
Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
15.2 What is bypassing? (LO 15-1)
15.3 Why are short, simple words generally best? (LO 15-1)
15.4 What are the two kinds of jargon? Which is OK to use at times? (LO 15-1)
Acceptable jargon includes technical terms common to a field and business slang. In many
cases, writers should choose a more common English equivalent for these terms; however,
15.5 If you were going to buy a new dictionary, would you want a descriptive or
prescriptive one? Why? (LO 15-3)
The answer depends on what the writer needs to know. Descriptive dictionaries are useful for
15.6 Why is it desirable to use technical jargon in a job letter and a job interview? (LO 15-4)
15.7 How can you avoid confusing words that sound or seem similar? (LO 15-5)
Whenever possible, writers should choose the simplest word that effectively conveys their
message. If the audience expects something else, then writers should adjust accordingly. With
15.8 Identifying Words with Multiple Denotations (LO 15-1)
The following list contains some, but not all, of the most common meanings.
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15-2