Writing Application
Learn
This lesson focuses on applying concision principles as you write, not just when you revise. Learning to draft with economy makes the revision process faster and produces stronger first drafts.
Writing Concisely from the Start
- Plan before writing: Outline your main points to avoid repetition and tangents
- One idea per sentence: Complex ideas need clear, focused sentences
- Lead with the point: State your main idea first, then support it
- Cut the warm-up: Many writers bury their real beginning in the second or third sentence
The Revision Mindset
Professional writers often cut 10-30% of their first drafts. Approach revision with these questions:
- Can I cut this word without losing meaning?
- Have I said this idea somewhere else?
- Does this sentence add new information?
- Is there a shorter way to express this?
Concision in Different Writing Types
| Writing Type | Concision Focus |
|---|---|
| Argumentative Essays | Eliminate hedging language; state claims directly |
| Narrative Writing | Cut unnecessary description; let action reveal character |
| Analytical Essays | Remove plot summary; focus on analysis |
| Research Papers | Integrate quotes smoothly; avoid over-citation |
Examples
Example 1: Drafting an Argument
Wordy first draft:
"I think that school uniforms should be required in public schools. In my opinion, there are many reasons why uniforms are beneficial. Some people might disagree, but I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
Concise revision:
"Public schools should require uniforms. The benefits to school culture and student focus outweigh concerns about self-expression."
Why it works: The revision eliminates hedging ("I think," "in my opinion"), removes the vague promise of "many reasons," and immediately engages with the counterargument.
Example 2: Tightening Analysis
Wordy analysis:
"In the novel The Great Gatsby, the author F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the symbol of the green light. The green light is located at the end of Daisy's dock. Gatsby looks at this light from across the bay. This light represents his hopes and dreams."
Concise revision:
"The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's yearning for an idealized future. Fitzgerald positions Gatsby as a perpetual observer, reaching across the bay toward something he can see but never touch."
Why it works: The revision combines factual information into subordinate clauses and adds interpretive depth rather than just describing the symbol.
Practice
Complete these writing and revision exercises.
1. Write a 3-sentence argument for or against year-round schooling. Then revise it down to 2 sentences without losing any key points.
2. Revise this thesis statement to be more direct: "In this essay, I will be discussing the topic of social media and its effects on teenagers, and I will argue that the negative effects are greater than the positive ones."
3. Write a topic sentence for a paragraph about the importance of sleep. Make it specific and direct (under 15 words).
4. This sentence uses too many qualifiers. Revise it: "It seems that perhaps the character might possibly be experiencing what could be described as a sense of loneliness."
5. Combine these three sentences into one clear sentence: "Shakespeare wrote Hamlet. It is a tragedy. The play explores themes of revenge and mortality."
6. Write a 4-sentence introduction for an essay about climate change. Then cut it to 2-3 sentences while keeping the hook and thesis.
7. Revise this quote integration: "According to the article, the author states that 'reading improves vocabulary.' This quote shows that reading is important for vocabulary development."
8. Write a concluding sentence for an essay about the benefits of exercise. Avoid phrases like "In conclusion" or "As I have shown."
9. This paragraph has a buried lead. Identify the main point and rewrite the opening: "There are many factors that affect student performance. Teachers, parents, and peers all play a role. Resources like textbooks and technology matter too. However, research consistently shows that student motivation is the single most important factor in academic success."
10. Edit this transition for concision: "Now that I have finished discussing the first reason, I will move on to talk about the second reason, which is equally important."
Check Your Understanding
Question 1: What does "cut the warm-up" mean in the context of concise writing?
Show Answer
Many writers spend their first few sentences warming up to their point. "Cutting the warm-up" means identifying where your real argument begins and deleting the preliminary sentences that delay getting to the point.
Question 2: How does concision differ between argumentative and narrative writing?
Show Answer
In argumentative writing, concision means eliminating hedging language and stating claims directly. In narrative writing, concision means cutting unnecessary description and letting action and dialogue reveal character rather than explaining everything explicitly.
Question 3: Why is planning before writing important for concision?
Show Answer
Outlining your main points before writing helps you avoid repetition, stay on topic, and identify the most efficient order for presenting information. Writers who plan tend to produce tighter first drafts that require less cutting during revision.
Next Steps
- Apply these techniques to a current writing assignment
- Practice the "cut 20%" challenge with your own drafts
- Continue to the next lesson: Editing Workshop