Compare Views on Writing

During their interviews, Bank managers were given a list of writing characteristics and asked to rank the five most important. In this activity, you’ll see how your views about writing compare with the views of these Bank managers.

From the list below, select only the 5 items you consider most important and rank them (1 = most important, 5 = lowest of the 5). The characteristics are presented here in alphabetical order. After you rank them, click Submit. You will then see the rankings from Bank managers. You will also see how the managers ranked the top five skills they believe staff must learn in order to write more effectively.

Analytically sound
Well reasoned; arguments supported with evidence

“Bottom line on top”
Clearly stated main message near the beginning

Comprehensive
Leaves no possible question unaddressed

Concise
No longer than necessary

Diplomatic tone
Language deferential, indirect, follows formula

Good English
Free from significant errors in grammar, spelling, usage, punctuation, etc.

Hierarchy evident
Supporting details clearly distinguished from key thematic ideas

Objectives clear

Open-ended
Allows reader to interpret meaning

Paragraph structure
Topic sentences carry “story line”; paragraphs are coherent

Readable style
Sentences and word choice allow for easy comprehension

Recommendations clear
Desired actions/recommendations explicitly stated, easy to find

Visual direction and appearance
Layout, formatting, and headings support the logic