Reviewing Someone Else’s Materials

ITSW 1410

Instructor: Glenda H. Easter

Reviewing Someone Else's Materials 2

Untangle the Prose

DisagreementSingular subject followed by many prepositional phrases containing plural objects, then a plural verb.

IrrelevanciesExamples that don’t match.

Lack of EnergySentences that trail off.

Negative ThinkingParagraphs that start with a caution or restriction, double negatives, statements that could be phrased in positive terms.

Reviewing Someone Else's Materials 3

Untangle the Prose(Continued) Noun Clumps

Three or four nouns in a row.

Passive Voice The verb “to be” should signal trouble and avoided, if possible.

Sequential Goofs Paragraphs that don’t follow chronological sequence.

Sexism Any use of he or she should trip the alarm.

Unclear References a ”that” clause that appears long after the object it refers.

Unexplained Terms, abbreviations, and acronyms

Reviewing Someone Else's Materials 4

Untangle the Prose(Continued) Future Tense Avoid Verbosity or wordiness Avoid Pomposity or pride