College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What type of words or expressions should be avoided when writing academic papers?

1. Passive voice

2. Idioms

3. Clear language

4. Contractions

The correct answer is: Contractions

Contractions should be avoided when writing academic papers as they can sound casual and can be disruptive to the formality of the writing. Additionally, contractions can create ambiguity and can be considered informal or slang, which is not appropriate for academic writing. While passive voice and idioms may also be avoided in academic writing, they are not the best answer to this question as they can be used effectively in certain cases. Using clear language, on the other hand, is actually recommended in academic writing in order to convey ideas effectively and avoid potential confusion.