A review of common college student writing flaws --
including weak vocabulary and overuse of jargon/buzzwords.
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.
Weak Vocabulary or Overuse of Jargon/Buzzwords.
These two flaws might seem like polar opposites, yet, they are often one-in-the-same.
Students who have a weak vocabulary will often latch onto technical language and
terminology as a way to make their writing appear more authoritative. Because many
fields require you to master certain words and terms, it's important to show your
knowledge of them. You can over use these terms, however, and turn your paper
into a collection of jargon rather than thoughts and words.
The critical element here is balance. In some cases, you'll obviously need to use the
words to show your knowledge of them, but understanding goes deeper than knowledge,
and showing your understanding of the terms is just as important as using the terms
themselves.
Bottom-line: Have someone else read your paper and make note of
whether they understand it in the manner in which you wrote.
Go to the next common college student writing flaw:
Using
Patterns of Speech in Writing.
Back to the main page of
The Top
15 Writing Flaws That Can Lead to Lower Grades
Looking for more writing assistance? Go to our sister site,
EnhanceMyWriting.com: Indispensable Writing Resources.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information
(definitions and links) on key academic terms by going to our
College Success Glossary. [Coming soon!]
Dr. Randall S. Hansen, CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, has been empowering people his
entire adult life -- to help them better their lives. In fact, empowerment is part of his professional
philosophy statement. He is also founder of
Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most
comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well as founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press
as well as a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds
of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts
empowering workshops around the country. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the
college level for more than 15 years.
Dr. Katharine Hansen, Creative Director of EmpoweringSites.com,
is a former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for several of our sites, including
Quintessential Careers,
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com, and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. She also edits
QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for job-seekers,
career counselors, and students. She is author of Dynamic Cover Letter for New Graduates; A Foot in the Door: Networking Your
Way into the Hidden Job Market; and, with Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., Dynamic Cover Letters
and Write Your Way to a Higher GPA, all published by Ten Speed Press.
She can be reached by e-mail at kathy@quintcareers.com.
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