Tips and tricks to improve expression in writingA lot of people say that English expression cannot be taught and that it’s an innate facet of writing that is different for different people. I would disagree. I believe expression can not only be taught but that it can also be improved if you put in the time and the effort. If you’re wondering what expression is, to put it simply, it is essentially the manner in which you write, the manner in which you construct your sentences whether it is simplistic or complex.
You might know every single text type and the best way to construct a cohesive essay but if your expression is poor, it becomes very hard to score highly. (Additionally random sidenote for you literature students; expression is in my opinion even more important. If your writing SOUNDS nice, it’s going to impress the examiner. Combine that with good analysis and you’re on track for high marks.)
Although the flair required in literature is perhaps not as critical in English, good expression still important and I encourage you to recognise its intrinsic importance as you go into year 12. This guide will be aimed towards analysis, so text response will be my main focus.
Reading (It’s enjoyable don’t judge)Probably the most vital way to improve your expression is simply to read. Read widely. Read all kinds of texts whether it’s newspapers, online articles, novels, classics or encyclopaedias (I am a nerd don’t judge). The reason why reading is powerful is that you don’t need to consciously ‘learn’ expression. As you read good writing, your brain internalises certain sentence constructions and hence when you write, these structures will unconsciously improve your writing. Also read high scoring essays. Personally before my year 12 – so these summer holidays – I spent a lot of time simply looking through the forums and downloading and reading the model essays that so many past forum members have contributed in both English and Literature. Doing this helped my writing immensely.
Some good places to start:
English Resources and Sample High Scoring ResponsesLiterature Essay Compilation Threadhttp://www.atarnotes.com/?p=notes&search=&subject=English&units=MyY0Vocabulary lists (How to become a wanker)Vocabulary is definitely important to good expression. If you’re using words such as
‘like’, ‘good’, ‘bad’ and
‘shows’ all the time it’s not going to make a good impression on an examiner. You should definitely have synonyms in your mind. Again reading helps a ton as when you read, you unconsciously expand your vocabulary. However, what also helps is actually writing down useful vocabulary. For English, I compiled interesting vocabulary at the back of my writing/note book whenever I read study guides, model essays or critical readings. If I didn’t know what a word meant, I would google it. Then when I wrote essays, I would open to my vocab and challenge myself to use some of the words I had learnt in my writing. Give it a shot!
Remember however that there IS a difference between sophisticated language and excessive and pretentious language. Use words that are appropriate, that you could even use in conversation but that aren’t so hard to understand that you sound like a wanker.
Everyday language:
GoodSophisticated:
Magnificent Pretentious:
Splendiferous The Active Voice (Engage!)No one likes passive voice! It’s boring and it sounds dull. Change your sentences to active and suddenly your writing will start to shine and immediately sound more engaging. By avoiding passive voice, you can achieve a more powerful, straightforward and economical writing style.
This is passive voice:The metaphor of a “very straightest plant”
is used by Shakespeare to convey Hotspur’s unshakeable Medieval warrior code centred around honour and duty.
Now consider this active version which places the playwright at the forefront and streamlines the analysis without the clumsy ‘used by’:Shakespeare
metaphorically equates Hotspur with the naturalistic image of the “straightest plant”, conveying the unswerving honour and duty that forms an intrinsic part of this character’s warrior identity.
Again this is passive:The hellish descriptors of the “fire” of war “creeping”, “grazing” and “roof[ing]” the young soldier in a “slow” agonizing death
is used by Owen to convey the relentless and inescapable nature of the torment of the mind in wartime, whether this be the pressures from home to maintain notions of “honor”, or the “torture” of combat itself.
And then active:The hellish descriptors of the “fire” of war “creeping”, “grazing” and “roof[ing]” the young soldier in a “slow” agonizing death, foreground the relentless and inescapable nature of the torment of the mind in wartime, whether this be the pressures from home to maintain notions of “honor”, or the “torture” of combat itself.
The magic word (You’re a wizard Harry)In my language analysis guide I explained how important the employment of variations of the verb phrase ‘this shows’ is in order to avoid sounding repetitive. Your whole analysis hinges around words such as
‘conveys’, ‘depicts’, ‘connotes’ and the like. Such words enable you to actually analyse the quote and demonstrate its meaning.
Some examples include (note these are not all exact synonyms, use appropriately):Reveals, demonstrates, foregrounds, conveys, establishes, represents, suggests, highlights, implies, denotes, connotes, reveals, illustratesExample:Hamlet’s vitriolic declaration, “Now could I drink hot blood”
foregrounds the enlightened Dane’s desperate desire to conform to a simplistic medieval paradigm of avenger, rather than struggle within the introspection of his rational mind.
Nominalisation (Analysis on steroids)This is probably the most nifty trick of expression that I know. It makes you sound more sophisticated and most crucially moves you beyond the dreaded realm of storytelling. Nominalisation involves shifting the idea or topic to the front of the sentence through making a verb (e.g.
declares) a noun (e.g.
declaration). Such a construction forces you to analyse what you have brought up in the second half of the sentence hence avoiding simply re-telling the story.
Take a look at this sentence which does little more than summarise and offers no pertinent analysis:Across the play, Hal
abstains from blunt intimidation on the political stage…
Now we nominalise and change ‘abstains’ to ‘abstinence’. Suddenly we must analyse:Hal’s
abstinence from a political style that favours pure intimidation in favour of more balanced approach – seeing the merit in both ‘might’ and ‘cunning’ – allows him to engender the favour of both the public and the royal court, paving the way for his ascendance to the throne.
Complex Sentences (Wanky writers round two)Use this sparingly but if you are one for short sharp sentences which don’t have much flow, this could change that. As you become more prolific in your writing, the problem become shortening sentences! Many analytical sentences can be combined using conjunctions such as ‘
yet’, ‘however’, ‘simultaneously’ and ‘nevertheless’. It works especially well when you are analysing a tension or a contradiction.
This example is from Henry IV – a text which is absolutely rife with contradictions and uncertainties:In Hal’s self-aware understanding, we see the inner workings of a skilled Machiavel hidden beneath the façade of “unyoked humour”. Hal’s political understanding is also tempered by a loyalty to the commoners he calls friends
Combined:In Hal’s self-aware understanding, we see the inner workings of a skilled Machiavel hidden beneath the façade of “unyoked humour”
while simultaneously recognising the prince’s loyalty to those that he would call friends in the tavern world…
The power of ‘seem’ (Pretentiousness but covertly)'Seem' is a very underrated word. Use this word sparingly though. Use it especially when you need to refer to the author/playwright in order to avoid sounding too definitive. After all, it is impossible to know exactly what an author’s intent was. This word is very useful in conclusions when you are dealing with the big concerns/themes of the text.
Good example:What Shakespeare
seems to suggest then, is the danger of becoming fixed in any one way of approaching the political realm.
Example conclusion:In the multitude of political approaches evident in the play, the ramifications they incite illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of each style. For the King and the rebel camp, their eventual prioritisation of might and overbearing power bodes poorly on their political dealings, forming enemies and for the rebels, assisting in their downfall. What Shakespeare
seems to suggest then, is the danger of becoming fixed in any one way of approaching the political realm. What we see in Hal is a balance that prioritises neither might nor manipulation. Rather his ability to adapt to different situations allows him to better handle the challenges of politics. Hal’s noble release of the captured Douglas at the end of the play in respect for his “colours” and high deeds” paints an apotheosized picture of a worthy Prince capable of the political rigours of the Plantagenet court, able to see the merit in kindness and mercy where Henry and Hotspur can only see the personal gain in the prisoners they garnered earlier in the play.
Bad words (Never use these or Shakespeare will strike you down)See that word? ‘Bad’! Never use such language unless it is for specific effect.
Other words to AVOID at all costs:
“
This technique allows Miller to convey…”
“
This quote shows…”
“
The theme of…”
“
This is an example of” and worse still is “
prime example of”
Don’t use ANY sycophantic language expecially about the author.
e.g. “Shakespeare
amazing use of…”
I hope this helps you all as you strive to improve your writing. Feel free to pm me about anything and post here with any questions! Best of luck again! DJA