C.

Practice
1 Read the e-mails from students to their professors. Underline the sentences that have
words that are too informal.

To: Professor Joyner

Subject: Earthquake discussion
From: Paulo

Professor Joyner,
1
I enjoyed our discussion about earthquakes last week. 2It is interesting that people
besides cops and firefighters give relief. 3I was surprised how many guys travel from
far away to help victims. 4I would like to dedicate some of my time to help. 5Do you
think we could raise money to pay for our own trip?
Have a good day,
Paulo

To: Professor Braun

Subject: Final project
From: Meagan

Dear Professor Braun,

1
For my final project, I would like to write an essay about floods. 2There is a lot of
stuff to cover. 3For example, a lot of folks lose their belongings. 4Adults and kids are
both affected. 5Please let me know if this is a good idea for a project.
Thank you,
Meagan

2 Circle the more vivid words.

1 A tornado hit | came to the area ten years ago.
2 The earthquake was powerful | big.
3 I was afraid | terrified when I saw the tornado.
4 Major | Big disasters can happen anywhere.
5 People | Residents were not prepared for the hurricane.
6 Earthquakes can happen | strike without any warning.
7 Finding money to rebuild after a disaster can be hard | challenging.
8 The state developed | made a better plan for the future.
9 When there is a serious | bad disaster, people need to help each other.
10 Emergency vehicles drove | rushed to the scene.

108 Skills for Effective Writing 2