S1_FEB_Business Communication_Genap 2025/2026

Steven Wirawan
2411011022

1. Composing the First Draft
Use a mix of sentence types to keep writing clear and engaging. Avoid fragments (incomplete sentences), run-ons (two ideas joined without proper punctuation), and comma splices (two sentences joined only by a comma).

2. Improving Writing Techniques
Highlight important ideas by placement, use active voice for clarity and passive voice when the doer is less important, maintain parallel structure for balance, and avoid dangling or misplaced modifiers by keeping them close to the words they describe.

3. Drafting Organized Paragraphs
Use the direct plan to define or describe, the pivoting plan to compare and contrast, or the indirect plan to explain and persuade. Each paragraph needs a clear topic sentence, supporting details, and smooth transitions.

4. Polishing for Conciseness
Cut flabby expressions, long lead-ins, there is/are fillers, redundancies, and empty words. Keep messages short and direct, especially when writing for microblogging.

5. Improving Clarity
Use plain language, avoid trite business phrases, clichés, slang, and buzzwords. Replace wordy verb phrases with strong verbs and keep enthusiasm controlled.

6. Proofreading Techniques
Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Read aloud, review from the end backward, take breaks before proofreading, and use tools carefully.

7. Evaluating Effectiveness
Ask if the message is clear, concise, well-organized, accurate, appropriately toned, and successful in achieving its purpose.

Rafi Yodi Rinaldi

2491011013

1. Composing the First Draft
Use a mix of sentence types (simple, compound, complex). Avoid fragments, run-ons, and comma splices by using correct punctuation and sentence structure.
2. Improving Writing Techniques
Emphasize key ideas using clear structure and transitions.
Use active voice for clarity; passive for formality when needed.
Keep lists parallel and place modifiers correctly.
3. Organizing Paragraphs
Direct Plan: Define, describe, or list.
Pivoting Plan: Compare and contrast.
Indirect Plan: Explain and persuade.
Include a topic sentence, supporting details, and transitions.
4. Polishing for Conciseness
Cut fillers like “there is” or “due to the fact that.” Remove redundancies and make sentences as brief and clear as possible.
5. Improving Clarity
Use simple language. Avoid clichés, jargon, and buzzwords. Use strong verbs and don’t overdo adjectives or enthusiasm.
6. Proofreading
Check for grammar, spelling, tone, and consistency. Read aloud to spot awkward or unclear sentences.
7. Evaluating Effectiveness
Ensure the message meets its goal, fits the audience, is clear, and includes a specific call to action.

Nadiyah Putri Mailika
2491011012

1. Get ideas down first. Use a mix of short, straightforward sentences and longer, more complicated ones. Ensure that every sentence is a complete sentence and that a few ideas are nicely connected with conjunctions or appropriate punctuation like periods and semicolons.

2. Be concise with your main points. Use the active voice ("The manager approved the plan") to avoid vagueness. Use parallel structure on lists (such as "writing, editing, and reviewing"). Place descriptive words and phrases right next to the word they are describing to avoid confusion.

3. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence with its general idea. Support the idea with evidence, examples, or explanations in the following sentences. Use transition words (like "however," "therefore," "for example") to have smooth transitions from one idea to another. To explain, move from general point to details. To compare, note similarities and differences. To persuade, have evidence before your conclusion.

4. Be brief and eliminate unwanted words. Eliminate lengthy introductions, redundant expressions, and empty fillers like "there is" or "it is noted that." Replace weak noun phrases with strong verbs (e.g., use "decide" instead of "make a decision"). Strip to the bare bones on very brief forms like social media.

5. Use plain, straightforward language. Steer clear of hackneyed businesses, clichés, and trendy buzzwords. Uncover and use active verbs embedded in less compact sentences (e.g., "we need to analyze" instead of "we need to make an analysis"). Stay away from excessively grandiose words that sound insincere.

6. Get to know your own habitual mistakes (e.g., typos or grammatical mistakes). For important papers, read slowly, read aloud, and read in reverse to force your brain to see each word. Check numbers, names, and dates twice. For difficult papers, make a series of passes—one for substance, one for form, and a third for mechanics.

7. Consider whether the message was successful in its objective. Is the subject immediately apparent to the reader? Is the tone right for the audience? Is the information accurate and comprehensive? Is it straightforward and readable? The message is effective if the reader comprehends it and is able to take the intended action without ambiguity.

Intan Nurvadila
2211031146

1. Explain how to compose the first draft of a message using a variety of sentence types and avoiding sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices.
When I write the first draft of a message, I make sure to mix different sentence types so that my writing feels more dynamic. I use a balance of simple, compound, and complex sentences. To avoid sentence fragments, I always check that every sentence has both a subject and a verb. I also pay attention to long sentences that might turn into run-ons or comma splices, and I usually solve this by breaking them into shorter parts or using the right conjunctions.
2. Explain how to improve your writing techniques by emphasizing important ideas, employing the active and passive voice effectively, using parallelism, and preventing dangling and misplaced modifiers.
I improve my writing by placing important ideas where they are most visible, usually at the beginning or end of a sentence. I use the active voice when I want the message to sound more direct, but I choose the passive voice when I want the focus to stay on the action instead of the subject. I also practice parallelism so my writing looks consistent, especially in lists or instructions. To make sure my sentences are clear, I check for dangling or misplaced modifiers and revise them so they point to the correct words.
3. Explain how to draft well-organized paragraphs using (a) the direct plan to define, classify, illustrate, or describe; (b) the pivoting plan to compare and contrast; or (c) the indirect plan to explain and persuade. Paragraphs should include (a) topic sentences, (b) support sentences, and (c) transitional expressions to build coherence.
When drafting paragraphs, I always start with a plan. If I want to define, describe, or illustrate, I choose the direct plan by writing the topic sentence first and then supporting it with examples. If my goal is to compare and contrast, I use the pivoting plan where I explain one idea and then shift to the other. For persuasion, I apply the indirect plan, which lets me build background first before delivering the main point. I also make sure each paragraph contains a clear topic sentence, well-developed supporting details, and transitional expressions that create smooth flow.
4. Explain how to polish business messages by revising for conciseness, which includes eliminating flabby expressions, long lead-ins, there is/are and it is/was fillers, redundancies, and empty words, as well as condensing for microblogging.
To polish business messages, I always revise with conciseness in mind. I remove flabby expressions like “due to the fact that” and replace them with shorter words such as “because.” I avoid long lead-ins, unnecessary fillers, and phrases that do not add meaning. Redundancies like “each and every” are also cut to keep the message sharp. When adapting my writing for microblogging, I condense further but make sure the main point is not lost.
5. Explain how to improve clarity in business messages by keeping the ideas simple, slashing trite business phrases, dropping clichés, scrapping slang and buzzwords, rescuing buried verbs, and restraining exuberance.
I improve clarity by expressing ideas in simple and straightforward language. I avoid trite business phrases that sound outdated and I cut clichés that do not add value. I also avoid slang and trendy buzzwords so the message stays professional. To make sentences stronger, I use direct verbs instead of hiding them inside nouns. For example, I write “analyze” instead of “conduct an analysis.” Finally, I control my tone by avoiding too many exclamation marks or overly dramatic words.
6. Explain how to recognize proofreading problem areas, and apply effective techniques to catch mistakes in both routine and complex documents.
When proofreading, I pay extra attention to spelling, punctuation, and subject–verb agreement. In longer documents, I also check formatting, numbering, and references for consistency. One of my techniques is to proofread slowly and sometimes read the text aloud so I can catch mistakes more easily. I also like to take breaks before proofreading because it helps me see the text with fresh eyes. Digital tools are helpful, but I always combine them with manual checking.
7. Explain how to evaluate a message to judge its effectiveness.
To evaluate a message, I ask myself whether it reaches its purpose, whether it informs, persuades, or requests action clearly. I also check if the message is concise, audience-centered, and appropriate in tone. Organization is another important aspect, so I make sure the message flows logically and includes enough support for the main points. If all these criteria are met, I can judge the message as effective.

Dwi Junia Fariz
2451011029



1.To draft a message with varied sentences, mix simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to add interest and flow. Avoid sentence fragments by ensuring each sentence has a subject and a verb, completing the thought. To prevent run-on sentences and comma splices, separate two independent clauses with a period, a semicolon, a comma and coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or so), or by making one clause dependent with a subordinating conjunction (like because or although).

2.To improve writing, emphasize key ideas using devices like sentence variety and parallelism, which provides balanced structures and repetition to highlight important points. Use active voice for directness and conciseness, reserving passive voice for when the action or recipient is more important than the doer. Employ parallelism by creating balanced grammatical structures to link related ideas, making them more memorable and impactful. Finally, prevent dangling or misplaced modifiers by ensuring that descriptive words or phrases clearly and directly relate to the word they are modifying, avoiding confusion for the reader.

3.To draft well-organized paragraphs, structure them with a clear topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence or thought. Use the direct plan for definitions, classifications, illustrations, or descriptions by stating the main point first, followed by support. Employ the pivoting plan for comparing and contrasting by using transitions to clearly shift between subjects. For explanations and persuasion, use the indirect plan by building up to the main point with supporting evidence and explanation.

4.To polish business messages for conciseness, eliminate flabby expressions, long lead-ins, filler phrases like "there is/are" and "it is/was," redundancies, and empty words. Additionally, condense messages for microblogging by using shorter sentences and familiar words, and focusing on the main point to ensure messages are direct, clear, and impactful.

5.To improve clarity in business messages, keep your language simple and direct by replacing trite phrases and clichés with original words, avoiding slang and buzzwords, replacing buried verbs with strong active verbs, and limiting excessive use of intensifiers (restraining exuberance). This helps ensure your message is concise, professional, and easily understood by your audience.

6.To identify proofreading problem areas, look for common mistakes like typos, grammar errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies in formatting, and apply techniques such as reading aloud, taking a break, proofreading backwards, focusing on one error type at a time, changing the text's appearance, and getting a fresh perspective from another person. For complex documents, use a multi-stage approach starting with a broad review for organization and coherence before focusing on sentence-level errors and specific details.

7.To evaluate a message's effectiveness, you must determine if the target audience received the message, consumed its content, understood it, and responded as intended. Assess this by defining clear, measurable objectives, analyzing engagement metrics (like opens or clicks), using feedback mechanisms such as surveys or focus groups, and observing whether the desired outcome or behavior change occurred.

Willfred ismanto
npm : 2411011147

1. Composing the First Draft

Use varied sentence structures. Mix short and long sentences (simple, compound, complex) to keep the reader engaged. A diversity of sentence lengths adds rhythm and interest.

Ensure grammatical completeness. Every sentence must have a subject and verb. Avoid fragments (incomplete clauses) and incorrect joins of independent clauses. Incorrectly joined clauses (run-ons or comma splices) make writing unclear.


2. Improving Your Writing Style

Emphasize key ideas. Place the most important information in emphatic positions (often at the end or beginning of a sentence) and use strong word choice to highlight it.

Use active vs. passive voice wisely. Prefer active voice for direct, energetic writing (the subject does the action); use passive voice sparingly when you need a tactful or impersonal tone.

Maintain parallel structure. When listing or comparing ideas, use the same grammatical form. Parallel construction (“She likes cooking, jogging, and reading.”) is more readable and memorable.

Avoid dangling/misplaced modifiers. Make sure descriptive phrases clearly attach to the right word. A misplaced modifier (e.g. “Running down the street, the tree was visible.”) confuses the reader.


3. Structuring Paragraphs (Direct, Pivot, Indirect Plans)

Direct plan: Use when defining, classifying, illustrating, or describing. Put the topic sentence first (directly stating the main point), then follow with supporting details or examples.

Pivoting plan: Use for comparison/contrast. Begin with a contrasting or limiting idea (a “pivot”) before presenting the main point. This introduces the contrast up front and then “pivots” to the main idea.

Indirect plan: Use for explaining or persuading (or delivering bad news). Provide supporting information or reasoning first, and place the main idea at the end of the paragraph. The reader “discovers” the main point at the conclusion.

Paragraph components: Every paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence (stating its main idea), include supporting sentences (facts, examples, explanations), and employ transitional words/phrases to link ideas smoothly. This builds coherence and guides the reader through the logic.


4. Polishing for Conciseness

Eliminate flabby expressions and lead-ins: Cut wordy phrases and long introductions. For example, change “I am writing to inform you that Monday is a holiday” to “Monday is a holiday”. Remove boilerplate lead-ins like “This is to let you know…”.

Drop empty fillers (“there is/are”, “it is/was”): Remove dummy constructions that add no meaning. For instance, “There are at least ten candidates” becomes “At least ten candidates…”.

Reject redundancies: Avoid repeating ideas. Phrases like “each and every,” “past history,” “refer back,” “basic fundamentals,” etc., can usually be shortened (e.g. “each” or “the basics”).

Purge unnecessary words: Remove adjectives/adverbs that don’t add value and delete empty nouns or prepositional phrases. For example, “the car company General Motors” can be trimmed to “General Motors”.

Condense language: Especially for limited formats (tweets, texts), use the fewest words needed to convey the idea. In short, revise until every word earns its place.


5. Enhancing Clarity

Keep ideas simple and direct: Use straightforward language (KISS principle: “Keep It Short and Simple”). Avoid overcomplicating sentences.

Slash clichés and trite phrases: Delete worn-out business idioms (e.g. “think outside the box,” “at the end of the day”) as they add fluff. Clichés are overused and can confuse readers.

Avoid slang and buzzwords: Drop informal slang and trendy jargon that might bewilder or irritate readers. Such terms often carry little real meaning in a business context.

Rescue buried verbs: Turn noun-heavy phrases into active verbs. For example, rewrite “make a decision” to “decide.” This makes writing more direct.

Control exuberance: Limit overly strong intensifiers (e.g. “very,” “really,” “totally,” “completely”). Excessive enthusiasm can seem unprofessional. Keep a measured, businesslike tone.


6. Proofreading Strategies

Take a break and then review: Distance yourself from the draft (even overnight) so you see it with fresh eyes.

Proofread on paper: Print the document if possible. It’s often easier to spot errors on a hard copy than on a screen.

Read aloud (or use text-to-speech): Reading the message slowly and out loud forces you to notice every word and sound out punctuation, helping catch missing words or awkward phrasing.

Check sentence structure: Examine each sentence individually. Ensure it has a clear subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. This will reveal fragments or run-ons that slipped through.

Verify details: In a final pass, confirm names, numbers, figures, and technical terms. Use spelling/grammar tools for an initial scan, but don’t rely on them entirely – human review catches context errors.


7. Evaluating Message Effectiveness

Assess clarity and purpose: Ask whether the message clearly conveys what you intend. Does it explicitly state the main idea? Is it free of ambiguity?

Check goal alignment: Will the message achieve its purpose (e.g. inform, persuade, request action)? Does it convince the reader of your key point and that you are credible?

Invite response: The best measure of success is reader feedback. Ensure your message encourages the recipient to reply or act. According to communication guidelines, “the best way to judge the success of your communication is through feedback,” so include a call-to-action or question that prompts a response.

Solicit feedback: Finally, be open to audience reaction. Use any replies or questions you receive to judge whether your message worked and to improve future communication.

Raynard Almera Fabrizio
(2411011070)

1. Develop and Organize Your Ideas
Begin the writing process by getting your thoughts down. Use a mix of short, simple sentences and longer, more complex ones to create a dynamic flow. Ensure every sentence is grammatically complete, and connect related ideas with conjunctions or punctuation like semicolons to show their relationship.

2. Write with Clarity and Concision
To make your writing clear, get straight to the point. Use the active voice to avoid vagueness (e.g., "The manager approved the plan" is better than "The plan was approved"). Use parallel structure for lists to maintain consistency, such as "writing, editing, and reviewing." Always place descriptive words and phrases directly next to the word they describe to avoid any confusion.

3. Structure Your Paragraphs
Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that states its main idea. Support this idea with evidence, examples, or explanations in the following sentences. Use transition words like "however," "therefore," or "for example" to create smooth transitions between ideas. When you want to explain something, move from a general point to specific details. When comparing, highlight both similarities and differences. When persuading, present your evidence before your conclusion.

4. Eliminate Unnecessary Words
Be brief and purposeful. Cut lengthy introductions, redundant phrases, and empty fillers like "there is" or "it is noted that." Replace weak noun phrases with strong verbs (e.g., use "decide" instead of "make a decision"). For very brief forms like social media posts, strip your message down to its absolute essentials.

5. Use Straightforward Language
Choose plain, direct language over jargon, clichés, and trendy buzzwords that can sound insincere. Find and use the active verbs often buried in less compact sentences (e.g., "we need to analyze" instead of "we need to make an analysis"). Avoid overly grandiose or formal words that may seem insincere to your audience.

6. Perfect Your Editing Process
Learn your common mistakes, such as typos or grammatical errors, so you can spot them easily. For important documents, read your work slowly, read it aloud, and even read it in reverse to force yourself to see each word individually. Double-check all numbers, names, and dates. For difficult papers, make a series of passes: one for the content and substance, a second for the form and structure, and a final one for the mechanics and grammar.

7. Evaluate the Message's Effectiveness
Finally, assess whether your writing achieved its objective. Is the subject immediately obvious? Is the tone appropriate for the intended audience? Is the information accurate and comprehensive? Is the text straightforward and easy to read? An effective message is one that your reader fully understands and can act on without any ambiguity.

Ghiffari Izza Wibisono
2411011079

1.
When drafting a message, use varied sentences—simple for clarity, compound/complex to connect ideas. Avoid fragments, run-ons, and comma splices by using correct punctuation.

2.
Emphasize key ideas by placing them at strong positions in sentences. Use active voice for clarity and passive when the actor is unimportant. Keep parallel structure for balance, and avoid dangling or misplaced modifiers that cause confusion.

3.
Organize paragraphs with clear structure. The direct plan states the main idea first, the pivoting plan contrasts before shifting, and the indirect plan delays the main idea for persuasion. Each paragraph needs a topic sentence, supporting detail, and smooth transitions.

4.
Polish messages by being concise: cut wordiness, fillers (*there is/it is*), redundancies, and weak phrases. Replace flabby expressions with strong, simple words. Short forms like microblogging require even tighter writing.

5.
Clarity comes from simple, direct language. Drop clichés, trite phrases, slang, and buzzwords. Strengthen writing by turning noun phrases into strong verbs and keeping enthusiasm professional and controlled.

6.
Proofreading prevents errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, numbers, and names. Techniques include reading aloud, reviewing printed copies, and using tools carefully. Both short and long documents need careful checks to maintain credibility.

7.
Evaluate messages for effectiveness: they must be clear, concise, complete, and correct. Check tone, structure, and audience needs. A strong message informs, persuades, or builds goodwill while achieving its purpose.

Name: Ravololonirina Natacha
NPM: 2111031112

1. When writing the first draft of a business message, it is important to focus on clarity and organization. Begin by outlining your ideas and presenting them logically, using a mix of sentence types to keep your writing engaging and easy to read. A good draft combines simple sentences for directness, compound sentences to connect related ideas, and complex sentences to show relationships between points. Varying sentence structure helps maintain the reader’s interest and improves flow. While drafting, it is crucial to avoid common errors such as sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices. A sentence fragment occurs when a thought is incomplete, such as, “Because we finished early.” To correct this, you must add a main clause: “We left because we finished early.” Run-on sentences happen when two complete sentences are joined incorrectly, while comma splices occur when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. Both can be fixed by adding appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. Finally, keep most sentences short or medium in length, and place key ideas at the beginning or end of a sentence, where they will stand out most clearly.

2. Strong writing techniques make a message not only correct but also persuasive and professional. You can emphasize important ideas by carefully positioning them at the start or end of a sentence, using bold formatting, or choosing vivid and specific words. Another vital technique is using active voice, which makes writing direct and dynamic. For example, “The team completed the project on time” is clearer than the passive version, “The project was completed on time by the team.” While active voice is generally preferred, passive voice can be useful when you want to focus on the action or avoid assigning blame. Parallelism is also essential for smooth writing, especially when presenting lists or comparisons. It requires using the same grammatical form throughout, such as saying, “Our company values integrity, innovation, and creativity,” instead of, “Our company values integrity, innovation, and being creative.” Finally, writers must be careful to avoid dangling modifiers, which are descriptive words or phrases not clearly connected to the word they modify. For example, “Running quickly, the finish line seemed closer” is unclear because the finish line cannot run; it should be revised to, “Running quickly, she saw the finish line approaching.”

3.A strong paragraph focuses on one idea and follows a clear structure. It starts with a topic sentence, followed by supporting sentences with details or examples, and uses transitions like “for example” or “therefore” for flow. Guffey and Loewy describe three plans for organizing business writing. The direct plan starts with the main point, then adds evidence, making it useful for explaining or describing. The pivoting plan begins with a contrasting idea, then shifts to the main point using words like “however.” The indirect plan starts with background information and builds up to the main idea, which is ideal for persuasion or proposals.

4.Concise writing is highly valued in business because it saves time and improves readability. When revising your message, eliminate unnecessary words and phrases. Flabby expressions like “at this point in time” can be replaced with simple words like “now.” Avoid long lead-ins, such as “I am writing this letter to inform you that…”, and instead state the purpose directly: “This letter informs you that…” Watch out for fillers like “there is/are” and “it is/was,” which add no value. For example, change “There are many reasons to update our policy” to “Many reasons exist to update our policy.” Additionally, remove redundancies such as “each and every” or “free gift,” and replace them with precise words. These steps are especially important when writing for digital platforms like Twitter or Slack, where space is limited and messages must be clear and impactful.

5. Clarity is the foundation of effective communication. To achieve it, keep ideas simple and direct. Replace overly complex or technical phrases with plain language. For instance, instead of writing, “In regard to the matter of achieving optimal outcomes,” simply say, “To get the best results.” Avoid trite business phrases like “pursuant to your request” and replace them with modern, natural expressions such as “as you requested.” Similarly, eliminate clichés and buzzwords that have lost meaning, like “think outside the box” or “synergy.” Avoid slang or overly casual terms that might confuse or offend readers. Another clarity issue involves buried verbs, where a strong verb is hidden inside a weak phrase. For example, revise “make a decision” to “decide” or “give consideration to” to “consider.” Finally, use enthusiasm sparingly; excessive exclamation points or overly dramatic language can make a message seem unprofessional.

6.Proofreading is essential to catch mistakes before sending a message. Many errors involve spelling, punctuation, grammar, numbers, and names, as well as formatting issues like inconsistent fonts or spacing. To proofread effectively, read the message slowly and carefully, focusing on one type of error at a time. For complex documents, take a break before proofreading so you can review with fresh eyes. A helpful technique is to read the text aloud to hear awkward phrasing or missing words. Some professionals also read the document backward, sentence by sentence, to catch spelling mistakes that might otherwise be overlooked. For important messages, printing a hard copy can help you spot errors that are easy to miss on a screen.

7. The final step in the writing process is evaluating whether the message achieves its purpose. Ask yourself whether the message is clear, concise, and appropriate for the audience. Consider whether it is well organized and whether the tone matches the context. A message intended to persuade, for example, should be polite but assertive, while an informative message should focus on accuracy and clarity. Seeking feedback from a colleague or test reader can provide valuable insights. Finally, compare the final message to your original objectives: Did it inform, persuade, or promote goodwill as intended? This reflective process not only improves the current message but also helps you develop stronger communication skills for future writing tasks.

2411011106

1. Start by clarifying your goal and understanding your audience so your message is focused and relevant. Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to make your writing sound natural and engaging. A simple sentence delivers one clear idea, a compound sentence joins two related ideas with conjunctions, and a complex sentence connects a main idea with supporting details. Avoid fragments (incomplete sentences), run-on sentences (two ideas fused without proper punctuation), and comma splices (two independent clauses joined by only a comma). Reading your draft aloud or reviewing it in small sections can help identify awkward phrasing or errors.

2.Highlight important points by positioning them at the beginning or end of sentences and paragraphs, where readers pay the most attention. Use active voice (“The team approved the plan”) for clarity and energy, and passive voice (“The plan was approved by the team”) when the actor is less important or unknown. Practice parallelism by using the same grammatical structure for related ideas or lists (“planning, organizing, and leading” instead of “planning, to organize, and leading”). Avoid dangling modifiers (descriptive phrases without a clear subject) and misplaced modifiers (too far from what they describe), as these create confusion.

3.Choose the right structure for your purpose:
• Direct plan: Begin with a clear topic sentence, then define, classify, illustrate, or describe with examples or facts.
• Pivoting plan: Start with a contrast or opposing view, then pivot to your main point for comparison or contrast.
• Indirect plan: Provide background or evidence first, saving your main idea or recommendation for persuasion.

Each paragraph should include:
• Topic sentence – states the main idea.
• Support sentences – explain, illustrate, or provide evidence.
• Transitional expressions – words like “therefore,” “in contrast,” or “for example” to guide the reader smoothly between ideas.

4. After drafting, revise to cut unnecessary words. Replace flabby expressions (“due to the fact that” → “because”), long lead-ins (“I am writing to let you know” → “Please note”), and there is/are fillers. Eliminate redundancies (“each and every”) and empty words like “really” or “very.” For microblogging or short formats, distill your message to its essential points and use active, precise verbs for maximum impact.

5. Clarity ensures your audience understands your message on the first read. Keep ideas simple and avoid complicated sentence structures that might confuse readers. Replace trite business phrases such as “at your earliest convenience” with fresher, specific alternatives like “by Friday” or “soon.” Remove clichés and slang that could feel unprofessional or alienate readers who don’t understand them. Minimize buzzwords unless your audience expects industry-specific jargon. Rescue buried verbs by changing nouns back into verbs (“conduct a review” → “review”). Restrain over-enthusiastic punctuation or formatting—excessive exclamation marks or all caps can make your writing appear unpolished or overly emotional.

6. Proofreading is critical for professionalism. Typical problem areas include spelling errors, incorrect punctuation, awkward wording, and inconsistent formatting. Numbers, dates, and names are especially prone to mistakes, so check them carefully. Don’t rely solely on spellcheck—many errors, such as using the wrong homophone (“their” vs. “there”), won’t be caught. Use proven techniques: read the document aloud to hear awkward phrasing, print it out or change the text size to spot overlooked errors, and proofread in stages—first for content accuracy, then grammar and punctuation, and finally formatting. For complex or high-stakes documents, ask a colleague to review your work to provide a fresh perspective.

7. To judge a message’s effectiveness, step back and consider whether it meets its purpose and audience needs. Ask yourself: Is the main idea clear and supported by strong evidence? Is the tone appropriate—professional yet approachable for the specific audience? Check for completeness: does the message answer all questions or provide all necessary details? Evaluate correctness by verifying facts, grammar, and spelling. Assess clarity: are ideas expressed simply and logically, without unnecessary jargon or distractions? Finally, consider the overall impact—does the message motivate the reader to respond or take action as intended? If possible, get feedback from someone else to catch overlooked weaknesses or ambiguities before finalizing.

Azizah Fitria Arifin
2411011094

1.
Composing the First Draft

When composing the first draft of a message, it is essential to focus on structure, sentence variety, and grammatical correctness to make sure ideas are clearly expressed. A well-written draft uses a mix of sentence types—simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex—to make the writing flow smoothly and keep the reader engaged. Relying only on short or long sentences can make the message sound monotonous or overwhelming, so balance is key. Writers must also be careful to avoid sentence fragments, which are incomplete thoughts missing a subject, verb, or both, and run-on sentences, which incorrectly combine two or more complete thoughts without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Another common issue to avoid is the comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined by just a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction. Starting the draft with well-constructed sentences ensures clarity and prevents confusion, setting a solid foundation for further revisions and improvements.

2.
Improving Writing Techniques

Improving writing techniques is vital to make business messages impactful, readable, and professional. One key technique is emphasizing important ideas by placing them in positions of power—such as at the beginning or end of a sentence or paragraph—and giving them more detail and explanation than less important points. Writers should also understand when to use the active and passive voice: the active voice is preferred in most business writing because it makes sentences clear, direct, and energetic (e.g., “The team completed the project on time”), while the passive voice is useful when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or when the focus should be on the action or result rather than the actor (e.g., “The project was completed on time”). Using parallelism is also crucial, especially in lists or series of actions, because it gives writing a sense of balance and rhythm that makes it easier to read (e.g., “The job requires planning, organizing, and leading” rather than “The job requires planning, to organize, and leadership”). In addition, avoiding dangling and misplaced modifiers helps prevent confusion—modifiers must clearly and logically refer to the words they are intended to describe. Applying these techniques makes your writing not only grammatically correct but also smooth, persuasive, and professional.

3.
Drafting Well-Organized Paragraphs

Drafting well-organized paragraphs is essential for presenting ideas clearly and logically in business messages. There are three common organizational patterns that writers can use depending on their purpose. The direct plan begins with the main point or conclusion and is followed by supporting details such as definitions, classifications, illustrations, or descriptions. This plan is useful when readers are likely to be receptive or when the main idea needs to be stated immediately. The pivoting plan starts with a contrasting or less important idea and then shifts, or “pivots,” to the main point, which is helpful when comparing and contrasting ideas. The indirect plan builds up gradually to the main idea and is especially effective for persuasive messages or when the reader may be resistant to the message. Regardless of which plan is used, each paragraph must contain a clear topic sentence that states the main idea, several supporting sentences that provide examples, facts, or reasoning, and transitional expressions that connect one sentence to the next. These elements make the paragraph coherent, logical, and easy to follow, helping the reader stay engaged from start to finish.

4.
Polishing for Conciseness

Polishing business messages for conciseness is a crucial step because business readers value messages that are clear, direct, and to the point. To achieve conciseness, writers should first eliminate flabby expressions—wordy phrases that can be replaced with shorter, simpler words (e.g., “at this point in time” can become “now”). Long and unnecessary lead-ins should also be cut out so that the main idea appears quickly, keeping the reader’s attention. It is also important to remove filler words such as “there is/are” and “it is/was” when they do not add meaning, and to delete redundant words and empty phrases that only add length without contributing value (e.g., “each and every” should be reduced to “each”). For short-form writing such as microblogging, content must be condensed even further by focusing only on key details, using short but meaningful words, and avoiding repetition. By making every word count, a writer shows respect for the reader’s time and ensures that the message is professional, easy to understand, and quick to read.

5.
Improving Clarity

Improving clarity in business messages helps ensure that the reader can quickly and accurately understand the intended meaning without confusion. Clarity begins with keeping ideas simple and using plain, straightforward language rather than complex or overly technical words. Writers should avoid trite business phrases and clichés that sound outdated or vague, such as “at your earliest convenience,” and replace them with clear, direct alternatives like “as soon as possible.” It is also important to remove slang, jargon, and buzzwords that may be confusing or meaningless to readers outside a particular group. Another technique is rescuing buried verbs—turning noun forms back into strong action verbs to make writing more direct (for example, changing “make a decision” to “decide”). Additionally, writers should restrain exuberance by avoiding overly enthusiastic language, multiple exclamation marks, or excessive adjectives, which can come across as unprofessional. By using simple words, short sentences, and direct statements, writers make their messages easy to read and leave little room for misunderstanding.

6.
Recognizing Proofreading Problem Areas

Proofreading is a critical part of the writing process because even small errors can harm the professionalism and credibility of a business message. Common problem areas include spelling mistakes, incorrect homophones (such as “their” vs. “there”), subject-verb agreement errors, punctuation issues, and inconsistent formatting. Grammar and mechanics errors can distract readers from the content and make the writer seem careless. To proofread effectively, it helps to take a break before reviewing the message so you can see it with fresh eyes. Reading the text slowly, and even aloud, makes it easier to catch awkward phrasing or missing words. Focusing on one type of error at a time—such as checking all punctuation on one pass, and then grammar on the next—can also improve accuracy. Tools like spell-checkers and grammar checkers are helpful but should never be relied on completely because they can miss context-specific errors. For important or complex documents, printing them out can make errors easier to spot than reading on a screen. Careful and thorough proofreading ensures the final message is polished, accurate, and professional.

7.
Evaluating a Message’s Effectiveness

Evaluating a business message is the final step to ensure that it accomplishes its purpose and leaves a positive impression on the reader. An effective message must first meet its goal, whether that is to inform, request, persuade, or build goodwill. It should be clear, accurate, and well-organized so the reader can easily follow the ideas without confusion. The tone must be professional, respectful, and appropriate for the audience, helping build trust and credibility. Evaluating also involves checking whether the message is free from errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting, as these can distract from the content and reduce its impact. Furthermore, the writer must consider whether the message motivates the reader to respond as intended, whether by taking action, forming an opinion, or understanding key information. By analyzing all these elements, writers can judge the overall effectiveness of their messages and make adjustments as needed to ensure they achieve the desired result.

Chelsian Adyatama
2411011092

1. When composing your first draft, it's important to use a mix of sentence types to maintain rhythm and clarity. Start by balancing short, simple sentences with longer, more complex ones to keep the reader engaged. Be careful to avoid sentence fragments, which leave thoughts incomplete, and steer clear of run-on sentences and comma splices that can confuse the reader. A sentence fragment lacks either a subject or a verb, while run-ons and comma splices occur when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. In your first draft, aim for variety but always ensure each sentence communicates a clear, complete idea. Keep in mind that clarity should come before complexity, especially in a first draft where the focus is on getting the message down, not polishing it yet.

2. To improve your writing techniques, focus on emphasizing key points and using sentence structures that highlight the most important information. Active voice tends to be more direct and easier to understand, whereas passive voice can add unnecessary complexity or shift the focus away from the doer of the action. Be strategic about when you use passive voice, such as when the subject is unknown or irrelevant. Parallelism helps to create balance and readability, particularly when listing items or comparing ideas, so make sure each item in a series matches grammatically. Additionally, watch out for dangling or misplaced modifiers, which occur when a descriptive phrase is improperly placed and creates ambiguity or confusion. Organize your ideas clearly and ensure that each modifier logically applies to the word it’s meant to describe.

3. Organizing paragraphs is crucial for clear communication. Using the **direct plan**, you should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting details that explain, classify, illustrate, or define it. The **pivoting plan** is ideal for comparisons and contrasts, where you highlight differences or similarities, usually using transitional phrases like "on the other hand" or "similarly." For persuasive or explanatory writing, the **indirect plan** is useful—start by presenting background information or supporting evidence and save your main point or conclusion for the end. In all cases, ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, supporting details that provide evidence or clarification, and smooth transitions that connect one thought to the next, creating a logical flow throughout your message.

4. Polishing business messages for conciseness is all about stripping away unnecessary words that don't add value. Avoid long, wordy phrases like "due to the fact that" and replace them with more straightforward alternatives like "because." Skip fillers such as "there is/are" and "it is/was," which don't contribute much to the meaning. Streamline your sentences by cutting redundancies and eliminating fluff, and always aim to deliver your message in the most efficient way possible. In business writing, where attention spans are short, this is especially important—get to the point quickly and clearly. For microblogging or any content with word limits, focus even more on brevity, eliminating excess while retaining your core message.

5. To improve clarity in business writing, keep your ideas simple and straightforward. Avoid overused business jargon, clichés, and buzzwords that can cloud your message, making it sound generic or insincere. Instead of using abstract phrases like "synergize" or "circle back," try to express your thoughts in a way that’s fresh and meaningful. Eliminate unnecessary adjectives and adverbs, and be mindful of sentence structure—ensure your verbs are active and direct, so the action is clear. Also, avoid excessive enthusiasm or hyperbole that may distract from the professionalism of your message. Clear, simple language not only enhances understanding but also demonstrates efficiency and respect for the reader’s time.

6. Proofreading is essential for catching mistakes that might have slipped through during writing. Common problem areas include spelling errors, punctuation issues, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure problems. Routine documents require a quick scan, but for more complex materials, employ strategies like reading aloud to catch awkward phrasing or missing words. Print out your document if possible, as it’s easier to spot errors on paper than on a screen. Rely on grammar-check tools for basic issues, but don’t solely depend on them—some errors, like contextual misuse of a word, may go unnoticed. Taking breaks before proofreading also helps you approach the text with fresh eyes, making it easier to identify mistakes.

7. Evaluating the effectiveness of a message is about asking whether it serves its purpose. Start by considering clarity—are the main points easily understood, or do they need more explanation? Assess whether the tone is appropriate for the audience and if the message comes across as professional and respectful. Check for conciseness—have you eliminated unnecessary words or information that could confuse or bore the reader? Also, consider actionability: if the message requires a response or decision, is it clear what the reader needs to do? Finally, ensure your ideas flow logically from one to the next with smooth transitions. If the message lacks coherence or focus, revisit your draft for revision.

Name : Dwi Nuryanti Kharisma Putri

NPM : 2211031029

1. When composing the first draft of a business message, a writer can either use a freewriting style, which allows ideas to flow quickly without worrying about mistakes, or a more deliberate approach that is careful and structured. In both cases, it is important to use a variety of sentence types like simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex, so the writing feels balanced and engaging. At the same time, writers must avoid errors such as sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices, because these weaken clarity and professionalism.

2. Business writing techniques can be improved by emphasizing important ideas through wording or formatting, such as placing strong words at the beginning or end of a sentence or highlighting key points with bold or bullet lists. Using the active voice makes messages clear and direct, while passive voice is appropriate when softening negative news or when the actor is unknown. Parallelism also plays a key role by giving balance and rhythm to sentences, which makes ideas easier to understand and follow.

3. Well-organized paragraphs are essential for effective business communication because they focus on one central idea expressed in a topic sentence, supported by details, facts, or reasoning, and connected with transitions for coherence. The direct plan presents the topic sentence first, followed by details; the pivoting plan begins with a contrast or limitation, then presents the main idea with supporting details; and the indirect plan develops evidence first, leading to the topic sentence at the end. To ensure readability, business paragraphs should also remain concise, generally not exceeding eight lines.

4. Polishing business messages requires revising them for conciseness. This means eliminating flabby expressions, avoiding long and unnecessary lead-ins, removing filler words like “there is/are” or “it is/was,” and cutting redundancies or empty words. Especially in short forms of communication, such as microblogging, condensing sentences is crucial to keep messages clear and impactful.

5. Clarity in business messages can be improved by keeping ideas simple and straightforward. Writers should avoid clichés, slang, and buzzwords, which often confuse or weaken the message. Strong verbs should be used instead of burying them in nouns, and unnecessary exaggeration should be restrained to maintain professionalism. By simplifying word choices and keeping the focus on clear communication, the message becomes easier for the audience to understand.

6. Proofreading is an important step to identify problem areas in writing, especially in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. Both routine and complex documents benefit from careful proofreading. Effective techniques include reading slowly, focusing on one type of error at a time, reading the text aloud, and using digital tools while remaining cautious about their limitations. These methods help writers catch mistakes that might otherwise reduce clarity and credibility.

7. Evaluating a business message involves judging whether it fulfills its intended purpose effectively. A strong message should be well-organized, concise, and written in a professional tone that matches the audience. It should also use appropriate strategies, such as direct, pivoting, or indirect organization, depending on the situation. Finally, the effectiveness of the message can be measured by how well the audience understands it and whether it achieves the desired response.

Naila Anjani Maulida
2491011015
1. When writing a first draft, use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to keep the message interesting and clear. Avoid sentence fragments (incomplete thoughts), run-on sentences (two ideas stuck together without punctuation), and comma splices (two sentences joined only with a comma). A good draft should focus on getting ideas down logically, then later you can refine the grammar and flow.

2. Good writing highlights the important ideas. Use active voice (“The team completed the project”) for clarity and energy, but use passive voice when the doer is less important (“The report was submitted yesterday”). Apply parallelism by keeping similar structures the same (“We planned, organized, and executed”). Watch out for dangling modifiers (words not clearly attached to what they describe) and misplaced modifiers (words placed too far from what they describe). Correct placement makes sentences clearer and more professional.

3. Paragraphs should have:
Topic sentence → introduces the main idea.
Supporting sentences → explain, give evidence, or examples.
Transitional expressions → connect ideas smoothly.
Use different plans depending on purpose:
Direct plan → define, classify, describe, or illustrate (clear explanation first).
Pivoting plan → compare and contrast (start with one idea, then pivot to the other).
Indirect plan → explain reasons first and then persuade the reader (builds support before the main point).

4. Business messages should be short and clear. Revise by cutting:
Flabby expressions (“at this point in time” → “now”)
Long lead-ins (“This is to inform you that…” → remove)
Empty fillers like “there is/are” and “it is/was”
Redundancies (“each and every,” “final outcome”)
Empty words that add no value.
Also, condense writing for microblogging (like Twitter or Slack), focusing only on key points.

5. Keep messages simple and straightforward. Drop trite phrases (“at your earliest convenience”), clichés (“thinking outside the box”), slang, and buzzwords that sound vague. Replace buried verbs (“conducted an analysis of” → “analyzed”). Avoid over-the-top enthusiasm, since too many exclamation marks or flowery words reduce professionalism.

6. Common problem areas include spelling, grammar, punctuation, numbers, and names. To catch mistakes:
Proofread slowly, line by line.
Read aloud to hear errors.
Change the font or print out the document to see it differently.
Double-check dates, figures, and names in business messages.
Proofreading carefully makes routine and complex documents look polished and credible.

7. After revising, ask:
Is the purpose clear?
Is the message organized logically?
Does the tone fit the audience?
Is the writing concise, error-free, and professional?
Evaluating a message ensures it is both effective and persuasive, reaching the intended audience with the right impact.

2411011015

1. Composing the first draft of a message involves creating a clear and coherent structure using a variety of sentence types to maintain reader interest and enhance understanding. Writers should combine simple, compound, and complex sentences to add rhythm and flow. Care must be taken to avoid sentence fragments, which are incomplete thoughts, as well as run-on sentences, which improperly combine multiple independent clauses without correct punctuation or conjunctions. Comma splices, where two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma alone, should also be corrected by using a semicolon, conjunction, or by breaking them into two sentences. A well-constructed draft balances clarity with variation to create an engaging and grammatically sound message.

2. Improving writing techniques involves deliberate focus on both style and structure. Emphasizing important ideas can be achieved by placing them in prominent sentence positions or repeating them for emphasis. The active voice often makes writing more direct and vigorous by showing who is performing the action, while passive voice can be useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Using parallel structure ensures that ideas presented in a series follow the same grammatical pattern, enhancing readability and coherence. To avoid confusion, writers must also eliminate dangling modifiers, which are descriptive phrases lacking a clear subject, and misplaced modifiers, which are incorrectly positioned and create ambiguity.

3. Drafting well-organized paragraphs requires selecting the appropriate plan based on the purpose of the message. The direct plan is best for defining, classifying, illustrating, or describing, and it starts with a clear topic sentence followed by support sentences and examples. The pivoting plan is effective for comparing and contrasting ideas; it introduces one viewpoint before shifting with a transitional phrase to the opposite view. The indirect plan, often used for persuasion or explanation, begins with evidence and reasoning and concludes with the main idea or recommendation. Regardless of the plan, each paragraph should have a topic sentence that outlines the main idea, supporting sentences that provide evidence or explanation, and transitional expressions to link ideas and maintain coherence.

4. Polishing business messages for conciseness involves revising content to eliminate unnecessary words and streamline sentences. Flabby expressions such as "at this point in time" should be replaced with simpler alternatives like "now." Long lead-ins that delay the main point should be trimmed, and phrases beginning with "there is/are" or "it is/was" should be revised for directness. Redundancies, where the same idea is repeated in different words, and empty words that add no value should be removed. For microblogging or short-form content, this process becomes even more critical, requiring condensation of information into the fewest words possible without losing meaning.

5. Clarity in business messages is achieved by simplifying ideas and removing cluttered or outdated language. Writers should avoid overly complex sentences and instead aim for straightforward expression. Trite business phrases like "as per your request" should be replaced with modern, direct alternatives. Clichés, slang, and buzzwords often obscure meaning and reduce credibility, so they should be eliminated. Buried verbs, where nouns disguise the action (e.g., “make a decision” instead of “decide”), should be revised into stronger, more direct verbs. Additionally, overly enthusiastic language with excessive exclamation or dramatic emphasis should be restrained to maintain a professional tone.

6. Recognizing proofreading problem areas requires a keen eye for both mechanical and contextual errors. Common issues include misspellings, punctuation mistakes, incorrect word usage, and inconsistent formatting. Effective proofreading techniques include reading the message aloud to catch awkward phrasing, reviewing the document multiple times with a focus on different elements each time, and using tools like grammar checkers as a supplement—not a replacement—for manual review. It's also helpful to print out the document or change its font or layout during review to see it from a fresh perspective. For complex documents, peer review or reading backward sentence by sentence can help uncover hidden errors.

7. Evaluating a message for effectiveness involves examining whether it achieves its purpose, meets audience needs, and conveys its points clearly and persuasively. A well-crafted message should have a clear objective, use an appropriate tone, and be structured logically. Key ideas should be easy to locate and understand, and the message should engage the reader while prompting the intended response. Evaluation also includes checking for grammatical accuracy, conciseness, and consistency in voice and style. Feedback from others can be a valuable part of this process, helping to identify weak spots that the writer may overlook.

Mishelle Nesyanna
2211031094


1. When composing the first draft of a message, the focus should be on organizing thoughts clearly rather than immediately achieving perfection. Writers are encouraged to use a variety of sentence types—simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex—to maintain rhythm and reader engagement. Simple sentences provide clarity, while compound and complex sentences create connections between ideas. Avoiding sentence fragments is essential because incomplete thoughts confuse readers and weaken professionalism. Similarly, run-on sentences and comma splices should be corrected by either separating ideas with appropriate punctuation or rewriting them into balanced structures. A good draft captures ideas in a logical flow, balancing creativity with grammatical correctness, before refinement in later stages.


2. Improving writing involves emphasizing ideas strategically and mastering sentence construction. Writers can emphasize important ideas by placing them at the beginning or end of a sentence, or by using emphatic words and parallel structures. The choice between active and passive voice also matters: active voice emphasizes responsibility and clarity (“The manager approved the budget”), whereas passive voice is useful when the doer is unknown or less important (“The budget was approved”). Parallelism creates balance in writing, making sentences easier to follow and more persuasive. At the same time, writers must avoid dangling modifiers (phrases that unintentionally modify the wrong word) and misplaced modifiers (phrases too far from the words they modify), as these errors disrupt clarity.

3. Business messages gain strength when paragraphs are constructed systematically. The direct plan works best for defining, classifying, illustrating, or describing information, placing the main idea in the opening sentence and supporting it with details. The pivoting plan is useful when comparing and contrasting: it begins with a limiting idea, then pivots to the preferred alternative. The indirect plan persuades by presenting evidence before revealing the main idea, suitable for sensitive or controversial issues. Regardless of plan, each paragraph should include a clear topic sentence that signals the main point, supporting sentences with evidence or examples, and transitional expressions that connect ideas smoothly. This structure ensures coherence, guiding readers through complex information without losing focus.



4. Conciseness is the hallmark of effective business writing. Revising for conciseness requires eliminating unnecessary words and phrases. Flabby expressions (“at this point in time”) should be shortened to precise alternatives (“now”). Long lead-ins (“I am writing this letter to inform you that…”) can be trimmed to the action itself. Fillers such as there is/are or it is/was weaken impact and should be replaced with direct subjects. Redundancies (“each and every,” “true facts”) and empty words (“actually,” “really”) must be avoided. In the digital age, conciseness also extends to microblogging, where condensing ideas into tight, impactful wording without losing clarity is vital. By cutting excess, the message becomes sharper and more persuasive.

5. Clarity in business writing arises from simplicity, precision, and the careful selection of words. Ideas should be expressed in straightforward language, avoiding complex structures that obscure meaning. Trite business phrases (“please do not hesitate to contact me”) and clichés (“think outside the box”) should be replaced with fresh and direct wording. Slang and buzzwords reduce professionalism and often alienate readers unfamiliar with the jargon. Another technique is rescuing buried verbs—changing weak noun phrases like “conduct a discussion” into stronger verbs such as “discuss.” Writers should also restrain overly enthusiastic expressions with too many exclamation points, as restraint enhances credibility. Clear communication shows respect for the reader’s time and intelligence.


6. Proofreading is a critical stage in business communication, as even minor errors can undermine professionalism. Common problem areas include spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting inconsistencies. Errors with numbers, dates, names, and subject–verb agreement are particularly frequent. To catch mistakes, writers should employ strategies such as reading the document aloud, reviewing it backward sentence by sentence, or allowing time to pass before proofreading. Digital tools can assist, but human judgment is still required to detect tone issues or word misuse. For complex documents, multiple rounds of proofreading and peer reviews can ensure accuracy and polish. Effective proofreading safeguards credibility and prevents costly misinterpretations.


7. Evaluating a message requires asking whether it fulfills its purpose and meets the needs of the intended audience. A message is effective when it is clear, concise, complete, and courteous. Evaluation includes checking content accuracy, logical organization, tone appropriateness, and alignment with the reader’s expectations. The process may also involve applying the “you-viewpoint,” which shifts focus from the writer’s perspective to the reader’s needs and benefits. Feedback from peers or supervisors can further help identify blind spots. Ultimately, an effective message should achieve its communicative goal—whether to inform, persuade, or build goodwill—while leaving a professional impression on the audience.

Name: Luna Azizah Devika
NPM: 2451011032

1. Composing the First Draft

When I write a first draft, my main goal is to get my ideas down on paper without worrying about perfection. I focus on using a mix of sentence types to make my writing flow well. I use short, simple sentences to make key points clear and impactful. I also use longer, more complex sentences to show how ideas connect to each other. While I write, I am careful to avoid common errors. I ensure every sentence is complete and expresses a full thought, which prevents sentence fragments. I also avoid run-on sentences by making sure I do not fuse two independent clauses without the correct punctuation or conjunction. Finally, I steer clear of comma splices, which happen when two complete sentences are incorrectly joined by only a comma. Instead, I use a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction to separate or connect ideas properly.

2. Improving Writing Techniques

To make my writing stronger, I use several key strategies. I emphasize important ideas by placing them at the beginning or end of a sentence, where they carry more weight. I also carefully choose between active and passive voice. In most cases, I use the active voice because it is direct and makes my writing clearer and more engaging. However, I occasionally use the passive voice when the action is more important than the person doing it, or when I want to be diplomatic. Another technique I use is parallelism, which means using the same grammatical structure for items in a list or series. This creates balance and makes my writing easier to read. Lastly, I avoid dangling and misplaced modifiers by placing descriptive words and phrases close to the nouns they modify. This prevents confusion and ensures my sentences are logically structured.

3. Drafting Well-Organized Paragraphs

I build well-organized paragraphs by starting with a clear topic sentence that states the main idea. This helps guide the reader and sets the direction for the rest of the paragraph. I then use support sentences to provide details, examples, or explanations that reinforce the main idea. To ensure smooth transitions between sentences and ideas, I use transitional expressions such as "for example," "however," or "in addition." Depending on my purpose, I choose a specific paragraph plan. If I want to define, classify, illustrate, or describe something, I use the direct plan, where the topic sentence comes first. If I need to compare and contrast ideas, I use the pivoting plan, which starts with one viewpoint, introduces a contrast (often with words like "but" or "however"), and then presents the opposing viewpoint. For persuasive messages or sensitive topics, I use the indirect plan, where I provide explanations or reasons first and present the main idea or recommendation later.

4. Polishing for Conciseness

When polishing my writing, I focus on making it concise and to the point. I start by eliminating flabby expressions, which are wordy phrases that can be replaced with simpler alternatives. For example, I change "in order to" to "to" or "due to the fact that" to "because." I also avoid long lead-ins that delay the main point, such as "I am writing this email to let you know that." Instead, I state my message directly. I remove unnecessary fillers like "there is/there are" and "it is/it was," which often weaken sentences. I also watch for redundancies, which are repetitive words or phrases, and empty words that add no real meaning. Finally, if I am writing for microblogging or social media, I condense my message even further by focusing on the most critical information and using clear, concise language.

5. Improving Clarity

To improve clarity in my writing, I keep my ideas simple and straightforward. I avoid using overly complex language or jargon that might confuse the reader. I also slash trite business phrases, such as "think outside the box" or "at the end of the day," because they are overused and lack originality. I drop clichés and scrap slang or buzzwords, as they can make my writing sound unprofessional. Another important strategy is rescuing buried verbs, which means turning wordy noun phrases into strong verbs. For example, I change "make a decision" to "decide" or "conduct an investigation" to "investigate." Finally, I restrain exuberance by avoiding excessive enthusiasm or emotional language. Instead, I strive for a calm, professional tone that conveys my message clearly and respectfully.

6. Proofreading Effectively

I recognize that proofreading is a critical step in the writing process. I start by identifying my common problem areas, such as spelling errors, grammar mistakes, or punctuation issues. To catch mistakes, I use effective techniques like reading my document slowly and aloud, which helps me hear errors I might otherwise miss. I also read the text backward, focusing on one word or sentence at a time, to spot spelling and typographical errors. For complex documents, I take breaks between writing and proofreading to approach the text with fresh eyes. I also use tools like spell checkers, but I do not rely on them entirely, as they may not catch every error. If possible, I ask a colleague to review my work, as a second pair of eyes can often spot mistakes I overlooked.

7. Evaluating a Message's Effectiveness

To evaluate whether a message is effective, I ask myself a series of questions. First, I check if the purpose of the message is clear and if it achieves its goal. I also ensure the information is complete and answers all potential questions the reader might have. Next, I look at the structure and organization to see if the ideas flow logically and are easy to follow. I consider the tone to make sure it is appropriate for the audience and situation. Finally, I review the language and formatting to ensure the message is professional, error-free, and visually accessible. If the message meets all these criteria, I can be confident it will be well-received and understood.

2411011054

1. The key to a strong first draft is to get your ideas down without over-editing, while still maintaining basic grammatical integrity. Use a variety of sentence types: simple sentences for clarity and impact, compound sentences to connect related ideas of equal importance, and complex sentences to show the relationship between a main idea and a supporting or contrasting point. While drafting, consciously avoid sentence fragments (incomplete thoughts missing a subject or verb), run-on sentences (two complete sentences fused together without punctuation), and comma splices (two complete sentences incorrectly joined only by a comma).

2. use strategic emphasis by placing the most important idea at the beginning or end of a sentence. Choose active voice for most business writing because it is direct, concise, and accountable. Use passive voice selectively, such as when you want to be diplomatic or emphasize the action rather than the actor. Implement parallelism by using the same grammatical form for items in a list or series, which creates rhythm and improves readability. Finally, prevent confusing and illogical sentences by ensuring modifiers are placed directly next to the word they describe and that the word being modified is actually present in the sentence.

3. A well-organized paragraph is a building block of clear communication. It should be structured around a logical plan. Use (a) the direct plan (main idea first, followed by support) to define, classify, illustrate, or describe something straightforwardly. Use (b) the pivoting plan to compare and contrast; this plan starts with one side of an issue, pivots with a word like "however" or "but," and then presents the other, often more important, side. Use (c) the indirect plan (evidence first, main idea last) to explain and persuade, as it builds a case before delivering a recommendation or request. Every paragraph must include (a) a clear topic sentence stating the central idea, (b) support sentences with evidence, examples, or explanation, and (c) transitional expressions to link ideas and create coherence between sentences and paragraphs.

4. Polishing involves ruthlessly eliminating wordiness. Cut flabby expressions, long lead-ins, and filler phrases Eliminate redundancies and empty words that add no meaning ). For microblogging, condense your message further by focusing on the absolute core idea, using keywords and hashtags strategically, and employing abbreviations judiciously without sacrificing clarity.

5. Clarity is achieved by making your writing simple and direct. Keep ideas simple and avoid unnecessarily complex language. Slash trite business phrases and replace them with plain English. Drop clichés and scrap slang and buzzwords that can sound unprofessional. Rescue buried verbs by turning wordy noun phrases into strong verbs Finally, restrain exuberance by avoiding overly emotional or exaggerated language, maintaining a professional and credible tone.

6. Recognize that common proofreading problem areas include names, numbers, dates, addresses, headings, and grammar-punctuation issues like subject-verb agreement and homophones . To catch mistakes, use effective techniques such as: reading the document slowly aloud to hear errors, reading it backwards to focus on individual words, using spellcheck but not relying on it, and printing a hard copy to spot errors you might miss on screen. For complex documents, have a colleague review it as a fresh set of eyes.

7. To evaluate a message, judge it against key criteria. Ask yourself: Is the message clear, concise, and complete? Is it audience-centered, adapted to the reader's knowledge and needs? Is it purposeful; will it achieve its goal (to inform, persuade, request)? Is the tone appropriate and professional? Does it build goodwill? Finally, is it persuasive and likely to get the response you want? By reviewing the message from the reader's perspective, you can effectively judge its overall quality and chance of success.

Fazira Ulima Tsany
2411011128

1. The first draft of a business message should be composed with a deliberate mixture of sentence types to sustain interest and provide rhythm. Short sentences may be used to emphasize urgency, while compound and complex sentences can clarify relationships between ideas. Writers must avoid sentence fragments that leave thoughts incomplete, run-on sentences that obscure meaning, and comma splices that break grammatical rules. A well-composed draft balances variety with precision, ensuring the message remains both professional and comprehensible.

2. To elevate writing quality, the writer must consciously emphasize important ideas, whether through placement at the beginning or end of sentences or by structural repetition. The choice between active and passive voice should be strategic: the active voice conveys accountability and energy, while the passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Parallelism is critical for maintaining logical flow and balance, particularly in lists and comparisons. Writers must also guard against dangling and misplaced modifiers, which confuse readers and diminish credibility by making sentences ambiguous or illogical.

3. Drafting well-organized paragraphs requires careful selection of structure:
(a) The direct plan defines, classifies, illustrates, or describes ideas clearly and efficiently.
(b) The pivoting plan allows for comparison and contrast, often beginning with opposing views before shifting to the writer’s main point.
(c) The indirect plan builds toward persuasion by gradually presenting evidence before the conclusion.


4. Conciseness is the hallmark of polished business writing. Writers should eliminate flabby expressions such as “due to the fact that” in favor of direct alternatives like “because.” Long lead-ins must be shortened, and empty fillers such as “there is/are” or “it is/was” should be replaced with meaningful subjects. Redundancies and unnecessary words weaken clarity and should be removed. In contexts such as microblogging, where brevity is paramount, condensing content becomes not only stylistic but essential to communication efficiency without sacrificing meaning.

5. Clarity in business messages is achieved by prioritizing simplicity and precision. Writers should avoid trite business phrases that have lost force, clichés that reduce originality, slang that undermines professionalism, and buzzwords that confuse rather than clarify. Buried verbs must be rescued, for example, replacing “conduct an analysis” with “analyze”, to create direct and dynamic prose. Excessive enthusiasm should be restrained to prevent the message from sounding insincere. Ultimately, clarity ensures that ideas are transmitted without distortion or distraction.

6. Proofreading requires critical awareness of common error zones, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, number usage, and formatting. Routine documents may invite complacency, but errors in such materials harm credibility. Complex documents demand even greater vigilance, as mistakes can obscure intricate arguments. Effective proofreading techniques include reading aloud, reviewing documents in reverse order to focus on word accuracy, and using digital tools without relying solely on them. By adopting systematic strategies, writers increase the likelihood of catching subtle mistakes before the message reaches its audience.

7. The evaluation of a message is a final step in ensuring communicative success. Effectiveness is judged by clarity, conciseness, tone, and the extent to which the message fulfills its intended purpose. Writers must ask whether the message anticipates the reader’s questions, removes ambiguity, and promotes understanding. A critical evaluation also considers whether the tone is appropriate for the audience and whether the organization supports comprehension. Only when a message is both strategically designed and audience-centered can it be deemed effective.

Sonya Malinda Siagian
2251031018
Accounting
1. Composing the first draft
To create a strong first draft, you can write freely (freewriting) or carefully (deliberate drafting). Use a variety of sentence types simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex to keep the writing engaging. Always avoid sentence fragments (incomplete ideas), run-on sentences (incorrectly joined thoughts), and comma splices (two independent clauses joined only with a comma)

2. To improve writing techniques, you should emphasize important ideas by placing strong words at the beginning or end of sentences or by highlighting them with formatting, use active voice for clarity and directness while reserving passive voice for softening negative news or when the subject is unknown, apply parallelism to create balance and rhythm, and carefully avoid dangling or misplaced modifiers so that every description clearly matches the words it modifies.

3. Drafting well-organized paragraphs requires you to begin with a clear topic sentence that expresses one central idea, follow it with supporting sentences that provide facts, reasoning, or examples, and connect each thought with transitional expressions such as “therefore,” “however,” or “in addition” to build coherence. Depending on the purpose, you can use the direct plan by presenting the topic sentence first and then supporting details, the pivoting plan by starting with a contrast before giving the main idea and evidence, or the indirect plan by beginning with supporting points that build toward the topic sentence at the end.

4. To polish business messages for conciseness, eliminate unnecessary wording by cutting flabby expressions, reducing long lead-ins, removing fillers such as “there is” or “it is,” avoiding redundancies and empty words, and condensing sentences into shorter, more impactful forms, especially when writing for microblogging.

5. You can improve clarity in business messages by keeping your ideas simple, removing trite phrases, avoiding clichés, discarding slang and buzzwords, changing buried verbs into strong, direct ones, and limiting excessive enthusiasm to maintain professionalism.

6. Recognizing proofreading problem areas involves checking for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting, and you can apply effective techniques by reading the text aloud, reviewing it on paper, reading backwards to focus on wording, and using checklists to ensure accuracy in both routine and complex documents.

7. To evaluate the effectiveness of a message, consider whether it fulfills its intended purpose, whether the tone suits the audience, whether the organization is logical, whether the sentences are concise and error-free, and whether the overall message succeeds in informing or persuading as planned.

2411011146

1.To write a strong first draft, focus on using a variety of sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Avoid common errors

2.Refine your writing by emphasizing key ideas through sentence placement and using the active voice for a direct tone. Employ parallelism to create balanced lists and phrases, and prevent dangling or misplaced modifiers by ensuring your descriptive phrases clearly relate to the correct subject.

3.Construct well-structured paragraphs using a clear plan:
Direct Plan: Start with a topic sentence, then use support sentences to illustrate or describe.
Pivoting Plan: Use this for comparisons, introducing a topic, and then using a transition like "in contrast" to present the opposing idea.
Indirect Plan: Build up to your main point with evidence or background information before stating your topic sentence.
In all cases, use transitional expressions to ensure a smooth flow.

4.Make your business messages more concise by eliminating unnecessary words. Cut flabby expressions, long lead-ins, and fillers like "there is/are" and "it is/was." Also, remove redundancies and empty words, and learn to condense for microblogging by being as direct as possible.

5.For clear communication, keep your ideas simple. Replace trite business phrases and clichés with fresh, professional language. Drop slang and buzzwords, rescue buried verbs by making them active, and avoid excessive use of punctuation like exclamation points.

6.Effective proofreading involves checking for common errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Read your document aloud, backwards, or in a different format to catch mistakes you might otherwise miss.

7. To judge if your message works, ask yourself: Is it clear, concise, and complete? Is it correct and courteous? Does it achieve its intended purpose?

Name: Keisha Justina Siagian
Student ID: 2211031024
Major: Accounting

Answers:
1. Composing the First Draft of a Message
A first draft should follow an outline and focus on idea flow rather than perfection. Writers should vary sentence structures such as simple, compound, and complex to avoid monotony. Sentence errors such as fragments, run-ons, and comma splices must be eliminated to ensure clarity and professionalism. Effective drafting also means focusing on completing ideas quickly rather than revising constantly while writing. This approach helps maintain momentum and ensures that ideas are captured before details are polished.

2. Improving Writing Techniques
Ideas can be emphasized through placement, vivid wording, or formatting. Active voice is generally clearer, while passive voice is useful for tact or objectivity. Consistency in structure through parallelism improves readability, and avoiding dangling or misplaced modifiers ensures precision. Skilled writers choose techniques strategically depending on audience expectations and the purpose of the message. These choices not only increase clarity but also enhance credibility in professional communication.

3. Drafting Well-Organized Paragraphs
Effective paragraphs center on one idea and follow a clear plan. The direct plan places the main idea first, the pivoting plan contrasts before stating the main idea, and the indirect plan delays the main point for persuasion. Each paragraph should include a topic sentence, supporting details, and transitions for coherence. Paragraph unity and coherence guide readers smoothly through the message. Strongly structured paragraphs also demonstrate logical thinking, which is essential in business writing

4. Polishing Business Messages for Conciseness
Conciseness strengthens business writing by removing unnecessary words. Writers should avoid flabby expressions, long lead-ins, fillers like “there is/are,” redundancies, and empty words. In microblogging, concise wording becomes even more critical to fit short formats. Clear and concise messages also save time for both sender and reader, enhancing efficiency in communication.

5. Improving Clarity in Business Messages
Clarity comes from simple, direct expression. Writers should replace trite business phrases, clichés, and slang with plain wording. Buried verbs must be converted into strong verbs, and overuse of intensifiers should be restrained to maintain a professional tone. Ultimately, clarity ensures the intended meaning is understood quickly without confusion.

6. Recognizing Proofreading Problem Areas
Proofreading ensures accuracy in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Effective methods include reading slowly, focusing on one type of error, reading aloud, and reviewing after a pause. Combining manual checks with digital tools reduces overlooked mistakes. Careful proofreading preserves professionalism and prevents misinterpretation.

7. Evaluating a Message for Effectiveness
An effective message is clear, concise, organized, and tailored to the audience. Evaluation requires checking whether the purpose is met, the tone is appropriate, and transitions and structure guide the reader toward the intended response. A well-evaluated message strengthens credibility and improves the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome.

Shela Sasmitha
2211031125

1. Composing the first draft
When writing a first draft, focus on getting your ideas on the page without worrying too much about perfection. Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to keep the writing engaging. Make sure each sentence is complete with a subject and verb to avoid fragments. Watch out for run-ons and comma splices, if two ideas can’t stand in one sentence, separate them with a period, semicolon, or conjunction.

2. Improving writing techniques
To make your writing stronger, highlight key ideas by placing them at the beginning or end of a sentence or paragraph. Use active voice when you want to be direct and clear (“The team completed the project”) and passive voice only when the action is more important than the doer (“The project was completed on time”). Keep balance in your lists and sentences through parallelism, so ideas read smoothly. Always check that modifiers are next to the words they describe to avoid confusion.

3. Drafting organized paragraphs
A well-structured paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence. In the direct plan, explain or describe directly, supported by examples. In the pivoting plan, show contrast by introducing one idea, then shifting to the opposite. In the indirect plan, lead into the main point gradually, useful for persuasion. Each paragraph should follow with support sentences that provide evidence or examples, and transitions like “for example,” “in contrast,” or “as a result” to keep the flow logical.

4. Polishing through conciseness
Business messages should be tight and to the point. Cut out wordy expressions like “at this point in time” and replace them with “now.” Avoid long lead-ins such as “I am writing to inform you that.” Eliminate fillers like “there are” or “it is” at the start of sentences, as well as redundancies (“each and every,” “basic fundamentals”). On digital platforms or microblogs, condense further by choosing words that carry weight without extra fluff.

5. Improving clarity
Keep sentences simple and direct. Replace tired business phrases (“please be advised”) with plain words (“please note”). Drop clichés and avoid slang or trendy buzzwords that can make writing sound unprofessional. Turn buried verbs into strong actions, for instance, change “conduct an analysis” into “analyze.” Use a confident but measured tone without going overboard with enthusiasm.

6. Proofreading effectively
Common problem areas include spelling, grammar, punctuation, numbers, and names. Proofread slowly and in stages: first for content, then for grammar, and finally for formatting. Reading aloud can help catch awkward phrasing. For longer or complex documents, print a copy or change the font style to see the text with fresh eyes. Always double-check headings, figures, and dates since those are often overlooked.

7. Evaluating effectiveness
A strong business message should achieve its purpose, fit the audience’s needs, and be clear and professional. To evaluate, ask: Does the message answer the reader’s question? Is it easy to understand at first glance? Does the tone build goodwill and maintain credibility? An effective message is accurate, concise, well-organized, and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

:

1. Composing the First Draft with Variety and Correct Sentence Structure
- Use a mix of sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to create a dynamic flow and maintain reader interest.
- Ensure every sentence has a clear subject and predicate to avoid sentence fragments. For example, instead of "Because I was late," write "Because I was late, I missed the meeting."
- Avoid run-on sentences by properly punctuating with periods, semicolons, or coordinating conjunctions. For example, instead of "I went to the store I bought some bread," write "I went to the store, and I bought some bread."
- Prevent comma splices by separating independent clauses with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction, rather than just a comma.
- Review and revise to ensure clarity and correctness as you develop your draft.

2. Improving Writing Techniques
- Emphasize important ideas by highlighting key points through strategic placement, repetition, or formatting (like bold or italics).
- Use active voice (e.g., "The manager approved the report") to promote clarity and directness; employ passive voice (e.g., "The report was approved by the manager") when appropriate for emphasis or formality.
- Apply parallelism in lists and comparisons to create rhythm and clarity, such as "We aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service."
- Avoid dangling modifiers—phrases that accidentally modify the wrong word—by ensuring modifiers are clearly attached to the correct subject.
- Prevent misplaced modifiers that appear too far from the word they modify, causing confusion. For example, revise "She almost drove her kids to school every day" to "She drove her kids to school almost every day."

3. Drafting Well-Organized Paragraphs
- Direct plan: Use when defining or describing a topic. Start with a clear topic sentence, then provide supporting details or examples. Example: "Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are vital for sustainable development."
- Pivoting plan: Use for comparing and contrasting ideas. Start with a topic sentence indicating the comparison, then present similarities and differences, using transitional words like "similarly," "however," or "on the other hand."
- Indirect plan: Use to explain or persuade. Begin with background or context, develop your argument, address opposing views if necessary, and conclude with a strong closing statement.
- Ensure each paragraph has:
a) A clear topic sentence that states the main idea.
b) Support sentences with evidence, examples, or explanations.
c) Transitional words or phrases (like "for example," "however," "in addition") to guide the reader through your ideas, building coherence.

4. Polishing Business Messages for Conciseness
- Eliminate flabby expressions (e.g., "due to the fact that" → "because").
- Remove long lead-ins and unnecessary fillers like "it is," "there is," "there are" when they don't add value (e.g., "It is important to note" → "Note that").
- Avoid redundancies and phrases that repeat information (e.g., "absolutely essential" → "essential").
- Cut down on empty words and phrases that add bulk without meaning.
- For microblogging or brief messages, condense ideas by focusing on the core message, using abbreviations where appropriate, and eliminating non-essential details.

5. Improving Clarity in Business Messages
- Keep ideas simple by using straightforward language; avoid complex jargon unless necessary.
- Remove trite business phrases (e.g., "at the end of the day," "think outside the box") to sound more original.
- Drop clichés and buzzwords that may seem vague or overused.
- Rescuing buried verbs involves making sure that the primary action in a sentence is clear and prominent.
- Restrain exuberance by maintaining a professional tone, avoiding overly enthusiastic or emotional language that could undermine
credibility.

6. Recognizing and Correcting Proofreading Problems
- Look for common errors: spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and formatting inconsistencies.
- Use checklists to systematically review each aspect of your document.
- Read aloud to catch awkward sentences or missing words.
- Use tools like spell checkers and grammar checkers, but also manually review for nuanced mistakes.
- For complex documents, review in stages—first focusing on content, then on style and correctness.
- Seek feedback from others or consider professional proofreading for critical documents.

7. Evaluating Message Effectiveness
- Assess whether your message achieves its purpose—inform, persuade, request, or confirm.
- Determine if the message is clear, concise, and free of errors.
- Check if the tone is appropriate for the audience and situation.
- Ensure the main ideas are prominent and well-supported.
- Consider receiver feedback or anticipate questions to gauge if the message sufficiently covers the necessary points.
- Use criteria such as clarity, relevance, completeness, and professionalism to judge effectiveness.

1.First Draft: Varied sentence types (simple, compound, complex), avoid fragments (incomplete sentences), run-ons (unjoined clauses), and comma splices (commas between clauses).

2.Improve Writing: Emphasize by placement/repetition. Use active voice for actor focus, passive for action focus. Use parallelism for similar ideas. Correct dangling/misplaced modifiers (ensure clear modification).

3.Organized Paragraphs: Direct (topic sentence, support, sometimes conclusion); Pivoting (compare/contrast point-by-point or subject-by-subject); Indirect (context/evidence before main point). Include topic sentences, support sentences, and transitional expressions.

4.Conciseness: Cut flabby expressions, lead-ins, "there is/are," redundancies, empty words. Condense for microblogging (get to the point).

5.Clarity: Simplify ideas, avoid trite phrases/clichés/slang/buzzwords, use strong verbs (not buried), control exuberance.

6.Proofreading: Recognize typos, misspellings, grammar/punctuation/capitalization errors, homophones. Proofread slowly, aloud, backwards, take breaks, use tools, get a fresh pair of eyes.

7.Evaluate Message: Check clarity, completeness, correctness, conciseness, courtesy, coherence, appropriate context, and potential impact.

Dicka Ajie Pranata
2411011148

​1. The Foundation of a Strong Message: The First Draft
​The first draft is where your ideas take shape. To build a solid foundation, you must focus on both content and structure. Don't aim for perfection; instead, concentrate on a smooth flow of ideas. This flow is achieved by varying your sentence types. Use a mix of simple sentences for directness, compound sentences to link two equally important ideas, and complex sentences to show how one idea depends on another. This variety prevents your writing from sounding monotonous. As you write, be vigilant about common grammatical mistakes. Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences that leave the reader hanging. To fix them, simply add the missing subject or verb. Similarly, avoid run-on sentences and comma splices, which improperly combine two independent clauses. Correcting these errors early on ensures your first draft is a clear and solid starting point.

​2. Refining Your Writing Techniques for Impact
​Once the basic structure is in place, you can refine your writing to make it more impactful. First, learn to emphasize important ideas. You can do this by placing key phrases at the beginning or end of a sentence or by using formatting like bold text to draw the reader's eye. Next, understand the strategic use of active and passive voice. The active voice is direct and powerful ("The manager approved the plan"), making it perfect for most business communications. The passive voice ("The plan was approved by the manager") is less direct and is useful when you want to avoid naming the actor or when the action itself is more important than who performed it. Finally, polish your message by ensuring consistency. Use parallelism to give lists and repeated phrases a balanced, easy-to-read structure. Also, avoid dangling and misplaced modifiers, which confuse the reader by describing the wrong subject.

​3. Building Well-Organized Paragraphs
​Effective communication relies on well-structured paragraphs. Each paragraph should function as a mini-essay with a single, clear purpose. The structure is simple: start with a topic sentence that states the main idea, followed by support sentences that provide details, facts, and examples. To ensure a smooth transition from one idea to the next, use transitional expressions like "for example," "in addition," or "therefore." You can choose from three common organizational plans:
​The Direct Plan is the most straightforward: you state your main idea and then support it. Use this plan to define, classify, or describe a topic.
​The Pivoting Plan is effective for comparisons. You start with a contrasting idea and then pivot to your main point.
​The Indirect Plan is best for sensitive or persuasive messages. You provide the supporting details first, leading the reader to your main idea at the end.

​4. Polishing for Conciseness and Clarity

​A polished message is a concise and clear one. To achieve this, you must be ruthless in your editing. Start by eliminating flabby expressions and replacing wordy phrases like "at this point in time" with a single word like "now." Cut long lead-ins and get straight to the point. Also, remove common filler phrases such as "there is/are" and "it is/was", as they add no real value. Watch out for redundancies like "free gift," as well as other empty words that can be cut without changing the meaning of your message. When writing for modern platforms like social media, you must condense your message even further by removing all non-essential words.
​5. Improving Clarity and Professionalism
​Clarity is the cornerstone of effective business communication. To make your message crystal clear, focus on keeping your ideas simple. Avoid jargon, and use plain language that everyone can understand. Don't rely on trite business phrases like "synergy" or outdated expressions. Use direct, modern language instead. Eliminate slang and buzzwords, as they can make your writing seem unprofessional. A powerful technique is to "rescue buried verbs," turning nouns like "decision" back into verbs like "decide" to make your writing more active and engaging. Finally, restrain exuberance by limiting your use of exclamation points and emojis, maintaining a professional and serious tone.

​6. The Importance of Proofreading
​Proofreading is the final, essential step to ensure your message is perfect. You must train yourself to recognize common problem areas, including spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and incorrect punctuation. To catch these issues, don't just rely on a computer's spell-check. The most effective techniques involve reading your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing and missing words. You can also read your document in a different format, such as on a printed page or a different screen, to help you see it with fresh eyes. Taking a break before proofreading is another simple but effective way to improve your focus and catch errors you might have otherwise missed.

​7. Evaluating Your Message
​Before sending any message, you should evaluate its effectiveness. A great message meets five key criteria:
​Clarity: Is the message's main point easy to understand?
​Conciseness: Is it as brief as possible without losing important information?
​Correctness: Is it free of all errors in spelling, grammar, and facts?
​Completeness: Does it provide all the necessary information and answer all potential questions?
​Courtesy: Is the tone professional and respectful?

Hawila Sentanu Satyagraha

2451011035

1. Try to mix up your sentence types so your message doesn’t sound flat. Use short, clear sentences for simple points, and longer ones with conjunctions to show connections. Watch out for common mistakes: don’t leave incomplete thoughts (fragments), don’t cram two full sentences together without punctuation (run-ons), and don’t just stick them with a comma (comma splice).
2. To improve your writing, highlight key ideas with clear words and strong placement. Use active voice for directness and passive voice when you want to stress the result. Keep sentences smooth with parallel structure, and place modifiers next to the words they describe to avoid confusion.
3. When writing paragraphs, pick a plan that fits your purpose. Use the direct plan to state your point right away, the pivoting plan to show contrast before giving your main idea, and the indirect plan to build up and persuade. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence, add supporting details, and use transitions so everything flows smoothly.
4. To polish your business messages, aim to be clear and to the point. Cut out wordy phrases and long openings, and avoid fillers like “there is” or “it is” when they don’t add meaning. Don’t repeat yourself with phrases like “each and every,” and skip empty words such as “really” or “very.” If you’re writing something short, like a post or update, use crisp, direct language so your message is brief but still effective.
5. To improve clarity in business messages, focus on simplicity and precision. Keep ideas straightforward so readers don’t have to guess your meaning. Cut out trite business phrases and replace them with direct wording. Avoid clichés, slang, and buzzwords that sound flashy but add no real value. Use strong, active verbs instead of hiding them in long phrases. Finally, restrain exuberance—too much enthusiasm or exaggeration can make your message seem unprofessional or insincere. Clear, direct language makes your message easier to understand and more credible.
6. To spot proofreading problems, watch for common trouble areas like spelling, grammar, punctuation, numbers, names, and formatting. These are easy to miss but can hurt professionalism. For routine documents, read slowly and double-check key details such as dates, amounts, and contact information.
7. A clear message is easy to understand, concise avoids unnecessary words, complete provides all needed details, correct is free from errors, and courteous maintains a respectful tone. A message is effective if it communicates the right idea, in the right way, to the right audience.

Muhamad alfath herkan
2491011011

1. When writing a first draft, it’s important to use a mix of sentence types (simple, compound, and complex) to keep the message interesting and easy to read. Avoid sentence fragments (incomplete thoughts), run-on sentences (two sentences joined incorrectly), and comma splices (using a comma instead of proper punctuation). Basically, think of your draft as “getting ideas down in full sentences” with clear structure, so the message is readable and professional.

2. Good writing makes the main point stand out. To emphasize key ideas, you can use stronger word choice or position the important idea at the start or end of a sentence. Active voice (“The manager approved the plan”) is usually clearer, but passive voice (“The plan was approved by the manager”) can be useful if the focus should be on the action instead of the person. Parallelism (using the same grammatical form, like “analyze, compare, and evaluate”) helps writing flow smoothly. Also, always check for dangling or misplaced modifiers so that the meaning stays clear.

3. A good paragraph should have a clear structure: a topic sentence to introduce the main idea, support sentences with examples or evidence, and transitions to connect ideas. There are three main plans:
• Direct plan: best for definitions, descriptions, or classifications. It starts with the main idea right away.
• Pivoting plan: useful for comparing and contrasting, where you start with one idea and then shift (“however,” “on the other hand”) to the other.
• Indirect plan: good for persuading, where you build up supporting points before giving the main idea.

4. Conciseness means saying more with fewer words. This can be done by cutting out long expressions (“due to the fact that” > “because”), removing unnecessary openers (“it is important to note that”), avoiding fillers like “there is/are,” dropping repeated words, and cutting out vague terms like “in my opinion.” For microblogging (like Twitter/X posts), short and direct wording matters even more, so condensing is essential.

5. Clarity is about making sure the reader easily understands your point. This means keeping sentences simple, avoiding old-fashioned or overused business phrases (“enclosed please find”), skipping clichés (“think outside the box”), and avoiding slang or buzzwords that might confuse readers. Also, don’t bury verbs inside nouns (“conduct an analysis” > “analyze”). Finally, avoid overly excited language in professional messages, since business writing should stay calm and precise.

6. Proofreading is about catching mistakes before sending. Common issues are spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Effective techniques include: reading slowly, reading aloud, checking numbers and names carefully, and reviewing the document more than once (first for content, then for mechanics). For longer or complex documents, it’s useful to take breaks before proofreading or even print the text for easier review


7. To judge if a message works, ask: Does it achieve the purpose? Is it clear and well-organized? Does it fit the audience’s needs and level of understanding? An effective message should be accurate, concise, polite, and professional. In economics or business, the effectiveness of a message can also be measured by whether it influences decisions or prompts the desired response.

1. When composing the first draft of a business message, writers are encouraged to focus on clarity and variety in sentence construction. A good draft includes simple, compound, and complex sentences that add rhythm and emphasis, while avoiding sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices. Sentence fragments, which lack a complete thought, often weaken credibility; run-ons confuse readers by stringing ideas together without proper punctuation; and comma splices incorrectly join sentences with just a comma. Drafting should be approached as a process of getting ideas on paper quickly without worrying about perfection, since refinement happens later during revision. This approach ensures that the draft is clear, complete, and structurally sound.

2. Effective writing requires attention to emphasis, voice, and structure. Important ideas should be placed in positions of power—such as the beginning or end of sentences and paragraphs—or highlighted through repetition or careful subordination. The active voice is generally preferred in business writing because it is direct and vigorous, as in “The manager approved the request.” However, the passive voice has its place when the doer is unknown or unimportant, as in “The request was approved.” Parallelism is another key technique, ensuring balance and consistency in sentences by presenting ideas in the same grammatical form. Additionally, writers must avoid dangling or misplaced modifiers, which cause ambiguity by appearing to modify the wrong element. By mastering these techniques, writers ensure their ideas are conveyed with precision and strength.

3. Strong business communication depends on clear and coherent paragraph organization. Writers may choose among three primary paragraphing plans. The direct plan begins with the topic sentence, followed by supporting sentences, and works well for defining, classifying, or describing ideas. The pivoting plan, in contrast, opens with supporting or contrasting details and then pivots to the main idea, making it suitable for comparison and contrast. The indirect plan saves the main idea for the end, gradually building toward it with evidence, making it especially effective in persuasion or when delivering bad news. Regardless of the plan, each paragraph must include a clearly stated topic sentence, sufficient supporting sentences with details and examples, and transitional expressions that tie ideas together smoothly. This structure ensures logical flow and coherence, which are essential in business communication.

4. Conciseness is a hallmark of professional business writing, and it is achieved by eliminating unnecessary words and expressions. Flabby expressions such as “due to the fact that” should be replaced with concise alternatives like “because.” Long lead-ins like “This is to inform you that” add no value and should be omitted. Similarly, fillers such as “there is/are” and “it is/was” often weaken sentences and can be deleted without loss of meaning. Redundancies like “each and every” or “basic fundamentals” should be cut, and empty words that add length without substance should be avoided. In today’s digital environment, where microblogging is common, condensing messages into crisp and clear formats is essential. Conciseness not only respects the reader’s time but also strengthens the overall impact of the message.

5. Clarity is achieved when ideas are expressed simply and directly, without unnecessary complexity or jargon. Writers should strip away trite business phrases such as “enclosed please find” and replace them with straightforward wording like “enclosed is.” Clichés, slang, and buzzwords often dilute professionalism and should be avoided in favor of precise, modern language. Another common problem is the use of buried verbs, where actions are hidden in noun forms, as in “conducted an analysis,” which is better expressed as “analyzed.” Writers are also encouraged to restrain exuberance by limiting overuse of exclamation points or exaggerated words. By maintaining simplicity, accuracy, and professionalism, business messages become easier to read, more persuasive, and more trustworthy.

6. Even well-drafted messages can lose credibility if proofreading is neglected. Problem areas often include spelling, punctuation, grammar, names, numbers, and formatting. Writers are advised to proofread in stages, first checking for content accuracy, then for organization, and finally for mechanics. Reading messages aloud can help catch awkward phrasing and omitted words, while enlisting another person to review the document often reveals errors the writer may overlook. In complex documents, attention should be paid to consistency in headings, lists, tables, and references. Careful proofreading ensures that the message is polished, error-free, and professional, enhancing the writer’s credibility and the organization’s image.

7. The final step in the writing process is evaluating whether a message meets its intended purpose. An effective message is clear, concise, correct, and complete, while also being courteous and appropriate for the audience. Evaluation involves asking whether the message achieves its goal—whether it informs, persuades, or promotes goodwill—and whether it meets the reader’s needs. A well-evaluated message reflects professionalism by being logically organized, easy to read, free from errors, and persuasive when necessary. This evaluation step helps ensure that the message not only communicates the intended information but also reinforces a positive impression of the writer and the organization.

Reishandra Sefa Prasetyo 2211031115
1.When writing the first draft, the main goal is to get ideas on paper without worrying too much about perfection. An outline helps keep the draft organized. Using different sentence types like simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex to keep the writing from sounding repetitive. At the same time, it’s important to avoid sentence errors such as fragments, run-ons, and comma splices. Correct punctuation and variety make the message more professional and easier to read.

2.Good writing makes important ideas stand out. This can be done by putting key points at the beginning or end of sentences, or by using headings and strong word choices. Active voice is usually better because it shows clearly who is doing the action, while passive voice is useful when the focus should be on the action itself. Writing also becomes clearer with parallel structures like “running, swimming, and biking.” Finally, avoiding misplaced or dangling modifiers keeps sentences precise and avoids confusion.

3.Paragraphs should develop one central idea and follow a logical plan. With the direct plan, the topic sentence comes first, followed by supporting details that useful for explaining or describing. The pivoting plan starts with a contrast or limit before introducing the main idea, which works well for comparisons. The indirect plan delays the main point until the end, which is common in persuasion or when giving bad news. A solid paragraph always includes a topic sentence, supporting sentences with evidence or explanation, and transitions to connect ideas smoothly.

4.Concise writing is highly valued in business because it saves time. To achieve this, writers should cut out long expressions like “at this point in time” and replace them with shorter forms like “now.” Unnecessary lead-ins, fillers such as “there is/are,” and redundancies like “final outcome” should also be removed. Even small empty words such as “the fact that” can be cut. In microblogging, being concise is even more critical because the message must be delivered clearly in very few words

5. Clear writing means the reader understands the message immediately. One way to do this is to follow the KISS principle that stands for Keep It Short and Simple. This means avoiding outdated business phrases like “enclosed please find,” as well as clichés like “think outside the box.” Slang and buzzwords such as “game changer” or “paradigm shift” also reduce professionalism. It helps to turn long noun phrases into verbs (for example, change “make a decision” to “decide”) and to limit the use of unnecessary intensifiers like “very” or “totally.”

6.Proofreading is the last step to catch errors before sending a message. Common mistakes appear in spelling, grammar, punctuation, numbers, and formatting. A good strategy is to read slowly, check for one type of mistake at a time, and even read the text out loud to find awkward sentences. Taking a short break before proofreading can also help notice errors with fresh eyes. Digital tools are useful, but manual checking is always necessary for accuracy.

7.The final step is to evaluate whether the message works. An effective message is clear, concise, and audience-focused. To check this,we could ask: Does the message achieve its purpose? Is the main point easy to find and well supported? Is the tone appropriate for the audience? Are the transitions and structure smooth? If the answer is yes, then the message is likely effective and professional, and it should get the desired response from the reader.

Name: Azaria Nabila
NPM: 2211031003

1. When writing the first draft of a message, the most important thing is to just get your ideas out clearly. Drafting is not about being perfect, it’s about creating a foundation to polish later. To make your writing engaging, you need a mix of sentence types, short ones for impact, longer ones for explanation, and compound sentences to show relationships between ideas. What you need to avoid are sentence fragments (pieces of sentences that don’t make sense on their own), run-ons (where two complete thoughts are smashed together), and comma splices (joining two sentences with only a comma). These mistakes make your writing confusing and less professional. So, the draft should flow logically, even if you’ll come back to refine it later.

2. Improving writing is all about clarity and emphasis. To highlight important ideas, you can use active voice because it’s direct and powerful, like saying “The manager approved the budget.” Passive voice, though, still has its use if you want to focus on the action rather than the person, like “The budget was approved.” Using parallelism makes your sentences more balanced and easier to read. For example, saying “to plan, to organize, and to lead” feels smoother than mixing different forms like “planning, to organize, and leading.” Another thing to watch out for are misplaced or dangling modifiers, which can make sentences sound weird or even change the meaning. Precise structure makes your writing look professional and easy to follow.

3. Paragraphs are like building blocks of your message. A strong paragraph starts with a topic sentence, adds supporting details, and ties ideas together with transitions. You can choose different structures depending on your goal: with the direct plan, you get straight to the point, useful for defining, describing, or explaining something clearly. The pivoting plan is for comparing or contrasting, so you show two sides before pointing out the stronger one. The indirect plan works best for persuasion, where you set the background first, then lead into your main idea so the reader is more open to it. Picking the right structure makes your writing more logical and impactful.

4. Polishing your message is basically about trimming the fat. Conciseness means saying the same thing with fewer words so readers don’t get bored. For example, “due to the fact that” can simply become “because.” Cutting out fillers like “there is/there are” makes sentences sharper, and avoiding redundancy keeps your message tight. It’s also about removing empty words that don’t add value. This skill is especially important in short formats like emails or social media posts, if you don’t get to the point quickly, people just skip it. A concise message respects the reader’s time and makes you sound more confident.

5. Clarity means your writing is easy to understand on the first read. That’s why simple language works better than overcomplicated jargon or cliches. For instance, instead of writing “synergy” or “outside the box,” just describe the actual idea. Strong, direct verbs like “decide” instead of “make a decision” also make writing punchier. And while it’s tempting to use lots of exclamation marks or dramatic words, too much enthusiasm can make the message feel fake or unprofessional. Keeping things clear and straightforward makes people actually trust what you say.

6. Proofreading isn’t just about spelling, it’s about making sure your message looks clean and error free. The problem is our brain often reads what we think we wrote instead of what’s actually on the page. That’s why techniques like reading aloud, changing the font, or printing the text can help catch mistakes. You should also pay extra attention to numbers, names, and dates, those small errors can be really embarrassing or costly in a business setting. The more carefully you proofread, the more credible and professional you look.

7. Evaluating a message is like stress-testing it. Ask yourself: does this message achieve what I want? Is the purpose clear? Does it match the audience’s expectations? And most importantly, will the reader understand it quickly and know what to do next? A message can be grammatically perfect but still ineffective if it doesn’t connect with the audience. Effectiveness is measured not by how “fancy” the writing looks but by whether it actually communicates the idea and gets the result you need.

Anggun Cahyanti Simanjuntak
Accounting Department
2211031077
1. Explain how to compose the first draft of a message using a variety of sentence types and avoiding sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices.
When writing a first draft, the most important task is to get ideas onto the page in a clear, readable form without worrying too much about perfection. A strong draft combines different types of sentences, simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex, to keep the writing lively and easy to follow. Simple sentences are clear and straightforward, while compound and complex structures allow you to show relationships between ideas. And also need to remember to avoid sentence that will confuse reader.

2. Explain how to improve your writing techniques by emphasizing important ideas, employing the active and passive voice effectively, using parallelism, and preventing dangling and misplaced modifiers.
Improving writing means going beyond sentence correctness to ensure that ideas are delivered forcefully and clearly. One way to do this is by emphasizing important ideas. Emphasis can be achieved mechanically by using headings, lists, or boldface, but more often it is achieved stylistically by carefully placing the most important words at the beginning or end of a sentence and by avoiding unnecessary competing ideas. Another aspect is the choice between active and passive voice. Active voice is usually preferred because it makes writing direct and shows clearly who is responsible for the action—for example, “The manager approved the budget.”

3. Explain how to Draft well-organized paragraphs using (a) the direct plan to define,classify, illustrate, or describe; (b) the pivoting plan to compare and contrast; or (c) the indirect plan to explain and persuade. Paragraphs should include (a) topic sentences, (b) support sentences, and (c) transitional expressions to build coherence.
Paragraphs are the building blocks of business writing, and the way they are structured shapes how easily a reader can follow your ideas. The book explains three common plans for organizing paragraphs. The direct plan begins with the main idea in a topic sentence, followed by supporting details and evidence. This method is especially effective when you need to define, classify, describe, or illustrate, since readers can immediately grasp the point and then examine the details. The pivoting plan works differently: it starts with a limiting or contrasting idea and then pivots to the main point, often signaled by words such as “however” or “but.” This is useful when comparing or contrasting alternatives. The indirect plan reverses the direct approach by presenting supporting details first and saving the main idea for the end.

4. Explain how to polish business messages by revising for conciseness, which includes eliminating flabby expressions, long lead-ins, there is/are and it is/was fillers, redundancies, and empty words, as well as condensing for microblogging.
Conciseness is one of the hallmarks of effective business writing because it shows respect for the reader’s time and enhances clarity. Many business messages suffer from unnecessary wordiness that distracts from the main idea. The book recommends several strategies to achieve concise writing. First, eliminate flabby expressions such as “due to the fact that,” which can be replaced with “because.” Second, avoid long and unnecessary lead-ins, such as “This is to inform you that,” which add nothing to the message and can simply be dropped. Writers should also reduce filler expressions like “there are” or “it is,” which often add no real meaning.

5. Explain how to improve clarity in business messages by keeping the ideas simple, slashing trite business phrases, dropping clichés scrapping slang and buzzwords, rescuing buried verbs, and restraining exuberance.
Clarity means that the reader can immediately understand the writer’s ideas without needing to reread or guess at the meaning. The book suggests beginning with simplicity: messages should follow the “KISS” principle—Keep It Short and Simple. Writers should also avoid outdated business phrases that no longer sound natural, such as “as per your request.” Similarly, clichés like “thinking outside the box” or “at the end of the day” weaken a message and should be replaced with fresh, direct wording. Slang and buzzwords may be common in casual conversation, but they reduce professionalism in business writing and can alienate readers unfamiliar with them. Another problem that hurts clarity is the use of buried verbs, where a verb is turned into a noun phrase, such as “make a decision” instead of simply “decide.” By using strong verbs, writers make their sentences clearer and more dynamic. Finally, writers should restrain the overuse of intensifiers like “very,” “really,” or “totally,” which add little meaning and can make writing sound exaggerated.

6. Explain how to recognize proofreading problem areas, and apply effective techniques to catch mistakes in both routine and complex documents.
Proofreading is the final safeguard before sending a message, ensuring that errors do not damage credibility. Even the best content can lose its impact if it contains mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting. Routine documents, such as emails or short memos, should be proofread line by line immediately after drafting. For longer or more complex documents, it is wise to take a break before proofreading so the writer can see the text with fresh eyes. The book recommends proofreading several times, with each round focusing on a different aspect: once for content and meaning, once for grammar and mechanics, and once for layout and formatting. Names, numbers, and dates are particularly prone to errors and must be checked carefully. In addition, proofreading on both screen and paper can be effective because each medium reveals different errors. By developing systematic proofreading habits, writers can significantly reduce the risk of mistakes slipping into their final documents.

7. Expalin how to evaluate a message to judge its effectiveness.
Evaluation goes beyond proofreading to determine whether a message truly achieved its purpose. A message can be grammatically correct but still ineffective if it fails to inform, persuade, or build goodwill in the way the writer intended. To evaluate effectiveness, writers must ask whether the audience understood the message easily, whether the tone was appropriate, and whether the message met its intended goal. The book emphasizes considering clarity, conciseness, correctness, and courtesy as measures of success. Feedback from peers, instructors, or colleagues is also valuable, since an outside reader can spot weaknesses the writer may miss. Over time, learning to evaluate messages objectively helps writers build stronger habits and continually improve their communication skills. Evaluation is thus the final step in ensuring that business communication is not only error-free but also impactful and professional.

1. In composing a first draft, use a variety of sentence structures to keep the writings interesting. Avoid common faults like fragments sentences. Aim for an average sentence length of 20 words for better comprehension.

2. To improve wiritng techniques, focus on the important ideas by placing them first or last in a sentence and use letterings such as bold, italic, or underlines.

3. In drafting a paragraph, use the main idea first to define or describe the paragraph. On the other hand, use Indirect plan to give bad news or persuasions.

4. To revise for conciseness, highlight the message by eliminating wordy expressions.

5. To improve clarity, keep messages simples by avoiding such as jargons and pretentious language. Replace business phrases and cliches with direct wording.

6. In proofreading, search for specific problems in spelling, grammar, punctuation, names, numbers, and formats. For routine documents, a quick check is often enough. For a more complex document, print a copy and read it at least one or twice.

7. To judge the message's effectiveness, we should determine if it has achieved its original purpose. The best way to know is by encouraging and analyzing feedback from the receiver. This feedback helps improve communications in the future.

2411011140

1. Composing the First Draft
Composing a strong first draft involves using varied sentence structures while avoiding common grammatical errors. This creates a message that is clear, engaging, and professional.
 Use a Variety of Sentence Types: To make your writing more interesting and rhythmic, mix these four sentence types:
• Simple Sentence: Contains one complete thought (e.g., “The manager approved the project.”).
• Compound Sentence: Contains two complete but related thoughts joined by a conjunction (e.g., “The manager approved the project, and the team will start tomorrow.”).
• Complex Sentence: Contains one complete thought and one dependent thought (e.g., “Although the budget is tight, the manager approved the project.”).
• Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains at least two complete thoughts and one dependent thought (e.g., “Because the deadline is near, the manager approved the project, and the team will start immediately.”).
 Avoid Common Errors:
• Sentence Fragments: These are incomplete thoughts punctuated as if they were complete sentences. Fix: Add the missing subject or verb to make it a complete thought.
• Incorrect: Because the report was late.
• Correct: The presentation was delayed because the report was late.
• Run-On (Fused) Sentences: This occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation. Fix: Separate them with a period, join them with a semicolon, or add a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or).
• Incorrect: He missed the deadline the client was unhappy.
• Correct: He missed the deadline. The client was unhappy.
• Comma Splices: This error happens when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by only a comma. Fix: Use a period, a semicolon, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.
• Incorrect: The team finished the proposal, they submitted it on Friday.
• Correct: The team finished the proposal, and they submitted it on Friday.

2. Improving Writing Techniques
Effective writing goes beyond grammar; it involves strategically structuring sentences to emphasize ideas and ensure clarity.
• Emphasize Important Ideas: To make key points stand out, you can:
• Use vivid and specific words.
• Place the most important idea at the beginning or end of the sentence.
• Make the important idea the subject of the sentence.
• Use formatting like bold, italics, or bullet points sparingly.
• Employ Active and Passive Voice:
• Active Voice is generally preferred in business writing. The subject performs the action (e.g., “Our team launched the new campaign.”). It’s direct, concise, and vigorous.
• Passive Voice is used when the subject receives the action (e.g., “The new campaign was launched.”). Use it strategically to:
• Emphasize the action itself, not the person doing it.
• De-emphasize negative news.
• Conceal the doer of the action (when it’s unknown or irrelevant).
• Use Parallelism: Ensure that similar ideas are expressed in similar grammatical structures. This creates balance and makes your writing easier to read.
• Not Parallel: The new hire is competent, enthusiastic, and has a lot of skill.
• Parallel: The new hire is competent, enthusiastic, and skilled.
• Prevent Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers: A modifier is a word or phrase that describes something. It must be placed correctly to avoid confusion.
• Dangling Modifier: The word it describes is missing from the sentence.
• Incorrect: After working all night, the report was finally finished. (This implies the report was working all night).
• Correct: After working all night, we finally finished the report.
• Misplaced Modifier: The modifier is placed too far from the word it describes.
• Incorrect: The customer returned the smartphone to the store that was malfunctioning. (Was the store or the phone malfunctioning?)
• Correct: The customer returned the malfunctioning smartphone to the store.

3. Drafting Well-Organized Paragraphs
A well-organized paragraph guides the reader smoothly from one idea to the next. Every paragraph should have a topic sentence (main idea), support sentences (details and evidence), and transitional expressions (however, therefore, for example) to build coherence.
• (a) Direct Plan: The paragraph begins with the topic sentence, followed by supporting details. This is the most common pattern and is used to define, classify, illustrate, or describe.
 Example: Digital marketing offers several advantages over traditional methods. First, it allows for precise audience targeting. Second, its results are highly measurable, providing clear data on campaign performance.
• (b) Pivoting Plan: The paragraph starts with a limiting idea, then “pivots” to a contrasting point using a word like but or however. This plan is effective for comparing and contrasting.
 Example: Many companies invest heavily in social media advertising. However, email marketing often yields a higher return on investment due to its direct and personalized nature.
• © Indirect Plan: This plan starts with supporting sentences and builds up to the topic sentence at the end. It is useful for explaining negative news or trying to persuade a skeptical reader, as It allows you to present your reasoning first.
 Example: Our current software frequently crashes, causing significant delays in production. Training new employees on its complex interface is also time-consuming. For these reasons, we must invest in a new software system.

4. Revising for Conciseness
Concise messages save time, are easier to read, and make a greater impact. Trim the fat from your writing by focusing on these areas:
• Eliminate Flabby Expressions: Replace wordy phrases with shorter alternatives.
• Wordy: at this point in time → Concise: now
• Wordy: due to the fact that → Concise: because
• Cut Long Lead-ins: Get straight to the point.
• Wordy: This is to inform you that the meeting is on Tuesday.
• Concise: The meeting is on Tuesday.
• Remove Fillers: Phrases like there is/are and it is/was often delay the main idea.
• Wordy: There are three employees who are eligible for the bonus.
• Concise: Three employees are eligible for the bonus.
• Avoid Redundancies: These are needlessly repetitive words.
• Redundant: basic fundamentals, completely finished, final outcome
• Purge Empty Words: Omit words that add no meaning, such as in the case of, the fact that, and basically.
• Condense for Microblogging: On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), use abbreviations, acronyms, and shortened links to convey your message within the character limit.

5. Improving Clarity
For a message to be effective, it must be understood easily. Enhance clarity by making your writing simple and direct.
• Keep Ideas Simple (KISS): Keep It Short and Simple. Use familiar words and avoid unnecessary jargon that your audience might not understand.
• Slash Trite Business Phrases: These are stale, overused expressions that sound dated and insincere.
• Stale: pursuant to your request → Fresh: as you requested
• Stale: please do not hesitate to contact me → Fresh: please call me
• Drop Clichés: Avoid worn-out phrases like “think outside the box” or “at the end of the day.”
• Scrap Slang and Buzzwords: Slang is too informal for professional writing. Buzzwords (e.g., synergy, leverage, paradigm shift) often sound pretentious and can obscure your meaning.
• Rescue Buried Verbs: Don’t turn strong verbs into clunky nouns (a process called nominalization).
• Buried: The committee will give consideration to the proposal.
• Rescued: The committee will consider the proposal.
• Restrain Exuberance: Avoid overuse of intensifiers like very, really, and actually. They rarely add value and can make your writing sound unprofessional.

6. Proofreading for Perfection
Proofreading is the final, crucial step to ensure your document is professional and error-free.
• Recognize Problem Areas: Pay close attention to the most common sources of error:
• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.
• Incorrect names, dates, and numbers.
• Formatting and consistency issues.
• Apply Effective Techniques:
• Read Aloud: This helps you hear awkward phrasing and typos.
• Read Backwards: Reading from the last word to the first forces you to focus on individual words rather than the overall meaning.
• Use Technology Wisely: Spell and grammar checkers are helpful but not foolproof. Always do a manual review.
• Take a Break: Let the document sit for a while. You’ll spot more errors with fresh eyes.
• Get a Second Opinion: Ask a colleague to review your work, as they may catch mistakes you’ve overlooked.

7. Evaluating Message Effectiveness
After a message is sent, evaluate it to determine if it achieved its goal. An effective message successfully combines several elements. Ask yourself the following questions:
• Is the purpose clear? Does the audience immediately understand why they received the message?
• Is it easy to understand? Is the message clear, concise, and free of confusing language?
• Does it use the “you” view? Is the message focused on the audience’s interests and perspective rather than the sender’s?
• Is the tone appropriate? Does the tone fit the audience, context, and purpose?
• Is the formatting helpful? Do headings, bullet points, and white space make the document easy to scan and read?
• Was it successful? Did the message achieve its intended outcome (e.g., did the reader respond, take the requested action, or feel goodwill)?

Ravololonirina Natacha
2111031112

1. Composing the First Draft
When writing the first draft, use a mix of sentence types simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex to keep your message clear and interesting. Avoid common errors like fragments (incomplete sentences), run-on sentences (clauses joined without proper punctuation), and comma splices (two sentences joined by only a comma). Clear, varied sentences make your writing professional and easy to read.

2. Improving Writing Techniques
Highlight important ideas by placing them at the start or end of sentences or using strong, vivid words. Prefer active voice (e.g., “The manager approved the budget”) to make writing direct, but use passive voice when focusing on the action rather than the subject. Keep similar ideas in parallel form (e.g., “increase sales, reduce costs, improve quality”) and avoid errors like dangling or misplaced modifiers by placing descriptive words near the terms they modify.

3. Drafting Well-Organized Paragraphs
Strong paragraphs have a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, support sentences that explain or provide evidence, and transitions to connect ideas. Use the direct plan when explaining or describing, the pivoting plan when comparing and contrasting, and the indirect plan when persuading by building up to the main point. This structure ensures your writing is clear and logical.

4. Polishing for Conciseness
Make writing concise by cutting extra words and phrases. Replace flabby expressions (“at this point in time”) with simpler ones (“now”), remove fillers like there is or it is, and avoid redundancies (“basic essentials” → “essentials”). Short, direct writing is especially important for digital platforms like social media, where space is limited.

5. Improving Clarity
Keep your language simple and professional. Avoid trite business phrases (“as per your request”), clichés (“think outside the box”), slang, and buzzwords. Use direct verbs instead of wordy phrases (“investigate” instead of “conduct an investigation”) and limit unnecessary intensifiers like very or definitely. Clear writing makes your message easy to understand.

6. Proofreading Techniques
Proofread carefully to catch spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. For simple documents, review line-by-line immediately after writing. For complex ones, take a break before checking, read a printed copy, and go over it multiple times—first for content, then for grammar, and finally for layout and design.

7. Evaluating Message Effectiveness
After finishing, check whether your message achieved its goal—such as informing, persuading, or solving a problem. Seek feedback from others and be open to revisions. A good message is clear, concise, accurate, and meets the needs of both the sender and the reader.