Big Picture
Who is responsible for proofreading paper before it goes to the Front Office?
The last editor. Usually the drafter, the OMS, or Program Support.
Do you place a hyphen in words like counter-narcotics (or alternatively counternarcotics)?
No. One word. Even though Word tells you you're wrong. You're not. It's you, Microsoft. Get it together.
What line spacing are we supposed to use?
Single.
When should I use two spaces instead of one?
Two spaces after periods. One space after semi colons. DAS Andrews will hunt any and all Millennials down for breaking this rule (it says so in his style guide).
Which pronouns am I allowed to use?
Stop using "we" or "our."
Say things like "INL will defend its prerogatives in the interagency."
Also, none of that singular pronoun when talking about something plural and vice versa. You know better. ;)
What is PDAS Walsh's pet peeve when it comes to paper?
Anything that's unnecessarily lengthy! Keep it brief.
When should you use United States vs. U.S.?
United States is a noun. U.S. is an adjective.
Examples:
The United States fought corruption with every weapon in its arsenal.
U.S. anticorruption efforts use every weapon in the arsenal.
Which acronyms do I have to spell out?
Any and all acronyms that are not on the approved style guide list.
When should I use hyphens and dashes and what's the difference?
Use a single hyphen within and between words. Use only en dashes to set off a phrase within a sentence (hit two dashes and enter to get the uncomfortably long en dash).
What about adjectives? Am I allowed to use those?
Sure! But in moderation. This isn't a 500 page Jane Austen novel. Let's remember the PDAS's advice and keep it brief.
Should I use bullet points or other punctuation in paper?
Yes! Be speed reader friendly.
How do you correctly spell phonetically?
Capitalize only the stressed syllable and separate syllables by dashes.
Example: Ngoc Nguyen [nahk nuh-WEN]
Should my whole document be in Times New Roman font, size 12?
Yes! Except for classification headers, footers, and page numbers. Use Times New Roman font, size 10, with page numbers formatted as -1-
Is it DAS's or DASes?
I know it looks funky... but if you are talking about multiple DASes, it is spelled <-- that way. If you are talking about something a DAS has or owns, then it's DAS's.
I've been avoiding using affect and effect my whole life. Can someone please tell me the difference?
Affect is the verb - to impact or change.
Effect is the noun - whatever happens because of the change.
This style guide jeopardy positively affected the whole office!
The effect of this style guide jeopardy is that everyone learned how to write paper for the FO.
Bad examples, but you get the point.
Which of the following is written in active voice?
The resolution was submitted at UNTOC.
The United States sponsored the resolution at UNTOC.
The United States sponsored the resolution at UNTOC.
Always use active voice!
Spell all of the principals' names.
Kirsten Madison
James Walsh
Jorgan Andrews
Tobin Bradley
Heidi Fulton
When should I capitalize things?
Do not capitalize nouns unless they are full formal nouns/names. Common lowercase examples are: post, embassy, minister, president, country (parliament). Nouns like Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary, and President (when referring to POTUS) should always be capitalized.
When, is, it, necessary, to, add, commas,?
Use the style guide for this one, folks! Always use the oxford comma (he's nice). As a friendly reminder, all commas and periods go inside the quotation mark, but semicolons and colons stay outside.
What about verb tense? Is it important to use the same verb tense throughout?
Yes, peeps! If it's current, keep it current. If it's in the past, hit them with the past tense. If you're talking about something in the future, use future tense! Just don't get tense trying to use the same tense. :D
What's the name of the document we are supposed to "know by heart" when it comes to writing paper?
The "Executive Secretariat Style Guide." You can find it on Infolink on the intranet.
When should I use U.S. spelling vice U.K. spelling?
If you are drafting a document for the USG, you should use U.S. spelling. If you are drafting a document for someone in the U.K., use U.K. spelling.
Just make sure you're using the word bloody correctly - let's hope you don't need it either way.
How can I fix indentation misalignment and should I?
Abso-freaking-lutely. Don't turn in ugly paper! You can use the ruler on the toolbar (under View menu) to line up your paragraphs, bullets, indentations, etc.
What about lists inside lists? Complicated, I know. Should I use semi-colons or commas?
"INL programs assist Serbia in curbing corruption; successfully investigation, prosecuting, and adjudicating TOC; modernizing its law enforcement agencies; upholding international human rights standards; and meeting EU rule of law standards."
P.S. Did you spot the oxford comma? I told you he was nice.
Can I use DoS? State? The Department?
“Department of State,” “State Department,” and “the Department,” are all acceptable in internal documents. . Use “State” for clarity in interagency documents and/or when discussing multiple agencies. Use “Department of State” in legal or public documents and in external correspondence.