Chapter 4: The Writer's Voice
" Most writers do not sit down to write consciously in a certain style. They do. however, try to project a certain voice onto the page" (McCurn, pg. 95).
Helpful Tips: Be yourself! " Don't try to write in a voice that is not truly your own; don't try to put on airs in your writing" (McCuen, Pg.96).
Syntax
" The arrangement of words in a sentence is known as syntax" (Pg.98).
Syntax is used to clearly state and express your ideas.
Essay: How to say Nothing in Five Hundred Words
This essay focuses on how the writer's tone can be so important for the essay. This essay also claims that boring subjects can lead to boring essays. The best way to engage in a boring subject is to avoid the obvious content. Also, instead of just saying how you truly feel about the subject, it is always good to have back up information on why you feel this way.
Add some "colorful words".
Avoid the "colorless words"
Essay: The Waltz
Her writing draws a picture in your head.
Her dramatic tone in this essay wants me to keep reading more.
If a writer writes with his or her emotions, their writing will reflect on how they feel, but if the writer becomes bored about a certain subject then the writers tone would be boring also.
Vocabulary
Never pretend to be a no-it-all
"Choose your words to inform, not to impress" (McCuen, Pg.96).
Attitude
"Your attitude toward yourself and your work is bound to affect your voice"(Pg. 98).
Essay: The Writers Voice in the Reader's Mind
" When we speak to others, our tone of voice is no less important than our actual words" (Castle, Pg.112).
" In speaking, stressed sounds, vocal cadences, pronunciation, rhythm and pauses, repetition, voice pitch, timbre, and volume, etc. help the listener get the message." (Castle, Pg. 112).
Essay: Remarks on the Life of Sacco and on His Own Life and Execution
The author uses Pathos to bring in readers to make his audience feel bad about Sacco's and his innocence.
" Our words-- our lives--our pains--nothing! The taking of our lives--lives of a good shoemaker and a poor fish-peddler--all! That last moment belongs to us-- that agony is our triumph" (Vanzetti, Pg. 122).