When asked to compose a complex sentence describing a stream, ChatGPT created: “The juxtaposition of the effervescent stream against the austere mountains created a visually arresting tableau, one that spoke to the sublime beauty and inherent contrast found within nature’s grand design” (ChatGPT).
While the sentence beautifully describes a lively stream against stark mountains, its meaning may be lost due to the complexity of the language. Many students likely couldn’t even pronounce most of the words, let alone appreciate their elegance.
Is it better to prioritize clarity or complexity in writing, especially when the audience may not fully grasp sophisticated language? Mr. Clark, the head of the English department here at Graded, notes that “words are arbitrary vessels that we use to convey ideas.” On the other hand, communication is key, as there is no point in writing something elegant if no one understands it. While complex language adds sophistication, it can often create a barrier between the audience and the writer. Clear, concise messages ensure that a wide audience easily grasps the concepts. Mr. Clark emphasizes that complexity should only be used when you have “acknowledged your purpose and audience.” For instance, an author using specific words might create texture and richness, adding depth to the narrative. While simpler language might make the story more accessible, it could also diminish its authenticity.
The “Call to Action” was a speech that all 8th graders had to give at the end of the year, presenting an issue they care about and proposing a solution. Since it was the last project in middle school, many were obsessing over it. Casilda Motmans, a current sophomore, shares how she “felt pressured into using big words, which added an extra layer of stress.” She felt she had to fill her speech with both ideas and an intricate set of vocabulary to prepare for that final speech. The vocabulary added sophistication but created a barrier between her ideas and the speech itself, making it harder for her and many others to connect with the audience.
When discussing the ability to write flawlessly without overthinking, ChatGPT comes to mind. “ChatGPT can be seen as the ‘perfect student,’ able to write well-structured and coherent essays on any given topic in seconds,” says Rodrigo Moraes, a sophomore. Many would want that ability, but how good is it actually? Mr. Clark describes Chat-GPT’s generated sentence as a “blurry JPEG version of the internet.” It pulls from countless examples of what could be considered good writing, blending them together. It’s not beautiful; it just takes the average of many types of writing. Mr. Clark also states that “ChatGPT lacks the human touch.” This highlights the difference between surface-level sophistication and genuine human expression in writing — an essential distinction for students to grasp.
To truly learn how to be a “beautiful writer,” one must learn gradually. It takes years to cultivate a strong vocabulary and know how to use it effectively. As Mr. Clark accentuates, “you must first be able to walk before you run.” Many people try to leap ahead before they are confident in their writing.
Students often believe that sophisticated language will give them the best results, but that’s not entirely true. Even in the IB program, one shouldn’t be under that illusion, as that results in using complex words in the wrong context. “You shouldn’t use complex words when you’re not ready. You can still get high marks in the IB by using simpler words,” stresses Mr. Clark. He mentions that IB English is more about concepts than elaborate language. Making the reader understand your ideas outweighs using fancy words to impress the IB. According to Rebecca Tomasoni, a senior IB student and news editor here at The Talon, “at the start of the IB year, everyone tried using complex words but [in their senior year], being used to actual IB expectations, students did not heavily rely on these complex words.” This emphasizes how using complex words is a trick when you don’t know how to use them. As Rebecca pointed out, many opted to use a lower complexity to effectively convey their ideas.
Words are powerful tools that can shape, influence, and transform– but they lose their power when barriers obscure their meaning. To present an idea effectively, one must have a clear purpose and understand the audience. Ultimately, the true power of words lies in their essence —how they convey deeper meaning and connect with the audience beyond their surface complexity.
Image: Laura Gus Russowsky
