Use thesis statements to introduce topics.

A thesis statement is a sentence or two that informs the reader about the main issue, topic, or idea about which you will write. They are necessary for effective communication.

In an academic essay, the thesis usually appears in the first paragraph, and it may state in obvious terms what idea you will discuss. An academic essay generally only has one thesis statement. For example, an academic essay may contain the thesis statement

“Pollution levels in Beijing have created major health concerns for residents”

and then continue to discuss the pollution levels, the effects of pollution on health in general, and the effect of pollution on Beijing residents.

Thesis statements are necessary in the “real world,” as well. They help the reader understand the purpose and theme of the upcoming text. A document may have several thesis statements, depending on its length and purpose. A formal letter may have only one main topic. A request for proposals may have a different thesis statement for each major section. Even a novel has a thesis statement: the introduction of the central conflict in the plot.

Thesis statements are important for two reasons.

1. They give focus and direction to the writer. This helps you write a better organized and more cohesive document.
2. They help the reader understand and mentally organize the content. This improves your communication.

Questions to consider: What is the main idea or topic of the document or document section? Do you state this idea or topic clearly?

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Use “additive” words to show how a new idea connects to the topic.

You have just written an important idea. Now you want to make another point related to the same topic, and you want the reader to know that it is just as important as the previous idea. You can use “additive” words to do this.

“Additive” words are words that show you are adding to the previous idea. [I’m using quotes around “additive” because this is our word, not the official word.] Sample “additive” words are as follows: additionally, also, similarly, likewise, and furthermore.

These words provide useful signposts to your readers, telling them that the next idea you state is on the same topic as the previous statement, that it is a new idea (not redundant), and that it is as important as the previous statement.

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This is the strategy for day 96 in 300 Days of Better Writing, available at Hostile Editing in PDF, Kindle, and paperback formats.

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Use the simplest correct words.

Using big words makes you seem smart. They make your reader think, “Wow, this writer really knows a lot!” Right? Probably not.

Using words that are outside of your readers’ common vocabulary may have three effects, all negative. First, they reduce the readers understanding of what you are trying to communicate. Second, they distract the reader from what you are trying to communicate and force the reader to concentrate on word meaning. Third, they can give the impression that you are trying to impress the reader, which will make you seem pretentious. If your goals are clear communication and improving your credibility, use the simplest correct words.

One note about the “correct” word: While you are choosing simple words that mean what you want to say, you also need to consider how readers will respond to them. As such, you need to think about the tone you wish to create.

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This is the strategy for day 33 in 300 Days of Better Writing, available at Hostile Editing in PDF, Kindle, and paperback formats.

For a sample of 300 Days of Better Writing and other books by Precise Edit, download the free ebook.

Be brief.

When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men’s minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.
(Cicero)

Too many words spoil the message. Say what is necessary to communicate your idea. Get to the point. Give the reader what he or she needs. Cut out what is unnecessary. Clarity often comes from concision.

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Top writing strategies and expert instruction from each of Precise Edit’s writing guides 1 critical article from Precise Edit Training Manual 8 days of instruction from 300 Days of Better Writing 5 top strategies from Bang! Writing with Impact 2 essential word choices from Which Word Do I Use? 1 major comma use from Zen Comma 1 section on main verbs from Concise Guide to Technical and Academic Writing Get the free e-book (PDF) OR Purchase the Kindle version ($0.99).