Chapter 1

One of the most common errors in business and technical writing is a lack clarity. This often occurs when the writer's thoughts are unclear. According to the text, the best way to avoid this catastrophe is to think PAFEO: purpose, audience, format, evidence, and organization. This will help the writer to think clearly and organize appropriately for understanding.

In Adelstein's article, he breaks down the writing process into 5 categories and gives the percentage of time that should be alloted to each category. Worrying receives 15 percent. Planning gets 10 percent. Writing is 25 percent of the process. Revising receives 45 percent! Finally, proofreading takes the remaining 5 percent of time.

Both of these articles can be linked by the idea that writers must first and foremost create an article that is clear to the reader. After all, 60 percent of the time allotted by Aldenstein is to be used in activities that allow the writer to clarify their work, such as planning and revising. If your writing is not clear, few will understand your message.