The tone of a piece of writing refers to the stylistic manner in which opinions and emotions are expressed. Consider using these adjectives when analyzing compositions.
This entry continues with a list of adjectives to describe tone.
This picture is from a Google Image search for "ambivalent." Try completing the sentence in a manner that expresses the meaning of the word and incorporates elements from the picture.
dictionary.com: ambivalent
Some words and phrases tend to weaken the effect of a piece of writing because they do not enhance the meaning of the document. Consider avoiding these vague expressions and "empty" modifiers that add little value to your writing.
The voice of an action verb refers to the relationship of the verb to the subject.
Bob made a decision.
The subject is "Bob" and the verb is "made." The subject performed the action: Bob is the one who made the decision. The verb "made" is in the active voice.
A decision was made.
The subject is "decision" and the verb is "was made." The subject did not perform the action: the decision did not make anything. In this sentence, the subject received the action so the verb is in the passive voice.
There are several ways to improve your writing for the college entrance examinations and your college application essays.
This sentence features a form of weak syntax known as "expletive construction." Phrases that begin with "there" or "it" and a form of "to be" are often unnecessarily wordy and should generally be avoided. (The word "expletive," when used as an adjective, can mean "serving to fill a vacancy" and refers to the lack of meaning offered by these phrases.)
Notice the impact made by restructuring the sentence to avoid the expletive construction:
You can improve your writing for the college entrance examinations and your college application essays in several ways.
Removing the expletive phrase "There are" places more …
