Using the right tone
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Inappropriate
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Appropriate
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You’re so wrong.
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I can see your point, but I disagree because . . .
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That chick doesn’t know what she’s talking about. It’s stupid to think that war is like a disease.
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I disagree with Savannah’s view that war is like a disease. Although I understand her argument, I feel that she could have used more convincing support.
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Offering sound advice
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Inappropriate
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Appropriate
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Awkward.
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I’m not sure what you’re trying to say here. You might want to clarify this sentence by . . .
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I don’t understand this paper at all. You don’t make any sense.
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I was confused by the main points in your paper. You might want to reread the assignment or ask the instructor for help.
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Eliminating confusing slang, idioms, and jargon
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Inappropriate
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Appropriate
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Sup?
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What’s up? How are you doing?
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You shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
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If someone offers you helpful advice, you should be grateful, not critical or defensive.
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IMHO, you need to back this up more.
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Can you provide more evidence to support your point?
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