Introduction to Writing Style
How a writer puts words together to express meaning is as important as what the writer says. This lesson shows you how to analyze the style of a piece of writing in order to get a better understanding of what the writer means.
Style?" you ask. "What does style have to do with reading comprehension?"
Actually, style has a good deal to do with reading comprehension. Just as writers use different structures to organize their ideas and information, they also use different styles to express their ideas and information. Thus, the more aware you are of the elements of style, the more successfully you can determine a writer's purpose and understand his or her ideas.
Style is also important because it is often what attracts us to, or repels us from, certain writers or types of writing. Though an awareness of style might not make us change our taste, it can at least help us appreciate different writers and different styles.
Style: a distinctive way of writing or speaking or doing something; the manner in which something is done
What Is Style?
Style, in writing, generally consists of three elements:
- Sentence structure
- Degree of detail and description
- Degree of formality
Sentence Structure
Looking at sentence structure means looking at the type of sentences the writer has used. Are they short, simple sentences? Are they long and complex, with a lot of clauses and phrases? Or does the writer use a mix? Does every sentence sound the same, or is there variety in the word order and structure? Is the complexity or simplicity of the sentences at the right level for the intended readers?
Sentence Structure Practice and Answers
Practice
Read the following sentences and then answer the questions that describe their sentence structure.
- The meeting began. Mr. Thomas described the policy. Then, Mr. Underwood spoke in favor of it. Afterward, Ms. Villegas spoke against it.
- After the meeting, when everyone had already left the room, Ms. Villegas stayed behind to speak with Mr. Thomas. She carefully explained her position on the new policy, hoping she'd get him to change his mind.
- Which version uses simple sentences?
- version A
- version B
- Which version uses the same sentence structure throughout?
- version A
- version B
- Which version uses complex sentences?
- version A
- version B
- Which version varies the sentence structures, using different kinds of sentences?
- version A
- version B
Answers
You probably noticed that version A is the one that uses simple sentences with essentially the same sentence structure throughout. (You might also have noticed that these sentences sound rather dull because they are so simple and unvaried.) In version B, the sentences are far more complex with more variation in their structure.
Degree of Detail and Description
When you look at degree of detail and description, ask two things:
- How specific is the author? Does she write "dog" (general) or "Labrador retriever" (specific detail)? Does she write "some" (general) or "three and a half pounds" (specific detail)?
- How much description does the author provide? Does he write "Mr. B is my manager" (nondescriptive) or "Mr. B, my manager, is a tall man with piercing eyes and a mustache" (descriptive)? Or, does he go even further: "Mr. B, my manager, is six foot ten with eyes that pierce like knives and a mustache like a caterpillar" (very descriptive)?
Example
- Which of the following word(s) or phrases are more specific and descriptive? Underline them. Which words or phrases are more general and nondescriptive? Circle them.
- car
- red 1968 Ford
- on the corner of 58th and Broadway
- on the corner
Choices b and c are the more specific and descriptive ones, while choices a and d are more general and nondescriptive.
Degree of Formality
The degree of formality of a piece of writing has to do with how formal or casual the writer's language is. For example, does the writer use slang as if speaking to a friend, or jargon (specific, technical language) as if speaking to colleagues? Does the writer address the reader by his or her first name (casual), or by his or her title (formal)?
Example
- Which sentences are more informal? Underline them. Which are more formal? Circle them.
- Let's get together after work on Thursday.
- We kindly request that you join us for a social gathering at the close of business on Thursday.
- These figures indicate the sales have increased significantly.
- Sales are up!
Sentences a and d are more informal, and sentences b and c are more formal.
How Sentence Structure, Degree of Detail, Description, and Formality Work Together
Look at how these three elements of style work together in the two following letters. Both convey essentially the same information, but they are written in radically different styles. Read the letters carefully and then list your observations. What do you notice that's different between these two letters?
Letter A
Listen, a while ago, I ordered some invitations from your website. I haven't gotten them yet. What happened? Where are they? Find out! I need them!
Letter B
Three weeks ago, on April 14, I rush ordered two boxes of personalized party invitations from your website (Order #123456). To date, I have not received my order. Please look into this matter immediately, as I am in dire need of this product.
What did you notice about these two letters? How are they different? Consider sentence structure, degree of description and detail, and degree of formality. List your observations in the space below (an example has been provided to get you started):
How The Three Elements Work Together Practice and Answers
Practice
- Which letter is more formal?
- letter A
- letter B
- Which letter seems to have been written by someone who knows the recipient well?
- letter A
- letter B
- In which letter is the sentence structure more complex?
- letter A
- letter B
- Which letter is more descriptive and detailed?
- letter A
- letter B
Answers
You probably noticed immediately the difference in degree of formality between these two letters. Letter A is written in a very casual style, as if the writer knows the reader very well and therefore does not need to use a professional approach. Our first clue to this casual relationship is the way the letter is addressed. Letter A addresses the reader as "Lucy," while letter B begins with a formal "Dear Ms. Mirabella." The same difference can be seen in the closing of the letters: "Isabel" vs. "Sincerely, Ms. Lindsey."
The (in)formality of each relationship is also reflected in the sentence structure and degree of description and detail. You probably noticed, for example, that letter A uses short, choppy sentences, and exclamation points, which make the letter sound less formal, more urgent, and more demanding. The writer also uses casual words like "listen" so that the writing sounds conversational. On the other hand, letter B uses longer, more complex sentences to make the letter sound more formal and sophisticated.
At the same time, you may have noticed that letter A does not provide the kind of specific information that letter B does. Letter A tells us the writer placed an order for "some invitations" "a while ago," but letter B tells us the order was placed "three weeks ago, on April 14" and that the order was for "two boxes of personalized party invitations." The fact that letter A does not provide specific details is further evidence that the reader knows the writer very well, for the writer doesn't have to provide specific details. Furthermore, in letter A, the writer uses a command—"Find out!"—whereas in letter B, the writer asks, rather than demands, that the matter be looked into. This politeness reflects a professional distance between writer and reader.
In business, as in most writing, the audience usually determines the writer's style. The writer of letter A is probably capable of writing in the style of letter B, but because she has a casual relationship with her reader, she doesn't need to use a formal style.
TIP
An idiom is a regional or cultural expression that is used to add style and color to a story. Since the language is often figurative rather than literal it can sometimes be hard to figure out the meaning. It's best to use a dictionary or reference book if you're stumped by what appears to be an illogical or confusing phrase or expression.
- Don't air your dirty laundry in public means that you should not discuss embarrassing personal matters publicly, just as you would not want to air your dirty clothing on a clothesline for the entire world to see!
- "Mr. Simmons is giving a final exam tomorrow, so his students will be burning the midnight oil tonight" means that his students will be staying up late studying for the exam. This expression dates back to an earlier time when would need to burn oil in a lamp if you stayed up late reading or working.
The Effect of Description and Detail
In business, what some people call "flowery" style—lots of description and detail—is almost never appropriate. Why? Because in business, as they say, "time is money," so readers don't want to spend time reading lengthy descriptions or extensive detail. They just want the facts: when the meeting will be held and where; what the new product is designed to do and how much it costs; how the new training manual is coming along. In most cases, the more straightforward, the better.
Other times, however, when they want readers to imagine a situation or to experience something through language, writers need a "flowery" style. That is, they need a high degree of description and detail. The following two passages show the difference. Both describe the same appointment, but in two very different styles. One is written in a style appropriate to business and records only the facts. The other describes the meeting in a style appropriate for general readers interested in the feelings of the people involved.
Passage A
Yesterday at 10:00 a.m., Mark Spencer held a press conference. Eleanor Cartwright was present as well. Mr. Spencer talked about upcoming events at the Smithfield Museum of Art, where he is Director. Then he announced that Eleanor Cartwright had just been appointed Director of Development. This new position was created due to the planned building of a new wing, which will house the significant art collection that was donated to the Smithfield Museum last year. Mr. Spencer outlined Ms. Cartwright's qualifications and introduced her to the press. She discussed plans for the new wing, and she also took several questions from reporters before the press conference ended.
Passage B
Yesterday at 10:00 a.m., Mark Spencer, the popular Director of the Smithfield Museum of Art, held a press conference. The room was buzzing with reporters as Mr. Spencer took the podium. Standing to his right was a striking woman in a crimson suit. Mr. Spencer first discussed the soon-to-be-launched artist-in-residence program as well as the upcoming annual fundraising dinner, which has been the hottest ticket in town ever since Mr. Spencer came to the Smithfield.
The room was thick with curiosity as Mr. Spencer turned toward the mysterious woman and invited her to join him at the podium. Mr. Spencer then spoke in an excited and genuine tone, "I'm delighted to introduce to you the new Director of Development of the Smithfield Museum, Ms. Eleanor Cartwright." Mr. Spencer explained that this position was created due to the building of the new wing, for which construction is scheduled to start soon. The wing will house the impressive and significant art collection of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Buckner, which was donated to the museum last year. Mr. Spencer listed Ms. Cartwright's impressive credentials as the reporters hung on every word. Finally, Ms. Cartwright took the podium and wowed everyone with details about the new wing. She also took several questions. By the time she was done, everyone in attendance was charmed by her wit and sophistication, and they left the room convinced that the Smithfield Museum, once barely known, was truly becoming a major force in the art world.
Now, write down your observations about these two passages below. How are these two versions different? What did you notice about the sentence structure? About the degree of description and detail? About the degree of formality?
The Effect of Description and Detail Practice and Answers
Practice
- Which version tells you more about Mark Spencer?
- passage A
- passage B
- Which version tells you more about Eleanor
- passage A
- passage B
- Which version is more objective?
- passage A
- passage B
- Which version makes you feel excited about Eleanor Cartwright's appointment?
- passage A
- passage B
Answers
You noticed, of course, that passage B is much more descriptive than passage A—it tells you more about both Mark Spencer and Eleanor Cartwright. Passage A just provides the facts—specific details, but no description. Passage A is very objective. We do not learn anything about Mark Spencer other than his job title. For example, we don't know how people feel about him. In passage A, we also learn very little about Eleanor Cartwright other than her new job. We don't know what she looks like or how people in the room respond to her.
Passage B, however, tells us about Mark Spencer's reputation ("popular" and responsible for making the annual fundraising dinner "the hottest ticket in town"). Passage B also provides many details about Eleanor Cartwright ("striking woman in a crimson suit," "impressive credentials"). We also learn a good deal about the general tone of the room and how this announcement was received ("the room was buzzing," "reporters hung on her every word," "they left the room convinced that the Smithfield Museum, once barely known, was truly becoming a major force in the art world"). All these details help us feel something about the announcement and the people involved because the characters and the situation are presented visually; we can almost see what happens.
Writing Style Summary
Style, as you can see, is an important aspect of reading comprehension. It can tell us about the writer's relationship to the reader; it can distance us with its objectivity or draw us in with its description and detail. As readers, we tend to react strongly to style, often without knowing why. But now you do know why, and you can use that knowledge to help you understand what you read.
TIP
- As you come across sentences or paragraphs written in different styles, see how they would sound if the style were altered. Change the level of formality, the degree of description and detail, or the sentence structure to create a new style.
- Do you have a favorite author? Take a second look at a particularly memorable work by this author, paying close attention to the style elements at work. If you are a Jane Austen fan, pick out features that make her novels enjoyable for you. Do you like her degree of formality, the way she uses detail to describe fancy parties, or the way she varies her sentence structure? After you've taken a close look at this work, try your own hand at it. Can you write a letter to a friend in the same style that Jane Austen would have? How about Ernest Hemingway or Stephen King?
Practice exercises for this concept can be found at Reading Language and Style Practice Test.
Test your knowledge at Reading Comprehension Final Practice Test.
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From Reading Comprehension Success in 20 Minutes A Day. Copyright © 2009 by LearningExpress, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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