Final answer:
The word 'discarded' functions as a past participle acting as an adjective, describing what was removed to make writing clearer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word discarded in the sentence functions as a past participle used as an adjective to describe the words that were eliminated during the editing process. It emphasizes the action of removing unnecessary parts to enhance the clarity of the writing.
As the writer edits their work, they must discard, or remove, any elements that do not contribute to the overall message or purpose of their text. This is part of the process of refining and streamlining the writing to make it more effective.