Wordy phrases such as at this point in time or in order to can usually shrink to now and to with no loss of meaning, and that is the heart of concision.
Precision is the other half: vague words like good, stuff, or very large should give way to exact ones, such as reliable, equipment, or enormous. In this topic the correct revision is rarely the longest choice; it says the same thing in fewer, sharper words.
Precise language and concision questions quote a sentence or a phrase and ask which revision uses the most precise language, so each choice is weighed for both accuracy and economy.
Sample questions
Pick an answer to see whether it is right — nothing is saved, and nothing needs an account.
Question 1Easier
Read this sentence.
Due to the fact that the printer ran out of ink, the reports were not ready by noon.
Which revision of the sentence uses the most precise language?
Show answer
Answer: D — Because the printer ran out of ink, the reports were not ready by noon.
Concise writing expresses the causal relationship directly, so “Because the printer ran out of ink, the reports were not ready by noon” is the most precise revision. “Although the printer ran out of ink, the reports were not ready by noon” incorrectly signals contrast, and “Therefore, the printer ran out of ink, and the reports were not ready by noon” confuses the cause-and-effect relationship. “When the printer ran out of ink, the reports were not ready by noon” indicates timing rather than clearly stating cause.
Question 2Easier
Read this sentence.
The chefs changed a few details in the recipe to make it healthier for the new menu.
What is the most precise revision for the words changed a few details?
Show answer
Answer: A — swapped butter for olive oil and reduced the sugar
Precise language identifies specific actions, so “swapped butter for olive oil and reduced the sugar” states clearly how the chefs made the recipe healthier. “Modified several ingredients” does not identify the modifications, while “experimented with the recipe” does not state that definite changes were made. “Adjusted the recipe somewhat” remains as vague as the original wording.
Question 3Mid
Read this sentence.
Lake Baikal is a really big lake that a lot of scientists study each year.
Which revision of the sentence uses the most precise language?
Show answer
Answer: B — Lake Baikal is a mile-deep lake where scientists measure water temperature and count native organisms each year.
Precise language replaces vague wording with specific, accurate details. “Lake Baikal is a mile-deep lake where scientists measure water temperature and count native organisms each year” clearly describes the lake and the scientists’ work. The revision calling the research “important” remains vague, the revision using “estimate” and “every organism” changes the meaning, and the revision using “do research on water and animals” is imprecise.
Study on the fly is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any testing organization, school, or government body.
SHSAT™ and Specialized High Schools Admissions Test™ are trademarks of the New York City Department of Education.
All practice questions and passages are original works created for Study on the fly and are not reproduced from any official test.