 The Craft of Writing - Some Words of Advice 

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o The task is a developmental process, which means that you are encouragedNB to
explore and experiment with different kinds of writing. Be prepared to attempt
many styles over the course of the year.

o You are strongly encouraged to draw on your own experiences, views and
observations. Personal experiences, beliefs and interests can develop into
engaging pieces of work.

o Strong writing shows imagination, control and a clear sense of the writer's
purpose. Your voice is the most important. Highly derivative pieces camouflage
your own voice and ideas and do not score high marks.

o Statements of intention should be used as a way of focusing on the set task. They
should be thought about before you commence writing. Obviously, they may be
revised as you reflect upon and subsequently reshape your work. They should,
however, provide some control over the style and language choice, and keep you
focused on your intended audience.

o Control of expression, spelling and punctuation is very important. Sentence

structure, paragraphing and fluency contribute to overall expressiveness. Your
writing needs to be fluent and your language should be interesting and well
selected.

o The most obvious way to develop a piece of writing is to build complexity. Think
about the broader issues related to your material, and the values implicit in it.
Consider all the angles associated with your piece. The polishing of your work is a
challenging task but it can make the difference between the very good and the
extraordinary.

o Ultimately, you are looking for a reader for your work. Your success as a writer
depends on the audience's response to your work. If you get the opportunity, it is
a good idea to share your writing and ideas with others. (This could be during
class conferencing sessions, or it could be when the work is in the early stages of
development.) Listen carefully to your audience's reactions. You don't adjust your
work according to every word of criticism - but a common response from a
number of people may mean you need to rethink a part of your work.

o Find pleasure in writing. Enjoy!