One of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to write a compelling academic paper is to use the right words for the right occasion. This post aims to help you understand what the right word for the right occasion is.
You want to make sure that your reader understands what you are trying to say. As such, you are trying to be as clear as possible in as few words as possible. This is the real point of an extensive vocabulary. Advanced vocabulary allows you to be accurate, while remaining maximally communicative and concise. The bonus is that advanced vocabulary also makes you sound smart and confers a certain "academic tone" to your paper.
Occasionally, people try to skip straight to the "sounding smart" and "academic tone" part, without paying enough attention to the accuracy, clarity, and communication parts of this game.
DON'T DO IT!
The best way to ensure that you paper receives optimal consideration is by it having a good internal logic, a nice presentation, and accurate vocabulary. As such, try to avoid using vocabulary you are unfamiliar with in order to make your paper look better. Using big words in the wrong way never makes you look good...
Take home message: Academic tone comes from using a polite register and appropriate vocabulary.
Check out the video below for some more insight!
Cheers!
Nadine
I've usually connected an extensive vocabulary with large words, so it is a new perspective to realize how such words can lead to more concise writing. Thanks for the insight.
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