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Online Quiz (Worksheet A B C D)

Questions Per Quiz = 2 4 6 8 10

Grade 8 English
2.25 More Ways to Omit Needless Words in Writing

It is important that your writing contains only what is necessary to relay important details and ideas; anything unneeded or unimportant should be discarded. Below are more ways to omit wordiness from your writing.
  • Rule: Avoid using "it is" unless the it is in reference to something mentioned earlier in your writing.

    Example:
    Wrong: It is my understanding that you will be taking Chemistry 3 next semester.
    Right: I understand that you will be taking Chemistry 3 next semester.

    Wrong: It is acknowledged that if the project is not complete by next week, we will lose the job.
    Right: We acknowledge that if the project is not complete by next week, we will lose the job.

  • Rule: Omit the phrase "there is" or "there are".

    Example:
    Wrong: There are some people who struggle to make ends meet.
    Right: Some people struggle to make ends meet.

    Wrong: There is a student in the class who gets straight A's on all her work.
    Right: A student in the class gets straight A's on all her work.

  • Rule: Do not use two words to say the same thing. One word will do.

    Example:
    He was nervous and anxious
    She is smart and intelligent
    Don't go to all the trouble and bother

  • Rule: Use less formal words rather than elaborate (or formal) words.

    Example:
    No: methodology
    Yes: method
    No: magnitude
    Yes: size
    No: terminate
    Yes: end
    No: appreciable
    Yes: many

Directions: Answer the following questions, then write five examples for each of the above rules.
Q 1: Instead of demonstrate, say
largest
prompt
show
fair

 Q 2: Instead of consequently, use
best
in the long run
and so I believe
so

Q 3: Instead of utilize, say
size
method
use
prevent

 Q 4: Instead of preclude, say
use
rest
many
prevent

Q 5: Correct this sentence: There are some of you who are undoubtedly concerned about this issue.
There are some who are concerned.
There is many who worry about this issue.
Some of you are undoubtedly concerned about this issue.
There is some of you who are concerned about this issue.

 Q 6: Correct this sentence: The professor is pleased and delighted to teach at the university.
The professor, who is pleased and delighted, will teach at the university.
He will teach.
The professor is pleased.
The professor is pleased to teach at the university.

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