Improving ones Writing Skills
Writing is an art that has evolved over many centuries. It has a purpose: it serves to record information for future use. This record may be for the writer’s own use or it may be intended for the use of someone else. Regardless of who the writing is for it must follow certain rules if it is to be functional.
The writing skills proposed here draw on time tested skills used by various writers. Drawing from these outstanding writers I have put together a condensed version of writing skills I will refer to as The MOCAS System. This system highlights the elements of the mechanics of good writing; this system takes the aspiring writer through the elements of organizing one’s thoughts in a purposeful manner that inspires as well as impresses the reader.
Good writing requires the ability to identify the targeted audience as well as the intention; the writer must be able to anticipate the questions that might arise in the mind of the reader and answer these questions in an effective as well as efficient manner. To do this, one must know how much content is sufficient and by extension, know when to “rest one’s case”. This writing system therefore challenges the writer to only answer the questions in the intended reader’s mind; in essence good writing anticipates the reader’s expectations and responses effectively.
Making every word in every sentence link to its intention is crucial; therefore, this writing system emphasizes the development of analytical writing skills. This writing system ensures that every sentence links to each other and every sentence contributes to the functional development of the paragraph. By extension the writer learns only to include paragraphs that link with the overall theme in the writer’s mind. Finally, the MOCAS System of writing ensures keen attention is given to style of writing, which in turn ensures adequate attention is given to length of sentences.