The process of ratiocination helps writers of all nearly all age and academic levels create better writing.
The term "ratiocination" means the process of thinking logically or following a rational train of thought. When applied to the writing process, it indicates steps taken during revision to create more effective writing. The process of ratiocination forces writers to examine specific language choices. Because it focuses on language rather than content, these steps should take place near the end of the writing process after the writer has examined substance Steps vary, but have the same purpose.
Verbs
Check verb choices by circling all linking verbs ("am," "is," "are," "was," "were," "be," "been," "being"). Some sources suggest eliminating half the linking verbs in the draft, but the point is to create stronger sentences that still convey clear meaning. Action verbs make writing more vivid.
For instance, this sentence contains a linking verb:
"Linking verbs are weaker than action verbs."
It might be rewritten with this action word:
"Linking verbs create weaker sentences than those with action verbs."
Deadwood
Good writing uses concise language to make a point. The next steps in ratiocination help highlight excess wording, or "deadwood." Cross out any uses of "very," " a lot" and "really" since they don't add substance. Place an X on unnecessary phrases like "I think" and "in my opinion." Then underline sentences with "there is" and "there are" and revise to eliminate such wording.
For example, this sentence is weak:
"There are other students in the class."
This revision creates a stronger sentence:
"Other students attend the class."
Length
Several ratiocination steps also focus on sentence length. Underline sentences using alternating colors. Examine their structure. Short sentences might be fragments and excessively long sentences might be run-ons or have too many comma splices. See if sentences that run more than two lines sound better when broken into two or more sentences. Some writing guides suggest putting brackets around the single longest sentence in the draft and re-reading it for clarity. Take steps that focus on sentence length after those that focus on cutting deadwood.
Variety
Ratiocination also focuses on sentence variety. Put brackets around the first word of each sentence to graphically identify how each begins. Revise to include a variety of structures to start sentences, such as verbals (words that end in -ing or -ed) and subordinate clauses (groups of words that start with conjunctions like "although" and "if"). Draw a wavy line under any word or phrase used more than three times in the paper and restructure to avoid such overuse.
Tags: writing process, action verbs, brackets around, focus sentence, focus sentence length