Eliminating Wordiness

As you complete this, take notes in your notebook.

Example for setting up notes:

Multiple Choice

"In my personal opinion, I think that this idea might actually work very well."

What is the most concise rewrite of the sentence?

• I believe this idea will work well

• In my view, this idea is unlikely to succeed.
• I believe this idea will work very well.

• In my personal opinion, this will work.

Multiple Choice

"At this moment in time, we are currently working on advance planning for the project."

What is the most concise rewrite of the sentence?

• We are currently planning the project.

• We are working on planning the project.

• At this moment in time, we are planning the project.

• We are planning the project.

Multiple Choice

"Due to the fact that it was raining very heavily, they decided to reschedule the event."

What is the most concise rewrite of the sentence?

• They rescheduled the event due to heavy rain.
• Since it was raining very heavily, they decided to reschedule.

• Due to the fact that it was raining, they rescheduled the event.

• Because it was raining, they decided to reschedule the event.

Open Ended

Rewrite the sentence to make it clearer: At this point in time, we are in need of additional resources in order to complete the project.

Open Ended

Rewrite the sentence to make it clearer: "In order to be successful, it is absolutely necessary to plan ahead of time."

Open Ended

Rewrite the sentence to make it clearer: "The reason why he was late was due to the fact that he missed the bus."

Open Ended

Rewrite the sentence to make it clearer: "She was very, very happy to receive the absolutely free gift."

Poll

Was this lesson easy to understand?

• Yes

• Somewhat

• No

Poll

Will you be able to identify wordiness in your writing?

• Yes

• No

• Perhaps