Avoid ________ when writing an essay.
A. summarizing
B. using personal input
C. quotations
D. sermonizing
D?
I agree.
Although -- I think there are times and places for sermonizing.
Avoiding "sermonizing" when writing an essay is important. Sermonizing refers to delivering a moral or preachy tone in your writing, often imposing your beliefs or opinions on the reader without providing sufficient evidence or logical arguments. Rather than engaging the reader with reasoned arguments, sermonizing can come across as didactic or condescending.
To select the correct answer, you should understand the meaning and implications of each option. Let's break down the other options as well:
A. Summarizing: Summarizing is important when writing an essay. It involves condensing the main ideas or arguments of a text or source into a concise form while retaining the original meaning. Summarizing demonstrates your comprehension of the material and can support your own arguments.
B. Using personal input: Using personal input can be helpful when writing an essay. It allows you to share your thoughts, opinions, and experiences related to the topic at hand. However, it's important to strike a balance and ensure that your personal input is supported by evidence and logical reasoning.
C. Quotations: Using quotations is an essential part of academic writing. Quotations can serve as evidence to support your arguments, provide authority to your ideas, or offer alternative perspectives. However, it's crucial to properly cite the quotations and integrate them seamlessly into your writing.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer would be option D, "sermonizing."