Good writing is concise and precise; therefore, before a work is published, writers must clarify their thoughts by deleting unnecessary words and phrases such as needless repetition (redundancy) and empty sentences (useless fillers). It helps to avoid passive voice, changing passive verbs (forms of "to be" such as "is" or "was") to action verbs. Directions: Read the following paragraph. Then answer the following questions, revising the sentences to delete wordiness.

(1) I am going to write an essay about Sherman Alexie's article. (2) The article is named "Superman and Me." (3) Literacy provides opportunities; higher levels of literacy opens more doors. (4) In author Sherman Alexie's LA Times article, "Superman and Me," he writes about the significance of literacy and how significant it is in underserved populations of Americans. (5) Author Sherman Alexie, starts by telling his LA Times readers about his biographical information and background details. (6) The next paragraphs written are a description of his childhood home. (7) He is making a statement about equity because of this essay. (8) I think that he is providing Americans with an insight so that they might understand that importance of funding education in a fair and equitable manner. (9) Education is key. (10) This is why his article is important.