Concision
Every word should earn its place. Concision isn't about writing less—it's about saying more with fewer words. Tight prose is clear prose, and markers reward it.
The Power of Cutting
Wordiness can obscure your best ideas:
"Due to the fact that it was raining, we made the decision to stay inside."
"Because it rained, we stayed."
What Is Concision?
Concision means eliminating redundancy, filler, and dead weight. It's about precision—choosing the exact word that does the work, instead of using five words to say what one word could say.
The goal isn't to be brief. It's to be clear. Sometimes clarity takes more words. But in most student writing, the reverse is true: unnecessary words obscure ideas, create confusion, and waste your word limit.
Why NSW Markers Notice This
The selective test has a time limit. Markers can read ten concise paragraphs faster than five wordy ones. Concise writing shows two things: (1) you understand your ideas well enough to explain them simply, and (2) you respect the reader's time. Markers reward both.
Common Wordiness Patterns
Certain phrases appear so often that students use them automatically. Here's how to replace them:
| Wordy Pattern | Concise Alternative |
|---|---|
| "due to the fact that" | "because" |
| "in order to" | "to" |
| "at this point in time" | "now" |
| "make a decision" | "decide" |
| "in the event that" | "if" |
| "a large number of" | "many" |
| "has the ability to" | "can" |
| "the reason why is that" | "because" |
Before & After Examples
Watch how removing unnecessary words makes your writing tighter and stronger.
Technique: Cut words that repeat the same idea.
"She nodded her head in agreement."
6 words
"She nodded."
2 words (67% reduction)
Why NSW Markers Notice This
Clarity Score
Concision contributes directly to Content & Ideas and Expression. Readers (and markers) can follow your argument when you're not tangled in unnecessary words. Clarity is a sign of strong thinking.
Time Management
The selective test is timed. When you're concise, you say more in fewer minutes. Markers notice you're not wasting time on filler. That's maturity in your writing.
The Reader Test
Imagine a busy marker reading 200 papers in a weekend. Would they prefer to read concise, punchy sentences or wade through wordy, meandering prose? Every unnecessary word costs you points because it costs them time.
Try It Yourself
Cut this bloated sentence down to its essence.
"There are a lot of people who believe that in order to be successful in life, it is absolutely essential and necessary to work hard at all times."
Editing Tips for Cutting Wordiness
1. The "Meaning Test"
Cover up a word or phrase and reread. If the meaning is still clear, the word isn't earning its place. Delete it.
2. Watch for Redundant Pairs
Words like "first begin," "end result," "free gift." The first word is redundant. Pick one and cut the other.
3. Convert Nominalisation
Find weak patterns: "made a decision," "showed an increase." Change them to verbs: "decided," "increased."
4. Eliminate Filler Words
Watch for: very, really, quite, rather, just, seem, appear, somewhat. These rarely add meaning.
5. One Detail Beats Three Vague Ones
Instead of "beautiful, amazing, and wonderful," give one concrete detail: "the colour of rust." Specific beats repetitive.
Practice Concision in the Writing Gym
Our Writing Gym has exercises to help you cut filler, tighten prose, and make every word count. Get instant AI feedback on your edits.