EMPHASIS!

1. EMPHASIS!

2. Emphasis • Due to the tendency to raise one’s voice at the end of a sentence, the last few words are naturally emphasized. • Identify what needs to be emphasized (important information, technical terms) and adjust your sentence accordingly.

3. Important Information • In sentences in which the important information is not at the end, the focus is unclear to the reader. • Put important information at the end.

4. Examples IMPORTANT! • You have not sent us your December progress report, according to our records. • Correction: According to our records, you have not mailed us your December progress report. • Our tests show that reliability increased by 15 percent, for example. • Correction: For example, our tests show that reliability increased by 15 percent. IMPORTANT!

5. Exercises • Your landlord will evictif you do not pay your rent at the end of the month. • Correction: If you do not pay your rent by the end of the month, your landlord will evict you. • You are more likely to win the lottery if you play more often. • If you play more often, you are more likely to win the lottery. IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT!

6. Technical Terms • If your sentence contains unfamiliar technical terms, start it with more commonly known words. • This will enhance the reader’s ability to comprehend the context of these terms.

7. Examples • Fast-twitch fibers and slow-twitch fibers are two basic types of muscle fibers. • Correction: Muscles have two types of fibers: fast twitch and slow twitch. • Resistors are parts of a circuit that affect the flow of electric current. • Correction: In a circuit, the flow of electric current is affected by resistors. TECHNICAL! TECHNICAL!

8. Exercises • Leachate is the water run-off from a landfill. • Correction: The water run-off from a landfill is called leachate. • The concert masteris the first violin in an orchestra. • Correction: The first violin in an orchestra is the concert master. Leachate TECHNICAL! TECHNICAL! concert master

9. Insect repellents are available in various forms and concentrations. Aerosol and spray products are intended for skin applications as well as for treating clothing. Liquid, cream, lotion, spray, and stick products enable direct skin application. Products with a low concentration of the active ingredient may be appropriate for situations where exposure to insects is minimal. A higher concentration of the active ingredient may be useful in highly infested areas, or with insect species that are more difficult to repel. And where appropriate, consider nonchemical ways to deter biting insects—screens, netting, long sleeves, and slacks.

10. Insect repellents are available in various forms and concentrations. Liquid, cream, lotion, spray, and stick products enable direct skin application; you may also use spray products for treating clothing. In highly infested areas or for insects that are harder to repel, use a repellent with a high concentration. In areas where exposure to insects is minimal use a repellant with a low concentration. Where appropriate, consider nonchemical ways such as screens, netting, long sleeves, and slacks to prevent biting insects.

11. The EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents. Repellents should be applied only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use under clothing. Repellents should not be applied over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. When using sprays, do not spray directly onto the face; spray your hands and then apply to your face. Don’t apply to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. This products should not be handled by children, and do not apply to children’s hands. Do not spray in enclosed areas. Avoid breathing a repellent spray, and do not use it near food. Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heaving application and saturation is unnecessary for effectiveness; if biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, apply a bit more.

12. The EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents and sprays. Use just enough repellent to cover your exposed skin and/or your clothing (as directed on the product label). To prevent breathing in a repellent, spray your hands before rubbing on face. Avoid applying repellents to eyes, mouth, wounds, or irritated skin, while using little around ears. Spray in well-ventilated areas that are away from food. Apply products for children with the exception of their hands. If biting continues, sparingly apply more.