How Do You Use Dynamic Language On A College Application Essay?
Some people mistakenly think that dynamic language in a college application essay means using those big words you memorized for the SAT. Actually, the opposite is true. Unfamiliar words interrupt a reader’s thought process and can make him lose the train of thought. What you want to do is use familiar words in a dynamic way that keeps the reader moving along at a good reading pace. Follow the rules below to increase the dynamic flow of your essays. (You aren’t expected to do all of the following on a first or second draft. Do these steps for the stage we can call “the polish.”) Step 1:Get rid of words that are unfamiliar to most readers. For example, do NOT say: She wrapped a scarf around her florid face. Instead say: She wrapped a scarf around her ruddy face. The word “florid,” which is used less often than “ruddy,” could interrupt a reader’s thoughts. Step 2:Get rid of forms of the verb “to be.” For example, do NOT say: I am hoping to see my brother in his orchestra recital. Instead
