Word Choice CHAPTER 3
HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS
37
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Take the time to learn the denotative meanings
of the most commonly mis-
used words to ensure proper usage.
■
Some words and word usages appear frequently in print although they are not
considered standard English. Avoid them in your writing.
■
Choose words by keeping in mind their implied (connotative)
as well as literal
meanings. Their connotations involve emotions, cultural assumptions, and
suggestions
that can be positive, negative, or neutral.
■
Understanding the purpose of inclusive language and using it in your essay,
will assure that your message gets across without
creating or perpetuating
negative social stereotypes.
■
Almost all of the most common spelling errors can be corrected by learning
and applying four basic spelling rules.
■
Always
use a spell checker, but never rely on it completely.
