Tips for Literacy - Writing is the art of conveying thoughts clearly and effectively. In the world of writing, effectiveness is key. It's not just about choosing beautiful words, but crafting a message that goes straight to the reader's mind.

In the fast-paced digital era, when readers' attention lasts only seconds, good writing is not just beautiful writing -it's writing that is able to pierce, evoke, and stay in the minds of readers.

One person who mastered this art was Ernest Hemingway, a great novelist who won the Pulitzer (the highest award for writers) and the Nobel. In his trademark simple and incisive style, he offers six writing principles that continue to be relevant today.

Here are Ernest Hemingway's Six Principles of Writing in Suharjono's 'Success as a Writer: Step By Step'.

1. Use Short Sentences
Many writers get stuck in the habit of unnecessarily lengthening sentences of words, as if sentence length is a sign of depth. This doesn't mean we should write in a rigid and monotonous manner.

Short sentences are not just a technique, but a strategy to keep the reader's attention. For example:
An example of a long-winded sentence:
“In our daily lives, we often have to face various challenges that often make us think deeper to find the best solution to overcome these problems."
An example of a short sentence:
“We often face challenges that require solutions."

Short sentences are short, clear and to the point.

2. Use simple language, which is easy to understand
Simple language does not mean shallow. Many budding writers get caught up in wanting to sound clever. Instead, easy-to-understand language is a sign of depth of understanding. For example, which is more effective?

Complex version: “Implementation of more inclusive communication strategies can increase the effectiveness of message delivery."
Simplified version: “Simple communication is easier to understand and more effective.”

The message is the same, but the second one is more direct, stronger, and easier to digest.

For example, again, in the use of good Indonesian sentences. Use the 'SPO formula'. A sentence consists of a Subject (S), a designation or predicate (P), and a purpose or object (O). For example, “Mr. went to the office by motorcycle”. The sentence is complete and can stand on its own.

3. Avoid Excessive Compound Sentences
Long, convoluted sentences often leave readers disoriented. In the modern world of journalism and literature, this approach is still used to capture the attention of readers who have increasingly short attention spans. In writing, clarity is everything. A simple example:

Compound Sentences:
“I went to the market and bought vegetables and fruits, as I needed ingredients to cook the mini mala”.
Simple Sentence:
“I go to the market to buy vegetables and fruits.”

By breaking compound sentences into simpler parts, we keep the message clear and easy to digest. In this fast-paced world, Readers want quick information, not linguistic puzzles.

4. Use Active Sentences
Active sentences bring writing to life by providing energy and drive. For example:

Passive Sentence: “The novel was written by Hemingway.”
Active Sentence: “Hemingway wrote the novel.”

Active sentences are more dynamic and more direct. In writing, we have to make sure that our sentences are not only informative, but also have the energy to keep the reader engaged with the content.

5. Use Strong and Consice Language
In a digital world filled with information overload, writing with concise and powerful words helps to convey a clear message without dodging the point. For example:

Long-winded sentences:
“He's really a very extraordinary individual in many of the things he does, and many people praise him for his achievements."
Solid and powerful sentences:
“He is respected for his outstanding achievements."

Fewer words, but sharper, convey a stronger and clearer meaning. Readers won't feel trapped in unnecessary words and can immediately get the gist of the writing.

6. Use Positive Language
Words have the power to shape the way people think and feel. Avoid negative language as negative words often overwhelm the reader and reduce the impact of the writing. For example:

“Never give up.” More effective if written: “Keep Fighting.”
The message is the same, but the second version is more constructive and more uplifting.

So, before writing, ask yourself:
“Do I write to sound smart, or to make people understand?

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