What words can you not use in a formal essay?

Formal Writing Voice

• Do not use first-person pronouns (“I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” “us,” etc.).
• Avoid addressing readers as “you.”
• Avoid the use of contractions.
• Avoid colloquialism and slang expressions.
• Avoid nonstandard diction.
• Avoid abbreviated versions of words.
• Avoid the overuse of short and simple sentences.

What should you not use in an essay?

For concise and meaningful writing, do your best to avoid these words and phrases in your admission essays.

• 1) Contractions.
• 2) Idioms.
• 3-5) “So on,” “etc,” “and so forth“
• 6) Clichés.
• 7-11) “Thing,” “stuff,” “good,” “bad,” “big“
• 12) Slang, jargon, teen speak.
• 13) Rhetorical questions.

Is it OK to use you in a college essay?

In general, write your college application essay and supplemental essay using the first person: I, me, us, we…Avoid “you” (which is used in second-person point of view) as much as possible. These essays are personal and casual in nature, but shifting into second-person moves too far into the reader’s personal space.

How do you avoid slang in academic writing?

You should avoid using slang (words like y’all, yinz, cool) or idiomatic expressions (“pull someone’s leg,” “spill the beans,” and “something smells fishy”) in formal academic writing. These words make your writing sound informal, and hence, less credible.

Do college essays matter?

If you’re applying to colleges, crafting a compelling college application essay can be crucial. According to a 2018 survey from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 56.4\% of admissions counselors said the application essay plays a considerable or moderately important role in admission decisions.

Do college essays have to be personal?

Most selective colleges require you to submit an essay or personal statement as part of your application. It may sound like a chore, and it will certainly take a substantial amount of work. But it’s also a unique opportunity that can make a difference at decision time.

Is it OK to use second person in a college essay?

Generally, it is best to avoid second person pronouns in scholarly writing because they remove the distance between the reader and the writer. Instead, try to use first or third person pronouns to enhance clarity. Most Walden programs and APA (2020) allow the appropriate use of first person.

Can you use slang in essays?

Slang and Idiomatic Expressions You should avoid using slang (words like y’all, yinz, cool) or idiomatic expressions (“pull someone’s leg,” “spill the beans,” and “something smells fishy”) in formal academic writing. These words make your writing sound informal, and hence, less credible.

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