Max gives us the thesis immediately, in plain language. We don’t have to hunt for or guess at the main point.
This one-sentence paragraph: “Sometimes, the audience isn’t even born yet.” Although it could fit in the next paragraph, setting it apart makes us pause—as if Max asked, “Have you thought about that?” without writing the words.
He breaks the rules with intention: “Because great writing is often uncomfortably honest.” Yes, it’s a dependent clause, but it works. It sounds conversational, like something he’d say aloud. Clear and conversational beats technical correctness.
The conclusion: “In essence, he was describing the power of discourse.” A one-sentence conclusion might feel incomplete or gimmicky in a weaker article. Here it works because it echoes the introduction—matching in length (one sentence) and language (key word: discourse).
A very interesting article. I began to wonder myself what my have become of Bolger? I unfortunately, have no Military background but I always wished I could have. I often read These articles and find many very telling and compelling about today's Military. Thank you.
Four things I love about this article:
Max gives us the thesis immediately, in plain language. We don’t have to hunt for or guess at the main point.
This one-sentence paragraph: “Sometimes, the audience isn’t even born yet.” Although it could fit in the next paragraph, setting it apart makes us pause—as if Max asked, “Have you thought about that?” without writing the words.
He breaks the rules with intention: “Because great writing is often uncomfortably honest.” Yes, it’s a dependent clause, but it works. It sounds conversational, like something he’d say aloud. Clear and conversational beats technical correctness.
The conclusion: “In essence, he was describing the power of discourse.” A one-sentence conclusion might feel incomplete or gimmicky in a weaker article. Here it works because it echoes the introduction—matching in length (one sentence) and language (key word: discourse).
Dan Bolger authored more books as well, I believe I have two of them about the US training experience at the early NTC.
A very interesting article. I began to wonder myself what my have become of Bolger? I unfortunately, have no Military background but I always wished I could have. I often read These articles and find many very telling and compelling about today's Military. Thank you.