Which is an incorrect application of principles of clear writing?

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Multiple Choice

Which is an incorrect application of principles of clear writing?

Clear writing flows from what the reader already knows to what is new. Placing new information before old information disrupts that natural progression and makes it harder to connect ideas. For example, stating the policy first and then adding the remote-work detail—“The policy was updated this quarter to include remote work guidelines”—lets the reader anchor on the familiar topic and then receive the new detail. Reversing the order, such as “To include remote work guidelines, the policy was updated this quarter,” slows comprehension because the reader has to work to identify what’s new and what it’s about. In contrast, using personal pronouns like we and you helps engage the reader and clarifies who is involved; varying sentence length improves readability and rhythm; and avoiding passive voice tends to make statements clearer and more direct.

Clear writing flows from what the reader already knows to what is new. Placing new information before old information disrupts that natural progression and makes it harder to connect ideas. For example, stating the policy first and then adding the remote-work detail—“The policy was updated this quarter to include remote work guidelines”—lets the reader anchor on the familiar topic and then receive the new detail. Reversing the order, such as “To include remote work guidelines, the policy was updated this quarter,” slows comprehension because the reader has to work to identify what’s new and what it’s about.

In contrast, using personal pronouns like we and you helps engage the reader and clarifies who is involved; varying sentence length improves readability and rhythm; and avoiding passive voice tends to make statements clearer and more direct.

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