NCO Primary Leadership Subjects
Putting Your Thoughts on Paper
You are full of thoughts that you want to put down on paper. The following table
Beginning to
will guide you as you begin writing.
write
Step
Action
1
Review your outline.
2
Set down your thoughts about your first main topic.
3
Continue to write, develop the subtopics, and move on to other main
ideas as you complete each topic.
4
Although they are important, don't worry too much about grammar,
spelling, or punctuation on the first draft. You can make corrections
later.
As you write, keep in mind the following principles of effective writing.
Principles of
effective writing
Item
Principle
Action
1
Accuracy
Keep your work free from factual errors.
Present accurate, unbiased, and undistorted facts.
2
Brevity and
Keep your writing brief and to the point; stick to
essentials.
Attach explanatory facts and figures as annexes.
Keep the length of the paper to the absolute
minimum, but don't sacrifice clarity for brevity.
3
Clarity
Keep your writing
clear
and
free
from
misunderstanding:
Select words and phrases that express your exact
meaning.
Avoid vague and ambiguous expressions.
Use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Use the active voice in short, simple sentences.
Continued on next page
Writing Mechanics and Composition
4-27
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