如果大家对写作有兴趣，并且希望改进自己的文章，《On Writing Well》是一本必读的书。这本书是英文原版，但语言较为通俗，整体来说比较容易懂。它可以给人关于写作（不只是英语写作）的启示，而且语言富含哲理性。

这是给几代美国人带来启发的写作经典，文风流畅，非常朴实。经典不会过时，值得反复阅读，可以通过它提升自己的写作。

内容简介

本书详细地介绍了写作的准则、方法、形式以及写作的态度，不同的题材都有不同的讲解，不管是关于人物、商务、运动、人文还是自传，你都可以从中找到启发。书中的原则和观点已经被几代作家和学生分享，是一本文学创作的教科书和自学指导书籍。

部分读书笔记——英文写作6要4不要：

1. Do - prune out every word that does not perform a necessary function. Strip each sentence to its cleanest components. A clear sentence is no accident. 删除掉任何无功能语言，使每一句子成分达到最简。一个简洁的句子不是随便来的。

2. Do - use the thesaurus liberally. Learn the small gradations between words that seem to be synonyms. 使用辞典。学习近义词之间微小的层级区别。

3. Do - try to improve the rhythm by reversing the order of a sentence, substituting a word that has freshness or oddity, and by varying the lengths of sentences. 通过修改词序，替换词语，改变句长提高句子的节奏感。4. Do - make your first sentence the best one - your lead must capture the reader.让文章第一句话成为全文最佳——导语必须要吸引人。

5. Do - make each sentence lead into the next. Readers think linearly. 句子之间要相关联。读者的思维是线性的。6. Do - Take special care with the last sentence in your paragraph - its the springboard to the next paragraph. 特别注意段落中的最后一个句子——它是到下一段落的跳板。On the other hand: 1. Don't - use passive verbs unless there is no comfortable way to use an active verb. 能用主动时态，就不用被动语态。

2. Don't - use adverbs that convey the same meaning as your strong active verb - prune it out.删除掉任何和强动词表达一个意思的副词。

3. Don't - use adjectives when the concept is already in your carefully chosen noun - prune it out. 删除掉任何已经，含在所用名词概念中的形容词。

4. Don't - use small words that qualify how you feel: a bit; a little; sort of; and dozens more. Good writing is lean and confident. 不要使用一点、一些这样的词汇来表达你的感受。好的写作是精炼的、自信的。