English Literature

Effective essay development is an essential to understanding and effective communication. Over the years, several criteria in determining how an effective essay development differs from an averagely written composition have been established. However, although a lot of linguists and expert authors have already set several criteria for this, it seems like not one standard criterion exists which determines how effective an article is. Instead, there are just several guidelines from where authors depend on when it comes to seeking direction and guidance as to their writing. In relation to this subject matter of evaluating the effectiveness of writing strategies, it helps to look at one specific written work where in some guideline for effective writing could be laid down in order to determine whether it is an effective piece of work or not.

Topic Choice and Voice
In this light, the first piece of work which will be discussed is Douglass (1982) article entitled, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. In this article, one of the most appealing essay features is the topic itself. However, although the choice of subject matter may appear notable, the problem arises when the reader reads on and gets to realize the voice of the sentences. From the first up to the last part of this article, it is very evident that the author preferred the passive voice of sentence construction over the active voice. The active voice has always been known to put the commanding and upbeat tone of sentences. Thus, losing this may also mean losing the dynamics of the sentences. A sample passage shall serve as proof to this observation

My masters family consisted two sons, Andrew and Richard one daughter, Lucertia, and her husband, Captain Thomas Auid. They lived in one house, upon the home plantation of Colonel Edward Lloyd. My master was Colonel Lloyds clerk and superintendent. He was what might be called the overseer of the overseers. (Douglass, 53)

In this sentence, it can easily be seen that the author only used the passive voice in constructing his sentences. When talking about sentence voices, it is important to note that the passive voice always tends to weaken the impact of sentences as it does not emphasize on the actions. Because of this, the article also seemed to inflict some sense of boredom to readers as sentences tend to be monotonous and somewhat predictable. In observing the effect of the passive voice in the impact of a sentences message, it can be noted that it often displaces a very flaccid message. This may easily result to the loss of the readers attention and focus since the monotony and plainness in the word structure shall allow himher to divert hisher attention to other things. And failure to catch the audience attention in some parts may also lose the possibility of making the readers absorb the intended messages for them.

Command of Language
Apart from this, the command of language in Douglass work also seemed quite lousy. In some parts of the article, the author even made redundant usage of certain words. Although to some this may appear as a certain form of style, this actually appears to be a failure in terms of command of language as it does not impose any positive effect on the general upshot of sentences. Considering that the voice of the sentences was mostly in the passive tone, the author could have preferred words that have been more implicative and catchy so as not to lose the readers attention. However, the organization of Douglass thoughts can be considered acceptable, but it is important to note that organization does not actually impose direct effects when it comes to the interesting quality and dynamics of writing. Hence, as per the command of language and sentence construction, it is safe to say that this article by Douglass did not appear to be that effective.

However, unlike Douglass style, Kozols attack to words appears completely different in his article entitled, The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society. As what can be observed from the opening statement alone, it can be noted that Kozol possesses a more creative and inventive way of enticing readers interest and attention.

PRECAUTIONS, BEFORE USING.
Poison Contains sodium hydroxide (caustic soda-lye)
Corrosive Causes severe eye and skin damage, may cause blindness.
Harmful or fatal if swallowed.
If swallowed, give large quantities of milk or water.

Do not induce vomiting. Important Keep water out of can at all times to prevent contents from violently erupting -warning on a can of Drano (Kozol, quoted in Bloom 62-63)

Evidently, what Kozol was pinpointing in this excerpt is the illogical and ineffective warning to consumers. The intention to warn is somehow remarkable however, the manner of warning appears to be too disturbing and alarming. Basically, this kind of illogicality and ineffectiveness when it comes to relaying information is the center of Kozols arguments. The excerpt shown above is a clear depiction of how an author clearly justifies his arguments. More often than not, people have to see and experience a concept first-hand in order to completely comprehend it. And this can nonetheless be considered as a remarkable trait in talking about Kozols authorship. What makes this characteristic remarkable is the way the author makes his main argument more than just the main idea of the article. From the title itself, one can easily pin point the concern of the author. Since Kozol associated the term, society, to the title, it connotes a specific interest on the effects of illiteracy to the development or improvement of the society. Considering this, it is evident that Kozol addresses the question so what which asks about the significance of his article to the society.

Focus
In line with this, is important to note that focus is an elemental part of any essay. It must not only identify what the article is about, but it also has to determine what relevance the article poses to the readers lives. Aside from a good focus, Kozols writing style also involves more activity and dynamics as compared to that of Douglass. Most of Kozols sentences are in the active voice, and he seldom uses weak words, and instead he associates catchy and powerful words that do not just catch readers attention, but also keep them. In talking about effective writing, it is also important to consider that a good command of language is an advantage. Based from observations on different critically acclaimed authors, it can be noted that good authors usually work towards a more concise, straightforward and clear wording. This entails that effective essay development is not just about fluency and grammar mastery, but also in the logical and intelligent command of words and language. This is where Kozol appeared advantageous over Douglass. He does not only know where to tickle readers interests, but he also knows how to transform words and sentences into implicative and commanding meanings.

Essay development is a very crucial process in attaining effectiveness in written communication. The articles reviewed showed both the weak and strong kinds of essay development which emphasized on voice, command of language and focus. After having considered all the abovementioned guiding principles in effective writing, and after skimming through the works of Douglass and Kozol, it can be deduced that indeed, effective essay development is not just all about convention and written rules on grammar and spelling. Indeed, it involves style, creativity and empathic abilities to relate to readers well.