WRITERS GUIDE

Voice
Every writer has a voice a personality that comes through in the writing. Voice shows that a writer knows and cares about a topic. It also reveals a certain style and tone. A writer with a strong, clear voice speaks directly to readers and keeps their attention. I stood on the bridge and looked at the water. (weak voice) I leaned over the railing of the bridge, scowling down at the muddy, brown waters of the river. (strong voice)

Strategies for Developing Your Voice

VOICE

Be sure of your purpose and audience. A review of Voice should take a school play that flopped might have a humorous, into account what the reader needs light voice. An argument for more lifeguards at the to know. Your town beach demands a serious, thoughtful voice. topic, audience, Select words that match your voice. When you write and purpose will dialogue for characters in a story, you can use determine your contractions (Ive, its), along with slang. Figurative voice. language can make your voice interesting and colorful. Formal writing, such as research reports and business letters, requires exact, objective vocabulary. Remember that your voice shapes and controls your ideas. Whatever you write about, express yourself in an engaging, appropriate voice.

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Writing

Voice

WRITERS GUIDE

Match each topic sentence to one of the types of writing below. A Book review B Comparison/contrast 1. 2. 3. 4. C Business report D Personal narrative

In 2003, the Council made three official policy changes. My mixed-up morning began with a beetle on the cereal box. Swimming provides better exercise than walking. A Long Way from Chicago gives a portrait of small-town characters.

One of these advertisements has a voice problem. Write the number of the ad that should be rewritten. Match the letter of each problem with the number of the sentence that shows it. A Slang B Overly formal language Advertisement #1 5. Come in and see a Zipline computer. 6. Its way cool and wont crash! 7. If you need a modem or accessories, we would be most pleased to offer you assistance with your purchases. 8. Our store opened in 1999. 9. Wouldnt you like to check out our prices and some merchandise? (ha ha!) C Inappropriate humor D Unnecessary information Advertisement #2 10. We are pleased to offer the new Zipline computer. 11. Zipline features state-of-theart hardware and comes loaded with software. 12. We stock a full line of computer accessories, including modems, printers, and fax machines. 13. Please visit our store between 9 and 5, Mondays through Saturdays.

Complete one of the statements below. Develop the idea with five to seven sentences, using a voice that fits the topic. My favorite movie of all time is _____ because _____. I would like to travel to _____ because _____. The strangest experience Ive ever had was _____.
Writing Voice

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