Writing Well Matters

We are living in a world that is more inter-connected than ever. With just a click of a icon, we can communicate with anyone, at any time, anywhere. One way we communicate with others is through the written word. Writing is a way of communicating ideas and information, and it is also a form of self-expression.

There are different forms of written communication. Letters, books, newpapers, personal journals, and even graffiti are all forms of written communication, so the better one is able to write, the better one is able to communicate.

Unfortunately, for some students, writing well can be difficult, so they avoid courses in which essays constitute a high percentage of the final mark. Others see it as unnecessary, believing that the career path they intend to pursue will not require good composition skills. However, in post secondary studies, the ability to write well is necessary, regardless of a student's major. In the workplace, it is important that written work—reports, business letters, or instructions for others to follow—be clear, organized and concise, and that it employs appropriate language and proper grammar.

Not knowing grammar rules can lead to the following statement: I like cooking dogs and cats. Inserting commas into the sentence changes the meaning completely: I like cooking, dogs, and cats. But not all grammar mistakes are humourous.

In 2002, Rogers® Canada‎ lost a large amount of money due to a comma that was mistakenly inserted in a contract that Rogers® had drawn up with a telephone company. The agreement was for Rogers® to rent telephone poles from the company at $9.60 per pole for five years, after which time either could end the

contract. But when the contract was drawn up, it read: "This agreement shall be effective from the date it is made and shall continue in force for a period of five years from the date it is made, and thereafter for successive five year terms, unless and until terminated by one year prior notice in writing by either party.” By inserting a comma after the word "made", the middle part of the sentence was turned into a nonessential clause. This allowed the statement to read that the contract could be ended at any point by either party. The telephone company took advantage of the added comma to end the contract after just two years. They then raised the rental price, charging Rogers® $18.91 per pole. Rogers® took the telephone company to court but lost.

Grammar is important. Language is important.

Writing well is important.