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Writetolearn Finalposter

This document provides 11 phrases that should be avoided in essays. These include vague phrases like "since the beginning of time" and tentative phrases like "kind of" or "sort of". It also advises against telling the reader what the essay will be about or including fluff like "a wise man once said". Phrases using text speak or slang are also outlawed. The document recommends being direct, owning your opinions, using precise language, and crafting a strong conclusion instead of phrases hoping the reader liked the essay.

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173 views

Writetolearn Finalposter

This document provides 11 phrases that should be avoided in essays. These include vague phrases like "since the beginning of time" and tentative phrases like "kind of" or "sort of". It also advises against telling the reader what the essay will be about or including fluff like "a wise man once said". Phrases using text speak or slang are also outlawed. The document recommends being direct, owning your opinions, using precise language, and crafting a strong conclusion instead of phrases hoping the reader liked the essay.

Uploaded by

api-252860425
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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11 Essay Phrases to

Since the beginning


of time

Example: Since the beginning of time,


countries have fought in wars.
Why Its Outlawed: These statements
are vague, hyperbolic, and extremely
difficult to prove.

My paper is going
to be about

Example: Hi, My name is Bryce and I am


going to tell you about cell reproduction.
Why Its Outlawed: Just tell us. Dont
tell us what youre going to tell us or write
how youre going to write about your
subject. If using phrases like these help
you to get started, great. Just remember
to cross them out eventually and get right
to the content of your essay.

Its just my
opinion but

Example: Its just my opinion but I think


Teddy Roosevelt was a better president
and leader than Franklin Roosevelt.
Why Its Outlawed: Own it! The whole
point of an essay is to express your point
of view. Delete this timid phrase and any
others like it.

Kind of Sort of

Example: The War of 1812 was


kind of an important turning point in the
history of the United States.
Why Its Outlawed: Using kind of and
sort of makes you sound unsure of your
argument. Was it an important turning point
or wasnt it? And sorta isnt a word at all.

A wise man
once said

Example: Anonymous once said: A bird


in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Why Its Outlawed: Who is this wise
man you speak of? If you can find the

source, identify it. If you are quoting a


commonly used idiom or clich, chances
are you should cross it out and use your
own words instead.

The reason why is


because

Example: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth


decide to murder King Duncan. The reason why is because they want Macbeth
to become the next king.
Why Its Outlawed: This phrase the
reason why is because is grammatically
incorrect and unnecessary. Cross out
these four words, The reason why is,
and combine the remaining words with
the previous sentence to make one sentence. Then, re-read the sentence. It still
makes sense, doesnt it?

Very

Example: Benjamin Franklin was


a very fascinating man.
Why Its Outlawed: The word very is
overused. It often weakens the point you
are trying to make. Cross it out!

Like like like

Things stuff

Example: The Supreme Court


made like the wrong decision in Bush
vs. Gore. Like the course of history was
decided by a hanging chad.
Why Its Outlawed: If the word like appears in your writing and it is not used
as a verb (to like) or as a synonym
for similar to, remove it immediately.
Enough said.

Example: There were a lot of


things wrong with the way the South
viewed slavery.
Why Its Outlawed: Most of the time,
theres a more specific and accurate
word to use to strengthen your argument.
In the case of the example, a good writer

would look for a more powerful word or


phrase that means things wrong with
such as faults, errors, or defects.

10

I hope you
like this essay.

Example: I hoped you liked my essay


about why kangaroos are dangerous.
Why Its Outlawed: Your conclusion is
your last opportunity to persuade your
reader. Close the discussion with a final
point instead of slinking away.

11

LOL, Grt, OMG,


WDYT, IDK

Example: The ending of The Diary of


Anne Frank was so sad OMG.
Why Its Outlawed: Text-speak does not
belong in a formal essay. Equally important, text abbreviations and acronyms are
general and vague. Expressing outrage
in writing demands more than an OMG
and joy should be represented by more
than a smiley face. Unless, of course,
you want your teacher to LOL.

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