Having just finished my conference with Dr. Holmevik, I have to say that style was one of the biggest issues we covered regarding my thesis proposal. Active language versus passive, especially in a proposal, is much more engaging. I thought I used active language, but I was mistaken.
I do like the style refresher in this chapter, but in conversation with some of my colleagues, it came to my attention that they were not as pleased with the style recommendations the author made. I think this is due primarily to the level of attachment most folks have to their writing style at the graduate level. After all, if it worked for two decades, in most cases, why not continue with it now? I maintain that in building a rhetorically-sound and persuasive argument in favor of your proposal, you need to adjust your language to fit the paradigm. Leave the longer sentences for when you have time and page space, such as in the final report.
I may use this style guide in teaching next semester as well as the prescribed texts.
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And when the paradigm is wrong? What then?
(And don't give me that "truth is socially constructed" B.S. If you just went along with the paradigm, you'd still be taking marching orders from Bush. (In a more philosophical manner, that is.))
DTR
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