Memorandum
To: Professor Moody Samuel Farag
From: Anthony, Rida, Ross, and Vrutanti
Date: November 22, 2024
Subject: Efficient Writing
Dear Professor,
Writing skills are important as textual communication is very common nowadays, and a small
mistake could lead to a large misunderstanding. It will be increasingly necessary for people to be
conscious of their writing errors as written communication gains prevalence. Our group
members, Anthony, Rida, Ross, and Vrutanti, worked on this assignment using OneDrive’s real-
time co-authoring feature to discuss our writing errors.
Difficulty Starting to Write
The task of putting the first words on the paper induces overthinking and procrastination.
Making revisions feels difficult because we see the writing as fixed once on paper, bringing
uncertainties. This often makes us question the most suitable format, tune, and structure. A
procedure involving brainstorming, detailed outlines, and creative writing styles calms the initial
phases.
Excessive Time Spent on the Writing Process
We usually spend majority of the time on rewriting because of a perfectionist writing mindset.
Despite drastically enhancing the text, it takes a long time. The rewriting process hits a point of
diminishing returns, where the time consumed is not worth the minor improvements.
Uncertainties on What to Include
Deciding what information to include in a written piece can be daunting, especially with broad or
ambiguous topics. Choosing the right ideas is even harder when a word limit is introduced. This
can lead to either overloading the text with unnecessary details or omitting critical information.
Prioritizing content by its relevance to the topic can help us with overcoming this issue.
Message Organization
Messages are poorly organized when the context and clarity behind the goal or any project is not
clear. Moreover, it causes disorganized content and mixed conclusions, where there is no
coherent introduction behind any new idea. To resolve this, we need to focus on one idea for
each paragraph.
Wording
We struggle to find the right words while editing to maintain clarity and cogence. Excessive
obsession with wording even takes the writer’s attention away from other important aspects of
writing. This problem can be mitigated with practice and by keeping simple word choices.
Organization of Paragraphs
Ending and starting paragraphs appropriately can be complex for us. Paragraphs are sometimes
far too long or fragmented prematurely, impacting the overall flow. Paying attention to paragraph
length and ensuring that each one conveys a single is an effective approach to ensuring
paragraphs are organized.
Understanding the Reader’s Interests and Needs
If our text includes too much factual data, it can disinterest the reader altogether. Moreover, it
can lead to the reader forming an ill-defined idea of the main concept. To avoid this, it is
important to understand the aim and thought process of the end readers before starting.
Mechanical Errors
Mechanical errors occur when our writing is rushed. We often translate our ideas onto the paper
without caring for how they appear to the reader. In trying to save time writing, the reader is
impacted by a lower quality piece. The catastrophic spelling, punctuation, and grammar issues
arising from this tendency make it hard to read the document.
Writing errors are ubiquitous and many overestimate the quality of their writing. Mechanical
errors, organization, paragraph use, and unfamiliarity with the writing process significantly
impact the power of a written message, therefore it is paramount for us to improve in these areas
to maximize one’s writing ability. Getting to know your audience is distinct factor that can either
amplify how well the communication is received or render any kind of effort behind it useless.
Anthony, Rida, Ross, and Vrutanti
