写作|Write "like an 8th grader" and here is why

Every English major must have heard the all-too-classic motto "vigorous writing is concise", a word of wisdom catchy to ears yet seemingly hard to live by. Not every one of us is willing to let go of our pride as educated linguists. Words define us, less common words non-existent in everyday context in particular. "How do I set myself apart using those simple sentences even an 8th grader can do?" you cry. But the surprising yet ignored truth is to stun the reader with simple everyday words is ten times harder than bombard them with prehistorical literary words and long confusing lines.

The logic is fairly plain. It's harder to dance with shackles. Saying one thing in pages is easy, for you have the luxury to pour in whatever comes to mind.The same goal will seem far less attainable if you're limited to, say, only 500 words. In this case, every word carries a heavier weight. To find the effective words within the common vocabulary would be a tricky task already, not to mention to find those which fit into the context and can widen some eyes. Once you've got the words pinned down, you still need to put it in a sentence that flows. This is when you toe the thin line between sentences that are artfully succinct and ones that seem straight out amateur. After sentences, there are paragraphs, and then the passage. So you can see there is nothing low-tech about constructing a tight style. Art is the process of maximizing the minimum.

No other than writing suits the phrase "less is more" better. Minimum yields great effects in this scenario. It is as simple as no one with the right mind would choose "I love you" over "I have a hormonal reaction to you". Simple word works, because they resonate with the readers in the most direct way. Don't hide your thoughts in those intricate expressions if you want your readers to bring something home. They won't be able to sympathize, if not disinterested on the half way, when they have to go through the drudgery to decipher what you try to say. A good writer always gives what readers want. They don't tantalize. Vigorous writing is that every word strikes the readers right on spot to make them wail, laugh, furious, aroused, and touched.

Therefore, even though it is the first instinct of a language major to make your style as byzantine as it could be, you should muster up all your willpower to start to write "like an 8th grader".