{"id":20562,"date":"2013-09-04T09:40:35","date_gmt":"2013-09-04T16:40:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=20562"},"modified":"2013-09-03T13:35:16","modified_gmt":"2013-09-03T20:35:16","slug":"ugh-those-word-limits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/ugh-those-word-limits\/","title":{"rendered":"UGH! THOSE @!#$* WORD LIMITS!!!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now, now. Don\u2019t get angry. Deal. Use writing techniques<\/a> that convey your message and stay within the word limits. First and foremost, focus.<\/p>\n

Additionally, poor writing habits can make your writing wordy and flabby; good writing techniques make it powerful and concise. To give your writing a healthy diet<\/strong> and exercise routine incorporate these techniques:<\/p>\n

1) Minimize use of the passive voice.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Flabby<\/strong>: Experience A has been complemented by experience B. (8 words)
\n\u2022 Lean<\/strong>: Experience B complements experience A. (5 words)<\/p>\n

2) Use active, descriptive verbs.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Obese<\/strong>: I was the one who made the decision\u2026 (8 words)
\n\u2022 Slender<\/strong>: I decided\u2026 (2 words)<\/p>\n

3) Minimize use of the verb \u201cto be\u201d (Please note that I did not say \u201celiminate.\u201d)<\/p>\n

\u2022 Plump<\/strong>: She is a skillful negotiator. (5 words)
\n\u2022 Slim<\/strong>: She negotiates skillfully. (3 words)<\/p>\n

4) Check whether you need the verb preceding an infinitive.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Fat<\/strong>: She was able to fix \u2026 (5 words)
\n\u2022 Trim<\/strong>: She fixed\u2026 (2 words)<\/p>\n

These few techniques will put your writing in shape, help you stay within those limits, and give you one less reason to curse your applications<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article is one of the tips provided in <\/em>Submit a Stellar Application: 42 Terrific Tips to Help You Get Accepted<\/a>. Check out this instantly downloadable ebook for the other 41.
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