The Complete Editor, 2nd Edition

chapter

4

Accuracy, Clarity, and Brevity

 

 

 

• Accuracy

• What to Check

• References

• Clarity

• Brevity

• Types of Writing

• Four Characteristics of Media Writing

• Exercises

 

 

The story was datelined Palestine, West Virginia, and appeared in the New York Times in March 2003. The first paragraph described Gregory Lynch, father of Jessica Lynch, an Army private who had been captured by the enemy during the U.S. invasion of Iraq that spring.

Mr. Lynch, the story said, “choked up as he stood on his porch here overlooking the tobacco fields and cattle pastures, and declared that he remained optimistic.”

Pfc. Lynch had been missing since her unit had encountered the Iraqis less than two weeks after the war had begun. Although U.S. forces had ...