The Most Important Element of Style

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The Most Important Element of Style

I've collected numerous ideas from both Joseph William's book Style Toward Clarity and Grace and William Strunk and E.B. White's The Elements of Style. These books serve as reference guides to writers seeking guidance in improving their writing skills. I feel the text format of any writing is the most important element of style.

The text layout in regards to style deals with font, size and contrast. The font makes the text. You are able to change the font to show importance or the use quotes. An example would be "bolding" an example. A normal font such as Times Roman can be used to for the body. However, a font such as Arial Black allows the text to stand out. Changes in size also have the same effect. These adjustments in the format of the text also creates a contrast in the writing. This allows the reader to easily identify the important points. I feel Strunk and White choose a design that is easy to read and sticks directly to the point. The reader is able to locate the issue and find the solution and an example to problem. The style issue is listed by number and bolded to stand out. An example of the same correct style issue is given in different versions. This allows the reader to apply such style to their own writings. These different topics are stated in bold to be easily read. The guide gives the reader good examples to assist in their writings. This is important because the reader is searching for something particular and seeking a particular resolution. Providing an easy to read guide is extremely helpful. A guide that is easy to navigate decreases the stress often associated with writing. The ability to find things easy is always helpful.

The layout in Williams’ text is not easy to read. The paragraphs often seem connected. The effect of text format to prefered reading is evident in this guide. Several of my classmates agreed that this guide was not as easily accessible as Strunk & White. These feelings were solely based upon the format of the text.

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