CBSE Class 10 Answered

Repetition can be at word level or sentence level, or both. One of the main reasons why repetition happens in lack of vocabulary. If you don’t know enough words, you will have no option but to use the same set over and over again. At the sentence level, if you are unable to skilfully form various types of sentences, you will end up writing the same type of sentences reputedly. The following tips can help you avoid repetition:

Reading your work aloud gives you a perspective into your own writing. If you feel uncomfortable listening to the same words and expressions being used your writing has a problem of repetition.

Steer clear of frequently overused words. Remember that one needs to use fillers while speaking but the same when done to written content, leads to repetition. Ask yourself “do I really need this word/expression here or is it just filling space?” Is my content like the same tape being played on loop? If your answer is “yes”, you have the problem of repetition.

It is not easy to throw in new words in one’s writing. However, referring a good dictionary and knowing how to use synonyms and antonyms can go a long way in removing repetition from your writing.

Try using varying lengths in your sentences. Don’t start every sentence in the same way. Use affirmations, questions, suggestions, etc to alter the rhythms of your piece.

To conclude,

• Use a good thesaurus religiously.
• Read your piece out loud so that you can make lists of the words you have overused. Use the thesaurus for alternating the words.
• Find authors you admire and read their work, and observe how they avoid repetition, not only in words but in their sentence structure as well.