Style

Congo

Suggest improvements for the highlighted problem area: I was surprised when I was first made aware that Lake Tanganyika had no outlet in 1874. At about that time, however, tectonic activity changed local drainage systems. In 1876 Stanley determined (or at least he took credit for doing so) that the lake was draining by way of the Lukuga into the Congo. And wouldn't ya know it, fine readers, that pond on the hill let loose with ten meters of H2O over the next two-score years. Answer: - Style: Avoid Gossip - Suggestion: When it is appropriate to write from a distance, avoid giving the reader the feeling you are whispering your opinion in his or her ear. It is even more distracting when we interject opinion or gossip into our writing. For example, readers are more interested in facts than in unsubstantiated opinions: In 1876 Stanley determined (or at least he took credit for doing so) that the lake was draining by way of the Lukuga into the Congo. When we stick to our story and edit out the personal distractions, readers are presented with crisp prose: In 1876 Stanley determined that the lake was draining by way of the Lukuga into the Congo.

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