Your instructors in high school or college may have told you that, when you are writing an essay or any other academic paper, you should not overload your text with big words. There was a research conducted in 2005 by a psychologist Daniel M. Oppenheimer of Princeton University. The researcher presented evidence that authors of a college essay, in which longer words are used, appear less intelligent to the reader than authors who express their point of view in shorter words. In fact, even if it is the same essay by the same author, and the only difference is the use of simpler words, readers would think the essay was written by a smarter and more confident person. So why is it better to use smaller words in college papers?
In academic language, as opposite to literature language, the message is more important than the form. It is your ability to explain, analyze, and make conclusions that matters the most. While it might seem that, the more elaborate words you use, the more professional you sound, it is far from the truth. All in all, if you cannot explain something with the help of simple words, do you really understand what you are trying to say? This is why smaller and simpler words appear more persuasive. They seem concrete and definite, unlike those bookish words which often look like they are asking for a definition.
Complex vocabulary causes additional questions. The fewer questions your reader has, the more he or she understands your point, and the more you can persuade him or her with your text. All, that is simple, is often viewed as honest. So, use shorter words to call for trust in the readers. Besides, they should be able to pronounce words as they read your essay. Another important rule is to use vocabulary that your readers are familiar with. If you are looking to find a common language with your audience, there is no easier way to do that than through the use of common words.
Still, what if you think in complex words, and using them is a natural way for you to say what is on your mind? People with exceptional memory or inclination towards languages often enjoy those. While your text might sound natural with abundance of elaborate vocables, you should think about your audience first. They will be more likely to understand the message if it is said in plain English. It might be harder than you think, which is why it is essential to practice simplicity.
So, your essays and all other papers will sound more natural and will result in greater trust when they are written in shorter and simpler words. You should remember it not only when you are working on tiny essays, but also when you are writing research papers and other big academic assignments. While the use of professional language and specific terms is encouraged in college, you should always be able to explain your points of view and main ideas in simple words.