4a(10). Jargon

Jargon includes two categories of words that you should avoid. First is the specialized vocabulary of a group, such as that used by a group of people such as doctors, lawyers, or baseball coaches. Second is the overly inflated and complex language that burdens many student essays. You will not impress anyone with big words that do not fit the tone or context of your essay, especially if you misuse them.

If you are not certain of a word's meaning or appropriateness, leave it out. An appropriate word, even a simple one, will add impact to your argument. As you come across words you are unsure of, ask yourself "Would a reader in a different field be able to understand exactly what I mean from the words I've chosen?" "Is there any way I can say the same thing more simply?"

Here are some sample jargon phrases:

• optimize
• time frame
• utilize (use)
• finalize (end, complete)
• conceptualize (imagine, think)
• maximize
• originate (start, begin)
• facilitate (help, speed up)
• bottom line
• parameter (boundary, limit)
• user-friendly (responsive, flexible, easy-to-understand)
• input/output
• blindside
• downside
• ongoing (continuing)
  
  

 

1. With reference to the poem, I submit that the second and third stanzas connote a certain despair.

 

2. Allow me to elucidate my position: This horse is the epitome, the very quintessence of equine excellence.

Answers:

1. When the poet wrote the second and third stanzas, he must have felt despair.

2. This is a fine horse.

 

>>continue to Grammar section (Chaper 5 section 2)