Each Flipped Learning Module (FLM) is a set of short videos and online activities that can be used (in whole or in part) to free up class time from content delivery for greater student interaction. At the end of the module, students are asked to fill out a brief survey, in which we adopt the minute paper strategy. In this approach, students are asked to submit their response to two brief questions regarding their knowledge of the module.
In this FLM, students will view three videos, covering the topic of effective style in Academic Writing, and complete the associated online activities.
Key Terms
style, audience, coherence, clarity, brevity, correctness, elegance
Module Overview
- What is Style?
- Definition
- Example
- Analysis
- When does Style change?
- Components of an Effective Style in Academic Writing
- Audience
- Coherence in Form
- Effective Language
- Developing an Effective Style Through Language
- Clarity
- Brevity
- Correctness
- Elegance
Download Video Transcripts
Video 1: What is Style?
Style: The Secret to Becoming a Successful Writer Online Activity 1
Look for three examples of effective sentences from your course readings, and submit them to your instructor with a brief explanation of why or how the sentences work.
Video 2: Components of an Effective Style in Academic Writing
Style: The Secret to Becoming a Successful Writer Online Activity 2
Look for three examples of ineffective sentences from an early draft of one of your papers, and submit them to your instructor, along with a brief critique of the style, and suggested revisions of these sentences.
Video 3: Developing an Effective Style Through Language
Style: The Secret to Becoming a Successful Writer Survey
Please answer the following two questions, and submit the responses to your instructor.
- What was the one most important thing you learned from this module?
- Do you have any unanswered questions for me?
Style: The Secret to Becoming a Successful Writer In-Class Activity
Read a paragraph of your peer’s work. Check for:
1. Clarity. Are there clear subjects and verbs? Are the words appropriately specific and concrete?
2. Brevity. Is every word or phrase necessary? Can some words be omitted?
3. Correctness. Check for accurate usage and syntax (word order), including punctuation.
4. Elegance. What is the most beautiful sentence and why? Can you help your peer write an elegant sentence if one cannot be identified?
Download Worksheet
Download Digital Implementation of the Activity
References
Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers.
Rules for Writers, 8th ed., with contributing ESL Specialist Kimberli Huster, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2016.
Lunsford, Andrea A. EasyWriter, 7th ed., coverage for multilingual writers by Paul Kei Matsuda and Christine M. Tardy, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019, pp. 240-272.
Strunk Jr., William. The Elements of Style, 2nd ed., with revisions, an introduction, and a chapter on writing by E.B. White, The MacMillan Company, 1972.
Taylor, Todd. Becoming a College Writer: A Multimedia Text. Bedford/St. Martin’s, pp. 315-325.
Williams, Joseph M. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, 11th ed., revised by Joseph Bizup, Pearson Education, Inc., 2014.
