I. Words and express
1. A thonier problem is raised by the feminists' annoyance with words that contain "man".
thorny: bristling with perplexities. (synonymous: hard, difficult)
2. Writing is like a good watch——it should run smoothly and have no extra parts.
十分精彩的比喻,把好的写作比做钟表,顺畅且没有冗余。
3.I like to replace a humdrum word with one that has more precision or color. I like to rephrase a drab sentence to give it a more pleasing rhythm or a more graceful musical line.
humdrum: not challenging; dull and lacking excitement.
drab: lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise.
Zinsser用词的丰富与简练需要从多个句子的对比来感受,比如"replace"和"rephrase",“humdrum”和"drab"。
4.The reader plays a major role in the act of writing and must be given room to play it.
前半句"play a major role"看起来平淡无奇,而后半句的"give room to play it"立刻让这句话变得生动起来,形象地说明了作者无须过度解释,要留给读者理解的空间。
5. If you follow your affections you will write well and will engage your readers.
engage: engage or engross wholly.