The Sense of Style

Identify two traditional writing rules that Steven Pinker argues against. Why does he feel they are invalid or unhelpful? Explain.

Select one passage from the book and analyze it according to the terms of “classic style” laid out in Chapter 2. How does Pinker lead his reader through the steps of his logic?

What does Pinker’s background as a cognitive linguist add to a book about prose style? Use examples from the text.