Exercise for Session 4

Writing Concisely

In pairs, work to eliminate wordiness (and the passive tense) in the following sentences:
PAIR A
1. An innumerable number of tiny veins were observed.
2. At the present time growers are more careful.
3. We first tested three samples at room temperature, and when these tests had been
completed we heated the others to a temperature of 150 degrees C and subjected them
to the same tests.

PAIR B
4. In view of the fact that time is short, please hurry.
5. During the time that the course is being given, silence is to be expected.
6. For the reason that men are careless, foolish deeds are often brought to
accomplishment.

PAIR C
7. As far as our own observations are concerned, they show no effect.
8. When the choice of a new truck is made, the length of the body on the model chosen
should be at least one-and-a-half times greater than the length of the body of the truck
that we are using at the present time.
9. This tube serves the dual function of being both a trap and an outlet.

PAIR D
10. In terms of the illustrations, we will always find a whole spectrum of variety with
regard to quality.
11. Due to the fact that time is short, please hurry.
12. There can be little doubt that these data are accurate.