1. Authoritative language
cutting out the "seems like" fluff language

2. Authoritative language
Authoritative language implies confidence and knowledge from the author so readers are less likely to question the writing's intention or level of accuracy.
Authoritative Language: word choice, tone, and phrasing that makes authoritative and declarative statements. Avoids words such as "seems like" and "I think" or order to clearly state the author's point.  
An important language expectation for academic writing.
Goes unspoken in most non-English composition courses.

3. How to be authoritative
Because academic writing usually asks you to do one or more of the following: 
be the "expert"
make a point and prove it correct or valid
provide information so readers can make a qualitied/educated decision about your topic
propose a reason why readers should change their minds or change their actions
Know what you're talking about. 
Assume readers have less knowledge about your topic, so provide enough example and explanation to make your point.
Cut out the "fluff."

4. Commonly Used "fluff" words
Seems / seems like
Almost / almost like
Sort of / kind of
Maybe
Might
Could / could be
I think / People think
Just
Really
Very
Even
More of a

5. With and without fluff
With fluff language.
Without fluff language.
It seems like social media is where most people might be getting all their local, national, and global news. 
Retweeting without reading an article is kind of like buying a pair of jeans without just trying them on first. 
I think it is really wrong to bully someone through social media, and society needs to just accept all of our differences. 
Social media is where most people are getting all their local, national, and global news. 
Retweeting without reading an article is like buying a pair of jeans without trying them on first. 
It is wrong to bully someone through social media, and society needs to accept all our differences. 

6. With and without authority
Feels uncertain
Feels authoritative and declarative
It seems like social media is where most people might be getting all their local, national, and global news. 
Retweeting without reading an article is kind of like buying a pair of jeans without just trying them on first. 
I think it's really wrong to bully someone through social media, and society needs to just accept all of our differences. 
Social media is where most people are getting all their local, national, and global news. 
Retweeting without reading an article is like buying a pair of jeans without trying them on first. 
It's wrong to bully someone through social media, and society needs to accept all our differences. 

7. For essay 4 (and beyond):
Educate yourself about your topic: read one or two articles and reference that knowledge in your essay.
Rely on your knowledge.
Use authoritative, declarative statements to write your opinion/point.
Cut out the "fluff."