TOW #1 - "How to Say Nothing"

             A 500 word essay is not enough to bring world piece or cure cancer, but it is enough to state an opinion on an insignificant topic. Paul Roberts emphasizes the importance of the way a writer handles these essays in "How to Say Nothing in 500 Words". As an author of multiple writing textbooks (including English Syntax and Patterns of English), Roberts writes to students in either college or high school who need improvement in their essays and teaches them how to say nothing effectively. To achieve this, he uses a variety of rhetorical devices, including anecdotes, enumeration,  and juxtaposition. He kicks-off the essay with a relatable anecdote about writing a painful essay on college football. This immediately draws the reader in because every student has experienced the procrastination he describes, and the defeat of the "D". He then enumerates how the student can improve upon their writing by braking it down into avoiding the obvious, taking the less usual side, getting specific, getting to the point, and how different words have different effects. This shows the reader exactly what to focus on when writing their own essay, which helps him to improve their writing, which is his ultimate goal. His juxtaposition really clinches the end of the essay by proving that his words ring true. He writes, "Beware also of nouns of very general meaning, like circumstances, cases, instances, aspects, factors, relationships, attitudes, eventualities, etc. In most circumstances you will find that those cases of writing which contain too many instances of words like these will in this and other aspects have factors leading to unsatisfactorily relationships with the reader" (Roberts 67). On any other essay, the latter sentence would be re-read several times, resulting in ineffectiveness. However, the placement of phrases actually proves Roberts' point that these over-used words are not always the best choice. Paul Roberts cleverly helps students with their prose through relatable anecdotes, specific enumeration, and thoughtful enumeration in "How to Say Nothing in 500 Words".

What you'll see if you follow Paul Roberts' advice!