ABSTRACT
Keep it simple As I advise pupils in their notes on Length of story (Module 9), generally speaking shorter is better. Using fewer words, simpler words and less complex sentences generally makes for clearer communication. Effective writing is not just a matter of the extent of one’s vocabulary but how the words are used. Two immediate issues arise from encouraging pupils to try to use what I call an ‘inflated vocabulary’, i.e. words they are not familiar and comfortable with:
Parroting. This is simple feedback by pupils of individual words, phrases or other language patterns that an adult – often their teacher – has advised them to use. One common example occurs when we recommend that pupils use a variety of connectives. Ultimately this is good advice but can all too easily result in pupils’ writing taking on an artificial, over-formal tone. The writer and educationalist Pie Corbett suggests that a useful strategy is ‘imitate, innovate, invent’. If parroting is a temporary phase leading towards a more fluent and individual use of words then I feel that it is acceptable.
