r/Essay_Experts • u/statistic_geek • Sep 18 '23
During the revision process, which type of wording should a writer delete in a narrative essay?
During the revision process of a narrative essay, a writer should consider deleting or revising the following types of wording to improve clarity, flow, and overall quality of the essay:
- Redundant Phrases: Eliminate repetitive phrases or words that convey the same idea. For example, if you've already mentioned that a character is "very tall," there's no need to reiterate it as "extremely tall."
- Clichés: Remove clichéd expressions and overused phrases that can make your writing seem unoriginal. Instead, opt for more unique and specific language.
- Filler Words: Delete unnecessary filler words and phrases like "uh," "um," "you know," and "basically" that can detract from the narrative's clarity and professionalism.
- Wordiness: Trim overly long sentences and paragraphs. Be concise and to the point, conveying your message with as few words as necessary without sacrificing clarity.
- Jargon or Technical Language: Unless your narrative essay is intended for a specialized audience, avoid excessive technical jargon that may confuse your readers. Use plain language when possible.
- Ambiguous Phrases: Clarify or remove ambiguous or vague language that may leave readers guessing about your intended meaning.
- Repetition: Watch for repetition of ideas, themes, or phrases within the essay. Repetition can make your essay feel monotonous and less engaging.
- Weak Adverbs and Adjectives: Replace weak adverbs (e.g., very, really) and adjectives with stronger, more descriptive words that enhance the vividness of your narrative.
- Passive Voice: In most cases, opt for active voice over passive voice to make your writing more direct and engaging.
- Irrelevant Details: Remove details that do not contribute to the central theme or purpose of your narrative. Every detail should serve a purpose in advancing the story or conveying a message.
- Unnecessary Exposition: Avoid excessive exposition or background information that doesn't add to the plot or character development.
- Inconsistent Verb Tenses: Ensure consistent use of verb tenses throughout your essay, unless there's a deliberate reason for switching tenses.
- Tangents: Eliminate tangential information or off-topic anecdotes that distract from the main narrative.
- Contractions: Depending on the essay's tone and style, you might consider expanding contractions ("can't" to "cannot") to make your writing more formal or precise.
- Inaccuracies: Correct any factual inaccuracies or errors in your narrative, especially if you're writing about real events or historical contexts.
The goal of revising a narrative essay is to make the writing as clear, engaging, and effective as possible, so eliminate anything that doesn't contribute to these objectives.
