Summary

Drafting is the process of getting the words onto the paper and into paragraphs and sentences. Now that you’ve done this, you can revise your text while focusing on the various sentence problems that make your writing less effective than it could be. These problems contribute to institutional style, which includes

• Sentence branching
• Absence of action (noun-based style, passive voice)
• Unnecessary words
• Jargon, acronyms, foreign expressions
• Elegant variation

By eliminating these problem areas from your writing, you will help increase your reader’s attention to and comprehension of your work. Ineffective writing undermines your purpose and contributes to the reputation for stuffy, incomprehensible writing that persists in many large organizations.

Also, as you revise your report, you should be aware of the rules of mechanics used to ensure the quality and consistency of written materials at the World Bank. Be sure to use Bank-recommended reference texts, such as style guides and dictionaries. The final stage of reviewing your report involves the closest look at the details of style and mechanics. By paying attention to these details, you will be able to write clear, readable reports to help decision makers take appropriate action.