Activity 17 Style Reread one paragraph of your essay. Count the number of words in each sentence. Is each sentence made up of approximately the same number of words? Good writers vary sentence length. For example… A revolution is an event or movement which differs from all other kinds of events or movements by the following marks of distinction : (a) it involves political, social, or intellectual change; (b) it involves political, social, or intellectual upheaval. Many revolutions begin quietly, eventually erupting in bloodshed. Many begin quietly and continue to evolve through a series of imperceptible transformations. Most revolutions arouse passion. Some quiet or fulfill our fears. No matter what the form, however, revolutions are integral to human existence. Read your opening paragraph aloud. Listen as you read. Count the number of words in your sentences. If the opening paragraph puts you to sleep, or if it contains sentences with similar word counts, tighten individual sentences (get to the verb quickly), sharpen the focus of other sentences (clarify agent and action), and vary sentence length (lengthy, explanative, complex sentences followed by short declarative, summary sentences).