The document provides guidance on proper formal writing style. It advises against using informal, vague, slang, redundant, or cliché words and phrases. Specifically, it indicates words like "stuff", "thing", contractions, informal pronouns, sentence starters like "well" and "so", phrases referring to the author or piece, and clichés should be avoided. Formal academic writing should use precise, clear language without redundant or vague terms.
2. The words that may not be used in formal pieces are known as informal. Notice the prefix in , meaning not when used here.
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5. Teen-speak is another informal, therefore, inappropriate way of expressing meaning. It is slang. Regardless of the receiver's ability to understand, slang is not appropriate in academic work.
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13. Not one English teacher in this building allows use of “in conclusion” in formal essays. ‘ nuff said about that!
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17. NEVER use slang, or cliché, or informal words in any piece that is not a narrative. We have not talked about cliché yet, so let’s make sure you know what it is so you don’t use it.
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24. Always use the most specific word or words you can, as you must be concise, as well as clear.
25. Do not use a thesaurus to drop words into your writing. Often, the connotation is incorrect, resulting in your seeming ignorant of the language and less scholarly.
26. The expectations are high because you are capable of great things! I believe it. Do you?
