Paul Roberts's Essay How To Say Nothing In 500 Words
written by Scott Downs
In Paul Roberts essay “How to Say Nothing in 500 Words” he gives us nine tips that we can use to be a more productive writer. The first is to “Avoid the obvious” in which we should make a list of the things that immediately come to mind and not use them in your writing. Second he says that you should “Take the less usual side” which most people will avoid. He also mentions that trying to predict what the teacher wants is not a good way to choose a topic. Third is to “Slip out of abstraction” by not using vague topics but to go into detail instead. Number four says to “Get rid of the obvious padding” by beginning with more real content so you don’t have to add fluff. The fifth is “Call a fool a fool” meaning that you
In Paul Roberts essay “How to Say Nothing in 500 Words” he gives us nine tips that we can use to be a more productive writer. The first is to “Avoid the obvious” in which we should make a list of the things that immediately come to mind and not use them in your writing. Second he says that you should “Take the less usual side” which most people will avoid. He also mentions that trying to predict what the teacher wants is not a good way to choose a topic. Third is to “Slip out of abstraction” by not using vague topics but to go into detail instead. Number four says to “Get rid of the obvious padding” by beginning with more real content so you don’t have to add fluff. The fifth is “Call a fool a fool” meaning that you