4.3 Word Choice

Effective writing involves making conscious choices with words. When you prepare to sit down to write your first draft, you likely have already completed some freewriting exercises, chosen your topic, developed your thesis statement, writing an outline, and even selected your sources. When writing your first draft, consider which words to use to convey your ideas to the reader best.

Some writers are picky about word choice as they start drafting. They may practice specific strategies, such as using a dictionary and thesaurus, using words and phrases with proper connotations, and avoiding slang, clichés, and overly general words.

Once you understand these tricks of the trade, you can move ahead confidently in writing your assignment. Remember, the skill and accuracy of your word choice is a major factors in developing your writing style. Precise selection of your words will help you be more clearly understood—in both writing and speaking.