Read the following excerpt from a student essay. How can the writer best improve his or her word choice?

Question

Just about every channel on television today offers some kind of reality TV show. These reality TV shows can often be entertaining and addictive to watch, but they are hardly ever really showing "reality." Participants on reality TV shows often follow a script, and the reality TV shows are often based around artificial scenarios that create conflict. In addition, when people are being filmed, they often act differently from the way they would if they weren't being observed.
A. By replacing vague language
B. By reducing repetitive language
C. By fixing misused words

Answer 1

The writer can best improve his or her word choice A. By replacing vague language.

The terms "just about every," "some kind of," "often," and "really" are examples of vague language that can weaken the clarity and impact of the writing. Choosing more precise and descriptive words would enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of the essay. For instance, instead of "just about every channel," the writer could specify "nearly every channel" or "most channels," and instead of "some kind of reality TV show," the writer could provide specific examples of reality TV genres.