Choosing the Right Word Module Fifteen McGraw-Hill/Irwin Copyright © 2014 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc All rights reserved Learning Objectives LO 15-1 Recognize value in using the right words LO 15-2 Apply strategies for critical thinking in reading, writing, and beyond LO 15-3 Explain principles for word definition LO 15-4 Distinguish acceptable jargon from other types LO 15-5 Define words with similar sounds but different meanings 15-2 Choosing the Right Words Accurate Words Mean what you say Appropriate Words Convey the attitudes you want 15-3 Choosing the Right Words Familiar Words Are easy to read and understand Technical Jargon Should only be used when essential 15-4 Does using the right word really matter? Denotation A word’s literal or dictionary meaning Pound denotes weight, an animal shelter, a unit of money, or to hit 15-5 Does using the right word really matter? Bypassing When two people use the same word to mean different things 15-6 Does using the right word really matter? Risk may be an efficiency issue at Amoco, but the Environmental Protection Agency may use risk to mean political peril or a health risk Use accurate words to reduce bypassing or, where appropriate, a definition 15-7 Does using the right word really matter? Connotation The emotional colorings or associations that accompany a word Preowned has a more positive connotation than used 15-8 Does using the right word really matter? Use familiar words that are in almost everyone’s vocabulary Short, common words sound friendlier 15-9 Does using the right word really matter? Four exceptions 1.Use a long word if it is the only word that expresses your meaning exactly 2.Use a long word or phrase if it is more familiar than a short word 3.Use a long word if its connotations are more appropriate 4.Use a long word if the discourse community prefers it 15-10 Thinking Critically In its most basic sense, critical thinking means using precise words and asking questions about what you read and hear In its most advanced sense, critical thinking means asking about and challenging fundamental assumptions 15-11 Is it OK to use jargon? The first kind of jargon is the specialized terminology of a technical field The second kind of jargon is business jargon sometimes called businessese as per your request, enclosed please find, please not hesitate 15-12 Getting Rid of Business Jargon 15-13 What words confuse some writers? Accept/Except Affect/Effect A lot/Allot Among/Between Compose/ Comprise Fewer/Less It’s/Its Stationary/ Stationery To/Two/Too Your/You’re 15-14 ... 15-10 Thinking Critically In its most basic sense, critical thinking means using precise words and asking questions about what you read and hear In its most advanced sense, critical thinking... The second kind of jargon is business jargon sometimes called businessese as per your request, enclosed please find, please not hesitate 15-12 Getting Rid of Business Jargon 15-13 What words...Learning Objectives LO 15-1 Recognize value in using the right words LO 15-2 Apply strategies for critical thinking in reading, writing, and beyond LO 15-3 Explain principles for word definition