Seven steps to problem solving

Answer 3

ID the problem, Gather information, Develop Criteria, Generate possible solutions, Analyze possible solutions, Compare possible solutions, Make and implement the decision.

Question 4

Effective writing at CGSC

Answer 4

Substance, Organization, Style, Correctness.

Question 5

Substance

Answer 5

Divided into content and analysis, problem solving, and conclusions.

Question 6

Organization

Answer 6

Points of paper are clear and logically arranged so as to develop the content and analysis most productively for the audience.

Question 7

Style

Answer 7

Words are precise; language is precise w/o wordiness and the writer’s tone is appropriate for the audience.

Question 8

Correctness

Answer 8

Few, if any, departures from the published standard for grammar, punctuation, and usage.

Question 9

Five steps to the writing process

Answer 9

Research and pre-writing, planning and organizing, drafting, revising and editing, proofing and final product.

Question 10

Research and pre-writing

Answer 10

choose a topic to write on, brainstorm or generate ideas for your topic, focus in on central ideas.

Question 11

Planning and organizing

Answer 11

Making an outline helps you organize what you want to write.

Question 12

Drafting

Answer 12

Develop and support the ideas listed in your outline.

Question 13

Revising and editing

Answer 13

Revising - content and organization; Editing - spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Question 14

Proofing and final product

Answer 14

Read paper backwards, use spell check, perform a grammar check.

Question 15

CGSS types of essays

Answer 15

Argumentative, expository, compare and contrast.

Question 16

Army writing standard

Answer 16

AR 25-50, understand in a single rapid reading, and is generally free of errors in grammar, mechanics and usage. Good Army writing is concise, organized, and right to the point.