Action
Say what should happen
Put the request, decision, or promise near the start.
Writing lesson
Make writing easier for the reader
Good writing is not only correct. It lowers the reader's effort and makes the next action obvious.
Pressure moment
The reader can guess your meaning, but the message is too long, vague, abrupt, or hard to act on.
23
source prompts
6
formats
10-20 min
best test
Mental model
Action first, context second, extra detail last.
Repair sequence
Turn vague or stiff writing into clear, useful English.
Context
Add only useful context
Keep the reason short unless the reader needs it to decide.
Tone
Choose the right pressure
Work writing needs clarity without sounding cold or demanding.
Before and after
The difference users should feel
Weak
We will do it soon.
Strong
We will send the updated draft by Friday afternoon.
Why: Soon is vague; Friday afternoon is actionable.
Weak
Send feedback.
Strong
Could you send me your feedback by Thursday?
Why: The stronger version has tone and deadline.
Micro-drills
Short practice that proves the lesson worked
One-line rewrite
4 minRewrite a weak answer in one shorter sentence.
Proof: The action is visible without rereading.
Reader effort check
3 minAsk what the reader should do next.
Proof: The next action is obvious.
Tone softener
4 minAdd could, please, thanks, or a clear deadline where useful.
Proof: The message is polite but still specific.
Prompt bank
Live diagnostics behind this lesson
responseB2
A client asks for an update, but the project is delayed. Write a 2-3 sentence reply.
choiceB2
Which thesis sounds stronger for an IELTS-style essay?
textB2
Rewrite: Due to the fact that the meeting was late, we made a cancellation of it.
responseB1
Ask a colleague to reschedule a meeting from Monday to Wednesday.