Question

1. Have you or someone you’ve communicated with recently used a vague word or phrase that was confusing or misleading? If yes, how so? How might you or that person have expressed him- or herself precisely? Conversely, have you or someone you’ve communicated with recently used a vague word or phrase that was useful and appropriate? If yes, how so?

2. Explain how the section on ambiguity is interesting to you. In your response, give a personal example of at least one of the following: semantic ambiguity, syntactical ambiguity, verbal dispute, and factual dispute.

3. Write a paragraph (100-150 words) in which you analyze a politician recently slanting the truth with emotive language.

4. Write about someone using a euphemism in a positive manner, and describe someone expressing political correctness in a negative way. In addition, include two or three euphemism that you would like to replace with more precise language.

Answer 1

Vague phrases and words can often leave you in a limbo, as you are rarely sure of what exactly it means. I was traveling to another state for an interview and I wanted to know how the weather was, so that I could take appropriate clothing. I asked the HR, " how's the weather there? Is it cold?". To that she replied, "kind of". I didn't know how to further probe as it was a formal call. Thus, I was left in a limbo and didn't know whether I should carry warm clothes or not.

In an other instance, I enquired about the number of people that would be in the conference hall, as I was preparing for a presentation. I didn't want my nerves to get the better off me, so I decided on asking about the approximate number of people who I would have to present, to my surbodinate. He said, "about 25". That was helpful because I was looking for an estimate as I didn't want to be caught off guard at the venue.