How to Apply the Elements of Style
Journey Goal
How to Apply the Elements of Style Goal
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WHY?
Most of us English speakers don't know English. We learn grammar rules as rituals: sounding sentences out until we begin to abide by behavioral paradigms. In a single day, you can correct this. Apply the Elements of Style to understand how to organize prose and be the ultimate communicator: not only will you ace CARS; you will finally be able to think and speak clearly - cutting through all verbal diarrhea.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk
Get ready to change your life.
The Elements of Style is not only the ultimate writing weapon: it might just be the ultimate CARS weapon.
We'll show you how in this Journey.
It's short, and the best part? It's completely free!
Download your PDF here.
Highlighter
Did you know you can highlight on the MCAT? Highlighting is an essential skill to shave off seconds of time and allow you to ensure you answer what you are being asked. If you aren’t a highlighter, start with this set of Sharpie Colors: which receive an “OPTIMAL” rating from MCAT Adventure.
Get your highlighters here.
AAMC Official Practice Content
The AAMC is the best place to simulate CARS passages, hands down.
We highly recommend starting with their official guide here - which includes practice passages; and continuing to purchase their full online study material: which gives all the practice content you need to ace the MCAT.
Equipment
① GET the book
%
Done
WHY?
It will not only revolutionize
your writing,
it will change the way
you comprehend the
English language: including CARS
NEVER
*Put this off.
ALWAYS
*Try to make the book easily accessible.
Print a handout if necessary.
TIPS
*It’s free!
As a public domain book.
Get a PDF here.
If you are acoustic, listen here.
② OPEN up your writing sample
%
Done
WHY?
Stringently applying the elements
on yourself is the fastest
means of adopting them.
NEVER
*Choose something inconsequential.
ALWAYS
*Ensure the sample is both recent and accurate.
TIPS
*Pull up or write your personal statement:
I can’t think of
a more perfect writing sample!
③ CONVICT yourself
%
Done
WHY?
The more incorrect usage you find
in your own writing:
the more you can improve upon it.
Mark these misuses accordingly.
*Go easy on yourself.
ALWAYS
*Have fun being as harsh as possible.
TIPS
*Meaning: find where you are guilty.
You are not a perfect writer, ergo:
you can improve.
%
Done
WHY?
Now the book has become more functional:
a guide and reminder.
NEVER
*Overhighlight.
ALWAYS
*Make the most broken rules noticeable.
TIPS
*This makes your
book copy more actionable.
⑤ LOOK UP misunderstood english terms
%
Done
WHY?
Part of CARS
is looking at structural logic.
These terms give you a vocabulary
for organizing and displaying thought.
NEVER
*Ignore terms.
ALWAYS
*Start seeing text as clusters of words.
TIPS
*Recall “rain” from the three R’s of Remembering?
Apply the terms on real text.
⑥ GO through the book again
%
Done
WHY?
It is a small, dense book.
Going through it again
with renewed understanding
of its language will help you ultimately
apply it to MCAT passages.
NEVER
*Read like a zombie.
ALWAYS
*Have an internal monologue while reading.
TIPS
*Read for enjoyment.
It’s a short book!
⑦ WRITE habitually
%
Done
WHY?
Writing shouldn’t be a chore:
it should be as fluid as releasing a faucet,
or driving.
Now that you know the traffic signs – write.
Write freely!
NEVER
*Write like a zombie.
ALWAYS
*Write about information
you are passionate about.
Perhaps reflect on habits.
TIPS
*Write with confidence;
try an inexpensive fountain pen.
*The more you write,
the more you notice upon reading.
⑧ DISSECT cars passages
%
Done
WHY?
How an argument is presented
is a clear indicator of the author’s thought process.
Understanding the author’s elements of style
will help you in the CARS courtroom
NEVER
*Take too much time.
ALWAYS
*Analyze the author’s intentions.
TIPS
*Criticize the passages.
It’s pretty fun,
tricks you into reading them,
and dissecting their logos.
Equipment
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