Redundant Expression

Identify ineffective repetition and redundancy.

One way to cut the

clutter in our writing
is to eliminate
repetitious expressions.
Because we so often
see and hear redundancies
(i.e., free gifts), they can
be easy to overlook.

Redundant Expression

any and all

frozen ice
refer back
cheap quality
close proximity
overused clich
reason why
heavy weight
extreme in degree

time period
past memories
final destination
end result
totally obvious
true facts
rarely ever
unexpected surprise
future plans

Redundant Expression
Redundant: Due to the fact that the circumstances of the case
were sensitive in nature, the proceedings were kept confidential.
Correct: Because the circumstances of the case were sensitive,
the proceedings were kept confidential.
****

Redundant: Charles returned back to his room at 10 A.M. in the

morning.
Correct: Charles returned to his room at 10 A.M.

Redundant Expression

On the MTEL, you will receive

approximately 3-4 questions
asking you to identify
which passages contain a
redundant expression

(1) Following an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response,

the school administration has decided to expand the
Community Mural Painting Programnow a part of two
high school curriculumsto the middle school level. (2)
The program was piloted in the school district last year
and it was a successful initiative for students and the
community.
(3) Money to fund the program came from a national
grant designed to promote community involvement as well
as arty appreciation among teenagers. (4) A committee
that consists of art teachers, social studies teachers, and
school social workers oversees the program.
(5) Studies have shown that young people who have
been exposed to similar programs are much less prone to
apathy. (6) The same studies state that these programs
promote a sense of purpose that serves young people
well both inside and outside the academic setting and
makes them less apathetic. (7) When the students were
interviewed by the program committee. (8) In addition, the
communitys attitude toward teenagers is improved also.
(9) It is projected that this year more than 150
students will be involved and that more than 20 murals will
be painted.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 3

b.

Part 4

c.

Part 5

d.

Part 6

TIP:
Isolate the specific
sentences referenced.

(3) Money to fund the program came from a

national grant designed to promote community
involvement as well as arty appreciation among
teenagers.
(4) A committee that consists of art teachers,
social studies teachers, and school social workers
oversees the program.
(5) Studies have shown that young people who
have been exposed to similar programs are much
less prone to apathy.
(6) The same studies state that these programs
promote a sense of purpose that serves young
people well both inside and outside the academic
setting and makes them less apathetic.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 3

b.

Part 4

c.

Part 5

d.

Part 6

(3) Money to fund the program came from a

national grant designed to promote community
involvement as well as arty appreciation among
teenagers.
(4) A committee that consists of art teachers,
social studies teachers, and school social workers
oversees the program.
(5) Studies have shown that young people who
have been exposed to similar programs are much
less prone to apathy.
(6) The same studies state that these programs
promote a sense of purpose that serves young
people well both inside and outside the academic
setting and makes them less apathetic.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 3

b.

Part 4

c.

Part 5

d.

Part 6

(1) In more than a dozen volumes of poetry, Robert Frost

distinguished himself as one of the greatest American poets
of the 20th century. (2) A superficial reading of Frost suggests
that he is a regional poet, in that most of his work is set in
New England and depicts rural scenes distinctive to that
region. (3) Moreover, at first glance some the poems seem a
bit unsophisticatedthe sing-song musings of a country
gentleman rather than the insights of a deep thinker. (4)
However, a close look at any one of Frosts great works
reveal a complex, multilayered treatment of universal themes.
(5) Frosts poetic depth can be seen in the first two lines
of Stopping by woods on a snowy evening, his most famous
poem: Whose woods these are I think I know. / His house is
in the village though; (6) At first glance, the lines seem
simple, if not mundane. (7) The tone is contemplative, the
speaker is pausing in the woods of someone whose
residence is in a nearby village. (8) This is an extremely
simple idea. (9) However, as the poem unfolds, the woods
become both ominous and alluring, and a contrast emerges
between their dark appeal and the safety of the village. (10)
Moreover, as some scholars note, the owner of the woods
might be considered God, in which case His house is the
poets reference to a church safely nestled somewhere in the
village.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 3

b.

Part 4

c.

Part 5

d.

Part 8

TIP:
Isolate the specific
sentences referenced.

(1) In more than a dozen volumes of poetry, Robert Frost

distinguished himself as one of the greatest American poets
of the 20th century. (2) A superficial reading of Frost suggests
that he is a regional poet, in that most of his work is set in
New England and depicts rural scenes distinctive to that
region. (3) Moreover, at first glance some the poems seem a
bit unsophisticatedthe sing-song musings of a country
gentleman rather than the insights of a deep thinker. (4)
However, a close look at any one of Frosts great works
reveal a complex, multilayered treatment of universal themes.
(5) Frosts poetic depth can be seen in the first two lines
of Stopping by woods on a snowy evening, his most famous
poem: Whose woods these are I think I know. / His house is
in the village though; (6) At first glance, the lines seem
simple, if not mundane. (7) The tone is contemplative, the
speaker is pausing in the woods of someone whose
residence is in a nearby village. (8) This is an extremely
simple idea. (9) However, as the poem unfolds, the woods
become both ominous and alluring, and a contrast emerges
between their dark appeal and the safety of the village. (10)
Moreover, as some scholars note, the owner of the woods
might be considered God, in which case His house is the
poets reference to a church safely nestled somewhere in the
village.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 3

b.

Part 4

c.

Part 5

d.

Part 8

TIP:
Isolate the specific
sentences referenced.

(3) Moreover, at first glance some the poems seem a bit

unsophisticatedthe sing-song musings of a country
gentleman rather than the insights of a deep thinker.
(4) However, a close look at any one of Frosts great works
reveal a complex, multilayered treatment of universal themes.
(5) Frosts poetic depth can be seen in the first two lines of
Stopping by woods on a snowy evening, his most famous
poem: Whose woods these are I think I know. / His house is
in the village though;
(8) This is an extremely simple idea.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 3

b.

Part 4

c.

Part 5

d.

Part 8

(3) Moreover, at first glance some the poems seem a bit

unsophisticatedthe sing-song musings of a country
gentleman rather than the insights of a deep thinker.
(4) However, a close look at any one of Frosts great works
reveal a complex, multilayered treatment of universal themes.
(5) Frosts poetic depth can be seen in the first two lines of
Stopping by woods on a snowy evening, his most famous
poem: Whose woods these are I think I know. / His house is
in the village though;
(8) This is an extremely simple idea.
* This is like saying something is very wet...

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 3

b.

Part 4

c.

Part 5

d.

Part 8

(1) Everglades National Park is the largest remaining

subtropical wilderness in the continental United States. (2) Its
home to abundant life, including alligators, crocodiles,
manatees, and Florida panthers. (3) The climate of the
Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April
although rare cold fronts create near freezing conditions. (4)
Summers are hot and humid. (5) Afternoon thunderstorms are
common, and mosquitoes are abundant. (6) In summer, the
temperatures often sores to around 90 degrees and the
humidity climbs to over 90%. (7) If you visit the Everglades,
wear comfortable sportswear in winter; loose-fitting, longsleeved shirts and pants, and insect repellent are
recommended in the summer.
(8) Walking and canoe trails, boat tours, and tram tours are
excellent for viewing wildlife, including alligators and a
multitude of tropical and temperate birds. (9) Camping,
weather in the backcountry or at established campgrounds,
offers the opportunity to enjoy what the park offers firsthand.
(10) Year-round, ranger-led activities may help you to enjoy
your visit even more; such activities are offered throughout the
park in all seasons.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 4

b.

Part 7

c.

Part 9

d.

Part 10

TIP:
Isolate the specific
sentences referenced.

(1) Everglades National Park is the largest remaining

subtropical wilderness in the continental United States. (2) Its
home to abundant life, including alligators, crocodiles,
manatees, and Florida panthers. (3) The climate of the
Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April
although rare cold fronts create near freezing conditions. (4)
Summers are hot and humid. (5) Afternoon thunderstorms are
common, and mosquitoes are abundant. (6) In summer, the
temperatures often sores to around 90 degrees and the
humidity climbs to over 90%. (7) If you visit the Everglades,
wear comfortable sportswear in winter; loose-fitting, longsleeved shirts and pants, and insect repellent are
recommended in the summer.
(8) Walking and canoe trails, boat tours, and tram tours are
excellent for viewing wildlife, including alligators and a
multitude of tropical and temperate birds. (9) Camping,
weather in the backcountry or at established campgrounds,
offers the opportunity to enjoy what the park offers firsthand.
(10) Year-round, ranger-led activities may help you to enjoy
your visit even more; such activities are offered throughout the
park in all seasons.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?
a.

Part 4

b.

Part 7

c.

Part 9

d.

Part 10

TIP:
Isolate the specific
sentences referenced.

(4) Summers are hot and humid.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?

(7) If you visit the Everglades, wear comfortable

sportswear in winter; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts
and pants, and insect repellent are recommended in the
a.
summer.

Part 4

b.

Part 7

c.

Part 9

d.

Part 10

(9) Camping, weather in the backcountry or at

established campgrounds, offers the opportunity to
enjoy what the park offers firsthand.
(10) Year-round, ranger-led activities may help you to
enjoy your visit even more; such activities are offered
throughout the park in all seasons.

(4) Summers are hot and humid.

Which part of the

passage contains a
redundant expression
of ideas or information?

(7) If you visit the Everglades, wear comfortable

sportswear in winter; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts
and pants, and insect repellent are recommended in the
a.
summer.

Part 4

b.

Part 7

c.

Part 9

d.

Part 10

(9) Camping, weather in the backcountry or at

established campgrounds, offers the opportunity to
enjoy what the park offers firsthand.
(10) Year-round, ranger-led activities may help you to
enjoy your visit even more; such activities are offered
throughout the park in all seasons.

EDCITE
QUIZ