Secondary 4 English vocabulary in writing should be judged by more than the number of difficult words a student can insert. Grade 10 students searching for Secondary 4 vocabulary, lexical diversity, lexical sophistication, lexical density, vocabulary richness, academic vocabulary, essay vocabulary, advanced vocabulary, varied vocabulary and better word choice need a more accurate model. Strong writing uses enough variety to avoid vague repetition, enough sophistication to match the genre and idea, enough lexical density to carry meaning efficiently, and enough accuracy to keep every word natural and precise.
Lexical diversity refers broadly to the variety of words used in a text. Lexical sophistication refers to the use of vocabulary that is appropriately advanced, specific or register-sensitive for the task. Lexical density refers to how much of the text’s language consists of content-bearing lexical words such as nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs rather than grammatical function words. Vocabulary richness is a wider umbrella that can include diversity, sophistication, density, accuracy, phraseology and appropriateness. These dimensions overlap, but they are not the same.
This article is the Secondary 4 / Grade 10 owner for vocabulary richness in writing under the Secondary 4 English Vocabulary apex. It connects to Lexical Precision, Lexical Cohesion, Word Frequency and High-Utility Vocabulary, and Corpus Evidence. Its central proposition is simple: richer vocabulary means better-controlled vocabulary, not rarer vocabulary.
50-second router
- If writing repeats a small set of vague verbs and adjectives, work on lexical diversity.
- If a student replaces every repeated noun with a thesaurus synonym, protect cohesion and precision.
- If vocabulary is rare but unnatural, reduce sophistication and improve appropriateness.
- If a narrative sounds like an academic report, the register is wrong even if vocabulary is advanced.
- If a formal essay uses only conversational vocabulary, expand academic range.
- If a paragraph is packed with abstract nouns and becomes unreadable, reduce density.
- If writing is too sparse and vague, increase information-bearing nouns and verbs.
- If the same word repeats because it is the exact technical term, repetition may be correct.
- If sophisticated words create collocation errors, return to corpus/dictionary verification.
- If a writing score improves only when vocabulary becomes clearer and more precise, that is real lexical development.
Lexical diversity
Diversity concerns variety.
A student who writes:
good, good, good, good
has lower useful variety than a student who selects:
effective, practical, beneficial, persuasive
when those words genuinely fit different ideas.
But diversity is not a demand to avoid all repetition.
Type-token ratio and its limitations
One simple diversity measure compares different word types with total word tokens.
But longer texts naturally repeat more vocabulary, so raw type-token ratio is sensitive to text length.
Researchers therefore use corrected or alternative measures.
Secondary 4 students do not need to calculate complex indices to benefit from the concept.
They can audit repetitive vocabulary patterns qualitatively.
Productive repertoire
Diversity in writing reflects the vocabulary the student can actually retrieve under task conditions.
A large receptive vocabulary does not guarantee diverse writing.
Productive retrieval matters.
Useful repetition
Repetition can support:
cohesion;
technical precision;
topic continuity;
emphasis;
clarity.
The goal is to reduce empty repetition, not meaningful repetition.
Empty repetition
Weak repetition often involves very general words:
good;
bad;
thing;
nice;
get;
make;
do;
a lot.
These words are not forbidden.
They become weak when a more precise relationship is required.
Lexical sophistication
Sophistication is often misunderstood as low frequency.
Research on student writing shows that this is too simple.
Development involves genre-appropriate vocabulary, academic language in non-literary writing, reduced unhelpful repetition and better register control.
A rare word used badly is not sophisticated.
Register-appropriate sophistication
Narrative writing may benefit from precise sensory and action vocabulary.
Argumentative writing may benefit from evidence, evaluation and qualification vocabulary.
Situational writing needs audience-appropriate language.
Different genres require different kinds of sophistication.
Academic vocabulary
Academic words can increase sophistication in essays and analytical writing.
However, forcing academic terms into narrative dialogue or personal reflection can sound unnatural.
Appropriateness controls sophistication.
Frequency and sophistication
Low-frequency vocabulary can be sophisticated when it is the best word.
But high-frequency vocabulary can also be exact, elegant and mature.
Use is the criterion.
Collocation and sophistication
A sophisticated headword with an unnatural collocation lowers writing quality.
“Powerful evidence” may be less conventional than “strong evidence” or “compelling evidence” in many contexts.
Phrase knowledge matters.
Lexical density
Lexical density concerns the proportion of content-bearing words.
Academic writing can be dense because noun phrases compress processes.
But density is not always better.
Too much density can make writing difficult to process.
Content words
Nouns.
Main verbs.
Adjectives.
Many adverbs.
These carry much of the propositional meaning.
Function words
Articles.
Pronouns.
Prepositions.
Auxiliaries.
Conjunctions.
These organise grammar and relationships.
Good writing needs both.
Dense noun phrases
“the rapid implementation of the revised transport policy”
compresses information.
But several dense noun phrases in one sentence can overload the reader.
Density should serve clarity.
Vocabulary richness as a multidimensional idea
A rich paragraph may combine:
variety;
precision;
appropriate sophistication;
natural collocation;
cohesion;
register control;
accurate grammar;
efficient density.
No single number captures all of this.
Vocabulary richness and genre
A literary paragraph and a scientific explanation should not be measured by the same ideal vocabulary profile.
Genre changes appropriate vocabulary.
Vocabulary richness and task
A summary rewards compression and meaning preservation.
A narrative rewards scene-building and voice.
An argument rewards reasoning and evaluation.
A formal email rewards clarity and audience awareness.
The task defines useful richness.
Vocabulary richness and age
Research on school writing generally finds increasing lexical diversity as writers mature, while vocabulary sophistication develops in complex interaction with genre, repetition and register. Older students increasingly use academic vocabulary appropriately in non-literary writing rather than simply choosing uniformly rarer words.
Vocabulary richness and K300
Current SEC English rewards vocabulary sufficiently varied to convey shades of meaning and ambitious vocabulary used accurately, within coherent and cohesive responses. This supports a balanced interpretation of lexical richness: variety and ambition matter only when meaning remains controlled.
Research-informed foundations
Research on children’s writing distinguishes lexical diversity, density and sophistication. Durrant and Brenchley’s corpus study of school writing found that diversity increases with age while lexical sophistication cannot be reduced to simple low-frequency word use; repetition, part of speech and register appropriateness interact with development. More recent middle-school writing research also reports growth in vocabulary usage alongside content and sentence development, showing that writing sophistication is multidimensional rather than a rare-word contest.
Sources and further reading
- Reading and Writing: Development of Vocabulary Sophistication Across Genres
- Reading and Writing: Writing Growth in Grades 6–8
- International Journal of AI in Education: Lexical Diversity and Sophistication Features
- eduKateSG: Lexical Diversity — Why Better Writing Is Not Just Using More Different Words
Grade 10 lexical-richness audit
- Highlight repeated vague words.
- Mark repetitions that protect cohesion or technical precision.
- Circle ambitious words and verify meaning/collocation.
- Label genre-inappropriate vocabulary.
- Check whether nouns and verbs carry specific meaning.
- Identify sentences overloaded by nominalisation.
- Check lexical chains across paragraphs.
- Replace only where precision improves.
- Read aloud for naturalness.
- Compare the revised version with the original for clarity, not rarity.
Grade 10 lexical-richness diagnostic laboratory
Repeated good
Example: The plan is good because it gives students a good place to study and creates good results.
Main dimension: lexical diversity. Repair: Replace only where the intended criterion differs: effective plan, suitable place, improved outcomes.
Principle: Variety should reveal meaning, not disguise repetition.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated bad
Example: The policy is bad because the timing is bad and the result is bad.
Main dimension: lexical diversity. Repair: Distinguish impractical timing, harmful effect and ineffective policy.
Principle: General negative vocabulary hides the criterion.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated thing
Example: This thing helps people understand the thing better.
Main dimension: lexical precision. Repair: Name the actual concept and object.
Principle: Diversity improves naturally when nouns become specific.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated get
Example: Students get knowledge, get confidence and get better results.
Main dimension: verb diversity. Repair: Use acquire knowledge, develop confidence and achieve stronger results where natural.
Principle: Replacing a high-frequency verb works only when the new verb captures a distinct relationship.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated make
Example: The programme makes students better and makes learning easier.
Main dimension: verb precision. Repair: Use improves performance and reduces learning difficulty if those meanings are intended.
Principle: Do not vary for style alone.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated do
Example: Students do revision, do practice and do an analysis.
Main dimension: collocation. Repair: Use revise, practise and conduct an analysis.
Principle: Phrase accuracy matters more than token variety.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated important
Example: Sleep is important because memory is important and attention is important.
Main dimension: evaluative diversity. Repair: Specify crucial for retention, relevant to learning, central to attention.
Principle: A richer evaluative field clarifies reasoning.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated shows
Example: The graph shows an increase and shows a decline later.
Main dimension: reporting/data verbs. Repair: Use indicates, records, reveals or displays only if the context fits.
Principle: Reporting verbs carry stance and strength.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated says
Example: The writer says the policy is unfair and says people disagree.
Main dimension: reporting verbs. Repair: Use argues, states, claims or observes according to rhetorical function.
Principle: Near-synonyms must preserve stance.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated people
Example: People use social media because people want information and people want entertainment.
Main dimension: noun variety. Repair: Use users, audiences, individuals or communities only when scope remains accurate.
Principle: Category changes can distort population.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated students
Example: Students revise, students practise and students improve.
Main dimension: cohesive repetition. Repair: Keep students once, then use pronouns or restructure where reference is safe.
Principle: Not all repetition is lexical weakness.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated policy
Example: The policy reduced traffic. The policy also increased costs. The policy remained controversial.
Main dimension: technical repetition. Repair: Repeating policy is acceptable; vary sentence structure rather than invent scheme/measure/initiative unnecessarily.
Principle: Cohesion can require stable terminology.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Forced synonym for policy
Example: The policy was introduced. The scheme was expensive. The initiative was unpopular. The reform was revised.
Main dimension: semantic drift. Repair: Use policy repeatedly unless another label is genuinely justified.
Principle: Thesaurus variety can create multiple imaginary entities.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Narrative over-formality
Example: He commenced locomotion towards his residential premises.
Main dimension: register mismatch. Repair: He started walking home, or choose a precise movement verb if manner matters.
Principle: Rare words do not equal sophisticated narrative.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Essay under-formality
Example: Kids kinda hate the rule because it sucks.
Main dimension: register mismatch. Repair: Students may oppose the rule because it creates practical difficulties.
Principle: Sophistication includes appropriate register.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Email over-formality
Example: I hereby request the aforementioned document at your earliest possible convenience.
Main dimension: register mismatch. Repair: Could you please send me the document when convenient?
Principle: Formality should not become bureaucratic inflation.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Email under-formality
Example: Hey, send me the thing ASAP.
Main dimension: register mismatch. Repair: Could you please send me the document by Friday?
Principle: Audience fit is part of lexical quality.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Rare-word inflation
Example: The policy ameliorated the deleterious ramifications.
Main dimension: lexical sophistication. Repair: The policy reduced the harmful effects may be clearer and more natural.
Principle: Use rare vocabulary only when it adds precision.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Unnecessary utilise
Example: Students should utilise dictionaries.
Main dimension: lexical sophistication. Repair: Students should use dictionaries unless utilise adds a specific sense.
Principle: Common words can be the mature choice.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Unnecessary commence
Example: The lesson commenced after lunch.
Main dimension: register appropriateness. Repair: The lesson started after lunch is often more natural.
Principle: Sophistication depends on genre.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Unnecessary facilitate
Example: The worksheet facilitates the enhancement of vocabulary.
Main dimension: nominalisation/inflation. Repair: The worksheet helps students improve vocabulary.
Principle: Density and sophistication can both become excessive.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Dense noun stack
Example: The implementation effectiveness evaluation process was delayed.
Main dimension: lexical density. Repair: The team delayed evaluating how effectively the plan had been implemented.
Principle: Unpacking nouns can improve clarity.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Nominalisation overload
Example: The implementation of the revision resulted in an improvement in comprehension.
Main dimension: density. Repair: Revising the lesson improved comprehension.
Principle: High density is not automatically strong writing.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Too sparse
Example: The plan is good. It helps. It works. It is nice.
Main dimension: low density. Repair: The plan improves access because students can use the library after lessons.
Principle: Add meaningful lexical content rather than decorative adjectives.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Function-word heavy
Example: There are many things that can be done in order to make it so that students can learn better.
Main dimension: low density/wordiness. Repair: Several targeted strategies can improve learning.
Principle: Density can improve through precise content words.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Adjective stacking
Example: The amazing, wonderful, fantastic, excellent programme helped.
Main dimension: inflated evaluation. Repair: The programme was effective because it increased attendance.
Principle: Criteria beat adjective accumulation.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Adverb stacking
Example: The results changed very significantly and really dramatically.
Main dimension: degree control. Repair: The results increased substantially.
Principle: One calibrated modifier is usually stronger.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Very + adjective dependence
Example: The problem is very big and very serious.
Main dimension: semantic scale. Repair: Use severe, widespread or substantial according to the dimension.
Principle: Semantic scales increase useful variety.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Narrative said-synonym overload
Example: She exclaimed, declared, articulated and vocalised every line.
Main dimension: dialogue sophistication. Repair: Use said where neutral; choose whispered, muttered or snapped only when manner matters.
Principle: Dialogue tags should not become thesaurus displays.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Narrative precise movement
Example: He walked very slowly and unsteadily.
Main dimension: verb precision. Repair: He staggered, if unsteady movement is intended.
Principle: One precise verb can reduce density and improve imagery.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Narrative vague movement
Example: She went across the room.
Main dimension: verb precision. Repair: She crossed, hurried across, crept across or strode across depending on manner.
Principle: Sophistication comes from semantic fit.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Argument vague evaluation
Example: This is a good solution.
Main dimension: evaluative sophistication. Repair: This solution is feasible within the current budget.
Principle: Academic richness often means criterion-specific vocabulary.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Argument unsupported strong word
Example: This policy is undeniably catastrophic.
Main dimension: stance control. Repair: The policy may create significant costs, based on the available evidence.
Principle: Sophistication includes calibrated certainty.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Proof inflation
Example: The survey proves students prefer online learning.
Main dimension: epistemic precision. Repair: The survey suggests that many respondents prefer online learning.
Principle: Accurate stance outweighs forceful vocabulary.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Everyone/all overuse
Example: Everyone thinks the rule is unfair.
Main dimension: quantifier precision. Repair: Many respondents described the rule as unfair, if that is what evidence shows.
Principle: Small function words can matter more than rare nouns.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Cause overuse
Example: Screen time causes poor grades, causes stress and causes sleep loss.
Main dimension: causal diversity. Repair: Use may contribute to, can disrupt or is associated with where evidence warrants.
Principle: Causal vocabulary should match relationship strength.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Cause field precision
Example: The announcement caused protests, while long-term inequality caused resentment.
Main dimension: causal roles. Repair: Use triggered protests and contributed to resentment where appropriate.
Principle: Different causal verbs encode different mechanisms.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Evidence field narrowness
Example: The evidence is good.
Main dimension: academic sophistication. Repair: The evidence is relevant but insufficient, or credible but limited.
Principle: Evaluation vocabulary should name the property.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Source field narrowness
Example: This is a bad source.
Main dimension: academic sophistication. Repair: The source is unrepresentative, unreliable or biased according to the actual weakness.
Principle: Vocabulary should reveal the diagnostic criterion.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Comparison vague
Example: School A is better than School B.
Main dimension: comparison vocabulary. Repair: School A is more efficient in resource use but less accessible geographically.
Principle: Sophistication means specifying comparison dimensions.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Data generic change
Example: The number changed a lot.
Main dimension: data vocabulary. Repair: Attendance rose sharply, fluctuated or declined gradually depending on the graph.
Principle: Genre-specific lexical fields improve richness.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Data exaggerated rise
Example: The figure skyrocketed from 50 to 52.
Main dimension: magnitude appropriateness. Repair: The figure increased slightly.
Principle: Sophisticated writing respects scale.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Data generic decrease
Example: The number got smaller.
Main dimension: data vocabulary. Repair: The proportion declined moderately.
Principle: Productive academic fields reduce vague repetition.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Summary synonym drift
Example: The source says some participants; the summary says most people.
Main dimension: paraphrase accuracy. Repair: Preserve some or an equivalent limited quantifier.
Principle: Variety that changes scope is not lexical quality.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Summary causal drift
Example: The source says may reduce; the summary says prevents.
Main dimension: paraphrase precision. Repair: Use may lower or could reduce.
Principle: Sophistication cannot violate meaning equivalence.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Summary excessive variety
Example: The summary renames the same programme as scheme, initiative, reform and project.
Main dimension: cohesion. Repair: Repeat programme or use one stable accurate alternative.
Principle: Controlled repetition supports summary accuracy.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Technical term avoidance
Example: Photosynthesis becomes plant food-making system throughout the Science explanation.
Main dimension: disciplinary vocabulary. Repair: Use photosynthesis after defining it once.
Principle: Technical repetition can be sophisticated because it is precise.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Technical term overuse
Example: The paragraph repeats photosynthesis in every clause where pronouns or ellipsis would be clear.
Main dimension: cohesion and diversity. Repair: Retain the term where needed, vary sentence structure elsewhere.
Principle: Technical precision and stylistic economy can coexist.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Academic noun repetition
Example: Evidence, evidence, evidence appears in every sentence.
Main dimension: diversity/cohesion. Repair: Use source, findings or data only where they are true equivalents; otherwise restructure.
Principle: Do not solve repetition by semantic drift.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Transition-word inflation
Example: Moreover appears in every paragraph.
Main dimension: discourse variety. Repair: Use connectors according to relation; sometimes no connector is needed.
Principle: Lexical diversity includes discourse choices, but logic controls them.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Connector thesaurus
Example: However, nevertheless, nonetheless and conversely are rotated mechanically.
Main dimension: discourse precision. Repair: Choose based on concession, contrast or opposition.
Principle: Surface variety can hide logical errors.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Formal phrase density
Example: In light of the fact that, with regard to, in relation to, in terms of all appear together.
Main dimension: phrase density. Repair: Use because, about or a single precise frame where possible.
Principle: Multiword sophistication can create clutter.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Chunk overuse
Example: To a certain extent appears in every evaluative paragraph.
Main dimension: formulaic dependence. Repair: Use it only when the degree is genuinely partial; otherwise state the judgment directly.
Principle: Richness requires flexible phraseology.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Chunk underuse
Example: Every sentence is assembled from basic words despite mature reasoning.
Main dimension: productive phraseology. Repair: Build high-utility chunks such as evidence suggests, a limitation is, one factor is.
Principle: Phrase knowledge can raise fluency without rare vocabulary.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated sentence starter
Example: This shows… This shows… This shows…
Main dimension: syntactic/lexical monotony. Repair: Vary sentence structure and analytical function.
Principle: Vocabulary variety interacts with syntax.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repeated subject-verb frame
Example: The writer uses… The writer uses… The writer uses…
Main dimension: structural repetition. Repair: Group evidence or vary focus: Repetition emphasises…, By contrast…, The final image…
Principle: Lexical diversity alone may not fix structural monotony.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Noun-heavy paragraph
Example: Implementation, evaluation, allocation and utilisation dominate every sentence.
Main dimension: excessive density. Repair: Use more finite verbs where clearer.
Principle: Academic style is not maximum nominalisation.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Verb-heavy vague paragraph
Example: People do things and make changes and get results.
Main dimension: low specificity. Repair: Strengthen nouns and verbs together.
Principle: Density and precision are complementary.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Adjective-heavy narrative
Example: The scary, dark, eerie, frightening room…
Main dimension: redundant description. Repair: Choose concrete nouns, verbs and one precise adjective.
Principle: Richness is distributed across parts of speech.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Noun repetition in description
Example: The room had a table. The room had a window. The room had a chair.
Main dimension: cohesion/syntax. Repair: Use reference, spatial organisation and varied sentence structure.
Principle: Not every repetition problem requires synonymy.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Pronoun overuse
Example: It was near it, and it made it difficult.
Main dimension: reference failure. Repair: Restore lexical nouns where identity is unclear.
Principle: Diversity must not sacrifice reference.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Vague this
Example: This shows this is important.
Main dimension: reference/lexical weakness. Repair: This pattern suggests that attendance is an important indicator.
Principle: Label demonstratives and concepts.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Generic academic words
Example: factor, aspect, issue, element appear everywhere.
Main dimension: pseudo-sophistication. Repair: Use concrete concepts when the generic noun adds no analytical value.
Principle: Academic-looking words can become vague fillers.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Greco-Latin inflation
Example: The utilisation of pedagogical methodologies facilitates educational optimisation.
Main dimension: pseudo-academic register. Repair: Effective teaching methods can improve learning.
Principle: Academic vocabulary should carry necessary meaning.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Literary vocabulary in report
Example: The economy limped sadly through the year.
Main dimension: genre mismatch. Repair: The economy grew slowly or contracted, depending on data.
Principle: Metaphor can be effective, but analytical genres often need precise measurement language.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Academic vocabulary in dialogue
Example: I am experiencing considerable apprehension regarding our imminent departure.
Main dimension: character voice mismatch. Repair: I’m worried about leaving soon, unless the character genuinely speaks formally.
Principle: Genre and voice constrain sophistication.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Informal intensifier in essay
Example: The policy is super effective.
Main dimension: register mismatch. Repair: The policy is highly effective or effective to a considerable extent, if supported.
Principle: Register is part of richness.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Internet slang in formal email
Example: This is kinda a big issue lol.
Main dimension: register mismatch. Repair: This is a significant concern.
Principle: Appropriateness outweighs novelty.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Cliché dependence
Example: At the end of the day, every cloud has a silver lining.
Main dimension: formulaic weakness. Repair: State the actual conclusion or implication.
Principle: Common chunks can lower precision when used as filler.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Cliché avoidance through rarity
Example: The writer replaces every familiar phrase with obscure alternatives.
Main dimension: over-sophistication. Repair: Use conventional phrasing when it is clear and appropriate.
Principle: Naturalness is part of lexical quality.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Over-specific noun
Example: The student names a rare species when the category plant is enough.
Main dimension: unnecessary specificity. Repair: Choose detail according to task relevance.
Principle: Sophistication is selective specificity.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Under-specific noun
Example: The student writes thing for policy mechanism.
Main dimension: insufficient specificity. Repair: Name the relevant concept.
Principle: Precise nouns often improve richness more than rare adjectives.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repetition for emphasis
Example: Never again. Never again would she wait. Never again would she surrender.
Main dimension: purposeful repetition. Repair: Keep repetition because rhetorical function is clear.
Principle: Diversity is not always the goal.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repetition for cohesion
Example: The experiment tested pressure. Pressure increased steadily.
Main dimension: purposeful repetition. Repair: Technical anchor may repeat safely.
Principle: Cohesion and diversity must be balanced.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Repetition from vocabulary gap
Example: The student uses nice ten times across description.
Main dimension: productive breadth gap. Repair: Build sensory and evaluative fields.
Principle: Here diversity is the actual bottleneck.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Rare noun repetition
Example: A rare topic noun repeats because the essay discusses one specialised object.
Main dimension: topic necessity. Repair: Keep technical noun and vary surrounding syntax.
Principle: Raw diversity metrics can misread necessary repetition.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Genre shift inside essay
Example: A formal analysis suddenly uses chatty storytelling vocabulary.
Main dimension: register inconsistency. Repair: Restore consistent academic stance unless deliberate voice change serves purpose.
Principle: Richness includes consistency.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Overloaded sentence
Example: Despite the substantially significant implementation of numerous effective strategies…
Main dimension: density and modifier overload. Repair: Reduce stacked modifiers and nominalisations.
Principle: Lexical richness must remain readable.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Sparse sentence
Example: Things changed and people reacted.
Main dimension: low density. Repair: Name what changed, who reacted and how.
Principle: Add information-bearing words.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Sophisticated wrong collocation
Example: The policy committed a significant impact.
Main dimension: collocation error. Repair: The policy had a significant impact or produced significant effects.
Principle: Incorrect phraseology cancels sophistication.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Sophisticated wrong word class
Example: The analyse was comprehensive.
Main dimension: word-family control. Repair: The analysis was comprehensive.
Principle: Morphological accuracy is part of lexical quality.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Sophisticated wrong preposition
Example: This contributed for the decline.
Main dimension: lexical grammar. Repair: This contributed to the decline.
Principle: Grammar patterns belong to word knowledge.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Overuse of adverbs
Example: The writer clearly, obviously, certainly, undoubtedly proves…
Main dimension: stance inflation. Repair: Choose one justified stance marker or none.
Principle: Sophistication includes restraint.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Underuse of qualification
Example: The essay uses absolute claims only.
Main dimension: stance range. Repair: Add may, often, in many cases, to some extent where evidence requires.
Principle: A richer epistemic field improves academic control.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Overuse of may
Example: Every claim is hedged with may.
Main dimension: stance monotony. Repair: Vary certainty only when evidence differs; sometimes state a direct fact.
Principle: Diversity should follow evidential differences.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Vocabulary rich but incoherent
Example: Every sentence contains advanced words but ideas do not connect.
Main dimension: coherence. Repair: Repair argument structure and lexical chains.
Principle: Rich words cannot compensate for weak organisation.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Coherent but lexically narrow
Example: Ideas connect well but vocabulary remains vague.
Main dimension: productive breadth. Repair: Target the repeated functional fields rather than replacing everything.
Principle: Cohesion provides a stable base for lexical expansion.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Timed writing collapse
Example: Untimed drafts are varied, exam writing uses safe basic vocabulary.
Main dimension: retrieval under load. Repair: Practise high-utility fields under gradual timing.
Principle: Productive richness depends on accessible memory.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
AI-polished richness
Example: Final draft has sophisticated vocabulary the student cannot explain.
Main dimension: ownership problem. Repair: Require independent first draft, verification and delayed reuse.
Principle: External lexical variety is not learner mastery.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Thesaurus-polished richness
Example: Synonyms create variety but several sentences change meaning.
Main dimension: semantic control. Repair: Audit every replacement for sense, register and collocation.
Principle: Measured diversity can rise while writing quality falls.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Model-answer imitation
Example: Student copies bundles from a model across unrelated topics.
Main dimension: formulaic transfer. Repair: Teach rhetorical function and variable slots.
Principle: Reusable phraseology must remain meaning-driven.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Personal voice lost
Example: Every essay uses generic academic phrases.
Main dimension: voice/register. Repair: Retain precise individual phrasing where appropriate.
Principle: Sophistication can include controlled originality.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Narrative voice inconsistent
Example: Character speaks formally in one line and slang in next without reason.
Main dimension: register cohesion. Repair: Match vocabulary to stable character voice.
Principle: Lexical richness includes sociolinguistic consistency.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Argument field strong
Example: Student uses evidence, criterion, implication, limitation naturally.
Main dimension: successful sophistication. Repair: Maintain field and broaden only where reasoning needs new distinctions.
Principle: Good richness should be recognised, not endlessly upgraded.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Narrative field strong
Example: Student uses precise action and sensory vocabulary without overload.
Main dimension: successful sophistication. Repair: Maintain balance and avoid thesaurus inflation.
Principle: Sophistication can be simple and vivid.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Summary field strong
Example: Student compresses with accurate category terms.
Main dimension: successful density. Repair: Maintain meaning preservation and concise noun phrases.
Principle: Density is valuable when it reduces words without obscuring relations.
Diagnostic question: Would changing the vocabulary improve precision, appropriateness, cohesion or information density—or merely make the text look less repetitive? If the only gain is surface variety, do not revise yet.
Revision task: Produce one conservative revision that changes as little as possible and one ambitious revision that uses more varied vocabulary. Compare which version preserves meaning, register and natural collocation more successfully.
Grade 10 transfer: Reuse the same lexical decision in a different genre. A word that improves an argumentative paragraph may be wrong in a narrative voice, and a vivid narrative verb may be inappropriate in a formal report.
Ownership test: Explain every nonbasic word in plain English. If the writer cannot explain the word, its collocation or why it fits the genre, the vocabulary is not yet productively owned.
Lexical-richness workshops
Diversity audit
Highlight repeated content words in one paragraph. Separate necessary repetition from vague repetition before changing anything.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Sophistication audit
Circle low-frequency or academic-looking words. Verify whether each one is more precise than a common alternative.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Density audit
Underline content words and identify overloaded noun phrases. Rewrite one dense sentence with more verbs.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Register audit
Mark words that sound out of place for genre, audience or character voice.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Collocation audit
Check ambitious words with dictionaries or corpus evidence before accepting them.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Part-of-speech audit
Compare noun, verb, adjective and adverb variety rather than counting all words together.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Narrative field expansion
Build action, perception, sound and emotion fields from current writing.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Argument field expansion
Build cause, evidence, evaluation, qualification and counterargument fields.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Data-description expansion
Build trend and magnitude vocabulary around real graphs.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Summary compression
Replace lists with precise superordinates while preserving scope.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Controlled repetition
Choose one technical term and deliberately repeat it where precision matters.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Synonym boundary drill
Compare two near-synonyms before using either as a repetition fix.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Genre comparison
Write the same topic as a narrative paragraph and formal analysis, then compare vocabulary choices.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Timed diversity practice
Write under moderate time, then compare lexical variety with untimed work.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Productive-bank rehearsal
Retrieve high-utility fields before a timed task without displaying a word list during writing.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Rare-word deletion
Remove words chosen mainly because they look advanced and see whether clarity improves.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Common-word defence
Identify places where a common word is actually the most accurate choice.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Academic-bundle audit
Count recurring frames and remove mechanical repetitions.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Voice consistency check
Track vocabulary register across a narrative speaker or formal essay.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Lexical-chain audit
Trace key terms across paragraphs to ensure diversity has not broken cohesion.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Revision-before-after
Compare a draft and revision and label every vocabulary change by purpose: precision, register, cohesion, compression or error repair.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Peer explanation
Ask the writer to explain why each ambitious word was chosen. Unexplained prestige choices return to review.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Corpus-supported revision
Verify a doubtful phrase in a corpus and learner dictionary before finalising it.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
AI verification workflow
Use AI alternatives only after the writer identifies the lexical problem and then verifies suggestions.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Monthly writing portfolio
Track repeated vague words, successful new active words, collocation errors and genre appropriateness across several pieces.
Success standard: The revision changes vocabulary for a reason that can be named—precision, register, cohesion, compression, phrase naturalness or retrieval—not because longer or rarer words are assumed to be better.
Reassessment: Apply the same audit to a new piece of writing. Mature lexical control appears when the writer can diagnose the dimension independently and make fewer unnecessary substitutions.
Twelve-week vocabulary-richness programme
Week 1 diagnoses repetition. Week 2 distinguishes useful and empty repetition. Week 3 develops precise nouns and verbs. Week 4 builds genre-specific lexical fields. Week 5 studies academic vocabulary and register. Week 6 studies collocations. Week 7 unpacks excessive density. Week 8 practises semantic scales and qualification. Week 9 strengthens productive retrieval. Week 10 revises under time. Week 11 compares corpus-supported phrase choices. Week 12 reviews a writing portfolio for diversity, sophistication, density and accuracy together.
Final principle
Lexical richness is multidimensional. Secondary 4 writing improves when vocabulary becomes more varied where variety helps, more sophisticated where the genre requires it, denser where compression clarifies, simpler where clarity demands it, and consistently accurate throughout. The mature writer is not the writer with the rarest words, but the writer with the best lexical decisions.
Portfolio-analysis clinic
Three-piece repetition audit
Compare three recent pieces of writing. List the ten most repeated content words in each. Mark which repetitions were necessary technical anchors and which reveal a narrow productive repertoire. Improvement means fewer vague repetitions, not zero repetition.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Genre-fit comparison
Place a narrative, argumentative essay and situational message side by side. Highlight words that fit one genre but would sound wrong in another. Sophistication should shift with task rather than remain a fixed word bank.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Timed-versus-untimed profile
Compare vocabulary from an untimed draft and a timed examination-style response on a related topic. Identify words that disappear under time pressure. Those missing but useful items belong in retrieval practice, not another passive vocabulary list.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Active-vocabulary growth
Select ten words that appeared independently in writing this month but not last month. Check whether each was accurate, natural and reused across contexts. Spontaneous accurate use is stronger evidence of productive growth than recognition on a quiz.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Collocation progress
Track phrase-level errors across several drafts. Count recurring patterns such as wrong verb-noun combinations, prepositions or adjective-noun pairings. Lexical richness rises when new words arrive with natural phraseology.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Academic-field growth
Compare use of cause, evidence, evaluation, uncertainty and comparison vocabulary across the portfolio. Stronger writing usually shows more functional distinctions rather than merely more rare words.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Narrative-field growth
Track movement, speech, perception, emotion and setting vocabulary across narrative pieces. Improvement means more precise selection with less modifier stacking, not a larger thesaurus footprint.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Density balance
Choose one paragraph from early and later writing. Identify content-heavy noun phrases and clauses. Ask whether later writing compresses meaning more efficiently without becoming harder to read.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Register stability
Mark vocabulary that is too casual, too bureaucratic or mismatched to character voice. Compare whether register errors decrease over time.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Revision quality
Examine vocabulary changes between first and final drafts. Label each change: precision, cohesion, register, collocation, compression, stance or unnecessary substitution. The ratio of purposeful to decorative changes is a useful learning signal.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Independent explanation
Ask the writer to explain five ambitious lexical choices without notes. Strong ownership means the student can define the word, name a useful collocation and explain why it suits the sentence.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Portfolio conclusion
Write a one-paragraph self-assessment identifying one lexical strength, one recurring weakness and one next-step routine. Vocabulary development becomes more sustainable when learners can diagnose their own writing.
Evidence standard: Use at least two pieces of writing before concluding that the vocabulary profile has changed. One topic can temporarily inflate or suppress lexical variety.
Action: Turn the portfolio finding into one narrow intervention. Reassess on a different topic so improvement reflects transferable lexical control rather than memorised wording.
Final portfolio principle
Lexical growth is best seen across time. A mature Secondary 4 writer develops a larger usable repertoire, more appropriate genre vocabulary, fewer phrase-level errors, stronger control of repetition and a better ability to retrieve precise words under real task conditions.
From lexical density to nominalisation
One major source of academic lexical density is nominalisation. Use Secondary 4 Nominalisation, Abstract Nouns and Dense Academic Noun Phrases to practise turning clauses into controlled academic noun phrases—and unpacking them again when prose becomes too dense.