D: IMPRECISE USE OF LANGUAGE; IMPRECISE
UNDERSTANDING OF LITERARY ELEMENTS
Problem
The
writer..
.
Solution/Strategy
Identifies
techniques
imprecisely.
If you say, for example, “flowy” instead of fluent, you are showing a lack of
scholarship. You must have a good knowledge of at least the basic literary terms (see
Chapter 6). If you do not have the words to say what you mean, you will struggle and
your score will reflect that.
Uses
simplistic
vocabulary.
One unstated aspect of your writing that AP readers are looking at is your ability to use
sophisticated vocabulary. Your essay needs to show and make evident both your
understanding of a wide range of words and your ability to use them effectively. One
should never stick in “fancy” words for the sake of doing so. Choosing the exact word
for the job is part of being a writer. If your own word choice is limited, your ability to
express yourself may also be limited. (See Chapter 9 for more on vocabulary.)
