Style Learning Skill

Extract and codify writing style from exemplar text for consistent application.

Approach: Feature Extraction + Exemplar Reference

This skill combines two complementary methods:

• Feature Extraction: Quantifiable style metrics (sentence length, vocabulary complexity, structural patterns)

• Exemplar Reference: Specific passages that demonstrate desired style

Together, these create a comprehensive style profile that can guide content generation and editing.

Required TodoWrite Items

• style-learner:exemplar-collected

• Source texts gathered

• style-learner:features-extracted

• Quantitative metrics computed

• style-learner:exemplars-selected

• Representative passages identified

• style-learner:profile-generated

• Style guide created

• style-learner:validation-complete

• Profile tested against new content

Step 1: Collect Exemplar Text

Gather representative samples of the target style.

Minimum requirements:

• At least 1000 words of exemplar text

• Multiple samples preferred (shows consistency)

• Same genre/context as target output

Exemplar Sources

Step 2: Feature Extraction

Load: @modules/feature-extraction.md

Vocabulary Metrics

Metric How to Measure What It Indicates

Average word length chars/word Complexity level

Unique word ratio unique/total Vocabulary breadth

Jargon density technical terms/100 words Audience level

Contraction rate contractions/sentences Formality

Sentence Metrics

Metric How to Measure What It Indicates

Average length words/sentence Complexity

Length variance std dev of lengths Natural variation

Question frequency questions/100 sentences Engagement style

Fragment usage fragments/100 sentences Stylistic punch

Structural Metrics

Metric How to Measure What It Indicates

Paragraph length sentences/paragraph Density

List ratio bullet lines/total lines Format preference

Header depth max header level Organization style

Code block frequency code blocks/1000 words Technical density

Punctuation Profile

Metric Normal Range Style Indicator

Em dash rate 0-3/1000 words Parenthetical style

Semicolon rate 0-2/1000 words Formal complexity

Exclamation rate 0-1/1000 words Enthusiasm level

Ellipsis rate 0-1/1000 words Trailing thought style

Step 3: Exemplar Selection

Load: @modules/exemplar-reference.md

Select 3-5 passages (50-150 words each) that best represent the target style.

Selection criteria:

• Demonstrates characteristic sentence rhythm

• Shows typical vocabulary choices

• Represents the desired tone

• Avoids atypical or exceptional passages

Exemplar Template

Exemplar 1: [Label]

Source: [filename, lines X-Y] Demonstrates: [what aspect of style]

[Quoted passage]

Key characteristics:

• [Observation 1]
• [Observation 2]

Step 4: Generate Style Profile

Combine extracted features and exemplars into a usable style guide.

Profile Format

Style Profile: [Name]

Generated: [Date]

Exemplar sources: [List]

voice: tone: [professional/casual/academic/conversational] perspective: [first-person/third-person/second-person] formality: [formal/neutral/informal]

vocabulary: average_word_length: X.X jargon_level: [none/light/moderate/heavy] contractions: [avoid/occasional/frequent] preferred_terms: - "use" over "utilize" - "help" over "facilitate" avoided_terms: - delve - leverage - comprehensive

sentences: average_length: XX words length_variance: [low/medium/high] fragments_allowed: [yes/no/sparingly] questions_used: [yes/no/sparingly]

structure: paragraphs: [short/medium/long] (X-Y sentences) lists: [prefer prose/balanced/prefer lists] headers: [descriptive/terse/question-style]

punctuation: em_dashes: [avoid/sparingly/freely] semicolons: [avoid/sparingly/freely] oxford_comma: [yes/no]

exemplars:

• label: "[Exemplar 1 label]" text: | [Quoted passage]
• label: "[Exemplar 2 label]" text: | [Quoted passage]

anti_patterns:

• [Pattern to avoid 1]
• [Pattern to avoid 2]

Step 5: Validation

Test the profile against new content:

• Generate sample content using the profile

• Compare metrics to extracted features

• Have user evaluate voice/tone match

• Refine profile based on feedback

Validation Checklist

• Metrics within 20% of exemplar averages

• No anti-pattern violations

• Tone matches user expectation

• Vocabulary aligns with exemplars

• Structure follows profile guidelines

Usage in Generation

When generating new content, reference the profile:

Generate [content type] following the style profile:

• Voice: [from profile]
• Sentence length: target ~[X] words, vary between [Y-Z]
• Use exemplar passage as tone reference:

  [exemplar quote]

• Avoid: [anti-patterns from profile]

Module Reference

• See modules/style-application.md for applying learned styles to new content

Integration with slop-detector

After generating content, run slop-detector to verify:

• No AI markers introduced

• Style metrics match profile

• Anti-patterns avoided

Exit Criteria

• Style profile document created

• At least 3 exemplar passages included

• Quantitative metrics extracted

• Anti-patterns from slop-detector integrated

• Validation test passed