• As a writer, you do not want inappropriate word

choice to get in the way of your message. For this

reason, you need to strive to use language that is
accurate and appropriate for the writing situation.
• Some writers choose to control meaning with
flowery or pretentious language, euphemisms,
and double-talk. All these choices obscure direct
communication and therefore have no place in
academic writing.
 What is Jargon?
• technical words and phrases common to a
specific profession or discipline
 EXAMPLE OF BUSINESS JARGON
• BANG FOR THE BUCK- get the most for your
money
• DUE DILIGENCE- putting effort into research
before making a business decision
• 9-5- a standard work day
 EXAMPLES OF MEDICAL JARGON
• BP- blood pressure
• FX- bone fracture
• NPO- a patient should not take anything by
mouth
 What is Slang?
• Slang- informal language or words used by a
particular group of people. Though slang
sometimes gets a bad rap for being
inappropriate or incorrect, it is also highly
creative and shows that the English language
is constantly evolving over time
• invented words and phrases specific to a
certain group of people
 What is Euphemism?
• Substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague
expression for one thought to be offensive,
harsh or blunt
• Masks a rude or impolite expression, but
conveys the concept clearly and politely.
• a gentler, but sometimes inaccurate, way of
saying something
 Too informal
• Academic writing is generally more formal
than the writing we see in non-academic
materials. It is also more formal than how we
normally speak.
 Too unsophisticated
• Some words should not be used because they
do not have a scholarly feel. As utilizing too
many simple terms makes your writing feel
elementary, substitute words when possible.
 Too vague
• Using terms that are vague makes your writing
imprecise and may cause people to interpret it
in different ways.
 Too exaggerated
• Academic writing is usually direct. Some
adverbs of frequency(always, never ),
superlative ( best ), intensifiers ( very) are
often too dramatic. They may not also be
accurate
 Generally unnecessary
• You should strive to make your academic
writing as concise as possible. Avoid adding
words and phrases that do not create
meaning, even if you think they give your
writing a more refined feel.
 summary
• Confine use of jargon to situations where your
audience recognizes it.
• Use slang and unofficial words only in your informal,
personal writing.
• Write in a straightforward way without using
euphemisms or flowery language to disguise what you
are saying.
• Make sure you examine the subject matter, audience,
and purpose to determine whether a piece of writing
should be informal, somewhat casual, or formal.
 activity
• Work with a small group. Make a list of at least
fifty slang words or phrases. For each word or
phrase, indicate where, as a senior hs student,
you could properly use the slang. Share your
output with the class with the class.