Persuasion Essay
Zinsser, William. “Simplicity”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said “the decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation”. As society continues to expand, the ethics in literature has diminished. In relation to the essay
Simplicity by author William Zinsser, he explains how American writing lacks proper structure in all forms of literature. From business proposals to bank statements, the unnecessary clutter of words can cover hidden meanings or fine print. Writing is a central part of our everyday lives and how we communicate; when writing structure is not clear to the audience, there is a great opportunity for miscommunication as I experience at work and in everyday matters. But I have also learned better ways to correct my mistakes and deal with these issues through William Zinsser’s informative essay.
In recent experience, I notice how an organization or business will often use words that have no significance or meaning. For example, as an Administrator for the Canada Tax Revenue Agency, the template letters we produce are consumed of “big words” to describe certain events or situations. The readers are confused and unable to relate, making the letters difficult for them to understand. There is usually a way of determining their confusion, as a result of consistent calls back for verification and questions. Eventually the confusion leads to miscommunication which can completely throw off the
organizations system and productivity. William Zinsser (1998) mentioned how “Our national tendency is to inflate and thereby sound important” (para. #2). In an effort sound important, I believe businesses feel the need to use unnecessary words to be perceived as professional. Although, William mentions that simplicity is a lacked component in literature, this is just one of the various methods appropriate writing can be accomplished.
On a day to day basis in a more broader aspect, society constantly deals with literature filled
with
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said “the decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation”. As society continues to expand, the ethics in literature has diminished. In relation to the essay
Simplicity by author William Zinsser, he explains how American writing lacks proper structure in all forms of literature. From business proposals to bank statements, the unnecessary clutter of words can cover hidden meanings or fine print. Writing is a central part of our everyday lives and how we communicate; when writing structure is not clear to the audience, there is a great opportunity for miscommunication as I experience at work and in everyday matters. But I have also learned better ways to correct my mistakes and deal with these issues through William Zinsser’s informative essay.
In recent experience, I notice how an organization or business will often use words that have no significance or meaning. For example, as an Administrator for the Canada Tax Revenue Agency, the template letters we produce are consumed of “big words” to describe certain events or situations. The readers are confused and unable to relate, making the letters difficult for them to understand. There is usually a way of determining their confusion, as a result of consistent calls back for verification and questions. Eventually the confusion leads to miscommunication which can completely throw off the
organizations system and productivity. William Zinsser (1998) mentioned how “Our national tendency is to inflate and thereby sound important” (para. #2). In an effort sound important, I believe businesses feel the need to use unnecessary words to be perceived as professional. Although, William mentions that simplicity is a lacked component in literature, this is just one of the various methods appropriate writing can be accomplished.
On a day to day basis in a more broader aspect, society constantly deals with literature filled
with