Time Management Ideas Reps Steps E-mail UoB webmaster Colloquial Language, Contractions and Abbreviations People sometimes feel that they should write as they speak so as to avoid presenting a false or insincere image of themselves. However, writing in the style of the spoken word, or else presenting unsupported personal opinions, are quite inappropriate to essay writing, which requires a more complex, specialised and sophisticated vocabulary.
Formal language requires that words are written in full.
These are valuable in so far as they encapsulate an author's view on an important point or convey the flavour and character of a particular person or period. They also display an ability to select and deploy source material effectively. However, since tutors and examiners are interested in your words, and not your ability to copy the words of others, it is advisable to use direct quotes sparingly, and to draw upon your own vocabulary to transmit the views of others where possible. Short quotations, up to around 30 words, can be incorporated into the running text using quotation marks and appropriate footnoting. Longer quotes should form separate paragraphs and should be indented.