April 1, 2026

The English Department Bans The Word ‘Very’ To Increase Essay Word Counts

The English Department Bans The Word ‘Very’ To Increase Essay Word Counts

A controversial new policy requires students to describe things as “exceptionally” or “intensely” rather than using the forbidden V-word. “This single change added 18% to average paper length,” boasted English chair Dr. Richardson while dramatically sipping from a mug labeled “Caffeine: Extremely Necessary.” The department has posted “Wanted” signs featuring the outlawed adverb in every classroom, offering extra credit for creative circumlocutions.

The ban has led to unexpected consequences, including a sophomore’s 17-synonym description of cafeteria pizza (“somewhat terrifyingly underwhelming yet remarkably memorable”) and the formation of an underground “Very” resistance movement. The math department has reportedly started calculating how many additional sheets of paper the policy will consume annually, while the school newspaper published an obituary for concise writing.

Annabelle Bransford

Hi, I’m Annabelle Bransford, Memorial High School’s unofficial satirist-in-residence and proud founder of The Daily Detention—a publication so edgy it’s been banned twice and resurrected three times, like a sassy phoenix with a flair for detention slips. I write satire because someone has to hold the line between cafeteria chaos and gym class tyranny. Whether I’m exposing the secret emotional feud between our Algebra teacher and Euclid, or investigating why the pep rally feels like an ancient ritual sacrifice, I try to speak truth to hallway power. Sure, I’ve been called “disruptive,” but mostly by people who wear lanyards unironically. My work has been read by at least two janitors, my entire AP English class, and one substitute teacher who thought it was a cry for help. I consider that range. When I’m not sharpening my wit, I’m dodging group projects, winning banned book club trivia, or mentoring the school's AI Isn’t Funny Club (membership: just me and 17 bots I’ve emotionally manipulated). I’m also a National Merit Semi-Finalist, certified eye-roller at Student Government meetings, and the only girl in school who’s been accused of “weaponizing irony.” My goals? Keep writing, keep laughing, and one day publish a satirical exposé called Yearbook Superlatives and Other Lies. If you want something sugarcoated, try the bake sale. If you want the truth with a punchline, I’m your girl. I've landed a sweet job at SpinTaxi Magazine, so don't bother me. EMAIL: annabelle@spintaxi.com

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