the selections suggested in (2), to determine in what proportion each of these writers uses long and short words.

4. The story of " Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel De Foe has been rewritten for children entirely in words of one syllable. Rewrite the following account of finding the footprints in the sand, using, where possible, words of one syllable.

1

THE FOOTPRINTS

It happened one day about noon, going toward my boat, I was exceedingly surprised with the print of a man's naked foot on the shore, which was very plain to be seen on the sand. I stood like one thunder-struck, or as if I had seen an apparition. I listened, I looked about me, but I could hear nothing nor see anything; I went up to a rising ground to look farther; I went up the shore and down the shore, but it was all one I could see no other impression but that one. I went to it again to see if there were any more, and to observe if it might not be my fancy; but there was no room for that, for there was exactly the print of a foot toes, heel, and every part of a foot. How it came hither I knew not nor could I in the least imagine; but after innumerable fluttering thoughts, like a man perfectly confused and out of myself, I came home to my fortification, not feeling, as we say, the ground I went on, but terrified to the last degree, looking behind me every two or three steps, mistaking every bush and tree, and fancying every stump at a distance to be a man. Nor is it possible to describe how many various shapes my affrighted imagination represented things to me in, how many wild ideas were formed every moment in my fancy, what strange unaccountable whims came into my thoughts by the way. When I came to my castle (for so I think I called it ever after this) I fled into it like one pursued. Whether I went over by the ladder as first contrived, or went in at the hole in the rock, which I had called a door, I cannot remember; no, nor could I remember the next morning, for never frightened hare fled to cover, or fox to earth with more terror of mind than I to this retreat.

From "Robinson Crusoe." - DE FOE.

SECTION XXVIII

Choice of Words

From what you have learned about words, you will readily see that the choice and use of words is the most important factor in the clear and effective expression of thought. A writer's paragraphs may show the order in which he has grouped his thoughts upon a subject, and his sentences may present a coherent arrangement of ideas; but unless words are used correctly and appropriately, his composition will fail to be clear and effective. It is therefore apparent that such a knowledge of words is necessary as will enable one to select and use them correctly and effectively. This requires that a person shall not only understand the meanings of the words and know which have the sanction of good usage; but that he shall have skill in selecting from among the large number of words at his disposal the ones that will be most effective and appropriate for the clothing of his ideas. This skill in choosing is developed through exercise; for it is mainly by trying words, and rejecting and trying others, until the ones best suited to the purpose are found, that the judgment is gradually trained, and the best word and the most appropriate phrase comes to one apparently without effort. A few suggestions for directing the judgment may perhaps prove helpful to young writers.

Long or Short Words. Since the same thought may often be expressed with equal clearness either in short or long words, the question, which kind it is best to use, may perplex one. A rule which it is always safe to follow, is not to force big words into use, unless they are suggested naturally by the nature of the subject. Seek rather the short words, using long ones only when they will express the

intended meaning and answer the purpose better than short ones. The short words, usually of Anglo-Saxon origin, and the ones generally used in common everyday speech, possess force and directness; and are, as a rule, better than long ones for the statement of facts when a person wishes to come to the point of his remarks at once without lengthy descriptions and explanations. The long polysyllables, on the other hand, as they have an elegance of sound which the short words do not, may be effectively employed where grace and elegance of diction are desired. Another consideration which will influence a writer in the selection of words is their appropriateness to the subject and to the understanding of the reader. To use long pompous words in speaking upon a commonplace subject would make one's language appear ridiculous, and to use short words, with their suggestion of familiarity, would be out of place when the subject and the occasion calls for dignity and elegance of style. A writer should also consider for whom he is writing, that he may select words that will be understood, and will best convey to the minds of his readers the thoughts which he wishes to express, and thus produce the effect desired.

General or Specific Words. Another point which one should consider when choosing words is whether general or specific words are more effective. A general word is one which relates to a class of ideas, and a specific word is one which is applied to a single idea. For example, city, tree, animal, are general words; Boston, maple, lion, are specific words. Since a general word denotes an entire class, including a large number of individual ideas or objects, it is clear that such a word would not be as definite as a specific word which denotes but a single idea. Vivid pictures can be presented better by the use of specific words, hence when

accuracy of statement is important, specific words should be used. When we read, "At nightfall, a haggard, thoughtful, gloomy man was seen returning alone to the battlefield," we have a more or less indefinite idea of the incident. When, however, we read the sentence which follows, "It was Napoleon, returning to Waterloo," instantly a vivid picture appears. The well-known figure in the familiar dress, the bowed head, the gloomy countenance, are outlined before our imagination as clearly as though on canvas; and to this external view we add a still clearer perception of the tumult of conflicting emotions which raged within the bosom of this man of fate as he wandered, dazed and bewildered by despair, back to the scene of the annihilation of his fondest dreams and boldest ambitions.

Often words in which there is an implied comparison are specific in effect, and present vivid ideas. For example, when we read, "His muscles were of iron, and his heart was of flint," we receive a more vivid idea than if we had been told, "His muscles are strong and his heart is hard;" similarly, the use of the name of one thing for that of another to which it bears a close relation, as, the sign for the thing signified, or the container for the thing contained often gives emphasis. "The power of the "The power of the press is recog

nized," "the entire school applauded," have more force than if the words newspapers and pupils had been used instead of press and school.

In general, then, you should use specific words when they will include all you wish to express. Say exactly what you desire to say, and use those words, whether general or specific, that will best enable you to do this; but when you wish a word to include more than is suggested by a specific term you should use a general word.

Use Words that best express the Thought. From what has been said about the choice of words the only definite rule which can be given is, use words that best express the thought and are appropriate to the subject and the occasion. The important consideration is not whether words are short or long, simple or elegant, general or specific, but that they express thought clearly and accurately, that a writer says neither more nor less, but exactly what he wants to say. If you have read "Sentimental Tommy," you will remember how Tommy failed in the composition-writing contest, because he could not think of the exact word to express an idea until too late, and his rival had finished writing and won the scholarship. This is an extreme case; yet it is this exactness in the choice of words which gives to one person's writing more clearness, more life, and more force than to another's. The study of words which will enable one to make them the effective instruments of thought communication is one which will require both time and effort. A power of discrimination which can gather out from among the great multitude of words the ones which will best answer the purpose cannot be gained quickly nor from the study of rules. It comes only through painstaking effort to always select and use the right word; but the increased ability to think logically and to express thought accurately will fully repay the labor.

Exercises

1. Count the short and the long words used by five different authors on a page selected from the writings of each, and tell which of them uses the more short and which the more long words.

2. Make a list of the names of things in everyday use, such