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Essay Guide
Chapter 1:
AWA Introduction
Chapter 2:
Analysis of Issue
Chapter 3:
Analysis of Argument
Chapter 4:
Improving Your Writing
4a: Style
4a(1): Fill Sentences
4a(2): Be concise
4a(3): Qualification
4a(4): Start Strong
4a(5): Active Voice
4a(6): Self-Reference
4a(7): Redundancy
4a(8): Vague
4a(9): Cliche
4a(10): Jargon
4b: Grammar
Chapter 5:
Real Essay Questions

10 most common errors

 

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4a(7). Redundancy


Redundancy is the unnecessary repetition of an idea. It is redundant to say "a beginner lacking experience." The word beginner implies lack of experience by itself. You may eliminate redundant words or phrases without changing the meaning of the sentence. Watch out for words that add nothing to the sense of the sentence.

Here are some common redundancies:

Redundant Phrase  Concise Phrase
1. refer back  to
2. Few in number   few
3. Small-sized  small
4. Grouped together  grouped
5. In my own personal opinion  in my opinion
6. End result  result
7. Serious crisis  crisis
8. New initiatives  initiatives

Redundancy often results from carelessness, but you can easily eliminate redundant elements when proofreading.

1. Those who can follow directions are few in number.



2. She has deliberately chosen to change careers.





3. Dialogue opens up many doors to compromise.






4. The ultimate conclusion is that environmental and economic concerns are intertwined.






Answers

1. Few people can follow directions.

2. She has chosen to change careers.

3. Dialogue opens many doors to compromise.

4. The conclusion is that environmental and economic concerns are intertwined.

>>continue to Style: Vague (8 of 10 chapter 5)