The dictionary is your friend!
As I said in a recent post, "I use big words. Not just occasionally, but in everyday conversation. I don't do it consciously, but they seem to pop up no matter what I'm talking about or with whom." But because I use "big words", I know how important it is to use the right words, and always have a dictionary handy when I'm writing papers or formal documents. This tendency means I also notice more than other people might when those words are used incorrectly.
So when I'm reading reports from my chapters, I can't help but be amused by the students' attempts to sound official. Usually, it's pretty obvious who is comfortable with such writing, and who's merely trying to put on a good show. And bless their hearts, the latter try so hard...you can see them trying not to use their normal conversational tone, and trying to sound "proper". While I hesitate to say anything for fear of embarrassing them, I wish I could explain to them that they don't have to impress me with their writing, that I'm more concerned with the thorough content than I am the exquisite writing. I think it's so sweet that they want so badly to make a good impression...but it would make me even happier if they would just be themselves. I hate that they don't think that's good enough.
Where I am: Home
What I am reading: Sweetwater by Roxana Robinson
So when I'm reading reports from my chapters, I can't help but be amused by the students' attempts to sound official. Usually, it's pretty obvious who is comfortable with such writing, and who's merely trying to put on a good show. And bless their hearts, the latter try so hard...you can see them trying not to use their normal conversational tone, and trying to sound "proper". While I hesitate to say anything for fear of embarrassing them, I wish I could explain to them that they don't have to impress me with their writing, that I'm more concerned with the thorough content than I am the exquisite writing. I think it's so sweet that they want so badly to make a good impression...but it would make me even happier if they would just be themselves. I hate that they don't think that's good enough.
Where I am: Home
What I am reading: Sweetwater by Roxana Robinson
Comments
Duh.
Although, in a world of image-bombardment, it's difficult to get through the muck and understand that substance and knowledge, i.e. content, is more important than flash or scores.