Reading for Grammar

    Passage 1. (Technical Writing)
     Another set of concerns comes into play once you begin structuring your argument. Let's say that you are a technical writer for a manufacturer of water-filtration systems and have been asked to prepare a report recommending an effective strategy for marketing water filters for home use. What would be your strategy, and how would you convince your readers (the advertising director, the vice president for consumer products, and marketing representatives) that your strategy would indeed be effective? (Communicating Technology--78 words)

    Passage 2.  (Journalism)
     Nuclear-family sitcoms may be less popular than they were in the '80s, but the end of "Home Improvement" hardly constitutes the death of the genre, syndicated television writer David Bianculli said. "I'm not going to hold a wake," said Bianculli, now a New York Daily News columnist and a former television writer for The Sun. "It's just too durable a format." Television is cyclical, and the decline of traditional family sitcoms is just a dip in a longer pattern, Bianculli said. (Gainesville Sun--82 words)

    Passage 3.  (Fiction Writing)
     Even more important than Jepson's cooperation would be Windy's and Martha gave a good deal of thought to the manner of approaching him. She decided that the best thing to do would be to tell her plan frankly. As she began he listened very politely.
     "One of our hired hands is a very fine-looking young man. I wonder if you've noticed him?"
     "I don't recall," answered Windy. "There are a good many young men around."
    (The Catch Colt--76 words)