* Doesn't contribute to the main point or argument. It's like adding a side dish to a meal when the main course is already satisfying.
* Distracts the reader from the central message. It's like adding background noise to a concert, making it harder to hear the music.
* Makes the writing longer and less concise. It's like adding unnecessary paragraphs or sentences to a story, making it drag on.
Examples of extraneous information:
* In an essay about climate change, discussing the history of the author's family vacation to the beach.
* In a news article about a new scientific discovery, including a detailed biography of the lead researcher.
* In a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, mentioning the author's favorite childhood memories of baking with their grandmother.
Why avoid extraneous information?
* Clarity: It helps your reader understand the main message without getting lost in irrelevant details.
* Conciseness: It makes your writing more efficient and impactful.
* Engaging: It prevents the reader from getting bored or distracted.
Tips for identifying and removing extraneous information:
* Identify the main purpose of your writing. What message are you trying to convey?
* Ask yourself: "Does this information contribute to that message?" If not, it's probably extraneous.
* Consider the audience. What information do they need to understand your message?
* Read your work aloud. Listen for anything that seems unnecessary or like a digression.
By eliminating extraneous information, you can create clear, concise, and compelling writing that effectively communicates your message.