Not every word should be vivid, however. Circle any words that have the effect of exclamation marks and that detract from the smoothness of the writing. Ask yourself what the shape or structure of the essay is and how the reader is cued as to that structure. See if a sentence in the middle of the paragraph should be moved up to the head of the paragraph. Consider whether a story or example or claim should be brought forward in the paper.
Artistic writers write in a distinctive tone or register.
Identify passages that seem to slip in and out of the author's voice or that are at variance with the dominant mood. Mark sentences that might benefit from shortening or from a different structure. Too many complex-compound sentences in a row also have a numbing effect. They should be broken up with short, simple sentences. Identify what is at stake in the paper.