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Vagueness, Ambiguity, and Clarity in Writing

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Vagueness, Ambiguity, and Clarity in Writing
Denise Cook
CRT/205
November 18, 2012
Professor Freda Trujillo

The first example in which I chose was Example 2, “I was thrown from my truck as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by a flock of wild turkeys.” The first sentence is an example of vagueness because it does not tell us if he had an accident but it tells us enough to make the assumption that there was an accident. The second sentence is an example of ambiguity because it could mean that he was found by a flock of wild turkeys or it could mean that someone found him by a flock of wild turkeys in a ditch. The second example in which I chose was Example 3, “Next Sunday a collection will be taken to help with the cost of the new altar. Anyone wanting to help to do something on the new altar can step forward and let the committee know.” The first sentence is an example of vagueness because it does not tell us how much the new altar will cost or how much of a donation in which they need, but it is enough information given for you to make the assumption that they need money for a new altar. The second sentence is an example ambiguity because it could mean that anyone who wants to help with building the altar can step forward or it could mean anyone who wants to give money to help pay for the new altar can step forward. According to Chapter 3, vagueness plays a very important role in much that we do. Vagueness is often intentional, used as a means to avoid giving a clear, precise answer. Politicians often resort to vague statements if they don’t want their audience to know exactly where they stand. Vagueness occurs to varying degrees, and it is difficult to the point of impossibility to get rid of it entirely. Fortunately, there is no need to get rid of it entirely. We live very comfortably with a certain amount of vagueness in most

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