Effective language use questions are without a doubt much more

challenging than conventional questions of standard written English. This

is due to the fact that they focus on accomplishing specific rhetorical goals
through the use of the language. The language is effectively used when the
expression is precise and concise, when the style and tone are consistent
and appropriate, and when the ideas are coherently organised. Now, we will
examine the details below.

Avoid vague language

Vague language is imprecise and does not accurately convey the writer’s
sentiments. Sometimes, it may even confuse the reader by using
inappropriate language in a particular context. Therefore, you need to
replace the word or phrase with a more precise alternative that is
appropriate for the given context.

Example: Mary vacated from the strong tradition of landscape painting in

Chinese art.

The use of ‘vacated’ in this context is inappropriate because while you may
vacate or leave a place, you do not vacate from a tradition. Here, a more
suitable alternative is ‘departed’

Avoid repetition
Language can be duplicative, repetitive, and redundant. To answer
concision questions, you need to recognise redundant language and
eliminate the wordiness. The ability to state an idea succinctly is an
invaluable writing skill in schools and the workplace.

Example: Peter is feeling sad, depressed and crestfallen after receiving

the tragic news.

Do you realise the repetitive idea of sadness? 2 out of the 3 words should be
deleted for the sake of economy.
Avoid inconsistent register
You need to have a clear understanding of the author’s voice and be able to
identify the language that is consistent with the voice. You need to be able
to detect the register that ranges from very casual to highly formal. To
achieve a formal register, you should use perfect grammar and avoid any
colloquial language, slang or jargon.

Example: Xiao Mei is a clever kid.

‘Kid’ is used in informal settings while ‘child’ is its formal alternative.

Recognising stylistic patterns
The author uses stylistic patterns to achieve a particular effect or goal. The
author may use sentence fragments or incomplete sentences to create
emphasis. Sometimes, we may be too quick to dismiss them as incorrect
wrongfully. Additionally, the author may construct a series of short,
descriptive sentences to achieve a desired effect.

Example: October is here, and bright cold winds ought to pour off the
ocean; leaves ought to tumble down the alleys. Saint-Malo roasts.

Notice that the author is creating a contrast between these 2 sentences

where the first sentence is a long, descriptive sentence while the second
is a short and abrupt one.

He creates this contrast to emphasise the presence or intensity of the heat.

The author is using this stylistic pattern to fit in with the goal that is named
in the question itself.
Recognising the importance of syntax
Syntax is the arrangement of words to achieve specific rhetorical effects or
purposes. Syntax questions require you to consider how two or more
sentences can be combined to improve cohesion and flow or to achieve a
particular effect, such as providing emphasis on a particular subject.

Example: During her career, Magdalene exhibited her

artwork internationally. She garnered much acclaim.

While there is nothing grammatically wrong with having 2 separate

sentences, do you realise that the writing is rather choppy? Therefore, a
strong writer may consider to combine the two sentences to create a more
fluid thought.

A better phrased sentence in this case: During her career, Magdalene

exhibited her artwork internationally, garnering much acclaim.

When you answer syntax questions, you will have to think more about what
creates the most effective connections between and among ideas, clauses
and phrases, and less about what works from a technical, grammatical
perspective.