Avoiding Informal Language and Redundancy Part 2

AVOIDING INFORMAL LANGUAGE IN ACADEMIC WRITING

  • Author: Miss A. Timbe, John Jay College, Centre for English Language Support (2007)

1. Introduction

  • Academic writing requires careful consideration of ideas.

  • Informal writing can lead to misconceptions about the seriousness of ideas.

  • Editing for informal language is crucial for academic integrity.

2. Informal Language

2.1 Generalizations

  • Examples:

    • "Criminals are dangerous."

    • "Americans are overweight."

2.2 Vague Language

  • Examples:

    • "School is a big thing in my life."

    • "They arrested some people at the march."

    • "Drinking while driving is bad."

2.3 Use of "You"

  • Using "you" may lead to ambiguity:

    • Example: "When you work with a patient who is very ill, you need to be patient."

3. More Formal Language

  • Be more specific:

    • "Violent criminals can be dangerous."

    • "Two-thirds of Americans are overweight."

  • Use specific terms:

    • "School is an important part of my life."

    • "They arrested some protesters at the march."

  • Replace "you" with specific groups:

    • "When nurses work with a patient who is very ill, they need to be patient."

4. Instances of Informal Language

4.1 Informal Words and Expressions

  • Examples:

    • "My aunt has a lot of kids."

    • "The criminal justice system is messed up."

4.2 Phrasal Verbs

  • Informal Example: "I looked up information about nursing positions."

  • More Formal: "I researched information about nursing positions."

4.3 Contractions

  • Example: "Many patients don’t listen to their doctors."

  • More Formal: "Many patients do not listen to their doctors."

4.4 Incomplete Sentences

  • Example: "I chose to attend a CUNY college. Because it is near my home."

  • More Formal: "I chose to attend a CUNY college because it is near my home."

5. Exercise

  • Exercise 1: Identify informal language in a paragraph about the death penalty. Revise to enhance formality.

  • Example: "Some people don’t think that the death penalty is humane..."

6. Identifying Informal Language

  • Generalizations, vague language, and informal expressions should be revised to achieve formality:

    • Use specific language and strong verbs.

7. Use Formal Vocabulary

  • Casual words may not suit academic essays:

    • Example Revision:

      • Informal: "A couple of researchers have found out that..."

      • Formal: "Several researchers have discovered that..."

8. Choose Strong Verbs

  • Prefer strong verbs over phrasal verbs:

    • Example:

      • Informal: "The veteran researcher has churned out many articles."

      • Formal: "The veteran researcher has produced many articles."

9. Avoiding Redundancy

9.1 Defining Redundancy

  • Refers to repeating points or phrases unnecessarily.

9.2 Examples of Redundant Language

  • Example: "Remember to pack the necessary essentials" → "Remember to pack the essentials."

  • Example: "Many uneducated people who have never attended school..." → "Many uneducated people..."

9.3 Common Redundant Phrases

  • Phrases like "let me add/suggest" or "it should be noted" are more suitable for speeches.

9.4 Redundant Variants

  • Avoid redundant degrees of comparison: "More preferable" and "Most unique" are incorrect due to the meanings of 'preferable' and 'unique.'

9.5 Preposition Redundancies

  • Examples of unnecessary prepositions:

    • Comprise of, emphasize on, stress upon

10. Conclusion

  • Academic papers should have clear, concise points supporting your argument.

  • Avoid repetitive writing to enhance clarity.

  • Focus on effective communication over length.

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