Gneral Language- java doesn't work

Technical readers expect you to express yourself as precisely as possible. To some degree, technical and professional writing depends more or less upon your ability to use somewhat precise language. As we hope you noticed, the previous sentence demonstrates an inappropriate style relying heavily on overly general language: to some degree, more or less, and somewhat. Readers of technical and scientific documents become frustrated by this kind of language because it leaves them with questions. To what degree? How much is "more or less?" How can anything be "somewhat precise"?

Expressing numerical values accurately (e.g., x=5.065 ± .005) is generally more straightforward than expressing thoughts precisely in words. Nevertheless, many engineering students spend much time ensuring the numerical expressions they use are correct, but little, if any, time identifying and revising overly general language. If you have a habit of using general language, you must become aware of this tendency and learn how to revise.

The following table lists some of the more common words and phrases to watch for when revising for general language.



   
Start Exercise

Note how general language functions in the following example and how the revised versions are clearer and more concise.

Hint
1. Original:

Approximately 60% of our work is of a repeat nature with only minor variations. This repeat work is specifically of the inspection and quality control type and does not require higher education.

1.Hinted:

Approximately 60% of our work is of a repeat nature with only minor variations. This repeat work is specifically of the inspection and quality control type and does not require higher education.

1. Revised:

Explanation

In the first revision, we eliminate nature and type and change repeat from a noun to a verb. In the second revision, we combine the sentences, assuming that the expression, repeats with only minor variations, is unnecessary and repetitious detail.


Much general language divides into two categories: excess or vague modification (more or less, to some degree, etc.) and unnecessary nouns (nature, type, environment, etc.). Some writers habitually use one or both kinds. Examine a recent piece of writing to determine how much you rely on such imprecise modifiers and unnecessary nouns.


Note the following example:

Hint
2. Original:

Ensuring better problem solving and decision-making skills by non-senior management can avoid the next crisis situation.

2. Hinted:

Ensuring better problem solving and decision-making skills by non-senior management can avoid the next crisis situation.

2. Revised: