2.08 Effective word choice

Now that you understand some of the fundamentals of grammar and composition, let's talk about how to use these things to create clear, concise, and effective writing. Below are a few rules to follow as you compose writing for just about any purpose, including this class. 

Use plain words for easily understood writing.

• The most complex ideas can be explained in simple language.

• Peppering your writing with fancy words will drive readers away.

• Use specific, concrete nouns instead of abstract nouns.

Use active voice.

Use specific verbs instead of weak adverb-verb constructions.

• Use adjectives and adverbs only when necessary.

• Adverbs muddle good writing when overused. Students (and some teachers) assume adverb use makes for good writing. They’re wrong. Adverbs equal lazy writing. 

Mediocre Example: The teacher looked menacingly at the disruptive student 

Better: The teacher glared at the hooligan.

Glared is a better verb that tells us how she looked (menacingly) and hooligan is a better way of saying the adjective-noun pair "disruptive student"

Define technical terms and obscure words

If you must include technical terms, make sure to define them for the reader. When possible, though, avoid technical jargon. 

Remember that thesaurus overload is not a good thing! 

Use words correctly. If you’re not sure how to use a word correctly, don’t use it.

Avoid trite expressions, jargon, and cliches.

Edit 

Most problems can be corrected with proofreading and a dictionary

NB: I’m not suggesting you (automatically) eliminate all adverbs from your writing. However, each adverb should be viewed suspiciously. Finally, If the adverb can be (easily) eliminated without (dramatically) changing the meaning of the passage then it should be (immediately) removed and (carefully) scrutinized when revising. :)

2.08 Assessment 

In a well-developed paragraph, describe a glorious day. Follow the guidelines for effective word choice 

Submit your paragraph in the student comments box for 2.08 - do not submit this assignment as an attachment.