ALC CC
Over view Next, you will identify elements of structure inherent to Army writing. The structure of Army writing is simple and consists of two elements: the first, “begin with the main idea,” and the second, “packaging.”
Begin with the Main Idea All Army writing should begin with the main idea. The greatest weakness in ineffective writing is that it does not quickly transmit a focused message. Introductions with the “bottom line” first, as business writers do, focuses on the topic immediately. One test you can use to see if your writing meets this element is to ask yourself, “What information would I keep if I had to get rid of all the rest?” If your writing begins with the answer to this question, then you have met the criteria.
Packaging The second element of effective Army writing is packaging. Packaging is the general framework of the writing style. Packaging consists of the following requirements:
•Open with a short, clear purpose sentence;
•Place the recommendation, conclusion, or most important information (the main point) next. Some writing combines the purpose and the main point;
•Clearly separate each major section. Use paragraphs, headings, or section titles;
•Use a specific format if one is appropriate.
These two elements of structure––main idea first and packaging––will greatly aid you in creating effective documents and correspondence.
Passive Voice
The two essential requirements for good Army writing are putting the main point in the introduction and using the active voice.
While using passive voice is not necessarily wrong, and is sometimes appropriate, the Army emphasizes the use of active voice in correspondence. This makes your writing clearer and more direct.
Why should we avoid using passive voice?
1. Passive voice creates sentences that are indirect, unfocused, and slows communication
2. Passive voice hides the doer of the action, blocking communication
3. Active voice is direct, natural, and forceful
Begin with the Main Idea All Army writing should begin with the main idea. The greatest weakness in ineffective writing is that it does not quickly transmit a focused message. Introductions with the “bottom line” first, as business writers do, focuses on the topic immediately. One test you can use to see if your writing meets this element is to ask yourself, “What information would I keep if I had to get rid of all the rest?” If your writing begins with the answer to this question, then you have met the criteria.
Packaging The second element of effective Army writing is packaging. Packaging is the general framework of the writing style. Packaging consists of the following requirements:
•Open with a short, clear purpose sentence;
•Place the recommendation, conclusion, or most important information (the main point) next. Some writing combines the purpose and the main point;
•Clearly separate each major section. Use paragraphs, headings, or section titles;
•Use a specific format if one is appropriate.
These two elements of structure––main idea first and packaging––will greatly aid you in creating effective documents and correspondence.
Passive Voice
The two essential requirements for good Army writing are putting the main point in the introduction and using the active voice.
While using passive voice is not necessarily wrong, and is sometimes appropriate, the Army emphasizes the use of active voice in correspondence. This makes your writing clearer and more direct.
Why should we avoid using passive voice?
1. Passive voice creates sentences that are indirect, unfocused, and slows communication
2. Passive voice hides the doer of the action, blocking communication
3. Active voice is direct, natural, and forceful