Chapter Exercises

This activity contains 20 questions.

What is one way to eliminate unnecessary words from your writing?

avoid prepositional phrasesstop attributing your sources in your writingavoid repetition avoid parenthetical documentation

What is one example of a repetitive phrase?

yours trulytrue facts truth in advertisingtrue or false

Which of the following is an empty phrase?

in conclusionin light of the fact that becausesince

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

combine sentences break up your paragraphsbreak up your sentencesall of the above

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

turn adverbs into phrasesturn phrases into adjectives turn adjectives into prepositional phrasesuse phrases like "in my humble opinion"

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

use passive voice rather than active voiceturn adverbs into clausesuse active voice rather than passive voice turn adjectives into clauses

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

change verbs to nouns where possiblechange verbs to adjectives where possiblechange nouns to adverbs where possiblechange nouns to verbs where possible

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

avoid jargon where possible use clichés where possibleuse technical terms where possibleuse jargon where possible

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

avoid carry out; use implementavoid beneficial; use advantageousavoid effectuate; use carry out avoid carry out; use effectuate

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

avoid procure; use acquire avoid find out; use ascertain avoid use; use utilize avoid acquire; use procure

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

use trite expressionsuse showy expressionsuse clichésavoid clichés

Which of the following phrases is a cliché?

he had a screw loose he had emotional problemshe was diagnosed as clinically insanehe was mentally impaired

Which of the following phrases is a cliché?

right nowwithout delayat onceat the drop of a hat

Why avoid pretentious language?

it is clichédit is too showy it is vulgarit is too simplistic

Be and have

are solid verbs to use in your writing.are weak verbs that often lead to wordy sentences.are concise and short verbs to use in your writing.are confusing verbs to use in your writing.

You could argue that sophisticated language would engage an intelligent reader. An impressive vocabulary, a measured tone, and complicated structure could make your reader think you are well informed. Why is it, then, that big words and complicated sentences should be avoided? How can you tell the difference between appropriate (yet intelligent) language, and language that is too pretentious?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

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Some text has been provided in the text area.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

This question provides a text area where you can enter a response.
Some text has been provided in the text area.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Select the correct word(s) for each sentence.

After fifteen years with the same car, I ________ a new one.

have a need forneed

Select the correct word(s) for each sentence.

The dentist recommends that you brush your teeth ________.

dailyon a daily basis

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Chapter Exercises

What is one way to eliminate unnecessary words from your writing?

What is one example of a repetitive phrase?

Which of the following is an empty phrase?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following is a way to be more concise in your writing?

Which of the following phrases is a cliché?

Which of the following phrases is a cliché?

Why avoid pretentious language?

Be and have

This question provides a text area where you can enter a response.Some text has been provided in the text area.

This question provides a text area where you can enter a response.Some text has been provided in the text area.

Select the correct word(s) for each sentence.After fifteen years with the same car, I ________ a new one.

Select the correct word(s) for each sentence.The dentist recommends that you brush your teeth ________.

This question provides a text area where you can enter a response.
Some text has been provided in the text area.

This question provides a text area where you can enter a response.
Some text has been provided in the text area.

Select the correct word(s) for each sentence.

After fifteen years with the same car, I ________ a new one.

Select the correct word(s) for each sentence.

The dentist recommends that you brush your teeth ________.