Should I avoid using jargon or technical language that might alienate the examiner in my history answers?

Introduction:
In the context of writing history answers for an examination, it is important to consider the use of jargon or technical language. While some level of specialized vocabulary may be necessary to convey specific historical concepts accurately, excessive use of jargon can alienate the examiner and hinder the understanding of your answer. It is essential to strike a balance between clarity and demonstrating your knowledge in the subject.

Reasons to avoid excessive jargon:
1. Clarity of Communication: Using excessive jargon can make your answer difficult to comprehend. It may lead to confusion and misunderstanding, ultimately affecting the examiner's ability to evaluate your response accurately.

2. Examiner's Familiarity: Examiners may come from diverse academic backgrounds, and it cannot be assumed that they possess an expert-level understanding of every specialized term or technical language. Using excessive jargon might leave the examiner struggling to grasp the intended meaning of your answer.

3. Accessibility: The purpose of writing a history answer is to convey your knowledge and understanding of the subject to a broad audience. Using excessive jargon can make your answer inaccessible to those who are not familiar with the specialized terminology, limiting the impact of your argument.

4. Conciseness: Using technical language often leads to lengthy explanations. In an exam setting, where time constraints are a factor, it is advisable to convey your ideas concisely and effectively. Avoiding excessive jargon allows you to present your arguments more efficiently.

Strategies to avoid excessive jargon:
1. Use Plain Language: Use simple and concise language to explain historical concepts. Make your answers accessible to a wide range of readers, including those who may not have extensive knowledge of the subject.

2. Define Key Terms: If you need to use specific historical terms or jargon, provide clear definitions within your answer. This ensures that the examiner understands the meaning and context of the terminology you are using.

3. Contextualize Jargon: Whenever you use technical language or jargon, provide contextual information or examples that help to illustrate the meaning and significance of the terms. This enables the examiner to connect the specialized vocabulary to the broader historical narrative.

4. Balance with Explanation: While it is important to demonstrate your knowledge by using appropriate historical terminology, it is equally necessary to provide explanations and arguments in plain language. This allows the examiner to assess your understanding of the subject matter beyond mere jargon.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is advisable to avoid excessive jargon or technical language when writing history answers for an examination. While some level of specialized vocabulary may be necessary, it is crucial to strike a balance between demonstrating your knowledge and ensuring clarity and accessibility for the examiner. By using plain language, providing definitions, contextualizing jargon, and balancing with explanations, you can effectively convey your understanding of historical concepts without alienating the examiner.