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Writing Assignment 1: Rewriting for the web (chunking and scanning).

  1. Find a web page that has a large amount of dense copy that is geared for a specialized audience (use this page that we studied in class as a guideline). If you can't find such a page to work on, try one of the 2020 "Strategic Direction" pages or the English department graduate page.
  2. Using the guidelines we learned in the Yahoo Style Guide, chapter 1, rewrite the copy so that it is concise:
    • Frontload important content, improve readability, and cute unnecessary content.
    • Put verbs first, use the imperative mood, and make test reader-centered. Break content into headings and bullets.
    • Where necessary, suggest ways to move content to a linked page (underline links and put linked content on a separate page at the bottom).
  3. Code the content as html using Notepad or an HTML editor at home. Make sure you include the URL of the page you are rewriting at the bottom. (If you can't remember how to do this, bring the assignment to class as a Word document.)
  4. Publish your rewritten content on your personal web site as writing1.html. (We'll go over his in class if you are having trouble).
  5.